Whether it’s the feeling of warm sand between your toes as you relax on a sunny beach, or the excitement of exploring the streets of foreign city, nothing is quite like a holiday abroad. It’s something most of us have missed out on during the pandemic, with many countries establishing strict travel restrictions - and some enforcing complete travel bans - making overseas travel tricky.
Of course, some holidaymakers did take the plunge and ventured further afield when countries began opening up after the first lockdown, but rules remained tough before vaccines were widely-introduced in 2021. There were complicated and fast-changing restrictions you had to navigate when planning a holiday, such as the traffic light system.
Now, finally all travel restrictions have been lifted in the UK. As of March 18, fully-vaccinated travellers no longer have to complete a passenger locator form for their arrival in the country.
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Testing requirements for unvaccinated travellers have been scrapped too, with no need for these passengers to take a pre-departure test or a day 2 post arrival test. The move was welcomed by the travel industry especially with the Easter holidays coming up.
Although different countries may have entry requirements still in place, the removal of all rules in the UK has given Brits more confidence to travel abroad again. And so, we asked readers on Facebook which destinations they are looking forward to visiting most.
With stunning beaches and a rich history, not to mention guaranteed sunshine, Turkey is one of the top places Mancunians are planning on heading to. Louise Ben Amor said: “We’re going to Turkey this year and can not wait, glad we won’t have to do any testing.”
Several other readers are hoping to head to Turkey in the coming months. Meanwhile, holiday hotspot the Canary Islands remains a firm favourite. Lisa Topping is looking forward to her holiday, she said: “Tenerife cannot wait!!”.
Other destinations people are looking forward to visiting include Australia, the USA, Bulgaria and Japan. Australia has only recently opened up to fully-vaccinated travellers after enforcing some of the strictest measures in the world.
Not having to test and complete forms when leaving and returning to the UK has been a relief for many Mancunians planning on going away. Kelly Jane Baker said: “Off to Egypt next week and cannot wait, happy to hear we won’t need to do tests and forms. I think we still have to have just one to enter Egypt.”
While the UK has completely dropped all of its travel rules, some travellers are wary of the rules in other countries. Joseph Rodgers said on Facebook: “It’s not the restrictions we put up that’s the problem, it’s what other countries have, that is.”
Liz Willow said: “You still need to be aware of other country’s entry rules it’s hardly back to normal is it.” Steph Hillyard added: “Going nowhere, you still have to do tests when getting to the destination you want.”
Another factor which is impacting Mancunian’s holiday plans is the cost of living crisis. Bills, inflation, and fuel are all set to rise in April meaning many won’t be able to afford to go away.
Karen Lesley Clowes said on Facebook: “Stay at home cannot afford to go away as everything is going up.” Gail Dyer also said: “With everything going up in price I’m going nowhere.”
Meanwhile, the travel industry has been rocked by the mass sackings of staff at P&O Ferries, while Manchester Airport has been blighted with long queues, putting off holidaygoers. Fatima Derbi said: “Just as Manchester Airport has massive queues with passengers missing flights as a result and as all P&O Ferries staff being made redundant causing chaos. Not to mention the price of fuel…good luck all.”
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