Travellers looking to get away from it all this half term have been warned to check Covid-19 vaccination rules when travelling to EU destinations.
With many countries imposing new restrictions as cases rise due to Omicron, countries have different rules on whether travellers need to have had booster jabs - and France, Spain and Denmark have all changed their restrictions in the last couple of weeks.
Meanwhile post-Brexit, rules for British travellers are not always the same as for EU nationals, meaning figuring out exactly what the rules are on vaccination status, pre-departure testing and quarantine even more complicated.
Tourists are being warned to check whether they fulfil the criteria for travel before they head to the airport to avoid disappointment.
France, Denmark and Spain now all require anyone who had their second jab more than 270 days ago to have had a booster before entry.
Austria requires booster jabs 180 days after the second jab.
What this means is anyone who had their second jab in the UK before mid-May 2021 needs to have had a booster before they travel.
Yet only 65% of people over 12 have had a booster so far, meaning potential disappointment for many if they try to head off to sunnier climes.
With booster jabs being offered to older people first, travellers aged between 12 and 18 years old are most likely to be inconvenienced - adding potential confusion and disappointment to families planning holidays this half-term.
The NHS only began offering second jabs to the over-12s in late December while children who caught Covid-19 after their first jab have had to wait a minimum of 12 weeks before they can have their second.
And it's not just about getting into countries.
People travelling to Italy, Croatia and Switzerland won't fall foul of checks at passport control but will find entry to restaurants, tourist attractions and other indoor venues limited if they haven't had a booster jab.
With foreign holiday booking increasing steadily since the new year, with a spike late last month tying in with the first payday of the year and holiday firms such as Tui, LoveHolidays, Virgin Holidays and On the Beach all offering big discounts and offers to tempt travellers, it's clear people are keen to get away from it all.
The Canary Islands, Mainland Spain, Greece and Portugal are all solid options.
Portugal is also ideal for half term as the country has just dropped mandatory negative covid testing for fully vaccinated British holidaymakers although air passengers need to show proof of vaccination, ideally through the EU digital certificate, to be exempt.
The EU digital certificate is issue to people who have been vaccinated, received a negative test result or have proof of recovery from coronavirus.
If all these rules have left you feeling disheartened and confused about how, or indeed if, it's possible to get away this half-term help is at hand.
Here's our round up of some of the most popular destinations for quarantine-free travel, although make sure to check again before booking to avoid disappointment as restrictions are changing so quickly.
Mexico
There is no need for proof of vaccination or a negative test on entry, so for the simplest family holiday, although definitely not the cheapest, a trip to Cancun is a great - and sunny - option.
TUI is offering a seven night all inclusive break in Riu Yucatan for two adults and two children departing London Heathrow on Sunday February 13 for £1,068 per person including an £81 per person discount. You can get an additional £100 off the booking by using the code WINTER.
Meanwhile, Love Holidays has a week's break for four departing on the same day to Grand Oasis Cancun for £816 per person on a five-star all-inclusive basis.
Switzerland
Fully vaccinated passengers have to fill in a locator form, but unvaccinated under-18s are treated the same as their vaccinated parents.
If you're looking for snow fun rather than sunshine this makes Switzerland an ideal last minute break.
Availability is low for ski resorts as it's peak season, but for culture vultures British Airways Holidays will do a trip to Geneva including flights, baggage and hotel for £1,005 per person staying at the Novotel Geneve Centre.
Portugal
Rules on testing before entry have been lifted today (February 7) for everyone who is fully vaccinated. Children aged 12 and above will still need to provide a negative PCR or rapid flow antigen test on arrival. Under 12s are exempt.
There are some amazing discounts to be had with Love Holidays for breaks in Portugal this half term.
The cheapest we've found is £126 per person for a family of four (34% off) including flights and seven nights accommodation at the Balaia Golf Village on a room only basis.
If you want to go for something a little more luxurious and get meals thrown in, The Muthu Clube Praia Da Oura is 40% off at £294 per person all inclusive for seven nights.
Love Holidays has lots of options at 40 per cent off, and while Tui is not quite as heavily discounted there are still family room and suite all inclusive options available for a family of four with up to 30% off, starting at £619 per person for seven nights.
