Holiday booking made easy
How we love a holiday. Sunset drinks, laps in the pool, fresh pastries eaten by the shimmering waters… we even like the build-up of queuing at security. With international travel now on the cards, our friends at Staysure Travel Insurance have pulled together a handy guide to exactly what you need to know before booking. From having the know-how to planning ahead, follow these steps. Hopefully (with a big fingers crossed) you’ll be jet-setting quicker than you can say ‘pastel de nata’.
STAY UP-TO-DATE
Restrictions are still often changing, so it’s vital to stay in the know with the latest information. Check the government’s website and sign up for email alerts to be notified if guidance changes for the destinations you’re considering – it can also vary depending on vaccination status. Other travel requirements you should be in the know about before jetting off is whether mandatory face masks on your flight are compulsory, as this rule can vary from country to country and airline.
With all the talk of coronavirus, it’s easy to let Brexit slip your mind. Before travelling, make sure that you have at least 6 months left on your passport and a valid EHIC card (or if expired, apply for a GHIC card – which can be done for free from the government website).
So often we’re used to booking holidays independently by finding the flights and accommodation ourselves. But in such uncertain times it might be better to go down the traditional route and book your holiday with a travel agent as they will be in the know with the latest regulations.
You might want to choose a package holiday. These kinds of holidays offer the best cover and have more flexibility with cancellations or date changes. Often, they will be ATOL protected too.
Alternatively, book flexible holidays. Most airline and holiday providers offer their customers flexibility with dates in case an unforeseen circumstance arises.
Whatever you decide, it’s best to pay for your holiday with a credit card. You are provided with more financial protection under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Cue sigh of relief.
While cancellation cover from your holiday provider might seem enough, you’ll be in much safer hands if you also have travel insurance. You’ll be covered for coronavirus (cancellation, trip interruption, repatriation etc.) amongst other things unrelated to COVID-19 that your holiday provider might not consider.
Staysure travel insurance covers you for medical expenses as well as cancellation cover if you test positive for COVID.
PLAN AHEAD
Sometimes the best part of a holiday is not having any plans at all. But the before and after? It pays to have an action strategy. Keep an eye out to the entry requirements of the country you’re visiting. You may need to book COVID tests before boarding flights to specific countries, and make sure you have any documentation you might be required to show when you land (proof of vaccine, negative test result etc.).
Foreign holiday prices have spiked and demand for staycations is at a high, so you might want to think creatively. Rather than a week-long break, maybe consider a few shorter mid-week staycations? You might be likely to find better availability. Also, try less well-known destinations. Areas by the coast tend to get booked quickly so think countryside, hills and rivers. Otherwise make a week at home feel different by jam-packing it with days out.
HOWEVER YOU SPEND YOUR TIME OFF, WE HOPE YOU HAVE A BALL. YOU DESERVE IT.
To find out more visit Staysure here. Get 15%* off your travel insurance, just quote ‘CREW’ at checkout.*Discount applies to the base premium of policy and not to any medical screening costs where relevant.
