We’ve all been craving a proper holiday, the chance to explore, a flight to somewhere, anywhere! But travelling at the moment is not as straightforward or easy as it once was. And having just returned from a trip to Cyprus during the covid pandemic, we wanted to share our experience and provide a bit of advice for those travelling from the UK.

Everything is subject to change

To travel during the covid pandemic, thoroughly researching all requirements and obligations before your trip is absolutely critical. But no matter how much research you do, remember that everything is very much subject to change. 

Some changes can be loosely predicted – like the UK’s change of quarantine rules following freedom day on the 19th August – but other changes can be completely unforeseen or unpredictable. So it’s a good idea to find a few reliable sources of information and use these to judge whatever else you read on social media. Sign up for email updates and keep checking on a semi-regular basis before you leave.

If you’re in the UK, the gov.uk site should be at the top of your research list. But you’ll also need to keep up-to-date with the requirements of your chosen destination to ensure smooth sailing through check in and airport security. Most countries (at least in Europe) have set up specific websites to support inbound passengers, providing regularly updated information as well as the various Passenger Locator and entry declaration forms.

If you’re researching from other sources then be careful that the information is accurate. For example we were looking to book our PCR tests from a myriad of government approved suppliers and a lot of the information they provided was hopelessly out of date.

Flight passes and passenger locator forms

Forms, forms, forms. There are many of them and some are easier to complete than others. 

We needed to complete a flight pass and a passenger locator form for our chosen destination of Cyprus. These needed to be completed online within 72hrs of departure, accompanied by a negative PCR test or proof of full vaccination. We also had to print off these forms as back-up in case the system was down when we were trying to get through the airport.

We also needed to complete the UK Visas and Immigration Public Health Passenger Locator form before returning home. Surprisingly this was relatively easy. The gov.uk site is really very good and they’ve spent a lot of time getting the user experience as easy and straightforward as possible (trust me – User Experience Design is my day job and the gov.uk site is a great example of the right way to do things). 

But as always, approach any online system with patience and try not to get stressed when things aren’t immediately obvious.

Masks and hand sanitiser

We’ve all got used to wearing masks and using hand sanitiser when needed and being within the confines of an airport and a plane makes this even more important. Wearing a mask protects others around you and really only works if everybody is wearing one properly.

Airlines are stipulating certain types of masks must be worn on flights but we didn’t see this being strictly enforced. Many people were using homemade cloth masks which look nice but perhaps don’t provide the right level of protection. If you want to feel safe then we would recommend a FFP2 mask or go one step further and get a FFP3 mask, certainly more expensive (about £6 per mask) but if worn properly it will reduce the chances of you catching COVID from a fellow passenger to about 0%. If you’re not that fussed then take the cheaper option.

You’ll find literally hundreds of hand sanitiser points throughout the airport but once you are onboard the plane you’ll need to rely on your own, have a little bottle in your hand luggage and use it when you need it.

PCR testing

Depending on your vaccination status and your destination of travel and transit, PCR testing requirements can differ.

At the time of writing this article, all adult travellers needed to have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72hrs of entry back into the UK, so having an idea of where you can a test done while abroad is essential. 

If you’re on a package holiday, you might have a return PCR test included and there are also an increasing number of hotels that will provide a free or subsidised test. But if not, don’t worry. Fire-up Google and you’ll be amazed at how many medical clinics, chemists, shops and bars offer a PCR test service. We would recommend going with a reputable supplier and costs can vary significantly so shop around. 

It’s also cheaper to get your test results within 48hrs as opposed to 24hrs so a little organisation and planning can save you money.

You’ll also need to sort out the tests you need for when you get back. You need to have this sorted before your trip and we found it a total minefield. 

The governments list of approved suppliers is a bit of a joke and a lot of the companies listed have been found to be woefully inadequate by independent review sites such as Which?

Again costs can vary wildly so shop around and be sure to read reviews. Cheapest is not always the most reliable. We were fortunate enough not to need tests before we left but we saw lots of reviews from people that were still awaiting their results while on their way to the airport which would be stressful to say the least!

When you book/order your return tests you’ll get a registration number which you’ll need to complete your return UK passenger locator form. Make sure you have this to hand before you leave otherwise you might not be able to get back into the country.

The UK postal system has been beefed up a bit to handle all these mail order home testing kits that are flying about the place. Royal Mail have over 35,000 Priority Postboxes (https://www.royalmail.com/priority-postboxes) for you to send your completed test kits back and there are numerous other options but remember you pay for what you get so if timing is critical, choose wisely.

Travel insurance

It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance and you may already have a policy but check the small print and if possible talk to your agent as a lot of things may not be covered. You might even end up in the situation where your standard travel insurance policy becomes invalid just before you leave.

There are quite a few COVID specific travel insurance policies available and these can offer a great level of protection, even if your chosen destination drops onto the UK red list or if you catch COVID while away, need to quarantine and then book new flights home once recovered.

As always with these things, shop around and don’t be scared of a high excess cost if it brings the cost of insurance down. It’s unlikely you’ll need it so why pay through the nose for it?!

What to do while your away

Relax and enjoy yourself. It’s been a difficult few years and everyone deserves a break. Take whatever precautions you feel comfortable with and respect others around you even if you disagree with their choice to not mask-up in confined spaces.

Accept that it’s more complex to plan a trip and it can take longer to get through the airport thanks to all the paperwork airline staff now have to check.

Make sure you’ve planned and organised to do whatever it is you have to do and then be prepared for everything to change. This nasty little virus isn’t going away anytime soon and it has significantly changed how we travel and book holidays. Governments and businesses are adapting and getting better at offering the right advice and support services but things can change very quickly so be prepared (and don’t forget to pack your suncream).

Good luck, stay safe and happy travels!

The post The New Normal? Travel During The Covid Pandemic 2021 appeared first on Gone Travelling.