Partner desperate to go abroad ...

Adamc

Hi all

My partner and I have our last week of annual leave in the first week of September. Unfortunately we had to postpone our wedding and honeymoon and spent almost 4 weeks at home in July as a result. 

My partner is now desperate to go abroad with our last week. I'm trying my best to deter them but had a few questions in case we decide to go away:

1. Is it possible to predict which countries are less likely to have spikes in the coming weeks?  She has suggested Malta as an option. 

2. Are there any countries to avoid? Spain comes to mind currently. But are there any others with complex testing or quarantine requirements at present that would cause too much disruption?

3. Is it better to book a package deal just in case the hotel closes or flights are cancelled? Will this afford more protection?

4. Is it possible to travel abroad and enjoy a relaxing holiday in the sun at present? 

Any tips or points to consider would be very gratefully appreciated ... Thank you. 

waamo

1. Do you have a crystal ball? It's the only reliable way.

2. See 1.

3. Yes. 

4. That's up to you.

Adamc

waamo said:

1. Do you have a crystal ball? It's the only reliable way.

2. See 1.

3. Yes. 

4. That's up to you.

Fair enough - perhaps silly questions but the likes of which do cross the minds of people weighing up the risks and benefits of going abroad. Thanks anyway. 

bradders1983

Malta probably not the worst place to pick, be decent weather still and at least if there are any issues (almost) everyone speaks English, but as above, its at your own risk.

Mrsn

1 and 2 nobody will be able to give you answers for I’m afraid. It’s very much weighing your own risk and circumstances up.

3) definitely book a package, JET2 seems to be fairing quiet well with customers compared to others.

4) yes I know a family that have been out in Tenerife and had a fabulous time. Said it was very relaxing and they felt completely safe and comfortable there.

mrsmb_2

Whatever you do, don't book with Lastminute.com
They will not give customers refunds even when they are entitled, and they are sending passengers to Spain in spite of FCO advice against non-essential travel. There are hundreds of Lastminute customers on the Lastminute Victims facebook group - please don't become another one.  I have started a post this evening about my experience with Lastminute if you're interested.

Butts

I had a trip booked to Luxembourg leaving yesterday which I had to cancel . It was to buy cigarettes.
My booking was Flights BA and Hotel separately - I got an FTV from BA  and a Voucher from the Ibis Hotel - all done online.

Had I booked the above two together with BA creating a package the money would be on it's way back as with my Spanish Holiday on another thread.

I am going to Venice next week Hotel/Flight with BA creating a package and maximum protection in the event of the FCO striking again. Fags about 50c dearer but what the hell !!!

Butts

mrsmb_2 said:

Whatever you do, don't book with Lastminute.com
They will not give customers refunds even when they are entitled, and they are sending passengers to Spain in spite of FCO advice against non-essential travel. There are hundreds of Lastminute customers on the Lastminute Victims facebook group - please don't become another one.  I have started a post this evening about my experience with Lastminute if you're interested.

Are Last Minute responding to "platitudes" on said Facebook Page ?

Pollycat

mrsmb_2 said:

Whatever you do, don't book with Lastminute.com
They will not give customers refunds even when they are entitled, and they are sending passengers to Spain in spite of FCO advice against non-essential travel. There are hundreds of Lastminute customers on the Lastminute Victims facebook group - please don't become another one.  I have started a post this evening about my experience with Lastminute if you're interested.

You could add OnTheBeach and Teletext Holidays to that, given the number of complaints on this forum.

I would book with Jet2 and possibly TUI.

TUI have had lots of complaints about timescales for refunded cancelled holidays.

[Deleted User]

Agree with Pollycat.  Book with a 'proper' travel agent even if you can't go into the shops to do it.     I would also think you could have a great time abroad with a bit of compromise, but am sure you can find lots of plusses.   Have a great time wherever you go.

Pollycat

Wherever you go, make sure you know the entry rules.

Greece require completion of a PLF (Passenger Locator Form) prior to flying. You then receive a QR code.

Airlines have been instructed to check that passengers have complied prior to boarding.

"Wizz Air received a temporary ban on landing in Athens for disregarding an order by the Greek government, which requires all incoming passengers to have the entry QR code. The airline has not checked this requirement on a large scale and many passengers were brought into the country without it."

No idea about Malta.

You will also need to complete one for your re-entry to the UK.