Travel news
Booking a foreign holiday was previously pretty simple. But it has become a whole lot more complicated due to Covid. Safety, logistics and ethical choices are all key concerns. Here, we address some widespread worries…
How clean are planes?
Worries about the dangers of inhaling “recycled air” are compounded by a fear of being stuck in a breeding ground for germs.
But the reality is different. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), cabin air is refreshed 20-30 times an hour – 10 times more than most office buildings. As for the air you breathe on board, 50% is fresh air and the remaining is High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) with 99.993% of bacteria and viruses removed.
The seat configuration on planes also helps; with everyone facing the same direction, seatbacks act as barriers and air is circulated from top to bottom. All airlines still require passengers to wear masks.
Should I travel with a tour operator?
The pandemic has shone a spotlight on why the role of the travel agent is still so vital.
When choosing an agent, check to see if they are ABTA bonded and hold an ATOL licence. The ABTA (Association Of British Travel Agents) protects bookings for land-only, cruise or coach holidays departing from the UK, while the ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) covers packages of flights and hotels or flight only.
What if I catch Covid?
It’s everyone’s biggest worry: what happens if I catch Covid while overseas? Anyone who does test positive will need to follow a country’s individual quarantine requirements.
Tour operators can help you reschedule flights and extend stays, but they aren’t obliged to cover your costs. That’s why it’s vital to have travel insurance.
If you’re going on holiday in the EU, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card or a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to access health care.
Where can I visit?
The UK’S traffic light system indicates who can enter the UK quarantine-free, but you’ll also need to check which destinations are allowing British travellers to visit.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website has details for every country, while the IATA has also created a quick-view destination map letting you quickly find out all entry requirements (iatatravelcentre.com).