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Covid-19 – Should you Book or Wait?

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Do you remember the excitement of booking your next holiday and the anticipation as it drew nearer? The good news is holiday planning is possible again, provided you do your homework. 

As lockdown rules are slowly being lifted many people are asking whether it’s safe to book a  holiday, either abroad or at home. 

We’ve endured the pandemic for nearly 2 years now, and no travel or holidays has become a frustrating norm. But can you wait any longer before you take a much needed break with your partner or family? And is it safe to book a trip or wait?

Let’s explore your travel options and the dos and don’ts of booking a holiday during Covid-19.

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Where can you go during Covid-19?

Holidays to other countries stopped last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic but many Irish people will be hopeful that they can return to the skies at some point in 2022. 

All passengers arriving in Ireland must:

If you are travelling to Ireland from overseas you must fill out a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before departure.

With effect from Thursday 6 January 2022, passengers to Ireland with:

  • an accepted proof of vaccination, or
  • proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the prior 6 months

do not have to show an additional pre-departure COVID-19 test result.

Passengers without proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the prior 6 months, must show evidence of a negative (‘not detected’) RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to arriving in Ireland.

For more information please visit https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/77952-government-advice-on-international-travel/

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What are the risks of booking a trip now?

There’s nothing to stop you from booking a holiday from Ireland to one of the green list countries, but you should be cautious and be aware of the potential risks. These are the things to consider when booking a  trip:

-look for flexible booking policies that offer refunds or credit if your trip is cancelled, whether you book a package holiday, a hotel or an Airbnb

-read the small print when booking flights – many operators now offer no charge flight changes

-check the current quarantine and social distancing rules in the country you want to visit (you may find yourself sunbathing in a mask!)

-are your travel plans flexible? – some companies are offering vouchers to alternative destinations if restrictions change 

-will you need proof you’ve been vaccinated for the country you’re visiting?

-will everyone in your party have been vaccinated?

Of course, you might prefer a staycation in Ireland. In fact, Ireland is considered as a safe country in terms of virus propagation. So this summer should be the perfect time to experience an unforgettable holiday in Ireland! Hit the open road on an epic scenic drive, find idyllic coves and hidden beaches along the shore, camp under starlit skies and go island hopping off the coast!

Let’s face it, sometimes the kids don’t care where they are! Why not consider hiring a car and discovering coastal wonders, visiting national parks buzzing with plants and animals or even watching whales breach far out at sea!

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Will there be good deals for 2022 holidays?

In general, prices seem to be rising, as travel companies seek to recoup the money they’ve lost over the last 2 years.

But don’t despair, there are travel bargains out there for you to enjoy a summer holiday with the kids or a romantic getaway with your other half. The secret is to do your research and consider new things. 

Perhaps you’ve never fancied a package holiday – now might be the time to try one if you’re searching for cheap deals. Or what about considering an Airbnb for a family holiday or a getaway with your partner? If you want a flexible holiday renting your own accommodation and a car could be the perfect solution.

Booking a holiday is nothing like it used to be, but with careful planning and understanding of the requirements, you should be able to enjoy a well-earned break with family or friends.

To efficiently plan your holiday, remember to regularly take a look at the news related to Covid on the official coronavirus news site to follow the progress of the lifting of health measures.

 

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