You may not believe it yet, but summer is just around the corner. Even though most of us are still shivering our way through January, before you know it, there will be a bevvy of sunburned bodies welcoming all of us onto an array of overcrowded European beaches.
That’s if the gods of Covid don’t kill our holiday plans again, but all indications seem to be that we’re going to have a much more agreeable summer than last year…and the one before that.
So even though we have to do the obligatory: remember to check all travel restrictions and guidelines before making confirmed bookings spiel, we’re also saying that if you’re always ready, you won’t have to get ready!
Let’s start.

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First, where can’t your lovely, brand new and blue British passport get you?
The most noticeable destination on this list is Australia. All flights from Britain are banned until April, and with the state of Australia’s never-ending lockdown, who knows what will happen then? Our advice if you’re planning on prepaying your travel plans to get the best deals, maybe to skip the land down under for a while, at least until there is some certainty.
Speaking of travel plans…
Right now it’s a buyers market and if your travel agent or airline doesn’t offer automatic rebooking or ‘fee free’ changes – find another one, because there are plenty that does. Try to secure the best deals by booking with a deposit and if you can, a refundable deposit. Most providers are offering refundable deposits at this point, so it pays to double-check.
Near or far?
Destinations that may previously have been out of your reach, are now a lot more affordable. Think about South Africa for example. A long time favourite for British tourists, even their winter (our summer), is still worth exploring and it’s the best time for a safari.
A little closer to home perhaps.
Don’t write off old Blighty just yet, there are many gorgeous coastlines, villages, towns and cities to explore. Far too many Brits have the ‘I can tell you where a great restaurant in Mykonos is, but I’ve never been to Manchester’, syndrome. Not only does our little island offer a wonderful selection of family holidays and city-clicker breaks, but you’ll be giving a much-needed hand to those who need it the most, our beleaguered tourism and hospitality industry.
European adventures.
Look, when it comes to fabulous cities, world-class shopping gorgeous beaches and amazing food, our continental cousins are fairly hard to beat. From luxury villas in Quinta do Lago, to gorgeous vintage hotels in Paris and Venice, summertime on the continent is really quite special. Most of Europe is open to Brits, but some spots like Spain are only open to fully vaccinated Britons.
Check out this article from the Independent for more information about travel restrictions.
Remember that your British pound is still worth something in other parts of the world, so if you’re able to travel to Africa, the Caribbean or the Far East, think about it because you’ll get great value, and be supporting communities that really need it.