2021 has been a very weird year. 2020 was weird enough, but at least we had the beginning in a state of normality. This year, we’ve had to deal with so much flip-flopping it’s ridiculous. Are we having a lockdown? What are we allowed to do? Can we go on holiday?
So many questions, but it’s the last one that we’re going to focus on today. As travel restrictions are being lifted yet again, it opens the floor to a few questions you may have. Namely, is it safe to go on a family holiday this year? We’re outside the peak holiday times, so you’re going to save money if you want to go away soon! Still, many families are rather cautious about travelling during these uncertain times, so, is it safe?
The only way to answer that question is to look at what we currently know. In all honesty, no one can make a judgement other than yourself. What you deem as safe for your family is your own opinion and no one can make you think otherwise. But, it helps to know a few things before you travel:
A list of countries are deemed ‘safe’ for travel
In the UK, you can currently view a list of countries that are deemed safe for people to travel to. Right now, there are actually two lists; a Green one and an Amber one. Countries on the Green list are safe as they show no serious signs of growing coronavirus concerns. In theory, you should be able to travel to them without worrying too much as they have good safety measures in place and the numbers are low.
Countries on the Amber list are slightly more complicated. You can travel to them, but you might need to take tests and do lots of other checks before you’re allowed in. However, from October 4th, the Amber list will be scrapped and there is just a Green list of safe countries. You also have a Red list, which is all the countries unsafe to travel to.
Effectively, from October 4th, any country that’s not on the Red list is safe for you to travel to. At least, they have been deemed safe by the government, so you should have less to worry about.
So, one way to ensure that your family is safe if you travel is to only go to countries that are on the Green list.
There are still numerous checks in place
Obviously, coronavirus is still around and you are rightfully worried about travelling. Even if a country is deemed fit for travel, you hold onto a few concerns. Travelling means you come into close contact with a lot of people all at once, so the chances of catching something will increase.
Thankfully, there are still lots of checks and rules in place to reduce risks. For instance, you will still need to either be fully vaccinated or produce negative tests before you’re allowed to travel. Many countries will also have their own rules in place, some of which are stricter than we have in the UK. Funnily enough, the harder it is to get into a country, the safer your family might be. This is because they are taking all precautions to keep the virus out, ensuring only people without COVID will enter the country. Sure, it’s more effort on your behalf, but it could ease your mind as you feel safer.
As well as this, many airlines still have mask mandates in place. Passengers have to wear masks during the flight, and there have been countless stories of planes that were grounded because someone refused to put their mask on after it took off. Pilots have kicked people off planes for not wearing masks, so it’s taken pretty seriously. Again, having measures like this in place can make you and your family feel safer when you travel.
Other safety regulations are being implemented
Away from COVID, other safety regulations are gradually being implemented across Europe. As it notes on the Europe Visa website, there’s something called the ETIAS coming into effect soon. Basically, this is specifically designed to improve border control and security across Europe.
It is meant to only allow people into the continent if they are from low-risk countries. In theory, this will make Europe a safer place to live and travel. So, while not a COVID concern, it could help your family feel safe when you go on your next holiday, knowing that this will be kicking into action towards the end of 2021.
Tips for safer family holidays
After reading all of the above information, you can conclude that it is technically safe to go on an overseas family holiday in 2021. You won’t break any laws by doing so, and there are plenty of countries where it is supposedly safe for you to travel to.
Having said that, there are some tips you can use to make your next family holiday a lot safer:
- Do your research before travelling – Only travel to countries that have been declared safe. Also, look to see where most people are going as it can help you understand which countries seem to be the safest.
- Stay updated with the news – This helps you learn which countries become unsafe and which ones don’t.
- Follow all COVID precautions and be vigilant – Abide by any and all COVID laws in place wherever you’re travelling to. Also, stay vigilant and put your own safety first. Wear masks and use hand sanitiser even if it isn’t the law, just to help you and your family feel better.
The bottom line is that you can have a safe family holiday this year, but it’s entirely up to you. If you’d rather wait until all restrictions are lifted and you feel safer, then that’s your call. For now, just know that holidays can be booked and it is possible to go abroad safely with your kids. If you’re not planning a holiday this year, perhaps 2022 will be the year of your next trip!
This is a collaborative post
