Where shall I go on holiday in August? The pros and cons of UK, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal summer breaks
GOING on holiday abroad this year may still happen, with flights resuming limited schedules and the discussion of air bridges with other countries. The current government advice of non-essential travel being banned could also be lifted in the next few weeks – great news for a British summer holiday. However, choosing where to go on […]
GOING on holiday abroad this year may still happen, with flights resuming limited schedules and the discussion of air bridges with other countries.
The current government advice of non-essential travel being banned could also be lifted in the next few weeks – great news for a British summer holiday.
However, choosing where to go on holiday may be difficult for families, depending on coronavirus case levels as well as how they are reopening to travellers.
Not only that, but the procedures in place for tourists as well as whether attractions will be open could all affect how to pick the holiday.
It is worth remembering, however, that travel advice is likely to change at the last minute even if Brits are allowed back into a country, and coronavirus cases could increase if they spike in the upcoming months.
We’ve rounded up the pros and cons for popular tourist destinations across Europe, including Portugal, Spain and Italy.
UK
A British staycation may be the best option for some this year, with the advantages of being able to travel without flying.
Popular destinations such as Cornwall or Devon can be accessed by car, keeping the spread of the virus lower by avoiding public transport.
Not only that, but nervous travellers will be able to camp or caravan with social-distanced holiday parks, making it a safe option with limited exposure to others.
However, there are still restrictions in the UK – trips to Scotland and Wales may be off until August as they keep stricter lockdown measures in place.
Popular beach resorts are also likely to be much busier than usual due to the lack of flights abroad – and the British weather can never be guaranteed.
France
A trip to France may be another option with the option of the Eurostar. or the ferry
While they are currently only running a limited schedule, the resumption of the train and ferry services could allow travel to return to France without needing to fly.
France tourism minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne has also advised tourists to book holidays while the deals are cheap, with tour operators offering flexible refunds.
He told the Telegraph: “Book now because tourist agents have committed to being as flexible as possible in case of any problems linked to Covid, and book now because you’ll get the best deals in terms of cost.”
However, the country has installed some of the strictest lockdown measures after high cases of coronavirus – reporting 155k cases and nearly 30,000 deaths.
Brits returning to the country have also been put on the backbench as France prioritises domestic travel, unlike other popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Disneyland Paris is yet to announce an opening date, and Brits will be forced to quarantine for two weeks when entering the country.
Italy
Italy is one of the first countries to welcome British tourists back, having opened their borders one June 3.
The country is also not enforcing a 14-day quarantine on tourists, while some regions such as Sicily are offering to pay for part of your holiday.
Flights also expected to resume from next month, while hotels and attractions are already opening.
However, the country became the “epi-centre of Europe” regarding coronavirus, after cases soared.
While new cases have slowed, the country has reported 236k cases, with 34k deaths.
As the country comes out of lockdown, spikes could occur as more people and tourists begin to travel around the regions.
Brits will have to fly to get to Italy, with many still unwilling to travel to airports and get on a plane due to the risks of spreading the virus.
Some hard-hit regions, such as Venice are looking at enforcing face masks in public while other areas are limiting capacity, making a holiday more difficult.
Spain
Spain is eager to welcome tourists once again with the Canaries and Balearic Islands keen to offer cheap deals to British travellers.
New safety measures are being introduced to keep tourists safe, including social distanced beaches and using outdoor spaces and terraces for cafes and restaurants.
The country is currently quarantining tourists but this will end by July. 1.
However, Brits will still need to fly to get to the country and the islands, something many still feel uncomfortable with.
Many bars and clubs may not be able to open, particularly in Majorca and Ibiza, making it a much sadder holiday experience.
Portugal
Portugal has kept coronavirus cases much lower than other countries in Europe, reporting just 35k cases and 1,504 deaths.
There are lots of cheap deals as tourist hotspots such as the Algarve slash prices, while quarantining won’t be enforced for British tourists.
Air bridges are also being considered, meaning Brits won’t have to quarantine when returning to the UK either.
Brits may be reluctant to board a plane any time soon to visit Portugal, however, due to the confined space with strangers.
Travel advice can also change at the last minute, leading in rushes to get home or being potentially stuck abroad.
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MP Kit Malthouse claimed the nation may have to miss out on a trip abroad so Britain can finally see off the virus.
He said: “We are just making great progress in terms of falling numbers now is the critical moment for us to reinforce our advantage and avoid a second spike.
“If that means this summer we have to go without an overseas holiday, then that’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make.”