Have you travelled abroad this year? Anyone who has knows just how difficult it has been, at times, to navigate through the paperwork, test and rules surrounding Covid. While we, of course, know that the virus is still around and the countries we visit will surely be handling it differently to us, but it’s safe to say that when you head off on a foreign holiday you are likely doing it in order to escape your everyday life for a little bit, and getting stuck with a load of rules isn’t all that appealing.
You will likely be reassured to learn that overseas travel is getting easier with each day that passes, more members of the population are vaccinated, and more countries are accepting international tourists. This means that if you are keen to take yourself off for a few weeks of relaxation in an utterly blissful country or you require a top up of some culture or sporting excitement then it is now easier to do than it has been in the past 19 months.
The UK’s largest and biggest airport, London Heathrow is a top choice when planning your holiday as you will find around 80 airlines servicing more than 180 countries around the world. From Washington DC to Dubai and Toronto to Geneva and Stockholm to Tokyo, it’s safe to safe that the options are plentiful when it comes to deciding where you should take yourself off to. But what do you need to do in order to make it onto that flight?
What are the current rules around travel and what Covid test do you need?
For travel through Heathrow airport, the PCR test is essential for any trips being made outside of the UK. Exactly what rules apply will depend on the country you are travelling to as well as your vaccination status, so it’s important to keep updated with your visiting country’s rules well in advance of travel. There are a range of testing regimes and centres available across London. However, the PCR test available by Randox at Heathrow airport as well as at a testing centre in Waterloo is by far the most advanced and well organised testing facilities available.
How does the PCR testing at Heathrow work?
The PCR test is ideal for a fast turnaround, with results received within a few hours, especially useful when travelling between multiple locations. Results can be emailed, which is handy if you need to keep them on your laptop or phone and the booking and Heathrow PCR testing service itself is simple, reliable and easy to interpret. With the use of visual software, tests can be booked on the go, results are easy to read and the whole process is as fuss-free as possible.
Where should you go for an amazing autumn or winter trip?
Now that the formalities are out of the way, you will want to start arranging your dream holiday, something you may have been waiting quite a while for. As we mentioned above, Heathrow is great place to start because it’s easy to get to within the UK and it serves a multitude of destinations around the globe.
Autumn is the perfect time for a city break as you can walk around and discover all a place has to offer without it being too overcrowded or hot and humid as it can be in summer. Amsterdam may not provide visitors with a huge amount of warmth or sunshine in autumn, but it certainly holds a lot of beauty and there is so much to see and do in this beautiful city that it really should be on your list.
The cities of Italy should be considered for this very reason, too, while winter sun seekers should look further afield towards the likes of the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and the southern hemisphere to make the most of their spring and summer seasons. The Maldives are a popular choice as is Thailand, Costa Rica, Argentina, Cuba, Morocco and so many more. The best tip for a fuss-free trip is to check the travel rules and make your decision based on what is going to give you the least hassle so that can spend more time enjoying your holiday with your loved ones.
