After yet more time spent at home and the temperatures in the UK still pretty chilly, we're longing for a luxury holiday more than ever. While nothing is yet set in stone, we're optimistic that the unmatchable holiday feeling is almost within our grasp... And we are so ready!
When can I travel abroad?
No date has been confirmed by the UK government yet regarding when international travel can resume. We do know that it will be no earlier than 17th May, though it could be later depending on the data. Whenever it is, we'll be waiting to offer our award-winning Elegant Resorts service and plan the best ever back-to-travel trips!
Where can I go on holiday this summer?
The government are yet to release the list of countries that will be first open to visitors, though based on the data, there has been some speculation. Here are some of the possible additions to the 'Green List' when it's announced..
Barbados
Grenada
UAE
Portugal
USA
Sri Lanka
Maldives
Seychelles
Mexico
Canada
Morocco
Malta
We'd like to stress that these are purely estimates at this stage, and as soon as we know any more, we'll share it with you! We expect destinations that have the strongest vaccination programmes and lowest COVID-19 rates to be added to the green list.
![One&Only Mandarina, Mexico]()
One&Only Mandarina, Mexico
Will I have to quarantine if I go abroad?
For England, when you can finally head on that much-deserved luxury holiday, each destination will be split up into a traffic light system, depending on that country's number of cases and their individual vaccine programme. Here's what we know so far...
Green: Yay, no isolation needed on return to the UK! However, pre-departure and post-arrival tests will still be required at the cost of the traveller.
Amber: Travelling to these countries will require a 10-day quarantine at home on return to the UK, as well as taking a pre-departure test and two PCR tests at the cost of the traveller.
Red: These are countries that are strongly advised against visiting, from which returning travellers must pay for a 10-day quarantine in a hotel, as well as a pre-departure test and two PCR tests.
Is it illegal to book a foreign holiday now?
No! Whilst actually travelling now could lead to a hefty £5,000 fine, there are absolutely no rules against planning your future holiday. In fact, we're pretty sure that when travel gets the green light, demand will soar, so booking earlier ensures you get the best prices and pick of the availability. Plus, with our Elegant Promise pledge, you can book in complete confidence, knowing that your holiday is Flexible, Adaptable, Protected. Enjoy lower deposits, rightful refunds, no amendment fees, price matches and late balance payments.
![Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados]()
Fairmont Royal Pavilion, Barbados
What are the benefits of booking through an itinerary operator like Elegant Resorts?
Whilst booking with Elegant Resorts is always a good idea for our sheer expertise and the very best luxury travel experience, the Coronavirus pandemic proved just how invaluable our service is. As well as the amazing Elegant Promise that I mentioned before, our Luxury Travel Specialists are now pros in handling all manner of situations that can disrupt travel.
Basically, they're keeping up to date on the latest FCDO and government guidance, dates changes and restrictions, meaning you don't have to! Of course, they will keep you updated if anything changes, working on your individual plans and preferences to give the best advice on your arrangements. Plus, we are checking more than ever that all of our hotels, resorts and airlines are offering the new standards of health, safety and security that we understand are of the utmost importance!
A testament to our experts' unequalled service, we have recently secured the Platinum Trusted Service award from highly regarded review site Feefo, based on our incredible client reviews over the past 12 months. As all reviews are from clients and verified as genuine, this is a true reflection of the team's hard work and genuinely exceptional service - something that is more important than ever right now.
Here are just some of the wonderful words that our clients have said about us...
'Unparalleled service in unprecedented times'
'Seamless from start to finish'
'All of our holidays are executed flawlessly'
What about UK staycations? When can I go on one of those?
The 'stay at home' rule has been lifted across the UK, meaning we can venture a little further than the local supermarket! The lucky residents of Wales can already head to self-contained accommodation with their household, which includes hotels with en suite bathrooms and room service. Not long to wait, Monday 12 April is when those in England can head on a luxury staycation, also as long as it's in self-contained accommodation and with their household or bubble. Hotels in England are set to open on 17 May at the earliest, so check out our impressive portfolio and start planning!
Scotland, meanwhile, is set to reintroduce travel within its borders from 26 April, when tourist accommodation can reopen, though with restrictions in place. Our collection of ultra-luxe and oh so secluded private estates offer plenty of privacy, while we can also arrange a post-lockdown trip to several stunning luxury hotels in Scotland.
![Grantley Hall, Yorkshire, England]()
Grantley Hall, Yorkshire, England