Simon Calder's expert advice on what coronavirus means for holidays

Lizzie Edmonds speaks to travel expert Simon Calder about whether we should book summer holidays and how travel will be different
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Can I book a summer holiday?

“A package holiday is the best option because if it doesn’t go ahead you should get your money back. Tui is selling trips from June 12, Jet2 from June 17. Having said that, there are bound to be more cancellations as airlines and travel firms remove trips they know will lose money. Until there is some clarity about which flights will operate, I will not be booking.”

When is international travel likely to resume?

“Five tests need to be passed before you go away on holiday or business. Can you reach the UK airport? Has the Foreign Office removed its warning against all overseas travel? Is there an airline prepared to take you? Will the destination country let you in? Can you tolerate any quarantine rules that are brought in by the UK on your return? The consensus in the travel industry is that some international travel will begin in June.”

Should I book a staycation?

“If stringent quarantine requirements are introduced by the UK for returning holidaymakers, almost everyone will stay at home. The same applies if Britain’s high level of Covid-19 means travellers are non grata overseas. My expectation is that in July and August, no more than half the people who normally take a foreign trip will do so, increasing pressure — and prices — for UK holidays. Some holiday cottages and hotels in the UK are offering rooms for later this month.”

How will travel be different?

“Airlines will require crew and passengers to wear face coverings, although only the crew need anything like proper PPE. Even though the medical jury is out on masks, the aim is for travellers to reduce the chance they might pass on Covid — and to restore confidence. The bosses of Heathrow and Ryanair last week called for temperature checks on entering an airport, with those who fail sent to self-isolate. Airlines hope these measures will allow them to keep selling seats but at reduced capacity.”

Hear more from Simon Calder on this episode of The Leader podcast

How much should I expect to get back from holiday insurance if my flight or holiday has not been cancelled yet but I wish to postpone?

Nothing, unless you are in a risk group – over 70 or with a pre-existing medical condition – and have commensurate travel insurance. Otherwise all you can do is ask the travel firm if you can postpone, or transfer the holiday to someone else.

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