The Omicron variant of coronavirus has seen countries tightening up their travel rules, including new requirements for Brits.
For example, Spain now requires UK arrivals to be vaccinated, while France has new Covid test rules for Brits.
However, that doesn't mean that holidays are off the cards for Brits. In fact, the majority of destinations are still keeping borders open to tourists at the moment.
So if you want to book a holiday, should you?
There is always a risk in booking a trip abroad during the pandemic, as travel rules can change quickly depending on the Covid situation. Ultimately, the decision to book is up to you.
If you are thinking about planning a trip, we've put together a guide below with the key factors to take into account when making your decision, including tips on why you may want to stick to package holidays, and your refund rights if things go wrong.
Benefits of sticking to package holidays
Package holidays come with benefits such as being protected if a firm goes bust, only having to deal with one firm if you need to change your plans, and often a smoother process for getting money back when you're entitled to a refund.
For example if you book a flight separately but travel restrictions mean you can't go, the airline doesn't necessarily have to cancel the flight - meaning you aren't automatically entitled to a refund.
Package firms also often offer flexible booking policies meaning if travel rules change you can amend your holiday for free or in some cases receive a refund. We've rounded up policies from the likes of TUI, Jet2, easyJet and BA to give you a helping hand.
Check the travel rules - on both sides
Every destination has its own rules on entry requirements (such as PCR tests or vaccination proof), whether you'll need to self-isolate, and other local Covid rules such as face masks and if any curfews are in place.
You can find the bulk of this information on the Foreign Office website here - simply choose your destination from the list.
As well as a country's travel rules, you'll need to check what the UK rules are for when you're back.
Currently, anyone returning to the UK from abroad must take a pre-departure Covid test. The rules when you're back in the UK and whether you need to self-isolate then depend on whether a country is on the red list, and your vaccination status.
We've got a guide to the UK's latest travel rules to give you a helping hand.
Get travel insurance
You should have travel insurance in place from the moment your holiday is booked. This isn't just because of Covid; it can be key in helping you get your money back if something goes wrong from a lost suitcase to a medical emergency or cancelled holiday.
During Covid, some countries won't accept travellers who don't have proof of insurance in place.
Make sure to check the wording of your policy and look out for Covid cover, so that should something go wrong you know exactly what you're covered for, which can make the process even more stress-free.
Always have your policy documents with you when travelling, that way if you need to make a claim you have all the information at hand.
A word of caution; if the Foreign Office advises against travel to a destination, this can invalidate your insurance if you choose to go anyway.
What happens if a country goes on the red list
We have a wider guide on how red list changes affect holidays if you're after more information. Essentially if a country is on the red list and the Foreign Office advises against non-essential travel (which is usually the case), your holiday will likely be cancelled as most firms don't operate trips to countries on the UK's red list.
When a travel firm cancels your holiday, you are entitled to a refund. Some travel companies have still been offering alternatives such as rebooking to a later date or different destination, and credit vouchers. You can choose these if you wish, but you are entitled to the refund.
If you booked a flight and hotel separately, then you may need to do some negotiating, especially if your flight isn't cancelled. As for your accommodation, whether you can get your money back will depend on your booking policy.
Your refund rights if you change your mind
If you've booked a holiday but when the time comes you no longer wish to travel, then it will depend on the situation.
If a country isn't on the red list but you're worried about Covid risks, you may be able to rebook or amend your holiday for free if you've booked a package holiday with a flexible policy.
If you booked flights only, again it will depend on an airline's rebooking policy; most companies do offer a free amends option.
Unfortunately when you change your mind, you're not entitled to a refund.
However, if it's a significant change in travel rules - such as quarantine rules being put in place after you book - then most travel firms will offer options such as refunds and rebooking.
Sign up here to receive the Mirror's travel newsletter in your inbox with more travel updates, news and booking tips.
