As the vaccine rollout continues in Ireland, people will be hoping for a holiday in the sun this summer.
And while the nation awaits to see what the rules about foreign travel will be, many countries including Portugal, Greece and Turkey are already paving the way for the return of Irish tourists.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has given some hope for Irish people hoping to travel abroad this year.
Any hope of holidaying abroad this summer had been dashed in recent weeks by the Government but the Fine Gael leader believes travel within the EU could be back "within months".
Mr Varadkar told RTE's Morning Ireland last week: "The European Union is developing a Green Cert and we could see within months, people being able to travel again freely within the European Union if they're fully vaccinated."
The Green Cert would be formal proof of full vaccination and discussions around its rollout in the European Commission members states are suggesting that it could be required, along with a recent negative PCR test to enter some countries as a tourist.
The Tánasite added: “Travel in the future will be different, I’m absolutely sure of that.”
“One of the things we are examining and we hope to come to a decision on quite soon, is whether we can exempt people who are fully vaccinated.
“The CDC in America and Dr Fauci agree that people who are fully vaccinated should be exempt [from travel restrictions].
“People will say that ‘vaccines aren’t 100% effective’ that’s true or they’ll say ‘we don’t have an international system of certification and people can fake documents.’ Those things will always be true, so if those are your arguments, there is no exit strategy.”
A number of holiday hotspots have already said that they will be open to Irish tourists for summer, with some such as Portugal and Cyprus preparing to welcome back holidaymakers as soon as Ireland’s restrictions lift or if fully vaccinated people can travel.
There is a Government Advisory in operation against all non-essential international travel right now.
We take a look at the countries that will reopen their borders to Irish people - check out the list below.
Cyprus
Cyprus will reopen to fully vaccinated tourists from May 1, with no requirement for a pre-departure test or self-isolation.
That means if Ireland allows fully vaccinated people with a green card to travel then you could enjoy a holiday there later this year.
Greece
Greece is aiming to reopen to foreign tourists from May 14.
It will be open to both those who are fully vaccinated against Covid, or those who can show proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours before travel.
The Greek Islands are currently on a mission to vaccinate their local populations ahead of the return of tourists - in fact, they've launched 'Operation Freedom' which aims to have vaccinated the populations of at least 69 islands.
Turkey
Turkey has previously revealed plans to welcome Irish holidaymakers back for the summer, with no need for a recent PCR test, or a vaccination against Covid-19.
The country has however recently seen an increase in numbers of Covid cases.
Portugal
Portugal has previously revealed plans to reopen to Irish tourists.
The Irish are a big market for Portugal's tourism industry so the country will be keen for a green card to be put into action and allow Irish people to travel to the country.
We're already dreaming of those beautiful beaches.
Malta
Malta is one of the safer destinations for summer if non-essential travel becomes allowed again with its low Covid case numbers and successful vaccine roll-out.
Malta, Gozo and Comino are due to reopen to tourists from June 1, 2021.
Oh, and the island is even offering to pay tourists to visit this summer, so take note if you are considering a holiday abroad!
Croatia
The country has already reopened its borders to tourists who can show proof of either a full Covid vaccine, a negative PCR test result, a negative antigen test or confirmation of recovery from Covid-19 within 180 days.
Irish people will be hopeful that they will be allowed to go there.
Iceland
Iceland has welcome vaccinated tourists with no restrictions - for those without the jab, there are still restrictions such as quarantine and Covid testing.
From May 1 the country will allow visitors from what it deems 'low risk areas' to be exempt from quarantine if they can show proof of a negative Covid-19 test result.
The Maldives
The Maldives are already open to foreign tourists - you just need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel. However, the islands recently announced that this requirement has been lifted for vaccinated guests.
Mexico
Mexico is already open to tourists, which will include Ireland once the country’s restrictions ease. There is no requirement to be tested or vaccinated for international tourists. However, it is worth noting that a new tourism tax will apply if you're heading to Quintana Roo which includes popular spots like Cancun and Tulum.
Where's top of your list for a holiday when travel restrictions lift? Let us know in the comments below.
