A travel expert has issued a warning as people rush to book their breaks ahead of a planned announcement of changes to UK holiday rules.
The Government is expected to announce that the blanket quarantine rule meaning anyone returning to the UK has to self isolate for 14 days will be replaced with a traffic light system.
That will mean countries being designated red, amber or green depending on their coronavirus risk and what travel restrictions will be in place.
The system could come into force next week, with a list of countries expected to be published by Wednesday, July 1, with restrictions lifted as soon as July 6.
It is anticipated to include France, Greece, Spain, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey - but possibly not Portugal due to a recent spike in infection.
But travel expert Simon Calder has issued vital advice for UK travellers whose holidays could be affected.
Major tour operators TUI and Jet2 have said they will not travel to countries if the Foreign Office advises against it or if there are quarantine rules in place.
Mr Calder says smaller tour firms are likely to do the same and customers will be due full refunds.
But he warned that travellers who have booked flights and accommodation separately are in a difficult position.
He explained: "There is every chance that the flight will still be operating: government advice does not need to be followed by airlines.
"If the plane does depart the airline is legally entitled to refuse a refund even though you have compelling reasons not to go – such as work or family commitments.
"Hoteliers, car-rental firms and other providers can also stick to their terms and conditions."
It comes as the Home Secretary warned today that 'air bridges', which would allow for quarantine-free travel, will not be introduced "overnight."
Priti Patel told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: “In terms of the countries where this will be possible, there will be an announcement in the next few days ahead.”
