With Jersey planing to open its borders, Guernsey trialling a reduced quarantine period, and the UK about to announce air bridges with a raft of other countries, travel finally feels within touching distance. While the prospect of an overseas holiday is exciting, be sure to enjoy what’s on your doorstep too, says Travel Counsellor Nicki Harrison.
‘For many of us, it’s hard to image what travel will be like once the world begins to open its borders and the prospect of travel becomes a reality. Some cannot wait for their belated summer holidays, while others will still feel anxious of the risks.
‘With the UK beginning to ease its restrictions, allowing holiday parks, campsites and some hotels to re-open this month, we are soon going to get a feel for what the new normal might be. It is still early days but it’s recently been reported that holidays to Spain, mainly the Balearics and Canary islands, Greece and Cyprus are trending heavily on social media and the general interest in travel to those destinations is increasing. I believe that, like Guernsey, island destinations seem to be recovering faster from the pandemic and therefore attracting the attention of avid travellers.’
When we travel again
‘Combine that with the local trial of Phase 6, permitting a small volume of leisure travel off-island, and companies like Jet2 Holidays, EasyJet and TUI hoping to resume a reduced schedule from mid-July, it is easy to see why some people will be getting excited. I am happy to admit I am one of them, although I agree that taking precautions, including the seven-day self-isolation and testing is still an important step. Like Dr Brink, I like evidence and am so proud of Guernsey reaching Phase 5 as quickly and efficiently as we have. Let’s not go back a step by being too hasty.
‘There are some wonderful things that can be enjoyed in these popular destinations that are just a few hours flight away. From beautiful stretches of sandy beaches, a vast array of water sports and activities, as well as bustling cities, and interesting art and architecture, it’s easy to understand the appeal.
‘Cyprus still remains one of my favourite holiday destinations, even though it has been a few years since I last visited. For anyone wanting advice or to start planning a trip, whether it’s this summer or for a bit of winter sun, do remember to reach out to me or your usual travel advisor and support local. It’s been said time and time again, but now is the time your local agent needs you most and in return, you will get a level of service that no online website could ever provide.’
Don’t underestimate a staycation
‘Whilst on the thought of supporting local, I couldn’t help but compare Spain, Greece and Cyprus with the options right here in the Bailiwick. Despite the allure of these destinations and ‘getting off the rock’, we are all being encouraged to enjoy a staycation this summer and even as a travel agent looking forward to my next holiday abroad, I am planning a staycation this year.
‘We are very blessed to have some of the wonderful holiday prospects on our doorstep. Over the last few weeks, I have been reaching out to my suppliers to ensure that for people who want to enjoy a short stay in Guernsey, Herm, Sark or Alderney that I can help. With a variety of hotels and apartments, adventurous activities including kayaking, coasteering and cliff walks as well as our own lovely beaches and unique historical sites, there is much more to the Bailiwick than meets the eye.
‘So whether your hope is to be sunning yourself in Costa Adeje or kayaking off Cobo, the next few weeks are really going to show us what travel in the wake of Covid-19 will be. Here’s hoping that we will take the time it takes to open up leisure travel safely and that the new normal will offer bright and exciting travel opportunities for everyone. But in the meantime, if you want my advice, take the time to enjoy everything that is available locally, too. You might be pleasantly surprised.
‘Stay safe! Until next time…’