Where to go on a quarantine-free trip in 2021
Double-jabbed UK travellers will no longer need to quarantine when they return from amber list countries
The government has given UK travellers the green light to travel this summer, with the double-vaccinated and under 18s no longer required to quarantine when they return from amber list countries after 19th July.
With the Foreign Office also removing its warning for a number of countries including Spain, France and Greece, now is the time to start planning a quarantine-free holiday.
Of course, with all holidays taken during the pandemic, you'll need to find out the entry requirements for the country you're looking to visit too and check the Foreign Office's advice to ensure you're travelling with valid insurance (Italy, Slovenia and Germany, for example, currently have warnings against travel, which would invalidate your insurance).
It's important to remember that destinations can also change from amber to red and you'll need to factor in the cost of PCRs, which applies to both green and amber list destination. It's worth considering a package holiday for extra protection, but once you've done your research (ABTA has plenty of advice here), you can be on your way to summer bliss.
Escaping to the Med will no longer be a thing of the past now that holiday favourites, such as the USA, France and Greece are back on the table for summer.
To help you plan the perfect trip to Europe this year, we've selected our favourites, including island hopping in the Canary Islands, enjoying a taste of Bordeaux with James Martin and sailing to Croatia's stunning islands - all from Good Housekeeping Holidays.
Covid-19: Please check the latest guidance from the government before travelling.
Spain
Entry requirements and travel advice for Spain
With the beaches of the Balearics, history of the mainland cities and unique cultural traditions, we never tire of Spain. A perfect way to see the country this September is by sailing around Spain and Morocco on stylish new ship Golden Horizon. You'll visit Andalusian port city Cadiz, Moroccan port Tangier and get a taste of Menorca and Mallorca, with three days at a hotel in Mallorca so you can relax on the beaches and explore the culture.
Good Housekeeping's 11-day Spanish cruise on Golden Horizon departs on 7th September 2021.
Carcassonne
Entry requirements and travel advice for France
For a magical escape that bookworms will appreciate, Carcassonne is a French city that dreams are made of. The history, views and literary connections - Carcassonne is a delightful place to visit in France. It's where Kate Mosse's book Labyrinth was set and makes for an excellent base to get to know the Languedoc region, too.
Good Housekeeping has an exclusive seven-day tour in Carcassonne, where author Kate Mosse will join you for the October 2021 escape.
Canary Islands
Entry requirements and travel advice for Spain
The Canary Islands are perfect for a cruise holiday, allowing you to visit La Gomera, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife and El Hierro in one go. During a boutique cruise in November, you can explore the islands after the summer crowds have gone home. This means taking in the arts and artisan crafts, watching traditional music and dance and doing some stargazing. You'll get to explore three national parks, see volcanoes, black sand beaches and lush forests that make up these lovely isles.
Good Housekeeping's eight-day island hopping cruise to the Canary Islands departs on various dates from 6th November 2021.
South of France
Entry requirements and travel advice for France
Holidays don't get chicer than on the French Riviera, where you can soak up the glamour of St Tropez, Nice and Monte Carlo. One of the loveliest ways to take in the South of France's most stylish towns is by rail as you hop from London to St Raphael, to St Paul de Vence and Nice, to Monte Carlo, then back to St Raphael and London. You can visit other gorgeous spots along the way too, such as Cannes and the Lerins Islands.
Good Housekeeping's eight-day South of France rail tour departs on 7th September 2021.
Slovenia
Entry requirements and travel advice for Slovenia
For sparkling lakes and mountain walks, look no further than picturesque Slovenia, home to the magical Lake Bled and its island. The small country bordered by Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary is ideal for exploring Europe's natural beauty, as you discover the Julian Alps, the only national park in Slovenia and one of the most captivating caves in the world. See Slovenia by train and coach over 10 days in September on a relaxing escape.
Good Housekeeping's 10-day Slovenia rail tour departs on 19th September.
Bordeaux
Entry requirements and travel advice for France
The brilliant Bordeaux wine region is one of the most celebrated in Europe and it's as pretty as the wine is delectable, with the charming village of Saint-Emilion, the impressive town of Blaye and its Citadel, and the wonderful city of Bordeaux itself (home to a striking wine museum) waiting to be explored. The best way to see Bordeaux this year is in the company of TV chef James Martin and wine buff Susie Atkins on a boutique cruise this autumn, where you'll get to know the region while meeting one of our favourite chefs.
Good Housekeeping's 10-day cruise to Bordeaux departs on 31st October.
Croatia
Entry requirements and travel advice for Croatia
If there's one place where island hopping is required it's Croatia, where you'll be hard-pressed to choose between Vis, Brac, Korcula and Hvar. That's why you should see them all! On a cruise to Croatia, you can visit these four best islands and more as a stylish ship takes you to Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor in Montenegro, too. Whether you want to take a dip in Croatia's crystal-clear waters, taste the fresh seafood or take in the ancient palaces, such as Diocletian's Palace, Croatia is the perfect place to get back to the Med.
Good Housekeeping's eight-day cruise on the luxurious Golden Horizon ship departs on 23d September.
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