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Latest travel news: Direct flights to Greece to resume on July 15

Greek holidays are coming back
Greek holidays are coming back

Greece will permit direct flights from Britain to resume on July 15, a Greek government spokesman has confirmed.

Stelios Petsas said: "In cooperation with the British government, and following advice of experts, the government announces the resumption of direct flights from the United Kingdom to all airports of the country from July 15."

Greece is exempt from the FCO advice against non-essential international travel, but a ban on non-stop flights was recently extended, making holidays more difficult. Now airlines will be able to restart services, just in time for summer.

Across Western Europe, airlines increased capacity to 6.8m passengers last week, up 47 per cent, with Ryanair alone offering 763,938 seats, up from 218,484 over the previous seven days.

However, Britons hoping for a last-minute summer holiday have had their options significantly curtailed. Of the 74 destinations to which the FCO has given the green light, only 25 do not have restrictions on UK arrivals. Malta, for example, currently requires all British visitors to self-isolate for 14 days, while Cyprus, another Mediterranean favourite, is still refusing entry to all UK travellers. See our guide for full details of ongoing travel restrictions.

Find the latest updates below. 


04:08 PM

That's a wrap

It's over and out from us. Here's what we learnt today:

  • Holidays to Greece will be possible this summer, with direct flights to restart from July 15
  • The PM expects more countries to welcome Britons in coming weeks – currently around 25 countries have no restrictions on UK holidaymakers
  • However, airlines and tour operators are still cancelling hundreds of summer holidays due to reduced demand
  • The Louvre has reopened, and you might actually get a glimpse of the Mona Lisa if you head there this summer 
  • Many UK hotels face closure unless rules on spas and swimming pools are relaxed
  • Welsh travel restrictions have finally been eased 

04:03 PM

Your evening read: Europe's answer to Hawaii

The FCO has lifted its travel warning for trips to the Azores, making this overlooked archipelago an offbeat option for summer. Chris Leadbeater writes:

Europe is the forgotten continent of intrepid travel. South America, Africa, Asia – each is seen as being wrapped in a cloak of adventure that our home continent cannot match. And yet the idea of Europe being a known concept falls away when you journey to its western edge. No, not Ireland but those Atlantic mysteries, the Azores.

From 900 to 1,200 miles (1,400-2,000km) west of the Iberian Peninsula, the Azores have long been “hidden”. Though rather closer to home than the gold slivers of the Caribbean, they were overlooked until the 14th century and uninhabited until the 15th century, claimed by Portuguese settlers in 1432, only 60 years before Columbus stumbled on the New World.

In some ways, the islands have developed little since. Even now they lack the mass-tourism hot spots of the Canary Islands. But they share something crucial with their Atlantic siblings. They are visibly volcanic, born of tectonic frustration at the point where three continental plates – the Eurasian, the African and the North American – meet.

They are, effectively, the Hawaii of the Atlantic, lost in deep seas; steep-sided, beautiful, wild. This is not to say the weather matches the glow of Pacific America – cloud and rain dog the Azores as much as sunshine. But such climactic inconstancy only adds to the aesthetic. Every day is different.

Read the full story.


04:01 PM

Indonesia's Lion Air slashes 2,600 jobs

Another day, another raft of aviation redundancies. Indonesia's Lion Air Group, south-east Asia's biggest carrier, is slashing 2,600 jobs due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The layoffs – about nine per cent of the airline's 29,000 employees – would mainly affect contract workers, it said. The job cuts come after Lion earlier reduced management and staff salaries.


03:40 PM

Scotland to start quarantine checks on overseas passengers

Checks to ensure travellers coming into Scotland from overseas are complying with coronavirus quarantine restrictions will start from Tuesday, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.

Currently, visitors from dozens of countries, including returning holidaymakers, must self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in the UK. Quite how zealously the policy is being enforced remains another matter, with a recent BBC investigation suggesting police forces have not handed out a single fine to rule breakers. 

Now Scotland is taking matters into its own hands. Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: "The passenger data – the data you would give as you were flying into Scotland, about where you were going to go and your contact details – is held by the Home Office, it is not held by the Scottish Government.

"So in order to conduct quarantine checks you need to get that passenger data, the contact data, from the Home Office.

"Quarantine check will begin from tomorrow and those checks will not simply be on those individuals arriving from tomorrow but will also be on individuals who have arrived in the past 14 days."


03:16 PM

The Louvre minus the crowds

Mark Stratton was one of the first tourists inside the reopened Louvre today. 


03:07 PM

Cases fall in Portugal, raising chances of summer holidays for Britons

Portugal reported 232 new cases on Monday, down from 328 on Sunday, taking the running total to 44,129, its government has said. Daily new cases in Portugal have ranged between 192 and 457 since the start of June.

The additional infections are mostly in the greater Lisbon region, where authorities have tightened restrictions and increased testing.

The FCO still advises against travel to the country, while those who do choose to visit must self-isolate on their return to Britain. The policy has angered authorities in Portugal, with tourism chief Mr. Luis Araújo saying: "From our viewpoint, the entire national territory should have been appropriately included in the UK travel corridor owing to the successful containment of the outbreak."


02:51 PM

More than half of Britons planning a summer holiday

That's according to our Twitter poll. Have your say and tell us where you are planning to travel.


02:47 PM

Hotels face closure unless rules on spas and swimming pools are relaxed

Hazel Plush reports that a third of the UK’s spas and spa hotels may be forced to close permanently if the Government does not issue a reopening date for beauty and wellness businesses soon.

Without a date, or additional funding to support struggling firms, the spa weekend could – in some areas of the UK, at least – become a thing of the past, according to the UK Spa Association.

Read the full report.


02:42 PM

Rome alone

Fancy seeing Rome without the crowds? Now is your chance. Despite reopening to tourists last month, the Italian capital remains relatively empty, as this shot of the Pantheon demonstrates. Vueling, BA, Ryanair and Alitalia are all offering flights to Rome this weekend, with fares from around £180. 

Ancient wonders to yourself

02:38 PM

Moroccan airline is latest to downsize

Royal Air Maroc has announced plans to lay off 30 per cent of its staff and mothball 20 of its 59 aircraft – including half of its high-tech 787 Dreamliners. 

The aviation sector has been decimated by the global shutdown, with some predicting demand will not return to pre-pandemic levels for years. 


02:23 PM

Restrictions reimposed in Israel

Bars, nightclubs, gyms and event halls have been closed in Israel as restrictions are reimposed to combat a surge in Covid-19 infections.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country had to reverse course to avoid a wider lockdown that could devastate its economy, where unemployment is above 20 per cent.

The Israeli authorities have banned foreign nationals since March 18. Limited exceptions do apply


02:20 PM

Launch of giant cruise ship postponed

Odyssey of the Seas, the latest cruise behemoth from Royal Caribbean, will not set sail until at least April 2021 due to the impact of the pandemic. 

The 4,198-passenger ship had been scheduled to sail from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas and the Caribbean in November. It will now debut in Europe next spring, sailing from Rome and around the Mediterranean.

Read the full report


02:16 PM

San Fermín – minus the bulls

Pamplona's infamous San Fermín festival, famous for its running of the bulls, was supposed to start today. The pandemic scuppered those plans, however, with the fiesta called off for the first time since the Spanish Civil War. Nevertheless, the city's residents have taken to the streets in their traditional red-and-white garb. 

People hold red handkerchiefs in Consistorio Square

01:58 PM

All aboard for a cruise to nowhere

Karyn Noble reports that voyages that feature no stops could help the beleaguered cruise industry find its feet. She writes:

It sounds almost like a Talking Heads’ song. But a ‘cruise to nowhere’ could be exactly what tentative passengers – and cruise companies – need to boost confidence in a Covid-19 world.

If you’ve not dabbled in such trips before, the terminology is slightly misleading; a cruise to nowhere does actually go somewhere – it’s anchors away and full steam ahead seawards – but you won’t be docking at any ports en route.

Because of their short duration, lack of port charges and fuel consumption, cruises to nowhere tend to be on the more affordable side, though limited in offer, especially since 2016 when they ceased to be an option from US ports under changed maritime laws. But could this all be about to change, thanks to our more restricted environment?

Read the full story.


01:56 PM

Low-cost airline HK Express resuming flights in August

Hong Kong low-cost airline HK Express, part of the Cathay Pacific Group, has said it will gradually resume flights from August 2 as Asian governments ease coronavirus-related travel restrictions.

HK Express suspended all flights in March as governments tightened border controls. The carrier, which normally flies 25 routes throughout Asia, gave no details of its planned schedule.


01:39 PM

France's greatest islands for a post-lockdown escape

Mainland worries – mortgage, disease, the future of Matt Hancock – drop away when you’re surrounded by sea, says our France expert, Anthony Peregrine. You’re going beyond their reach to self-contained worlds that run to more timeless rhythms. See his pick of the best

Leave the mainland worries behind

01:29 PM

India slowly reopens

A man wearing a face mask is seen at the Dilli Haat food market in New Delhi, ahead of its reopening.

After the world's strictest lockdown, restrictions are easing in India

01:17 PM

Havana stirs to life without tourists

Reuters reports that the Cuban capital, Havana, stirred to life on Friday after more than three months of lockdown.

The city of 2.2 million people is the last place in Cuba to enter phase one of a three-phase reopening process. 

Havana's residents were able once again to use public transportation and private taxis, go to the beach and other outdoor recreation centers, and enjoy the city's famed Malecon seafront drive.

There were no signs of tourists on Havana's quiet streets, however. Cuba closed its airports in March and, while some hotels are open at resorts on isolated islets, there is no indication when Havana and other cities might allow foreign visitors to return.


01:05 PM

PM expects more countries to welcome Britons in coming weeks

Downing Street has said it expects more countries on England's coronavirus "green light" safe list to announce an easing of restrictions on UK arrivals.

The Government has been accused of "misleading" holidaymakers by publishing a quarantine-free list when not all of those featured were allowing UK visitors in without restrictions. 

A No 10 spokesman said: "Many countries already don't impose quarantine restrictions on travellers from the UK and we expect more to ease restrictions on UK travellers following our announcement.

"We are working closely with international partners around the world to discuss arrangements from travellers arriving from the UK.

"It is obviously a changing situation across the world and passengers should check the [official] travel advice and any restrictions at their destination before they book their trip and before they travel."


12:54 PM

How to get travel insurance should you choose to ignore Foreign Office advice

The likes of Portugal and Sweden remain off-limits, according to the FCO. Contrary to popular belief, you can visit a country to which the Foreign Office advises against travel without invalidating your insurance – you just need to contact one of the few providers willing to offer cover. What’s more, it shouldn’t cost much more than an ordinary policy. Find out more


12:46 PM

The 22 European countries you can visit right now

While UK quarantine restrictions have been eased, most countries still require UK arrivals to self-isolate. Below are the 22 European countries you can visit right now, with no requirement to quarantine at any stage (assuming you don't test positive).

  1. Andorra
  2. Belgium
  3. Croatia
  4. Czech Republic
  5. Denmark
  6. Faroe Islands (Visitors required to take a Covid-19 test at the airport on arrival)
  7. France (Arrivals from the UK asked to self-isolate for 14 days, but this is not mandatory)
  8. Germany
  9. Iceland (Open to tourists, but all arrivals must choose to pay to be tested for coronavirus or self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Children born in 2005 or later are exempt)
  10. Italy
  11. Liechtenstein
  12. Lithuania (Recommends 14-day self-isolation, but this is not mandatory)
  13. Luxembourg
  14. Monaco (Arrivals from the UK asked to self-isolate for 14 days, but not mandatory)
  15. Netherlands (Strongly advised 14-day self-isolation, but not mandatory)
  16. Poland
  17. San Marino
  18. Serbia
  19. Spain (Temperature check/must provide contact info)
  20. Switzerland
  21. Turkey
  22. Vatican City

12:26 PM

A small serving of normal

England reopening its bars and restaurants on Saturday, following the lead of countries across Europe. Here's the scene in the Polish city of Wroclaw last night. 

Wroclaw's medieval Market Square

12:16 PM

Side of sanitiser?

As many people will have discovered over the weekend, QR codes are replacing menus and vats of sanitiser are replacing salt and pepper shakers in restaurants around the world. Things are no different in Mallorca, finds our reporter Lottie Gross.


11:48 AM

Lunchtime read: A postcard from the Lake District as tourism restarts

While I grab a bite to eat, here's Lucy Aspden's report from the Lake District, which finally welcomed overnight visitors again on Saturday. 

Even the rain couldn't spoil the restart 

11:45 AM

Bali to welcome foreign tourists from September

Indonesia's resort island of Bali will allow international tourists to visit from September 11, and Indonesian tourists will be allowed to return from July 31.

The island held a mass prayer on Sunday to ask for permission and protection from the Hindu God at the sacred Besakih Temple.

Tourism contributes about 70 per cent of Bali’s GDP. As a result, the island has been among the hardest hit in Indonesia amid the pandemic. Foreign arrivals dried up by almost 100 per cent in April as many countries, including Indonesia, closed their borders.

In his reopening decree, Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster implemented guidance on crowd avoidance, physical distancing and personal hygiene, including regular hand washing and wearing facial covering or masks.

Bali has recorded more than 1,800 positive Covid-19 cases so far and 20 virus-linked deaths as of Sunday.


11:44 AM

Avoiding the crowds in Mallorca (with help from an app)

Our reporter Lottie Gross is full of praise for a new app that helps visitors to Mallorca steer clear of the busiest spots. 


11:36 AM

EasyJet to restart package holidays from August 1

EasyJet has announced plans to start operating its first package holidays for the 2020 summer season from August 1, following the easing of quarantine rules and FCO travel advice. It means many Britons with existing bookings for July, all of which will need to be cancelled or rescheduled, will face disappointment. 

A spokesman said: "Like many people we've been waiting for this moment. We've put a lot of work in behind the scenes to ensure our customers can travel with confidence."


11:20 AM

The perfect escape for lockdown-weary families

Hattie Garlick and her family celebrated Super Saturday suspended 40ft above the ground at a Go Ape! attraction. It turned out to be an ideal way to blow off the cobwebs. She says:

First impression? Irritation. The children gallop across wobbly bridges and swings like monkeys, laughing at me while I inch painfully, hesitantly, and (I’ll admit) slightly sweatily along the course. Finally, we arrive at the zip wire. After months of bouncing off the walls of our home and trudging the same old streets in our immediate neighbourhood, the kids leap with abandon off a platform and into the air, hurtling cathartically across the leafy canopy. 

Read the full report.


11:17 AM

End of the runway for the 747

Boeing is pulling the plug on its 747 jumbo jet, a favourite among travellers for five decades. The last 747-800 will roll out of a Seattle factory in about two years, according to a Bloomberg report.

The model has been slowly phased out of airline fleets in recent years, with the recent fall in demand for flying proving the final nail in its coffin. 


11:11 AM

Inside Bangkok's most iconic hotel

Chris Schalkx is reporting on the reopening of Bangkok's luxurious Mandarin Oriental hotel for Telegraph Travel. And he's just checked in.


11:02 AM

Liverpool's Titanic Hotel reopens

Overnight stays at Liverpool's Titanic Hotel are possible once more. The property reopened today with all the usual Covid-19 safety measures (hand sanitiser stations, enhancing cleaning rules, etc). One loser will be the environment, however, with linens to be washed at a minimum of 70°C for at least 25 mins "to kill potential bacteria". 


10:56 AM

Kenya announces phased re-opening, with tourism possible from August 1

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced a phased re-opening of the country, lifting restrictions on travel in and out of the capital Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa.

He said that international travel would resume from August 1, while domestic flights are scheduled to restart on July 15.

But Kenyatta warned that should the situation worsen over the next few weeks the country could be locked down again. "In the next 21 days we shall study patterns of interactions and the spread of the disease. Any trends that signal a worsening of the pandemic, we will have no choice but to return to lockdown," he said.

Kenya has confirmed nearly than 7,900 cases of the coronavirus as of July 6, with 160 deaths. 


10:52 AM

Spain looks blooming lovely

A tourist visits a lavender field near the village of Brihuega, Spain:

Spain is open to UK travellers

10:41 AM

Back in Paris

Mark Stratton has arrived in the French capital:


10:38 AM

Confusion and cancellations dampen relaunch of summer holiday season

Hugh Morris reports that holidaymakers face a summer of uncertainty as airlines continue to cancel flights amid confusion at the Government's patchwork "travel corridor" policy. 

Last week's easing of travel restrictions and the publication of a list of countries exempt from quarantine was supposed to hail the beginning of a post-pandemic summer season. 

But experts have warned that airlines are still struggling to manage to their flight schedules, leading to more cancellations, while there remains a lack of clarity over where UK travellers can go

Read the full report


10:29 AM

The Ritz to reopen – but only to diners

One of London's most iconic hotels, The Ritz, will reopen on July 18 – but only to diners. The gilded Palm Court restaurant will reopen for afternoon tea on that date, while on July 27 the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant will follow suit. It has not yet confirmed when overnight stays will be possible.

Commenting on the announcement, general manager Sal Gowili said: "We're incredibly happy to start reopening our restaurants. One of life's most enjoyable pleasures is to share delicious food and drink around the table in the company of family and friends."


10:13 AM

Government accused of confusing holidaymakers over travel lists

Of the 74 destinations to which the FCO has given the green light, only 25 do not have restrictions on UK arrivals, causing industry bodies to accuse the Government of confusing travellers.  

The PC Agency chief executive Paul Charles said: "Consumers are confused by the two lists produced by Government, as it's just not clear which countries are actually accessible without having to quarantine on arrival. It's vital that the Government provides clarity to consumers who are booking, and provides just one list that is accurate and up to date in terms of where we can actually access."

Emma Coulthurst, consumer advocate for price comparison site TravelSupermarket, said: "The Government's latest information released late on Friday on where UK citizens can holiday this summer has the potential to confuse people and see them unwittingly book holidays which, due to restrictions imposed by the destination country, they might not be able to take.

"There are some countries on the UK Government FCO and DfT lists which are refusing UK citizens entry or imposing strict entry requirements, which either completely prevent holidays or make them extremely difficult or more costly."


10:02 AM

Mallorca urges British travellers to return

Our reporter Lottie Gross has Palma de Mallorca virtually to herself, and Pedro Homar from the local tourist board says the general feeling in Mallorca is that they want tourists – even from the worst affected country in Europe.


09:51 AM

A postcard from Crete as the island tries to salvage its vital summer season

Heidi Fuller-Love is staying at the Stella Island Resort, one of the first hotels to reopen in Crete. She writes:

The atmosphere was subdued on my first night’s stay, with only 10 rooms occupied out of 235. By the second night that rose to 50, and staff seemed more at ease wearing their hot and uncomfortable plexiglass masks, whilst guests also seemed more relaxed, many shedding their PPE soon after arriving from the airport. 

With so many pools, the sound of running water, along with birdsong and the gentle flutter of palm fronds, was intensely soothing – it really was like being on an island sealed off from the outside world. Post Covid-19, however, there was less of the usual party vibe in this adults-only resort – more a sense that guests were exhausted: just glad to arrive, soak up the sun and forget the stress of lockdown.

Read the full story.


09:41 AM

The seagulls of Mallorca are pleased to see tourists

Our correspondent Lottie Gross flew to Mallorca on Saturday, becoming one of the first UK travellers to visit after the easing of FCO travel advice. Spain is heavily reliant on British tourists, of course, but so too are its seagulls. 


09:37 AM

Croatia's most beautiful seaside destinations

Croatia is exempt from the FCO advice against non-essential international travel, and there are no restrictions on UK arrivals – making it a fine option for a last-minute summer holiday. See our guide to its finest seaside spots

Croatia is ready for sunseekers

09:29 AM

The Louvre reopens

Our reporter Mark Stratton will be heading there later, but here are the first images of the reopened Louvre:

Face masks are a must and visitor numbers will be limited, with reservations required
Around 70 per cent of the large museum is open
The museum is expecting just 7,000 visitors on the reopening day. Before the pandemic, as many as 50,000 people per day toured the Louvre in the busiest summer months

09:22 AM

India records biggest daily spike in cases

One high-profile victim of the global shutdown, the Taj Mahal, will remain closed, it was announced on Sunday, as India reported 25,000 cases and 613 deaths in 24 hours – its biggest daily spike.

Large parts of the country remain on lockdown, including Chennai. Kalpana Sunder reported from the city for Telegraph Travel on Saturday:

My city, Chennai, which sits on the balmy South Indian coast, is in the state of Tamil Nadu and has some of the highest Covid-19 cases after Maharashtra and Delhi. We have been in and out of lockdown mode from March, the latest lockdown lasting till the end of July. The roads are eerily quiet, traffic noise at its minimum. For Indians used to sound pollution this feels like bliss in a way.

Wearing masks when we go out is compulsory, queues outside grocery stores is the norm. Our family has chosen to be wary, accepting few invitations, except for a special lunch at a close friend’s place, or visiting (from a distance) my 90-year-old father-in-law who lives in another part of town.  

Read the full report.


09:09 AM

Amsterdam from the water

The Netherlands is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel, and while arrivals from the UK are advised to self-isolate for 14 days, it is not mandatory. Visitors to Amsterdam will also find that boat trips along its iconic canals have restarted. 

Tourists take a boat ride in Amsterdam

09:03 AM

Tourism returns to Windsor

Hazel Plush was among the first tourists to return to Legoland on Saturday. She writes:

With signs reminding visitors about social distancing, hand sanitizing stations everywhere, and masks mandatory on many of the rides, it was a reassuringly well-managed experience. And, through their face shields and masks, the staff were clearly over the moon to be back: “I felt really emotional when we opened the gates this morning,” said one park employee. “We’ve spent months preparing for this moment – it was just fantastic to see families here again.” On all rides, selected areas were cordoned off to maintain social distancing – with staff swooping in to clean the cabs as soon as each group left. 

Over in Miniland, with its famous Lego-built world icons, there’s a new addition: a Key Worker ‘Thank You’, which features lockdown heroes galore. Here, immortalised in Lego bricks, you’ll find mini NHS medics, teachers and posties, alongside a lunging Joe Wicks, and Honorary Colonel Tom Moore doing some laps of his garden. Maybe it was all the fresh air, or the excitement of England’s Big Day Out – but suddenly I felt a little misty-eyed too.

Read the full story.


08:54 AM

Border closing in Australia for first time in 100 years

The border between Australia's two most populous states will close from Tuesday for an indefinite period, Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday, following an outbreak of the coronavirus in his state.

The decision marks the first time the border with neighbouring New South Wales has been shut in 100 years - officials last blocked movement between the two states in 1919 during the Spanish flu pandemic.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Melbourne, Victoria's capital, has surged in recent days, prompting authorities to enforce strict social-distancing orders in 30 suburbs and put nine public housing towers into complete lockdown.

The state reported 127 new Covid-19 infections overnight, its biggest one-day spike since the pandemic began. It also reported one death, the first nationally in more than two weeks, taking the country's total tally to 105.

Read the full story


08:44 AM

Welsh travel restrictions finally eased

After more than three months of strict lockdown, residents of Wales can finally travel more than five miles from their home.  

As of Monday morning, the "stay local" requirement has ended, meaning visitors are also able to travel into and around Wales for the first time since March. 

Outdoor attractions can also reopen, with hotels able to begin welcoming guests from July 11.


08:37 AM

We're approaching Paris

Mark Stratton is nearing the French capital. He says: "Forty-five minutes from Paris now as the Eurostar hurtles across the countryside. Today is a great day to visit, coinciding with the reopening of the Louvre. Surely there will not be the usual summertime crowds making a beeline for the Mona Lisa?"


08:34 AM

I'm heading abroad this summer – but what if things go wrong?

With Galicia and Catalonia reimposing restrictions, travellers heading to Europe may be nervous about the risk of new Covid-19 outbreaks spoiling their summer holiday. Nick Trend, our consumer expert, says: 

This is probably the biggest practical risk faced by holidaymakers this summer. You may have a holiday booked, but be unable to travel because of a new local, or national, lockdown in response to a new outbreak of the virus. Or, having once relaxed the quarantine rules and FCO advice against travel to some countries, the Government might reimpose the restrictions.

Tour operators will normally cancel holidays in such cases and you should get a refund. But there may be some grey areas which complicate matters. Some are introducing more flexibility in their bookings. BA Holidays, for example, says that if you book a holiday with them before August 31, 2020, for travel up to April 30, 2021, you can amend your booking for free (paying any difference in price) or cancel it and get a voucher for travel up until April 30, 2022. It’s worth looking out for that kind of deal if you are booking a holiday in the short term to give you more protection against uncertainty.

Read the full article.


08:25 AM

'We needed a break, and the train seems safer'

Mark Stratton is en route to Paris, and he isn't the only one. Fellow passengers include Gavin and his partner, an NHS worker, who booked a holiday a few days ago to the south of France – as soon as FCO travel advisories were lifted.

"We need a break but it's been difficult to plan with so many shifts in government advice," said Gavin. "We were a bit nervous about flying so Eurostar felt a safer option."

Gavin and his partner are heading to the south of France – but the train seems pretty empty
The Eurostar terminal in London was also fairly quiet

08:20 AM

The robots are taking over

Tour guides, look away now. The Topsroboteer, a robotic guide, takes tourists around Beijing's Olympic Forest national park.

Brave new world?

08:17 AM

We'll always have Paris

Mark Stratton is heading to Paris for Telegraph Travel this morning to rate the post-lockdown Eurostar experience, and to get a glimpse of the reopened Louvre. He writes:

Over the weekend the FCO's travel advisories were removed for many countries, including France. I am at the Eurostar terminal in St Pancras station about to board 0752 to Paris. Check in was orderly but there is not a lot open once inside departures, bar a solitary Pret A Manger where a large (socially-distanced queue) has formed.

Excited to be heading to the City of Light and about to find out how how the new landscape looks for journeys to France.


08:12 AM

Heathrow arrivals could be offered testing for £140

Coronavirus testing will be made available for passengers arriving at Heathrow Airport if the Government amends its quarantine policy.

Travel assistance company Collinson and ground-handling firm Swissport announced they have developed a system for people flying in to the UK's busiest airport to get tested, find out their results within 24 hours, and avoid self-isolation if they get the all-clear.

Tests would cost around £140 each and would be aimed at people returning to or visiting England from countries not included on the quarantine exemption list published by the Department for Transport on Friday, such as China, Portugal and the US.

But the Test On Arrival trial will only begin if the Government's quarantine policy is updated to also allow people who test negative at Heathrow to travel freely.

Vienna Airport is already offering coronavirus tests for arriving passengers willing to pay 190 euros (£172).

Read the full story.


08:03 AM

What happened yesterday?

Here's what we learnt on Sunday:

  • Trips to Spain could be hit after fresh lockdowns in Galicia and Catalonia
  • Cyprus may reopen to UK travellers on August 1
  • Ireland will be off-limits until at least July 20
  • More than half of readers are planning a last-minute summer holiday
  • Post-lockdown, Magaluf is almost unrecognisable

See yesterday's blog for a full recap