With the UK quarantine exemption family summer vacations may not be saved

Following a UK government declaration, fully vaccinated travelers returning from countries on the Amber List would no longer be required to enter the country through quarantine. This includes popular European countries such as Spain and Greece for British tourists. This is good news for destinations that rely on the UK. However, many British families have already made plans for summer 2021, so the move may be too little, too late.

With the UK quarantine exemption family summer vacations may not be saved

According to GlobalData, families took 46 percent of travels in the UK in 2019. Because school summer vacations are limited to six to eight weeks in July and August, many families with school-aged children will plan their most important vacation during that time. Traveling with school-aged children (or younger) necessitates some planning, which might result in vacations being planned months in advance and leaving less room for spontaneity. Due to the cancellation of international vacations earlier this year, families will have planned a domestic UK vacation instead, leaving little time or money for a last-minute overseas getaway. According to a Verdict Community Survey*, 42 percent of the 1,442 respondents were willing to take a local vacation in the next 12 months, compared to only 29 percent who were willing to go abroad inside the same continent.

This demonstrates the apprehension about taking a foreign journey and the tension that will accompany it. Organizing tests and immunization records for individuals has shown to be difficult; however, when a family is involved, the burden is amplified due to the additional costs associated with more people. Destinations rely on these high-demand summer vacationers because rates are typically hiked to reflect increased demand. This increased cash during the summer months allows the company to continue operating during off-peak periods, which is especially important for European destinations. This will be the second year in a row that summer vacations could be canceled, putting a strain on already struggling tourism enterprises.

The level of ambiguity is still a problem.

Quarantine procedures are the main barrier to travel right now, according to a Verdict Community Survey** (58 percent of respondents), with travel limitations coming in second (55 percent ). Although the restriction and quarantine requirement have been eliminated as a result of this regulation change, it is not assured in the future. Grant Shapps, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, stated that there is no certainty that any country on the amber list will not be moved to the red list at any time. This will sabotage any vacation plans and could cost the traveler a lot of money. This adds to the burden of overseas travel at a time when it is already fraught with uncertainty. This will encourage Brits to stick to their UK vacation plans, which will be less expensive and less likely to be affected by any changes in restrictions. The adjustment in amber list quarantine restrictions is unlikely to assist families that normally vacation during the summer. Instead, it may benefit individuals who are able to schedule last-minute vacations and who have the financial means to cover any testing or quarantine charges.