Safest Destinations to Travel in Summer 2020

What are the safest countries to travel to this summer? It’s the question on everyone’s mind as the pandemic is still threatening people’s lives and disrupting international travel. While that’s the case, most countries opened their borders as of June, as well as non-essential shops and tourist attractions.

It is still possible to have a nice summer holiday without having to self-quarantine upon arrival from the UK for certain countries. We made a list of the safest countries to travel to from the UK during Covid-19 and covered the lockdown rules for tourists.

These countries have seen lower infection rates, have good health services and reasonable lockdown measures.

Turkey

Turkey is open to international travel and has eased its lockdown rules; opening markets, shopping malls, cafés and restaurants.

Currently, wearing a mask in public spaces is obligatory and those who don’t may get fined up to approximately £105. This doesn’t include hotels, where social distancing rules will be applied instead.

All travellers arriving in Turkey will be checked for the coronavirus and if you have any symptoms, you will be required to be tested. If you test positive for coronavirus, you’ll either receive medical treatment at a facility determined by the Ministry of Health or at a private medical facility in Turkey at your own expense.

The Ministry of Health in Turkey launched a safe tourism certification program for hotels, requiring them to adhere to hygiene regulations regarding visitor, staff, hotel and facilities, and transport vehicles’ safety during the pandemic.

We recommend you to book your safe, all-inclusive holiday at one of the hotels below. Call us on 020 8661 1805 to arrange your holidays today.

Sueno Hotel Deluxe Belek

Rixos Premium Bodrum

Venosa Beach Resort & Spa Sueno Hotel

Kaputaş Beach

Portugal

Portugal eased its lockdown restrictions and small shops, bookstores, beauty salons, restaurants, cafés and museums are open. In Portugal, people are obliged to wear masks inside public spaces, public transport and to adhere to social distancing rules.

Upon arrival from the UK, travellers will be subjected to health screening. If you show symptoms, you may be required to take a COVID-19 test and self-isolate at your accommodation until you receive the results.

If you are headed to Madeira, Porto Santo or the Azores, you should take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before you travel or you can get tested on arrival and remain at your accommodation for 12 hours until you receive the results.

The tourism board Turismo de Portugal issues the “Clean and Safe” stamp to restaurants, hotels, for cultural activities, tourism offices and more in order to recognise those who comply with health safety recommendations issued by the National Tourist Authority.

Travellers can search for accommodation, activities and restaurants on Turismo de Portugal’s website.

Lagos, Portugal

Croatia

Croatia is among the countries that were least affected by coronavirus. With beautiful beaches and historical cities, it’s a top travel destination as well as being among the safest places to travel in summer 2020.

EU and UK citizens don’t need to quarantine upon arrival to Croatia. Social distancing measures are in place however wearing a mask isn’t compulsory, it’s only recommended. Travellers should fill out an online entry form before they travel to Croatia. You should also carry proof of your accommodation booking.

British citizens who are returning to the UK from Croatia won’t have to self-quarantine.

Greece

Greece has opened its door to travellers from the UK as of the 15th of July. Currently, Greece has also eased its lockdown rules and tourist attractions including historical sites, beaches, and more are open to visitors. Social distancing is still taken seriously and visitors must wear masks in enclosed spaces such as public transport.

Greece is keeping track of visitors with an online form (PLF) which requires travellers to register detailed information about their point of departure, the duration of previous stays in other countries and address of their accommodation in Greece. If you are hoping to travel to Greece, you should complete this form a day before you enter the country.

You may be directed for a health screening in Greece. If you are tested for coronavirus, you might be required to self-isolate at your accommodation while you wait for the results. The results can take up to 24 hours to arrive. If you test positive, Greek authorities will ask you to quarantine in government-provided accommodation for 14 days.

Santorini, Greece

General Travel Advice

We recommend all airline passengers to always wear a protective mask while they are travelling and to arrive at the airport earlier than usual. Remember to wash or sanitise your hands regularly and keep a social distance with those around you. Do not travel if you are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms which are:

- a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)

- a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal

Be safe, and stay alert! We wish you a safe and healthy summer. Contact us if you would like to book your flight or hotel by calling 020 8661 1805 or writing to us at sales@rightholidays.co.uk.