Anxious about travelling abroad again? The world is slowly reopening, but foreign travel is still a minefield. Here’s what you need to know about how to go on a foreign holiday and where to get the information you need before you travel.

Booking a foreign holiday used to be pretty simple – a case of choosing the best beach or the cheapest package deal. But it has become a whole lot more complicated as a consequence of Covid.

While many of us are relieved we can travel again after months of pent up frustration, the idea of actually going through with it still feels daunting. Safety, logistics and ethical choices are all key concerns.

Here we address some widespread worries…

BE HONEST, HOW CLEAN ARE PLANES REALLY?

From sticky fingerprints on tray tables to chocolate wrappers stuffed down the back of seats, planes have a bit of a bad cleanliness rep. Lately, one of the main concerns shared by travellers is the risk of catching Covid in a confined cabin space. Worries about the dangers of inhaling “recycled air” are compounded by a fear of being stuck in a breeding ground for germs. But the reality is very different. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), cabin air is refreshed between 20 and 30 times per hour – 10 times more than most office buildings, meaning it’s probably safer to hop on a plane than clock in for a day’s work.

As for the air you breathe onboard, 50% is fresh air and the remaining is High- Efficiency Particulate Air with 99.993% of bacteria and viruses removed. HEPA filters have been fitted in aircrafts for some time and are also used in hospital operating theatres. The seat configuration on planes also helps; with everyone facing the same direction, seatbacks act as barriers and air is circulated from top to bottom. All airlines still require passengers to wear masks – an additional reassurance – and movement of passengers is kept to a minimum.

IS IT BETTER TO TRAVEL WITH A TOUR OPERATOR?

With more companies shifting online in the last few years, some travellers have been switching to booking elements of their holidays independently. But the pandemic has shone a spotlight on why the role of the travel agent is more important than ever.

Abercrombie & Kent, who have been selling holidays in Ireland and Britain for over 60 years, stress the value of their flexible booking policy. All new bookings made before the end of this year for travel before December 31, 2022, can be changed or postponed for Covid-related reasons up to 15 days before departure. They also have their own global network of ground handlers – rather than relying on third parties – giving them a better handle on rapidly changing situations while allowing for a swifter response time.

By law, all travel agents and tour operators in Ireland who arrange overseas travel must be state bonded. This means that if they go out of business, customers’ money and bookings are protected. Operators in Ireland must be licensed by the Commission for Aviation Regulation and enter into a bond (ccpc.ie). When choosing an agent, check if they are licensed. You can access information on the licensing status of tour operators and travel agents, maintained by the Commission for Aviation Regulation at gov.ie.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PREDEPARTURE TEST IS POSITIVE?

It’s everyone’s biggest worry: what happens if I catch Covid while overseas? Anyone who does test positive will need to follow a country’s individual quarantine requirements – even if you have no obvious symptoms.

Tour operators can help you reschedule flights and extend stays, but they aren’t obliged to cover your costs. That’s why it’s vital – more than ever – to have travel insurance. Look for policies that include pre-departure cancellation if travellers test positive, emergency medical care and repatriation should they contract the virus whilst travelling, and any contribution to quarantine costs.

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE

CARD If you’re going on holiday in the EU, make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC allows you to access public healthcare in another EU/EEA state for free or at a reduced rate. You can use it when you are travelling abroad or when you are staying temporarily in another EU State. Note the following:

>> Each family member needs their own card.

>> It lasts for up to 4 years.

>> You will need to apply to renew your card and you can renew online (sspcrs.ie).

>> When abroad, always carry your EHIC with you.

>> It will not cover you for healthcare outside of the EU, other than Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein (EEA) and Switzerland.

>> It does not cover private healthcare.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHERE I CAN GO ON HOLIDAY?

Restrictions are probably the biggest hurdle for anyone travelling at the moment, with every country setting its own requirements. First of all, it’s important to work out which countries are open. From July 19, new advice and rules for international travel come into effect in Ireland. Before making any travel plans check the Designated States for Mandatory Hotel Quarantine (listed at gov.ie). The status of countries on the list changes so you need to monitor the site. Hotel quarantine needs to be pre-booked in advance of travel if you are planning on visiting areas on the quarantine list.

THE ESSENTIALS OF TRAVELLING SAFELY

In advance of travelling, register your details with The Department of Foreign Affairs online (dfa.ie) so that you can be contacted quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.

When leaving Ireland If you are travelling within the EU, check what restrictions are in place in the country you are travelling to on the ReOpen EU website in advance ( reopen.europa.eu). If you have been vaccinated or had a COVID-19 test here, you will be issued a Digital COVID Certificate from Ireland, this will ease your entry into other EU countries.

Arriving into Ireland from another EU/ EEA country Before arriving into Ireland, you will need to complete a Passenger Locator Form, which will be checked at departure for your return journey. You will have to indicate on the form which of the following applies:

>> proof of vaccination

>> proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 6 months

>> proof of negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival

>> Your Digital COVID Certificate can be used as proof of whichever of the above applies for you.

>> If you don’t have a Digital Covid Certificate you can book a RT-PCR test privately and a Digital COVID Certificate will be provided by the private RT-PCR testing service. Certificates based on a RT-PCR are valid for 72 hours after the test was taken.

>> You can book an antigen test privately and a Digital COVID Certificate will be provided by the private testing service. Certificates based on negative antigen tests are valid for 48 hours after the test was taken.

Note: Ireland does not accept antigen test certificates but other EU countries do.

COMPLIANCE CHECKS

On arrival in Ireland, spot checks are carried out on Digital COVID Certificates, other proof of vaccinations and negative RT-PCR tests.

I’M AFRAID OF TRAVEL SHAMING. IS IT IRRESPONSIBLE TO TRAVEL RIGHT NOW?

Throughout the pandemic, when travel was heavily restricted, anyone daring to make a dash across international borders was subject to “travel shaming” – being made to feel guilty for going on holiday or working abroad. There were accusations of travellers bringing variants into the country and anger that some people could move freely while others were stuck indoors – not helped by images of reality TV stars and bloggers on “work trips” to Dubai.

Whatever the motivations for complaint, it’s a different situation now. As restrictions ease and people start to move around, there is a growing confidence and greater acceptance of travel. So there’s no need to hide holiday plans or turn overseas visits into a covert operation.

Vaccination and testing requirements to enter most countries rapidly reduce the chance of further fuelling the pandemic, and anyone still worried about having a negative impact should flip the argument and consider how beneficial travel can be.

Many poorer countries – heavily depend on tourism revenue, and often the long-term damage caused by a loss of income is equally as pernicious as Covid-19.

Enjoy some adventure and sunshine and travel safely.

For more visit dfa.ie