Is summer cancelled again?
Well, if anything is certain this year, then that is that Summer 2021 is most definitely NOT cancelled! I know the whole traffic light system, tests and jabs are confusing as hell, but I'm here to make it all that little bit easier and also recommend some of the best places for a staycation! After all, a staycation is the new abroad right?
What do I need to do to go abroad?
Well following government advice, they advise against all travel, but this changes all the time and we can only advise you to keep up to date with the GOV website.
Now, we have what should be an easy to follow so-called traffic light system, again this is changing all the time but here's what I know now.
Green List Countries -
Before you travel to England you must:
On arrival in England
You must take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 after you arrive.
Children aged 4 and under do not need to take this test.
You do not need to quarantine unless the test result is positive.
You must quarantine if NHS Test & Trace informs you that you travelled to England with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Amber List Countries -
Before you travel to England you must:
On arrival in England you must:
- quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days
- take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8
Read about quarantine and taking COVID-19 tests.
Children aged 4 and under do not need to take the day 2 or day 8 test.
You may be able to end quarantine early if you pay for a private COVID-19 test through the Test to Release scheme.
Red List Countries -
You should not travel to red list countries or territories but if you absolutley must here is what you have to do.
Before you travel to England you must:
On arrival in England you must:
What countries are on the Green List?
Here are the updated countries on the green list as of 08/07/2021.
| Anguilla |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Antarctica/British Antarctic Territory |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Antigua and Barbuda |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Australia |
|
| Balearic islands (Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca) |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Barbados |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Bermuda |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| British Indian Ocean Territory |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| British Virgin Islands |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Brunei |
|
| Cayman Islands |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Dominica |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Falkland Islands |
|
| Faroe Islands |
|
| Gibraltar |
|
| Grenada |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Iceland |
|
| Israel and Jerusalem |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber. |
| Madeira |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Malta |
Moved to green list 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Montserrat |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| New Zealand |
|
| Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
| Singapore |
|
| South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands |
|
| St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha |
|
| Turks and Caicos Islands |
Green watchlist – at risk of moving from green to amber.
Moved to green watchlist 4am Wednesday 30 June. If you arrived in England before then, you need to follow the amber list rules. |
Still to confusing and too much hassle? Here's my top Staycation recommendations
1. The Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales
The Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales is considered one of THE most stunning British landscapes. Undulating hills, soaring mountains and fields of sheep beneath vast skies, create a sense of space that’s immensely welcome after a being locked down in a town or city.
2. Isles of Scilly, Archipelago
It’s easy to forget Britain is surrounded by incredible islands, including the beautiful Isles of Scilly archipelago off the coast of Cornwall. Thanks to a unique micro climate it boasts white sand beaches and palm trees (yes, really) and the top place to stay is Hell Bay, a glorious New England-style hotel on the tiny island of Bryher. Sorry is that picture actually in the UK?!
3. Bath England
The biggest city in Somerset gets its name thanks to Roman-built baths, which are absolutely stunning. While you're there, also enjoy the Royal Crescent and Thermae Bath Spa, as well as lanes of independent shops and Bath abbey.
4. The Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic coast stretches from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, and is arguably one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the world.
5. York
If you like history then this picture-perfect from practically every angle city is a perfect contender for you. York is what you'd envisage when you think of a postcard English city. Surrounded by medieval walls, but with modern touches from shops and restaurants, York is the perfect mixture of history and contemporary sights.
6. Pembrokeshire, Wales
The perfect destination for those who love to be out and about, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is the UK's only true coastal National Park, and has 186 miles of trails with over 50 beaches along the way.
7. Lake District
It wouldn't be a list of top staycations without the Lake District now would it?! Probably one of the most well-known holiday destinations, the glassy lakes and rolling hills are as idyllic in real life as you'd hope.
8. Anglesey, Wales
With beaches so stunning you'll wonder if you're actually in the UK, Anglesey is a peaceful gem if a seaside getaway is what you're looking for. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lived in the Welsh isle after getting married, and said they would "miss it terribly" after leaving - and with views like that, who can blame them?
9. Norfolk Broads
The Broads is a birdwatcher’s paradise – the two standout rarities are marsh harriers and bitterns. The Broads also has a number of wonderful nature reserves that can be visited, such as the “floating” Broads Wildlife Centre on Ranworth Broad.
Top Tip: Exploring the Broads by boat means you can not only easily visit all the waterside wildlife centres, but you get right up close with the bird life and stop of at different destinations around the Broads.
10. Scottish Highlands
The Highlands really is the Scotland of your imagination. Think big skies, mind-blowing landscapes, superb food and hospitable people - and you've got the Scottish Highlands. There's a natural playground which begs to be explored, while the region's turbulent history has left behind some of the most beautiful and romantic castles in the world.
That's my top staycations!
Well, if you have gotten this far, thank you for reading! I hope this blog has helped you in someway! Don't forget to check out all our DCTUK socials for competitions, prize draws and great flooring offers!
Why not subscribe to our YouTube for all the latest DCTUK news and discount codes!
youtube.com/dctuk
YouTube
