A rush for UK residents to book summer vacations commenced this week after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a gradual lift of the national COVID-19 lockdown, with bookings increasing as much as 600%.
Johnson announced a plan that would allow Brits to enjoy staycations within the country from April 12 and overseas travel allowed from May 17.
In response, UK airline easyJet reported a 300% increase in flight bookings while vacation package bookings increased more than 600% from last week, The Independent reported. The most popular destinations were Spain, Portugal, and Greece for the months of August, July, and September.
“We have consistently seen that there is pent-up demand for travel, and this surge in bookings shows that this signal from the government that it plans to reopen travel has been what U.K. consumers have been waiting for,” easyJet Chief Executive Johan Lundgren, told The Associated Press. “The Prime Minister’s address has provided a much-needed boost in confidence for so many of our customers in the U.K.”
Video: UK Announces Dates to Lift Restrictions on Dining, Travel, and Nightclubs (Travel + Leisure)
TSA to Hire 6,000 Officers Ahead of Predicted Summer Travel Surge
Travel + Leisure
This Famous Abbey Road Sign Is Up for Auction in London — and Beatles Fans Are Bidding Hig
Travel + Leisure
Snowmobiles, Quiet Streets, and Stellar Sunsets: What Life Is Like on Michigan's Mackinac
Travel + Leisure
Hang With Elephants Then Hit the Pool on This $25,000 Safari in Botswana
Travel + Leisure
London's Natural History Museum Unveils a Massive Replica of Mars
Travel + Leisure
Disney World Will Celebrate Its 50th Anniversary This Fall
Travel + Leisure
You Could Get a Major Discount on Your Next Vacation Just by Agreeing to 'Unplug'
Travel + Leisure
Explore the Country on These 49 New ‘All-American Roads’ and Scenic Byways
Travel + Leisure
The Louvre Is Undergoing a Major Renovation While Closed Due to the Pandemic
Travel + Leisure
The National Park Service's New App Makes Planning a Visit Easier Than Ever
Travel + Leisure
This Bahamas Resort Will Send You Home Via Private Jet If You Test Positive for COVID-19
Travel + Leisure
Casper’s Pet Bed Might Be Better Than Your Own Mattress
Travel + Leisure
U.S. Airlines to Begin Contact-Tracing Programs for International Travelers
Travel + Leisure
You Can Buy Out an Entire Riverboat Cruise to Sail Around Europe — Here’s What $322,000 Ge
Travel + Leisure
Yeti Just Launched Its First Luggage Line — and It's Perfect for Adventure Travel
Travel + Leisure
United Airlines Grounds Dozens of Planes Following Engine Failure Incident
Travel + Leisure
TSA to Hire 6,000 Officers Ahead of Predicted Summer Travel Surge
Positions at about 430 airports around the country are open.
Travel + Leisure
This Famous Abbey Road Sign Is Up for Auction in London — and Beatles Fans Are Bidding Hig
Here's your chance to bid on a piece of Beatles history.
Travel + Leisure
Snowmobiles, Quiet Streets, and Stellar Sunsets: What Life Is Like on Michigan's Mackinac
TikTok creator Bailey Janette uses her platform to share unique aspects of life on the island year-round, although it's a popular summer vacation destination.
Travel + Leisure
British travel company Tui also reported a 500% surge in bookings overnight on Tuesday, according to the British outlet. The highest demand was for vacations in Greece, Spain, and Turkey.
Load Error
In the plan to lift lockdown restrictions, children can return to school on March 8 and people will be allowed to meet one other person outside. Later in the month, small outdoor gatherings will be allowed. Shops, hairdressers, and outdoor service at pubs and restaurants will restart on April 12.
By May 17, indoor venues like cinemas and indoor seating at pubs and restaurants are scheduled to reopen. On that date, Brits will also be allowed to start foreign holidays. All limits on social contact are expected to lift June 21, when nightclubs are scheduled to reopen.
The government also expects to be able to offer at least a first dose of the vaccine to all adults by the end of July.
The dates may be pushed back if the rates of infections or hospitalizations increase. The government is considering a “COVID status certification” for businesses or “vaccine passports” that people may use to travel freely over the upcoming months.
Currently, all visitors to the UK must quarantine for 10 days. Travelers from 33 “red list” countries are required to quarantine in a hotel.
Cailey Rizzo is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure, currently based in Brooklyn. You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, or at caileyrizzo.com.
Source: Read Full Article