Holidays: Expert advises on waiting for 'last minute deals'

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Holidays are eagerly anticipated by countless Britons who have been travel-starved for nearly a year. However, while the roadmap out of lockdown has been laid out, some uncertainty does still remain. Government travel advice currently states: “The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on March 29 but many restrictions will remain in place.

“People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes.

“Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons.

“Holidays abroad will not be allowed, given it will remain important to manage the risk of imported variants and protect the vaccination programme.

“The government has launched a new taskforce to review global travel which will report on 12 April.”

It is hoped international jet-setting can return from May 17 as it stands.

However, many people may be apprehensive about parting with big sums of money in case it all goes wrong this summer and the Government backtracks.

Luckily holding off from booking doesn’t mean you have to miss out or will have to break the bank on a last-minute holiday.

In Channel 4 show Luxury Holidays: How To Get Away This Year, a travel expert explained bargain getaways can still be had.

“If you’re willing to wait, you might be able to jump on last-minute bargains for staycations as others change their mind and cancel UK bookings,” presenter Sabrina Grant told Express.co.uk.

Speaking to Grant in the show, Dr Peter Robinson from Leeds Beckett University said: “I suspect there will be people who have booked a UK holiday but who really want to go overseas and will take a small hit in order to go for that overseas holiday”

“Of course, the benefits to other people is that might free up low-cost last-minute bookings for the UK holidays as we get closer to the summer and these rules become clearer.”

As the show sums up: “If you’ve got your heart and a destination, that’s currently fully booked this summer, check back again if there’s a sudden change in international travel restrictions.”

What’s more: “If you’re really committed to a particular accommodation provider, consider getting in touch with them to be put on a waiting list should things change.”

Grant shared further tips for booking holidays this year with Express.co.uk.

She explained it’s vital to think about the Covid tests that will be needed and budget accordingly.

“If you do plan to go overseas make sure you factor in the possible cost of multiple Covid tests, and the possibility you may have to quarantine on return at a cost of £1750,” the presenter said.

It’s also important to get travel insurance, which should be purchased as soon as you book your holiday.

You must remember to read the fine print, too.

“Make sure you buy travel insurance, but the most important thing this year is to carefully check your cancellation policy when you book,” said Grant.

“Many providers are currently offering flexible booking policies.”

Luxury Holidays: How to Get Away This Year on Channel 4 tonight at 8pm and after on All 4

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