What are the new rules for double-jabbed holidays? And how do they affect train travel?
Why July 19 is Travel D-Day
Good news today for British train travellers. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that from July 19 July 19 double-jabbed holidaymakers will be able to visit ‘amber list’ countries without the need to quarantine on return.
He also confirmed that the self-isolation rules are being waived for the fully-vaccinated from July 19 in a boost for the travel industry. Children will also be exempt, which means that family train holidays overseas to countries like the Netherlands could be back on the agenda this year.
The Not So Good News
Whilst the announcement is a step in the right direction for overseas travel and will give us the chance to see the world’s most famous trains, there is a sting in the tail.
The new rules state that everyone will have to be tested for Covid within two days of getting back from their trip. This means your holiday will cost more and it would a very expensive holiday for a family. Some rail travel companies may include this in the cost of your holiday but this remains to be seen if it happens.
PCR tests for holidaymakers returning from ‘green list’ destinations are also being kept – meaning for the double-jabbed the system will be the same as it is for amber and green countries.
You also have to factor in that some of the countries you are visiting may put restrictions on your travel because they are concerned about the Indian variant taking hold in their country.
Our verdict?
Whilst this is a great step in the right direction, realistically, it will still be hard to travel. We would advise booking your next overseas rail journey with a knowledgeable rail travel company like Great Rail Journeys, Rail Bookers or Tailormade Rail. Not only will they have the latest up-to-date information on the countries you want to visit, they can book a safe journey for you and also postpone it if the travel advice changes.
The rail travel industry knows that we’re all desperate to book the rail trips of our dreams, and we may have to just sit tight for a bit.
And of course, now is the time to take advantage of being at home and enjoying trips on legendary train trips like West Highland Line, Settle to Carlisle Railway and the Bluebell Railway.