winter

Most of us are resigned to not going away this winter. For the bold who are considering a holiday, I asked travel industry expert and founder of Seventy Ten Travel, Ed Burke, about the best ways to make this happen. Ed shared with me some advice (and some pretty sweet deals!) for those of us who desperate to get away and fill the Christmas or half-term holidays.

Why book now?

1. With just a handful of Winter Sun destinations open without quarantine either side, demand is soon going to outstrip supply and prices will soar.
2. There is currently unprecedented flexibility for flight and hotel bookings. The BA book with confidence guarantee gives you free changes or credit until April 2022. Many hotels are waiving deposits and allowing refunds if new restrictions apply. So you can book now with no financial risk or commitment.

At Seventy Ten Travel, we are offering some of the most flexible package booking terms in the country. Meaning you won’t have to pay anything until absolutely necessary and any payments are refundable should new travel restrictions come into place. And now is the time to book.

You can make plans with absolutely no financial risk, even now as things change all the time. We keep on top of all the risks and regulations and keep you updated all the way – saving you the stress.

If anything changes whilst you are away, we are on hand to sort everything out whilst you continue to enjoy your well-earned time away.

We can also help with obtaining Covid-19 tests which can be delivered to your home and Covid proof travel insurance!

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As Boris said, it will be a long winter, many of you will want to get away, but if you leave it to the last minute it will be difficult and most likely more expensive.

Many minds will now be turning to Christmas.

If “the rule of 6” is still in place then many families will not legally be able to get together in the UK… so why not arrange to meet up abroad. We can help with hotel and villa ideas in destinations both warm and cold.

So, where can you go this winter?

Direct Flight – Without Quarantine 

Caribbean

Antigua or St Lucia are currently the best options, both require negative PCR tests taken within 7 days of arrival into the country. In St Lucia stays are limited to Covid-19 Certified hotels which we have access to. There are some beautiful family-friendly resorts on both islands, two of our favourites below. I visited Antigua last year with my family and was lucky enough to stay at Carlisle Bay and Jumby Bay as well as The St James Club and Nonsuch Bay – all very special hotels in their own right. Read here for more info!

7 nights Blue Water Antigua, in a Cove Suite, all-inclusive with BA flights and transfers departing 12th December from £6,900 for a family of 4.  

7 nights Viceroy Sugar Beach, in a Luxury Villa, all-inclusive with BA flights and transfers departing 12th December from £10,900 for a family of 4. 

For a larger gathering, there are some excellent serviced villas we can offer!

Seychelles

Seychelles is now open to UK travellers with no quarantine measures either side on submission of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure. It’s a truly great option for families, a veritable “Garden of Eden” and will bring out the Attenborough in your children!

7 nights Constance Ephelia in a two-bedroom beach villa, B&B with BA flights and transfers departing 12th December from £9,950 for a family of 4. 

Madeira

The beautiful Portuguese island may not be front of mind for families, but it’s stunningly beautiful and culturally much more interesting than the Canaries. The four-hour flight from London is also very manageable with a mask and the temperatures are pleasant year-round. Reids Palace is the best hotel on the island with great kids facilities.

7 nights Belmond Reids Palace in connecting rooms, B&B with BA flights and transfers departing 12th December from £4,990 for a family of 4.  

Italy

This winter presents a unique opportunity for a winter city break. Italy is currently putting the rest of Europe to shame in its control of a 2nd wave. In normal times, Rome and Venice will be busy with tourists, particularly over the holidays. Many museums and attractions are open, though hardly needed as these cities are open-air museums in themselves.

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Direct Flight – With Quarantine on return*

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to self-isolate for 14 days on your return home, there are some really great options available. We can point you in the right direction for appropriate travel insurance which will cover you even if the FCO advice advises against essential travel (which it will if you have to self isolate).

Maldives

We think it’s a little absurd the Maldives is not on the travel corridor list. It seems the perfect “Covid-19” destination. Nearly all rooms are standalone villas, perfect for isolation. There is no mixing between hotels and there are robust hygiene and safety procedures in place. BA are operating their direct service 3 days a week.

7 nights Lux South Ari Atoll all-inclusive in a Beach Villa, with BA flights and seaplane transfers departing 12th December from £10,400 for a family of 4.  

Oman

Oman is traditionally very popular for winter sun, thanks to balmy winter temperatures, relatively short flights and beautiful resort hotels. Oman has some pretty robust arrival procedures we can talk you through. This is made more bearable by some unprecedented special offers. The Shangri-La is a proven winner for families!

7 nights Shangri-La Al Bandar half-board in connecting rooms, with BA flights and transfers departing 12th December from £5,900 for a family of 4.

East Africa

There’s never been a better time for a safari. Huge crowds are now a thing of the past and the invaluable conservation work and anti-poaching is primarily funded through tourism.

Tailor-made Kenya or Tanzania Safari – starting from £10,000 for a family of 4

For more information, visit SeventyTenTravel.com

*correct as of 17/10/20

Looking for something else? Take a peek at my ultimate directory for the best parent, baby and business recommendations.