Our top 10 destinations...
if you're not fully vaccinated
Plenty of places are open for a holiday
Nothing stops the 'January blues' quite like booking a holiday. While it's easier to head out if you're fully vaccinated, there are lots of places open if you haven't had, or can't get, the jab.
We've rounded up ten of our favourites, starting with four classic destinations that are all popular for city breaks, beach holidays and late-season sun alike.
1. Croatia
Famous now as the set of Game of Thrones' 'King's Landing', Dubrovnik makes a great city break, and the warm Adriatic coast is a tempting alternative to the better-known beach resorts of Greece or Turkey.
What are the rules to get in?You'll need to take either an antigen test 48 hours before you land or a PCR test no more than 72 hours before you land.
What about kids?Children under 12 are exempt from testing, children over 12 need a test to come in.
2. Mexico
Mexico has benefited enormously as a tourist destination over the last two years by imposing very few restrictions on entry. Travel to Mexico is up 56% even on 2019, as people who want a completely hassle-free trip head out there to enjoy the sun and the culture, without the need for tests or vaccine passports.
What are the rules to get in?Let the local authorities know if you have Covid symptoms when you land (yes, that's really it).
What about kids?No rules for adults means no rules for kids either. The more the merrier.
Don't forget! We've been to Mexico – take a look at our original video guide.
3. Portugal
Portugal was the first green list destination open this year and has remained a firm favourite throughout 2021 for its warm welcome for visitors.
What are the rules to get in?Mainland Portugal requires an antigen test taken 48 hours before you set off, or a PCR test taken 72 hours before, whether you've had both jabs or not.
What about kids?Children up to 11 are exempt - 11 and up need a test or proof of vaccination.
Check out our Portugal guides, including Lisbon and the Algarve.
4. Turkey
Turkey is open to visitors again, and like all our top destinations offers a combination of beach or city break for every taste.
What are the rules to get in?You'll need to complete an online form (Form for Entry to Turkey) a maximum of 72 hours prior to travel. Aside from that, you'll need to show proof of an antigen test taken 48 hours before you set off or a PCR test taken 72 hours before you set off.
What about kids?Turkey doesn't seem to exempt children of any age from the testing requirements.
Want to know more about Turkey?
What are the rules for coming back to the UK now?
Upon arrival back to the UK, you must complete a PCR test within two days of your return. You'll have to isolate yourself until you have the results of the test.
We work with a number of Covid test providers and can recommend the right test for every trip.
5. Albania
���Europe's last unturned stone', Albania is close but exotic - a great combination if the last couple of years have left you itching for adventure.
What are the rules to get in?Albania accepts proof of vaccination, antigen test or PCR test.
What about kids?Visitors aged 6 and above follow the adult rules, so if you're taking the family they'll need tests too.
6. The Maldives
A proper tropical beach paradise, head here for a week or two in the lap of absolute sundrenched luxury.
What are the rules to get in?Tourists visiting the Maldives must present a negative PCR test no more than 96 hours (four days) old, and tourists are not subject to quarantine. All travellers must also fill in a Traveller Health Declaration form 24 hours before departure to and return from the Maldives.
What about kids?The Maldives doesn't seem to offer any testing exemption for children.
7. Cyprus
With stylish cities, mountainous nature walks and beautiful beaches all within easy access of each other, Cyprus has something for everyone. The island is four and a half hours away by air and enjoys some of Europe's most reliable weather.
What are the rules to get in?Cyprus requires unvaccinated UK visitors to take a PCR test before setting off and another on arrival at the airport. The test on arrival will cost around €15.
What about kids?Children under 12 are exempt.
Want to know more about Cyprus?
8. Belize
One of the few Caribbean nations currently open for a hassle-free break, this pocket-sized, English-speaking Caribbean nation boasts its own barrier reef, some of the best watersports on earth and fascinating Mayan ruins.
What are the rules to get in?Belize requires all visitors, vaccinated or not, to present a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours old.
What about kids?Under 5s are exempt from tests to enter.
Where do we not recommend for unvaccinated travellers?
The two main destinations that only admit vaccinated travellers now (barring exceptional circumstances) are Spain and the USA.
In Europe, other destinations that are effectively closed unless you've had the jabs are France and Germany, which only admit unvaccinated travellers for urgent reasons, and Ireland requires two weeks of self-isolation on arrival.
Greece is open to unvaccinated visitors, but with most drinking and dining restricted to people able to prove their vaccination status it may not be viable, unless you're happy to self-cater or are looking for a purely outdoor adventure.
All that said - most holidays are to just one country, so with at least ten options available, we hope there's something to suit everyone!
9. Madeira and the Azores
Two Portuguese island resorts out in the warm waters of the North Atlantic, both are open to visitors without the jab.
What are the rules to get in?Both destinations admit visitors with a negative PCR test.
What about kids?Madeira exempts children up to the age of 11, the Azores up to the age of 12.
10. Dubai
With the Expo running until March and tourist attractions entirely weather-proof, Dubai is a reliable holiday destination with some one-off attractions currently drawing in the crowds.
What are the rules to get in?Dubai only requires a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before you set off, for vaccinated and unvaccinated visitors alike.
What about kids?Under 12s are exempt.
Want to know more about Dubai?
Where else can I go?
These are just our top ten suggestions. Plenty of other places are open, and new places are opening up every day.
