Thinking of booking last minute? Here's what you need to know.

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We know, 2020 was a whirlwind of FCDO announcements about where you could and couldn't go (whoever says the word 'unprecedented' first has to get in the first round of drinks!). We recommend planning ahead for the summer to open up again later this year - but if you want to leave it to the last minute (again!), here's how. The world is still happy to see you - so if you're thinking about booking your holiday last minute here's what you need to know.

Do your research

Okay, we admit it's usually more fun to research which beach to head to or where's the best place for dinner - but this year research looks a little different. Before you book monitor the latest coronavirus rates for the places you'd like to visit - it's generally the best indication of which countries might be at risk of the dreaded FCDO travel corridor hammer. Although it's not a guaranteed science (we're still not convinced there isn't a magic hat), the general rule is that 20 cases per 100,000 is the benchmark for when a country may be taken off the travel corridor list. But the same rules apply in reverse, a country below that level may well be added to the list.

Be prepared

It's not just about whether the FCDO says it's okay to go, however, the country you're visiting also has its own guidelines. So it's really important (and always good practise anyway!) to check the entry guidelines for the country you're planning to visit. Some places may not have the UK on its 'okay' list, other's may require you to take a COVID test before you fly and have the negative results ready to present at the border and some of the most stringent require you to take a test on arrival and remain quarantined until a negative result is obtained. So make sure you are fully prepared to meet these entry requirements before you book.

Find a deal

It's been a tough year for travel, but this means there's some amazing deals out there, with most airlines and holiday companys offering lower fares to top destinations. If you haven't already why not sign up for Jack's flight club or use Google Flights - you'll be amazed at what low fares you can get, especially if you are flexible on where you want to go! Don't forget to shop around and always make sure you read the T&Cs on your booking so you know what to expect if the worst happens.

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Book a package holiday

You may be an independent spirit who likes to book everything separately and usually, that's great - however this year it might be worth looking at what packages deals are available as they tend to offer you a little more security if things do go wrong. When booking a package holiday, all parts of that booking have cancellation protection - whereas if you book hotel and flights separately you may only be able to get a refund or voucher for one part of the trip.

Get insured

Once you've booked a flight or holiday package before you do anything else make sure you purchase travel insurance for your trip. Whilst it can be tempting to wait to just before you are due to fly to get covered you actually really need cover from the moment you book the flight. Don't think of travel insurance as just something to cover you if you fall ill or have an accident abroad, it's also important for cancellations or delays to your trip.

Brexit-proof your trip

With COVID so much in the news, it's been easy to forget about Brexit for a minute - but of course, the 31st December deadline is fast approaching. Depending on where and when you decide to travel you'd be well advised to make sure you what impact Brexit will have on your holiday. Luckily we have you covered!

Know what to expect

Travel looks a little different at the moment, so what can you expect? In most cases, face masks are now mandatory on your flight and throughout the airport - so make sure you have adequate face masks. Some airlines no longer offer in-flight services, so do you need to bring food and drink with you?

And it's not just about getting there when you're there what will you need? Are face masks needed, what social distancing can you expect? These are the questions you need to consider when planning your trip.

Stay closer to home

If you're unsure about travelling abroad or worried that you could book and things get cancelled then why not remove the stress and stay closer to home? There are some great things to do and places to see here in the UK - maybe it's a great time to explore. Don't worry, the world will still be waiting for you when you get back.