6 places to go to avoid EES

The EU's new Entry/Exit System, or EES, is an automated passport checking system expected to come into use on 10th November this year.

The idea is that it will drastically speed up the process by automating everything, but the reality is that the initial roll-out will cause delays.

The good news is that there are still plenty of places you can go instead, where you trip won't be hampered by the extra hassle of queueing up to provide your biometric data when you get to the airport. So here's where we recommend going instead…

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Ireland

Part of the EU yes, but within the Schengen Zone it's not. That, plus the fact that we already have a travel agreement with Ireland anyway, means you can easily visit without any EU rules getting in the way.

It's the closest place outside the UK you can go for a holiday, and while it doesn't provide guaranteed sun or scorching heat, that's not really what you go there for. A weekend in Dublin can give Budapest or Prague a run for their money especially when it comes to beer – who needs a pilsner when you've got fresh Guinness straight from the source?

If it's unforgettable countryside you're after then you're never too far away in Ireland. Rolling green hills abound, dissected by sleepy lanes that will lead you to remote villages and old churches with a wonky charm.

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Albania

Wedged between Greece and Montenegro, Albania's got all the charm of an Adriatic EU country minus the cost and bureaucracy of actually getting there.

The Albanian Riviera is the best place to start, with picture-perfect towns like Ksamil offering a sun-drenched welcome to all visitors. The beach is absolutely jaw-dropping and a lot of tourists haven't quite cottoned on to Albania yet, so get your holiday in before the secret gets out.

For a touch of culture you can't go wrong with a visit to Tirana, the country's ancient capital. Its unique combo of Ottoman and Soviet-era architecture is as unique as it is bonkers and makes for a fun place to explore. Sure, it's not your typical city break destination, but with a lively nightlife, fascinating galleries and museums, and a stunning setting surrounded on all sides by mountains, it's got all the elements of a memorable trip – with just a touch of post-communist pizzazz.

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Turkey

Comfortably outside of the EU but still partially within Europe (and partially within Asia), Turkey is an affordable way to make the most of similar Mediterranean vibes you'd get if visiting somewhere like Greece, Spain or Italy. Plus the country's so big it offers a bit of everything – perfect if you're not quite sure what holiday box to tick for your next trip.

For beach breaks you've got the resorts of Marmaris with pristine sand and sea so blue it boggles the mind, plus a buzzing nightlife and loads of delicious food. Add a more authentic element to your break and switch your hotel for a gulet – a traditional Turkish sailboat – and recline in blissful relaxation as the vessel carries you to some of the Blue Coast's most gorgeous and secluded coves.

After a city break? Opt for Istanbul. Straddling the border between Europe and Asia it boasts a unique mix of both, with iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

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Cyprus

Like Ireland, Cyprus is within the EU but not in the Schengen zone so it's positioned comfortably outside the EES scheme. Unlike Ireland, warm, sunny weather is almost guaranteed making Cyprus a go-to for some winter sun.

Ayia Napa is probably the rowdiest resort in the Med so if that's your vibe you won't be disappointed. But far from the thrumming base of Ayia Napa's clubs, the beach resorts of Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos tempt with endless strips of soft sand, eye-catching rocky coves and fascinating architecture dating from the time of the Ancient Greeks.

Speaking of – why not pay a visit to the Rock of Aphrodite? This famous stack of ancient rock towers out of the sea and is the mythological birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. According to one legend, she emerged from the sea foam that was created when her father's *ahem* ancient rocks were sliced off and thrown into the water.

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Cabo Verde

The surest way to avoid EES is to just avoid the continent entirely. Enter Cabo Verde, an island chain that's part of Africa but with a bit of a European vibe thanks to Portuguese colonisation in the 1400s.

There are 10 islands in total, with the main one being Santiago. This is where the biggest chunk of the population lives but the most popular for travellers tends to be either Sal or Boa Vista. This is because of the endless stretches of powdery sand that encircle the islands as well as the choppy Atlantic waves that lend themselves perfectly to surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling with actual turtles!

And don't let their far-flung African location put you off. At around 6 hours, the flights are only a little bit longer than if you were going to Greece or the Canaries, and the weather's not as hot as you might expect either. Despite being across the sea from Sub-Saharan Africa, the cooling effects of the Atlantic mean the temperature sits happily in the mid-to-high 20s all year around.

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Georgia

It lies outside of the EU and so beyond the reach of EES, but not beyond the reach of the UK's airlines – some of which started flying to the country's capital, Tbilisi, earlier this year.

This opened up a whole new world of discovery for you to immerse yourself in. Georgia's unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy is quite unlike many other places in Europe you might have visited on your travels. Also if you're into your wine then you'll be delighted to learn that the country's 8,000 years of winemaking expertise makes it one the best places on the planet for wine tasting. Or drinking.

If that doesn't whet your whistle then go for a soak in one of the city's sulphur baths. These are a big part of the city's history and culture – the hot springs that fuel them were discovered in the 5th century and were part of the reason the city was built here. In fact the name Tbilisi is derived from the Georgian word 'tbili' which means warm.

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