Updated 1st June 2022
Travel restrictions have been very fast moving over the last two years, with social distancing, traffic light systems, wildly differing testing regimes and more, making travel extremely testing. The good news is that things are getting back to normal, but there are still three core areas to consider:
1. Travel Insurance
2. Testing and Entry Requirements
3. How We Make Your Trip Easier
1. Travel Insurance (including Coronavirus cover)
Travel Insurance has never been so important, because you need to cover off the risk of being unable to travel due to Coronavirus, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Fortunately the travel insurance market does now provide cover should you be unable to travel due to Coronavirus. For example, if you had to cancel the day before you were due to travel as you tested positive for Coronavirus, policy providers such as Campbell Irvine Direct would cover you for cancellation, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
Original Travel is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd, who are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and who now offer a range of new travel insurance policies that can include cover for cancellation or curtailment of a trip to a destination where there is no FCDO advice 'against all but essential travel' due to contracting Coronavirus, or through being quarantined or refused permission to travel due to infection or suspected infection. You can even buy a 'top-up' policy that adds Coronavirus cancellation cover to an existing travel insurance policy. In addition, if you want to consider travel to a country or countries where the FCDO currently advise against all but essential travel, Campbell Irvine can also quote for travel insurance that can offer general medical and Coronavirus cover. They can also now quote for travel insurance for non-UK residents.
Click here to get a Campbell Irvine Direct single or multi-trip travel insurance quote. You can read more about the activities that are covered here, or see the FAQs here. Alternatively, call Campbell Irvine Direct on +44 (0) 20 7938 1734.
2. Testing and Entry Requirements
First of all, it's important to note that these rules are based on departing from the United Kingdom, although they may differ in different parts of the United Kingdom. If required, please seek clarification on any differences in regulations between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Proof of negative results before departure back to the UK, tests on arrival in the UK and Passenger Locator Forms are no longer a requirement. However, you may still be required to test before leaving the UK and on arrival into some destinations.
- • Some destinations require proof of a recent (between 48 and 72 hours) negative PCR test before departure from the UK or on arrival, before they will allow travellers from the UK to enter the country. You must provide proof of the negative test result - associated to your passport number - on arrival in these destinations or risk not being allowed entry. Our consultants will advise you if testing is required.
- • Our current advice is to use a Coronavirus test kit provider recommended and affiliated to the airline you are flying with for your trip. This allows you to link the results to your flight booking, and most airlines are offering discounted rates on buying test kits through their partner suppliers. The Government has also published a list of suppliers of the test who have declared that they meet the Government's minimum standards for providers.
- • Important note: We are not responsible for any issues you might have with purchased test kits, including their efficacy or delays in their arrival or results. You use these services entirely at your own risk, and the providers can be very busy, so you will want to get your in-person test booked or home test kit ordered as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
- • Important note: We are not responsible for any issues you might have with purchased test kits, including their efficacy or delays in their arrival or results. You use these services entirely at your own risk, and the providers can be very busy, so you will want to get your in-person test booked or home test kit ordered as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.
- • Some countries allow you to enter using a ‘Recovered from COVID-19' certificate instead of a negative PCR test. Our consultants will advise if this is possible.
3. How We Make Your Trip Easier
The Airport Experience
There's no getting away from the fact that getting away will - at least in the short-term - look different, and nowhere more so than at the airport. We can all expect longer queues due to staffing levels and more. All this means our airport additional services and other clever travel hacks are even more important to help you better navigate the airport experience, and to create even more of a bubble of confidence around your travel plans. Please note, however, that the situation at airports is fast-changing, so these services are all subject to availability.
Luggage Service
We have partnered with Airportr to offer our clients the possibility to have their luggage collected from home and checked in (certain airlines and home locations only) so you can make your own way to the airport luggage-free, avoid check in or bag drop queues and go straight to meet your personal greeter. Please ask your consultant for more details if this service might be of interest. Currently subject to availability and airline choice.
Meet & Greet
As standard on all Original Travel bookings you will be met prior to check in by your personal greeter. It's a service we've included in all bookings for a couple of years now, and its time has truly come. With the airport landscape likely to change regularly as restrictions come and go, having someone who knows the airport inside and out to take you by the hand (metaphorically, of course) will be gold dust. Currently subject to availability.
Fast Track Check in & Security
These form part of our Original Services even if you are flying in economy class. Your greeter will find you the best check-in desk to speed through the process, and then whisk you through the fastest security lane. If you've already checked your bags in from home using the Airportr service then you can head straight to and through security with your personal greeter. Currently subject to availability.
Airport Lounge
As above, as part of your Original Travel booking you have access to a luxurious lounge, where you can relax in peace and privacy before your flight, even if you're flying in economy class. Currently subject to availability.
Pre-selected Seats
Airlines have been known on occasions to sit families or couples apart. To say this is annoying is an understatement. As part of your Original Travel booking, we will pre-select seats together for you.
There's More, if You Want It
We can also offer additional assistance at the airport you are flying home from (fast track check-in and security, and lounge access, as from the UK), and fast track through immigration on your return to the UK. Please ask your consultant for more details on these additional services. Currently subject to availability.
There are alternatives to all of the above, of course. You could forego flying altogether and travel in Europe by train or on a road trip from the UK or, for the ultimate indulgence and bubble travel experience, we also work with the best private jet charter agency in the UK.
Concierges
Our global network of clued-up Concierges have long been a key ingredient in the Original Travel secret sauce, but in the new normal they are going to be even more crucial. The Concierges pride themselves on knowing the tucked away treats and local haunts that tourists don't even know exist. In short, the sorts of places and experiences you'll appreciate now more than ever.
Tailor-Made Holidays
Choose to tailor-make a holiday with Original Travel and the world really is your oyster. You can go where you want, when you want, to do what you want for as long as you want. We've never created the same trip twice and nor would we want to; we like to curate each holiday to your exact specifications. At this precise moment, when we're all realising just how much we've missed visiting other parts of this wonderful world, that's more important now than ever. Holidays are precious, and you want to know you can make the most of those first times away. Book with Original Travel, a serial award-winner for the last 19 years, and you can have confidence that it will be the trip of your dreams.
Value for Money
Value for money will always be a key consideration for anyone booking a holiday (or anything else, for that matter), but so too should added value. Book a holiday with Original Travel and - as standard - you enjoy all the above additional services from fast-track and lounge services at the airport (even if you're flying economy) through to the services of a clued-up Concierge in every destination you visit, who can open doors only the locals know. In addition, we are constantly negotiating and renegotiating our rates and keeping our ear to the ground for discounts with suppliers to stay super-competitive. Let's call it 'added value for money'.