Should I book a holiday for summer 2021?
While holidays are technically allowed to numerous locations, many government ministers are advising caution. The increase in Delta variant cases in the UK has made some European countries reluctant to admit holidaymakers. Holidaymakers have been able to book overnight trips within the UK for months now, with self-catering accommodation, hotels and campsites largely open again. If youre looking to travel abroad, however, its worth keeping an eye on the restrictions and your booking terms. Malta is currently on the green list (Picture: Getty)  With the so-called freedom day approaching on July 19, its tempting to plan a beach holiday for the summer. The green list is revised every three weeks, giving people guidance on countries that are allowing tourists. However, most of these locations require proof of a negative Covid test, and in some cases full vaccination status. Another thing to consider is the cost of travel, which has soared in recent weeks. Flight prices to Ibiza and Mallorca have trebled, meaning that for many, the cost of a trip outweighs the benefits. Many travel companies are offering risk-free booking options, that allow you to rearrange or change a booking if the pandemic delays a holiday. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video  Be careful though, as you may only be able to change plans rather than receive a full refund. If you do book a trip, make sure youre fully aware of the pandemic protections in place. The greatest risk is if a green list country moves to amber or red, as Portugal did earlier this year. Make sure you have an insurance policy that covers the cost of any list changes, alongside any medical care you may need while away. While package operators may offer a full refund, airlines arent obliged to help if a countrys traffic light system changes. Holiday providers will label whether or not they have a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warning. If they do, youll have a legal right to a refund, or the option to rebook new dates  which could be more expensive. Be sure to check your holiday operators refund options before booking (Picture: Getty)  Some popular tourist destinations, like Greece, are not on the green list  meaning there are stricter isolation rules for tourists. The mainland and all of its islands are on the amber list, so its not illegal to travel there. However, the FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to the popular holiday destination. Technically, yes, holidaymakers from England can still travel to Portugal this summer  despite it being off the green list. Portugal remains on the amber list (Picture: Getty)  Its not without its considerations, though. Travel is allowed, but the UK government is discouraging holidays to amber countries. There are also a number of travel requirements youll need to complete. When returning from an amber country, a self-isolation period of 10 days is required  though you self-isolate at home and can take a test five days after returning. Youll also be required to take a number of coronavirus tests: one when you depart, and two when youre back in the UK, two days and eight days after you arrive home. Most places require a negative coronavirus test result before entry (Picture: Getty)  When Portugal was on the green list, no self-isolation period was required, just Covid-19 testing. The following countries are currently on the green list:  Anguilla  Antigua and Barbuda  Australia  Balearic Islands (Formentera, Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca)  Barbados  Bermuda  British Antarctic Territory  British Indian Ocean Territory  British Virgin Islands  Brunei  Cayman Islands  Dominica  Falkland Islands  Faroe Islands  Gibraltar  Grenada  Iceland  Israel and Jerusalem  Madeira  Malta  Montserrat  New Zealand  Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands  Singapore  South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands  St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha  Turks and Caicos Islands  Its worth noting that many of these locations, including some Caribbean islands, have restrictions limiting UK tourists. The travel industry in numbers: 164,000  Jobs have either been lost or placed at risk in the travel and associated industries due to Covid-19   Jobs have either been lost or placed at risk in the travel and associated industries due to Covid-19 86 per cent  Decline in the economic output of travel agents and tour operators in December 2020 compared to February 2020   Decline in the economic output of travel agents and tour operators in December 2020 compared to February 2020 13.7billion  Contribution to the UK economy from sales of overseas holiday and business travel services has been lost since the start of the pandemic  equivalent to 1.6million every hour.  Contribution to the UK economy from sales of overseas holiday and business travel services has been lost since the start of the pandemic  equivalent to 1.6million every hour. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  Share your views in the comments below