Red, amber and green list countries: Why choosing a staycation over a trip abroad is your best bet this year

Since May 17 holidaymakers have been permitted to travel to the countries on the Government’s “green list” without having to quarantine on their return.

Among on the countries on the list are Portugal Gibraltar, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, plus several small remote islands that are British Overseas Territories.

But as anyone who tried to rely on travel corridors to book a holiday abroad last year will remember, that list is likely to change multiple times before now and the Autumn.

Thankfully, lots of accommodation companies and airlines are offering refundable deposits or flexi-tickets that mean you can exchange your ticket or deposit for a credit to be used at a later date.

Even so, planning ahead, especially when it involves international travel, still feels like a bit of a gamble under the current circumstances.

I was 10 days away from a holiday in Spain last August, when the travel corridor was abruptly removed due to a rise in coronavirus cases.

My partner and I decided to plan a trip in the UK instead, and visited the Lake District and went on a whistle-stop tour of a number of beautiful locations in Scotland including Arrochar, Tarbert and Glasgow. It was brilliant, and meant a much shorter journey home – and more importantly, without the hassle of going through airport security.

And given the circumstances, I think planning a holiday in the UK, or a staycation, is also the best bet this year.

Firstly, there are plenty of beautiful places in England, Scotland and Wales you can get to in the car, or using public transport, such as Cornwall, Loch Lomond or Snowdonia National Park.

Just in Yorkshire, there are a myriad of incredible destinations that are just a short drive away from Sheffield like Whitby, Scarborough and Hebden Bridge.

There are a myriad of deals to be found online, so you might also be able to save on the cost of accommodation or travel.

Plus, you’re more likely to be able to keep your reservation for a holiday here, and it’ll be easier to rearrange if you do need to postpone.