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Following months, if not years, of travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, within the last week a shift towards borders being opened more freely appears to have taken place. Whilst previously Antigen and PCR tests facilitated travel, this was a clear financial and time limitation for travellers, as well as being a source of stress. I remember myself in the not-so-distant past anxiously anticipating the result from an Antigen test in St. Pancras, waiting to see if my trip would or would not go ahead, dependent on whether I would even receive that crucial ‘NEGATIVE’ certification in time. Below I have compiled a list of travel destination ideas within Europe that now only require a certificate of vaccination (which can be found on the NHS app) to be explored in the upcoming Easter vacation. Italy Image source: unsplash.com Universally recognised for its impeccable cuisine, great wine and beautiful natural landscape, Italy has announced on the 1st March that they will be opening the borders for all fully vaccinated visitors, without need for a PCR or LFT test, thus beginning to welcome all to enjoy the peninsula once again. Within the country, a Green Pass system currently remains in place, in which a vaccination certificate must be shown in order to dine out and enjoy bars and other food vendors. FFP2 masks remain mandatory indoors and on public transport for tourists and locals alike, although arguably a small price to pay to soak in the Mediterranean sunshine and La dolce vita. It should be noted that you must complete an EU Digital Passenger Locator Form before arrival. Croatia Image source: unsplash.com For travellers fully vaccinated within the last 270 days, consider Croatia as a location to spend the holidays, with its fascinating Roman ruins, which acted as a filming location for Game of Thrones, some of the world’s finest amphitheatres, as well as kilometres upon kilometres of stunning beaches. Whilst an increase in tourism has led to heightened hotel prices in recent years, Croatia remains a cheaper destination within Europe, offering a unique accommodation option of traditional stone houses which, comparable in price to an AirBnB, allow travellers to experience life like a local within old-town neighbourhoods. Iceland Image source: unsplash.com With Iceland announcing that all COVID travel restrictions from the UK have been abandoned as of 25th February, there has never been a better time to complete the bucket-list experience of seeing the Northern Lights which, if you travel early in the holidays, you should manage to catch, with the peak viewing season running from September to March. Masks are no longer mandatory within Iceland, and no restrictions remain, meaning you will be free to roam the island, from its thermal pools to whale-watching or experiencing Reykjavik’s nightlife. Portugal Image source: unsplash.com For those fully vaccinated, a trip to Portugal could be an option, without need for COVID testing. The country is deemed one of the most reasonably priced of western Europe, though not without compromise of tradition, vibrancy and history, found within both the dynamic city of Lisbon and the dramatic coastlines. In terms of cuisine, Portuguese food and wine is enjoyed both in Portugal as well as around the world, with its Pastéis de Nata (or egg custard tart), seafood and olive oil. Slovenia Image source: unsplash.com For those with an inclination towards nature and hiking, Slovenia is an ideal destination, with over half of the country being covered with trees, of which several tourism agencies offer tours. Slovenia, which can be entered without need to show a vaccination certificate or a negative test result, can be described as somewhat of a hidden gem, though offers its own unique local cuisine, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Key places to visit include the country’s capital, Ljubljana, the iconic Lake Bled, as well as the picturesque coastal town of Purin on the Adriatic Sea. Malta Image source: unsplash.com Last summer, Malta was a popular choice amongst many travellers from the UK, with it being one of the first holiday destinations to open its borders for tourism and maintains only requiring a vaccination certificate for entry today. As well as ease of entry, Malta boasts a cuisine shaped by the history of varying civilisations, a sunny and agreeable climate, and three islands to explore– Malta, Gozo and Comino - each with their own quirks and appeal. As of 14th March, masks will no longer be required in public spaces, though remain mandatory inside and in mass events. Emily BallThe Definite Article Travel Co-Editor
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