Travel
Government issues warning to travellers heading to Greece for a holiday
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The government has revealed new advice for Brits heading over to Greece as restrictions tighten in the country.
In one of the country’s holiday islands, Poros, there has been a new coronavirus outbreak meaning new strict measures and restrictions have been put in place.
Around 30 cases of the virus have been reported on the small island.
Travel between the UK and Poros is currently still allowed, but travellers are warned of a new range of measures which will change your holiday.
All restaurants and food shops will be closed between 11pm and 7am on the Island. Holiday makers are also warned that groups who can eat together are limited to a maximum number of four, or six if they are all related.
The number of people meeting in either public or private spaces has also been limited now to a max of nine people.
The new restrictions also see religious ceremonies, parties and open markets all suspended.
All holiday makers must wear face masks indoors and outdoors, excluding private areas such as your hotel room.
The country is still on the ‘safe list’, meaning you won’t have to quarantine when you arrive to the island or return back to the UK currently.
The Foreign Office has warned that large fines are in place for rule breakers, including additional compliance patrols on the islands.
A Passenger Locator Form must be filled in by holidaymakers travelling to Greece at least 24 hours before travel.
The FCO advises: “Failure to do so in advance may result in your carrier not allowing you to travel, €500 (£450) fine on arrival or the Greek authorities not allowing you to enter the country.”
You may also be required to take a Covid-19 test when you arrive as part of a health screening process. This may mean you have to self-isolate during the time you are awaiting test results, however this is usually within 24 hours.
Travel
Shrek’s ‘moss-covered’ swamp home is now available to rent on Airbnb
Fans now have the opportunity to stay in his humble abode free of charge
Shrek fans can now live out their dream and stay in the huge, green ogre’s swamp home – now listed on Airbnb.
The ‘mud-laden, moss-covered’ real-life recreation of Shrek’s Swamp is located within the grounds of Ardverikie Estate, in the Scottish Highlands.
The idea for the cosy forest hideout is inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek film series, released between 2001 and 2010.
Airbnb released the listing on Tuesday, with Shrek enthusiasts able to book overnight stays from Friday, October 27th to Sunday, October 29th.
The live-in tree stump features a studio layout with two beds and one bathroom, where up to three guests at a time can make a reservation for free.
The short and long-term home stays firm said the offer is ‘a nod to the priceless refuge Shrek’s Swamp has provided fairytale creatures of all kinds’.
The murky den features ‘Danger’, ‘Beware Ogre’ and ‘Stay Out’ signs on the path leading up to the quirky property. But once inside, it is delightfully snug and inviting.
The unusual listing is hosted by Shrek’s animated sidekick, Donkey, who has agreed to ‘swamp-sit’ in his absence.
About the charming mossy refuge, Donkey posted on Airbnb: “Shrek’s Swamp is lovely. Just beautiful. The perfect place to entertain guests.
“You know what I like about it? Everything. The overgrown landscaping, the modest interiors, the nice boulders, all of it.
“I can’t wait for guests to experience this muddy slice of paradise for themselves.”
To coincide with the launch, Airbnb will make a donation to HopScotch Children’s Charity, which provides some of Scotland’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged children with respite breaks through nurturing and dynamic holiday trips.
Anyone interested in staying in Shrek’s Swamp can request a reservation from 6pm on Friday, October 13th.
To book a stay, visit the Airbnb website, HERE.
Travel
First look at new Legoland holiday park opening in the UK next year
Young ones can play on climbing frames and rope bridges based on spider’s webs and treehouses
Legoland in Windsor has revealed a first look into its brand-new holiday park, opening in 2024.
The newly built Woodland Village with over 130 lodges and 20 camping barrels will open to the public next May, with overnight stays on sale now. Prices to stay on the 10-acre site start at £295 or a family of four.
While most lodges sleep up to five guests, with 10 premium lodges able to sleep up to seven people.
Features at the Woodland Village include The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar, which will serve up campfire-inspired grub in a woodland-themed setting.
Youngsters can explore the several woodland-themed play areas equipped with climbing frames and rope bridges based on spider’s webs and treehouses.
The family attraction will also have brick-building activities, nature trails, an entertainment hub, and colourful new Lego characters.
Helen Bull, Division Director at Legoland Windsor Resort, said: “The LEGOLAND Woodland Village has been a long time coming and we’re incredibly excited to now be taking bookings ahead of the official opening in May 2024.
“This moment marks years of planning and unwavering dedication to providing a magical experience for all our guests.
“The LEGOLAND Woodland Village is part of a significant transformation for the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and we look forward to welcoming families to this new way to stay next year!”
But this isn’t the only exciting new addition to a Legoland-themed attraction, as an adventure golf attraction will be opening this October.
Also next month, the Legoland Discovery Centres in Birmingham and Manchester will be hosting their own Monster Parties, with a series of spooky attractions for Halloween.
Meanwhile, the Legoland theme park is set to close the Viking River Splash – one of its most popular rides – by the end of the month. The park haven’t given a reason as to why, but the ride will become part of Viking history.
Travel
UK holidaymakers face extra charge when travelling to Europe next year
The electronic travel authorisation system is for visitors from countries that are not part of the EU
UK holidaymakers will have to pay a fee when they enter Europe on their travels next year, as post-Brexit rules come into force.
From next year, Brits will need to obtain a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver to visit popular holiday destinations, including Spain, France, Italy and Greece.
The system will check the security credentials and charge a fee to travellers visiting EU member countries for business, tourism, medical or transit purposes.
Brits will have to complete an application form and pay a fee of seven euros – which works out at around six pounds.
So far, 30 European countries have been confirmed as requiring ETIAS travel authorisation next year.
Although the EU has not confirmed an exact date for when the ETIAS comes into force, guidance does say it will be ‘operational in 2024’ – pushed back from the original 2020.
The ETIAS travel authorisation is then valid for three years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Travellers will be able to travel to and from the countries whenever they wish, providing the overall limit of the authorised stay is complied with.
According to EU guidance, most applications will be processed within minutes, but could take up to 96 hours.
However, some applications may take longer if additional documents are required, and travellers are advised to not purchase any tickets or book accommodation until they have the ETIAS.
It’s best to apply for one as soon as you start planning your holiday (although applications aren’t open just yet).
To apply for the ETIAS you’ll need to provide your personal details, as well as travel document information and details of any past criminal convictions.
You will also need to state the first country you intend to visit. However, once you’ve received the ETIAS you’ll be able to visit any of the 30 countries it covers, whenever you like.
The 30 European countries where visa-exempt travellers require an ETIAS travel authorisation are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
The exact date of when ETIAS will come into force is yet to be announced. Visit the ETIAS website for more information by clicking HERE.
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