Among the destinations currently on offer to Richard are Kenya, Mexico, Costa Rica, St Lucia and India. After 10 days he can legally enter the UK without quarantining – though must take a pre-departure antigen and Day 2 PCR test in line with the current travel regs. The website airheart.com shows at a glance what destinations are available to travellers currently on the UK red list – though travellers are advised to cross reference with government websites during research.
A quick internet search unveils a raft of tempting options for winter sun.
For example, £1,289 buys an all-inclusive 10-day stay in a superior junior suite with a balcony in Bahia Principe Grand Coba in Mexico’s Riviera Maya with Tui (tui.co.uk). The price is inclusive of return flights, although these are from the UK – so you would need to speak to Tui to discuss your options, or book suitable flights separately. Food choices include a buffet or six à la carte restaurants (instead of cold curry in a cardboard box à la Holiday Inn Heathrow) and rather than a 15-minute walk around a cold, wet car park in a concrete zone in London, the outdoor options in Mexico include swimming pools, time at the beach and a host of options for day trips. Oh, and drinks are included.
If rustic Goa is more your style, 10 days at the Kashinath Beach Huts in Canacona costs just £302 on ebookers.com — there’s free Wi-Fi, guaranteed sun, authentic curry and the cost of living is cheap. Or go more upmarket and spend 10 days in the five-star Hard Rock Hotel Goa (also on ebookers.com) from £1,345. India has banned direct flights from southern Africa, but a stopover in Kenya or Tanzania should do the trick.
The possibilities seem endless for digital nomad Richard.
“I have a maximum budget of £2,350 – the cost of a quarantine hotel stay – anything less than that is a bonus,” he said. “It is pretty hard to spend £2,350 in 10 days, especially if I take an Airbnb.”
Asked if he’s concerned about being stuck in another country that is added to the UK red list during his stay Richard adds: “I am looking at places further from South Africa and, in my mind, less likely to end up on the red list.
“Whatever happens, I will do everything I can to avoid the UK government’s nonsensical rules.”
