This week, British holidaymakers received a piece of news that has been eight months in the making. For the first time since May 17 last year, you can go on holiday and return to the United Kingdom without taking a single Covid-19 test. 

Before you unlock the suitcase and dust off your swimsuits, there are a few caveats. Full vaccination or youth is a prerequisite to dodge these tests; under 18-year-olds are treated the same as jabbed adults. Although things have also become easier for unvaccinated travellers, who will only need to take a day two lateral flow test on arrival back into the UK without the need to quarantine. 

This means that, as of February 11 when the new rules come into effect, entirely test-free holidays are once again possible. And what a welcome return that will be, flipping the focus away from expensive, tedious testing logistics, and allowing us to finally zone in on what really matters: having a relaxing, enlightening break overseas.

So where to go? There are 38 countries allowing fully vaccinated people from the UK to enter without a swab, with the holiday favourites of Spain, Turkey and Egypt among them, plus further flung destinations such as the Dominican Republic and Peru. From a ski point of view, Switzerland is the only test-free option, and it is not too late to book. What’s more, some destinations like Mexico and Costa Rica require neither evidence of vaccination nor a test to enter.

As always with Covid-era travel, the fine print is everything. In many destinations, particularly across Europe, a Covid pass (activated either with full vaccination or a negative test) is required to enter indoor venues like bars and restaurants. Some destinations now request a booster shot for entry. And, of course, all the above could change at a moment’s notice. 

But let’s not get bogged down in all that. Test-free travel is back, and you have some wonderful holiday options at your fingertips, from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Machu Picchu to a week of sun on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, or a group escape to a hilltop villa in Andalucia. 

Our ultimate booking guide features 45 getaways for a half-term escape, summer sun in Europe, a cultural getaway, or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, with holiday options for families, groups, couples and solo travellers.

Last-minute half term

Eagle-eyed readers will have spotted the UK’s eased travel restrictions will come into effect from Friday February 11, just in time for the half-term break. While some of our favourite holiday destinations such as Spain, Turkey and Croatia feature among the 38 test-free destinations, to find sun in mid-February you will have to look further afield. Alternatively, there’s still scope for some late-season skiing in Switzerland.

Egypt

You’ll need:

• Proof of full vaccination (aged six and over) or a negative PCR result
• A paper health declaration (issued by airline or on arrival)
• For full information see gov.uk

It won’t be showcasing its signature bathtub warm sea waters quite yet, but Egypt is the closest place to home that will be reliably warm over half term. Temperatures in the Red Sea resort destination of Hurghada, for example, will be hovering in the low to mid twenties. The only snag is that if you’re visiting with unvaccinated little ones aged six and above, a test will be required.

If you are not tied to the school holiday calendar, the landmark event in Egypt for 2022 is the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, where the entire Tutankhamun collection will be showcased. Group tours departing later in the year will be sure to include this on their itineraries. Alternatively, if you feel inspired by the scenery in the upcoming release of Death of the Nile, you will find an abundance of appealing river cruise holidays on offer throughout the year.

Book it:

• For half term, Thomas Cook has a full-board option at Robinson Soma Bay in Hurghada. Seven nights departing February 12 costs £4,506 based on a family of four staying in a family suite, flights included (020 8016 3295; thomascook.com).
• If you can wait another month or two, Exodus has a 13-day Alexandria to Aswan trip, taking in the bazaars of Cairo to the fascinating port city of Alexandria, plus a sleeper train to the Nubian city of Aswan and a cruise down the Nile. Departures in March, April, October and November. Prices from £2,349pp, including flights (020 313 12785; exodus.co.uk).
• Viking offers a 12-day Nile cruise taking in the Pyramids, led by Egyptologists, including flights and meals. Prices from £6,525 based on March 2022 departure (0800 319 66 60; viking.com).
• Jules Verne has availability on its February 26 departure of Pyramids & the Nile (eight nights from £2,345pp) and on their February 11 departure of ‘The 600-Mile Nile’ tour from £3,795pp (020 3553 3722; vjv.com).