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Over the course of the last 14 months, we've somewhat adjusted to the changes brought about by the pandemic. From strict lockdowns to reopenings, many workforce travellers have needed to continue to travel. As summer approaches, let's dive into the current state of travelling in Europe, and how to keep safe while you're on the road. 

The UK has entered 'Step 3' of restrictions meaning:

  • Indoor dining will reopen, and venues will not have to serve a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks, and there will be no curfew.
  • Domestic holidays and travel will now be extended to the rule of 6.
  • Foreign travel will resume from today, following the traffic light system, see below
  • Read the full update from the UK government here. 

What does this mean for Workforce travel?

Accommodation prices are on the rise.

  • With the near full reopening of domestic leisure travel, expect a 26% increase in prices over the next few weeks.
  • Check out our Forward Pricing Report for May with more information on prices based on location. 

Book flexible rates should restrictions change with little notice.

  • We don't know how this reopening will go, or how long it will last. If the past year has taught us anything, it's to hope for the best but expect the worst. Be safe, and book flexible rates.
  • Filter flexible rates in your platform by selecting the 'Free Cancellation' filter.

If you have a project booking or long term stay reach out to us ASAP.

  • We've watched the demand for self-catering properties increase as domestic travel restrictions lift.
  • If you're booking a long term stay, especially in this type of accommodation this summer, we recommend reaching out to us as soon as possible. 

Add hotel allowances and virtual expense cards bookings and prepay for your crew's meals on the road.

  • We've expanded RoomexPay's functionality so you can add hotel meals or prepaid virtual expense cards (that can be used outside the hotel) right within your booking flow, and paid the same way you normally pay for Roomex (on account or on a credit card.)

Haven't travelled in a while, or forgot how to use Roomex?

E.U. introduces a coordinated 'Traffic Light System' to indicate travel restrictions consistently

The below map is as of 13 May 2021 and is updated more frequently here. It's goal is to help plan travel in Europe while staying safe. Information below taken from Reopen Europa

13 may map

  • Red | The 14-day cumulative coronavirus case notification rate is 50 or more per 100,000 people and the test positivity rate of tests for coronavirus infection is 4% or more OR the 14-day cumulative coronavirus case notification rate is more than 150 per 100,000 people,
  • Amber | the 14-day cumulative coronavirus case notification rate is less than 50 per 100,000 people, and the test positivity rate of tests for coronavirus infection is 4% or more OR the 14-day cumulative coronavirus case notification rate ranges from 25 to 150, but the test positivity rate of tests for coronavirus infection is less than 4%.
  • Green | The 14-day cumulative coronavirus case notification rate is less than 25 per 100,000 people, and the test positivity rate of tests for coronavirus infection is less than 4%.
  • Grey | Not enough information available, or the testing rate is 300 or less. 

If you're looking to travel outside of the U.K. to a country that is Red or Amber please revisit this map to get complete details on what is required upon arrival. You can select individual countries to see their full guidelines.  Depending on the state, travellers could have to quarantine and/or take a COVID-19 test. 

As of 17 May, the UK has also added the following countries to their 'green list' as defined above:

  • Portugal including the Azores and Madeira
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Brunei
  • Iceland
  • Faroe Islands
  • Gibraltar
  • Falkland Islands
  • Israel

As always, reach out to our team of travel experts if you have any questions or concerns prior to travelling. 

Blog originally posted November 12, 2020

Updated May 14, 2021

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Duty of Care
Hannah Harrington
Post by Hannah Harrington
May 14, 2021
Hannah focuses on all things product and content marketing for Roomex. When she's not writing, find this Dublin transplant uncovering all that Ireland has to offer.

 

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