Harrogate holiday makers changing plans after Spanish quarantine news says travel agent

Located on Leeds Road, Traveltalk has seen an uplift in customers planning winter breaks or opting for villas, something it attributes to the changing Government announcements on travelling abroad and quarantine requirements.

Katherine Scott, manager at Traveltalk which specialises in the luxury holiday market, said: “While the initial Government announcement of travel corridors was very welcome, developments have left room for confusion as to which destinations are safe to travel to and the procedures expected abroad.

"With that in mind, we’ve seen more customers than usual requesting villa packages so that they can be as secure as possible while still enjoying their holiday.

“Customers are generally looking for a holiday that’s guaranteed the consistent sunshine they’ve been craving and short flights with minimal transfers to make for seamless travel.”

The initial travel corridor announcement was made by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on July 6 and the list includes countries which do and do not require self-isolation in England upon arrival.

Further countries have since been added and Monday, July 27, saw the FCO announce that English travel to Spain was again restricted to essential travel only, with the immediate need for 14-day quarantine for those arriving back in England.

Katherine Scott said: “Due to the changing nature of travel restrictions, we’ve seen an uplift in customers looking ahead and booking winter packages.

"They are also preferring to talk through their travel options with our team of experts prior to making any decisions, as they gain invaluable advice and assurances in comparison to booking online individually.

"Looking ahead to winter also allows customers to acclimatise to a new way of travelling while still getting their much-needed holiday abroad.

“For those who aren’t restricted by school holidays, we’re planning many lovely winter escapes to places like the Maldives; these islands are ideal giving people a sense of exclusivity but within a shielded environment, while booking villas allows them to enjoy their chosen luxuries in their own space.”

Traveltalk has used the lockdown period to launch a new website, providing customers with easier access to the types of holidays available, browse destinations and read first-hand recommendations from the team, before getting in touch.

Having launched more than 35 years ago and with almost 90 countries visited between the team, the travel agency is looking forward to helping customers book their dream holiday as the country starts to return to a sense of normality.

Katherine Scott said: “At the moment, customers are simply looking for a break – we’re talking to them about villas with private beach access in Croatia or hidden in the hills of Italy.

"We’ve even chartered flights for those looking to make it an extra special holiday.

“It’s been a tough few months for everyone and we’re delighted to share our new website now that we’re able to slowly, and safely, start to travel again.”

For more information about Traveltalk, visit www.gotraveltalk.com or call 01423 872 516.

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