Spain is Brits’ top half term choice despite rules banning unvaccinated teens

Brits’ top 10 holiday choices for February half term include Spain, the UK and France according to a new study conducted by travel insurance firm Staysure.co.uk

Spain holidays have been revealed as Brits’ top choice for a half term break, despite the fact that the country’s current entry rules mean that unvaccinated children over the age of 12 won’t be able to visit.

Under the current rules, only fully vaccinated Brits can visit Spain, the Canaries and Balearics for holidays, and this applies to anyone aged 12 or over. (Children aged 11 or under can visit without needing to be double jabbed).

However, that hasn’t seemed to deter UK families looking for sunny holidays in February, as new research by travel insurance giant Staysure.co.uk has uncovered Spain as the top destination out of 10 holiday hotspots proving a hit.

Meanwhile UK holidays continue to prove popular, as a staycation was the second most popular choice by British holidaymakers. (You can check out the full list below).

Sign up to the Mirror’s travel newsletter for more holiday updates.

Staysure’s research found that one in 10 Brits are ditching holidays abroad in favour of a staycation. The company has put the trend down to the effect of the pandemic, which offered holidaymakers a taste of what UK holidays had to offer.

Meanwhile, the easing of travel rules has also been a major factor in families planning holidays. Following the news that the UK’s own travel rules were changing to remove the requirement for double jabbed UK arrivals to take a Covid test, Staysure noted a 32% increase in website visits.

The ski season is also set to enjoy a boost, with Brits looking at ski holidays in the French Alps and Italy.

Ryan Howsam, CEO of Staysure Group said: “It’s really encouraging to see this, our figures clearly show that Brits are now determined to get away on holiday and the increase in demand demonstrates the peace of mind they’re looking for with our Superior Covid cover.

“We normally see an uplift before the February half term, but this year demand has gone through the roof. It’s refreshing to also see that people are being more adventurous with their choice of destination, it shows they’re keen to make up for lost time!

“Staysure was one of the few insurers to support customers throughout the pandemic and the first to offer proper Covid protection. We have used this experience to further enhance the cover to ensure our customers have the confidence to book and travel in the new Covid- 19-impacted world.”

Top 10 half term holiday destinations

1. Spain
2. UK
3. France
4. Italy
5. USA
6. The Netherlands
7. UAE
8. Portugal
9. Germany
10. Iceland

You can find out more on staysure.co.uk.

Travel restrictions do apply in the pandemic so always check the Foreign Office’s latest travel advice for a destination for booking or going on a trip abroad.

Where’s top of your list for a holiday this year? Let us know in the comments below.