Are we there yet? Your second Travel Megathread (threadbans in OP}

Tazz T · 12-03-2021 11:38AM

RobitTV wrote: »

Irish Independent: ‘Good summer’ on the way – if we can stick with restrictions for another two to three months

If people “stick with it” over the next two to three months, there is the promise of a “good summer” and brighter days ahead, barring the unexpected.

Irish Independent

Did he get a sneak preview of the long range weather forecast, because I don't know what else he could be talking about.

a clanger · 12-03-2021 01:03PM

Just looking at Airbnb /Hotels .com for a family of 4 in July 10-17th is coming in at €1800-2000+ . Thats for self contained accommodation not a hostel or dorm room arrangement. I looked at Dingle/Lahinch/Eniscrone and not out in the boonies requiring a drive to the coast. The pickings are very slim. All self catered with no guarantee of weather or restaurants but you do get a daily dose of George Lee telling you how good you are doing.
looking at the TUI site you can get a week and flights self catering in the canaries/ Greece starting at €2000. Now while you may have to add €800 for PCR tests I know which I'd prefer. Especially as the ability to dine outside is actually appealing in the later and already opened.
I wouldn't hold out on the EU riding in to question the Govt on any form of restrictions travel or otherwise here. There is little accountability or discussion on planning/roadmaps etc. In fact questioning current restrictions seems to invite scorn and far left/right/anti vax/mask labels. Only the fear of losing an nice warm TD seat may stir them into action .....
If you are fortunate enough to have a job get a dentists letter and go enjoy some sun .....

Theboinkmaster · 12-03-2021 01:11PM

a clanger wrote: »

Just looking at Airbnb /Hotels .com for a family of 4 in July 10-17th is coming in at €1800-2000+ . Thats for self contained accommodation not a hostel or dorm room arrangement. I looked at Dingle/Lahinch/Eniscrone and not out in the boonies requiring a drive to the coast. The pickings are very slim. All self catered with no guarantee of weather or restaurants but you do get a daily dose of George Lee telling you how good you are doing.
looking at the TUI site you can get a week and flights self catering in the canaries/ Greece starting at €2000. Now while you may have to add €800 for PCR tests I know which I'd prefer. Especially as the ability to dine outside is actually appealing in the later and already opened.
I wouldn't hold out on the EU riding in to question the Govt on any form of restrictions travel or otherwise here. There is little accountability or discussion on planning/roadmaps etc. In fact questioning current restrictions seems to invite scorn and far left/right/anti vax/mask labels. Only the fear of losing an nice warm TD seat may stir them into action .....
If you are fortunate enough to have a job get a dentists letter and go enjoy some sun .....

I'm planning on Portugal second 2 weeks in July - only thing will stop me is wife not getting her passport back from passport office in time.

If we don't go ill sit at home for the 2 weeks rather than spend any money in Ireland as IMO it's a complete rip off.

We're staying in 5star hotel in Portugal (same one we were at in 2019) and for same standard in Ireland you're looking at more than double the price - €830 per night for family room in the likes of Europe Hotel.

Red Silurian · 12-03-2021 01:16PM

a clanger wrote: »

Just looking at Airbnb /Hotels .com for a family of 4 in July 10-17th is coming in at €1800-2000+ . Thats for self contained accommodation not a hostel or dorm room arrangement. I looked at Dingle/Lahinch/Eniscrone and not out in the boonies requiring a drive to the coast. The pickings are very slim. All self catered with no guarantee of weather or restaurants but you do get a daily dose of George Lee telling you how good you are doing.
looking at the TUI site you can get a week and flights self catering in the canaries/ Greece starting at €2000. Now while you may have to add €800 for PCR tests I know which I'd prefer. Especially as the ability to dine outside is actually appealing in the later and already opened.
I wouldn't hold out on the EU riding in to question the Govt on any form of restrictions travel or otherwise here. There is little accountability or discussion on planning/roadmaps etc. In fact questioning current restrictions seems to invite scorn and far left/right/anti vax/mask labels. Only the fear of losing an nice warm TD seat may stir them into action .....
If you are fortunate enough to have a job get a dentists letter and go enjoy some sun .....

Don't forget the 2k fine per adult from breaching restrictions, or the potential cost (in both € and annual leave) of hotel quarantine on your return

Theboinkmaster · 12-03-2021 01:17PM

Red Silurian wrote: »

Don't forget the 2k fine per adult from breaching restrictions, or the potential cost (in both € and annual leave) of hotel quarantine on your return

Assume by July there will be nothing to stop someone driving up to Belfast and flying to Portugal.

Theboinkmaster · 12-03-2021 01:19PM

Red Silurian wrote: »

Don't forget the 2k fine per adult from breaching restrictions, or the potential cost (in both € and annual leave) of hotel quarantine on your return

Hotel quarantine is only for red countries isn't it? Most holiday sun destinations like Spain and Portugal are not on this so no mandatory hotel quarantine for them?

Also I highly doubt the €2k fine will still be there in July.

The Davestator · 12-03-2021 01:20PM

Red Silurian wrote: »

Don't forget the 2k fine per adult from breaching restrictions, or the potential cost (in both € and annual leave) of hotel quarantine on your return

Even the Gardai can't be arsed with it. Only a few hundred out of thousands traveling.

Only people of questionable intellect worry about people with negative tests arriving into the country.

a clanger · 12-03-2021 01:25PM

Yes hotel quarantine only from the Category 2 countries listed here. There is a requirement to quarantine for all others to do so at the location stated on their locator form. They have been so thorough on following that up

The fine I think has to be extended after June 9th (can't find reference).

Ray Donovan · 12-03-2021 01:38PM

Red Silurian wrote: »

Don't forget the 2k fine per adult from breaching restrictions, or the potential cost (in both € and annual leave) of hotel quarantine on your return

I can't see how they they can put EU countries on that for the Summer

Dr. Em · 12-03-2021 01:47PM

a clanger wrote: »

Just looking at Airbnb /Hotels .com for a family of 4 in July 10-17th is coming in at €1800-2000+ . Thats for self contained accommodation not a hostel or dorm room arrangement. I looked at Dingle/Lahinch/Eniscrone and not out in the boonies requiring a drive to the coast. The pickings are very slim. All self catered with no guarantee of weather or restaurants but you do get a daily dose of George Lee telling you how good you are doing.
looking at the TUI site you can get a week and flights self catering in the canaries/ Greece starting at €2000. Now while you may have to add €800 for PCR tests I know which I'd prefer. Especially as the ability to dine outside is actually appealing in the later and already opened.
I wouldn't hold out on the EU riding in to question the Govt on any form of restrictions travel or otherwise here. There is little accountability or discussion on planning/roadmaps etc. In fact questioning current restrictions seems to invite scorn and far left/right/anti vax/mask labels. Only the fear of losing an nice warm TD seat may stir them into action .....
If you are fortunate enough to have a job get a dentists letter and go enjoy some sun .....

Hope you have checked their refund policy. Ireland is not the only place with changing restrictions.

Tazz T · 12-03-2021 01:50PM

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

Hotel quarantine is only for red countries isn't it? Most holiday sun destinations like Spain and Portugal are not on this so no mandatory hotel quarantine for them?

Also I highly doubt the €2k fine will still be there in July.

I can't see it here either, but to be honest the price of PCR tests will be enough to put most families off travelling.

daydorunrun · 12-03-2021 01:56PM

RobitTV wrote: »

Irish Independent: ‘Good summer’ on the way – if we can stick with restrictions for another two to three months

People were last night promised a “good summer” – but warned they have to “pull back from the brink” and stick with Covid-19 restrictions for the next two to three months.

Cases of the virus have risen in recent days, sparking fresh alarm among public health officials.

Professor Philip Nolan told last night’s Covid-19 briefing that the increase could be the “beginning of something”.

If people “stick with it” over the next two to three months, there is the promise of a “good summer” and brighter days ahead, barring the unexpected.

Irish Independent

Ah yes...... a meaningful summer.

Tenzor07 · 12-03-2021 02:02PM

RobitTV wrote: »

It really is comical and depressing :pac: sadly many people are going to fall for this 'good summer' message.Good summer meaning -
- Outdoor dining and drinking possible
- Strict limits on bars
- Small outdoor gatherings for a few of your friends or family
- No live music
- Travel restrictions
- Staycations
- Back to square one for the winter (despite the vaccine)

True, will be level 3, inbound tourism still not permitted.. Outbound travel subject to PCR/Quarantine... and possibly a trip up to Belfast to catch a flight..

The Irish Media will be full of stories on what happened back in December... NPHET and Government messages... "The next few months will be critical" "Warning to public on staying vigilant as predictions of spike in cases given" "...hold firm on social distance and masks as progress is at risk"

acequion · 12-03-2021 02:04PM

a clanger wrote: »

Yes hotel quarantine only from the Category 2 countries listed here. There is a requirement to quarantine for all others to do so at the location stated on their locator form. They have been so thorough on following that up

The fine I think has to be extended after June 9th (can't find reference).

What do you mean by that? Is that your opinion or did you see it somewhere? If you did it's a crucial piece of information and you really need to find the reference and post it here. Thanks.

Dr. Em · 12-03-2021 02:19PM

Tenzor07 wrote: »

True, will be level 3, inbound tourism still not permitted.. Outbound travel subject to PCR/Quarantine... and possibly a trip up to Belfast to catch a flight..

The Irish Media will be full of stories on what happened back in December... NPHET and Government messages... "The next few months will be critical" "Warning to public on staying vigilant as predictions of spike in cases given" "...hold firm on social distance and masks as progress is at risk"

To clarify, inbound non-essential travel is not banned even under level 5. Ireland did not even follow Schengen in banning travel from most non-EU/EEA countries. Inbound tourists would have to have a negative PCR test, fill out the Covid locator form, and quarantine at a set address or in a quarantine hotel, not to mention complying with all the national restrictions. That is a major deterrent, but an outright ban would mean turning people away at passport control if they don't have an essential reason to enter the state, which some other EU/EEA countries have done.

a clanger · 12-03-2021 03:20PM

The fine I think has to be extended after June 9th (can't find reference).
What do you mean by that? Is that your opinion or did you see it somewhere? If you did it's a crucial piece of information and you really need to find the reference and post it here. Thanks.

Here is the actual act. I've had a look and the provision expired on Nov2020 ...unless extended by the Oirteactas and order of the minister ! (31A 31B...I think)

So I guess no automatic stop of the fine

We have to wait until Stephen Donnelly decides !

RobitTV · 12-03-2021 04:02PM

German tourists can travel to Mallorca for Easter holidays going by this article.

Mallorca was given a major lift this morning with the announcement that the island was no longer "a risk zone" for German tourists.

"From this Sunday the islands are considered a safe destination again for the Germans," said a travel source this morning.

The drop in the number of Covid cases across the Balearics led to the announcement this morning which means that German tourists could soon be heading to the Mallorca shores.

Link

acequion · 12-03-2021 04:09PM

a clanger wrote: »

Here is the actual act. I've had a look and the provision expired on Nov2020 ...unless extended by the Oirteactas and order of the minister ! (31A 31B...I think)

So I guess no automatic stop of the fine

We have to wait until Stephen Donnelly decides !

Thanks for clarifying. I think no automatic stop is slightly better than if you saw in black and white an automatic extension. Haven't read it yet but hoping you haven't! Fingers very tightly crossed.:)

RobitTV · 12-03-2021 04:24PM

Even in the UK, domestic travel can commence from the 12th of April. Then after that they can travel abroad from the middle of May.

German tourists in Mallorca by Easter.

Meanwhile in Ireland, we can look forward to months of Level 5 restrictions and the continuation of the ban on non-essential travel. And the ban will likely still be in place during the summer.

acequion · 12-03-2021 05:32PM

RobitTV wrote: »

Even in the UK, domestic travel can commence from the 12th of April. Then after that they can travel abroad from the middle of May.

German tourists in Mallorca by Easter.

Meanwhile in Ireland, we can look forward to months of Level 5 restrictions and the continuation of the ban on non-essential travel. And the ban will likely still be in place during the summer.

What do you mean by the ban will still be in place? Do you mean fines? Because remember they can't outright ban travel though no doubt that's the wet dream of many. All they can do is issue their advisory.

But completely agree re the stark differences between us and other countries. Most other countries are trying to balance all interests as well as being more in touch with how far they can push their people. Here the Govt have lost all sense of balance and the lack of regard for how badly affected, financially and psychologically, many are by the draconian restrictions, is staggering.

RobitTV · 12-03-2021 05:42PM

acequion wrote: »

What do you mean by the ban will still be in place? Do you mean fines? Because remember they can't outright ban travel though no doubt that's the wet dream of many. All they can do is issue their advisory.

But completely agree re the stark differences between us and other countries. Most other countries are trying to balance all interests as well as being more in touch with how far they can push their people. Here the Govt have lost all sense of balance and the lack of regard for how badly affected, financially and psychologically, many are by the draconian restrictions, is staggering.

I really hope the government will see some sense when the summer arrives. But this is Ireland, and unfortunately there is a substantial section of society which would only love to keep travel restricted. It's truly bizarre.

Hopefully the fines will be gone by the summer and people can travel. I'm not sticking around ether way. I've just about had enough of the situation here and the lack of genuine hope.

Plumbthedepths · 12-03-2021 05:53PM

Just thought I would share this. I was incensed when I read the passport office would not be issuing passports. Happy to say my annoyance was misplaced. My passport is due for renewal in May. So I thought I might aswell join the queue. Applied online, took the photo uploaded it, paid my money. All done on Sunday evening just gone. Amazed that my new passport was laying on the hall mat today when I got in form work today. That's an impressive turn around time to be fair.

CruelSummer · 12-03-2021 06:05PM

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

Just thought I would share this. I was incensed when I read the passport office would not be issuing passports. Happy to say my annoyance was misplaced. My passport is due for renewal in May. So I thought I might aswell join the queue. Applied online, took the photo uploaded it, paid my money. All done on Sunday evening just gone. Amazed that my new passport was laying on the hall mat today when I got in form work today. That's an impressive turn around time to be fair.

Think it’s just children’s passports being held up. If I can get out of here this summer, I’m going for as long as possible.

SusanC10 · 12-03-2021 06:09PM

CruelSummer wrote: »

Think it’s just children’s passports being held up. If I can get the out of here this summer, I’m going for as long as possible.

I think it is any Passport which requires additional documentation.

saabsaab · 12-03-2021 06:13PM

RobitTV wrote: »

Even in the UK, domestic travel can commence from the 12th of April. Then after that they can travel abroad from the middle of May.

German tourists in Mallorca by Easter.

Meanwhile in Ireland, we can look forward to months of Level 5 restrictions and the continuation of the ban on non-essential travel. And the ban will likely still be in place during the summer.

The vaccine roll out is more advanced in the UK when we get to that point we would be the same.

12-03-2021 06:37PM

Plumbthedepths wrote: »

Just thought I would share this. I was incensed when I read the passport office would not be issuing passports. Happy to say my annoyance was misplaced. My passport is due for renewal in May. So I thought I might aswell join the queue. Applied online, took the photo uploaded it, paid my money. All done on Sunday evening just gone. Amazed that my new passport was laying on the hall mat today when I got in form work today. That's an impressive turn around time to be fair.

Online passport renewal with no extra documentation needed are the only ones being processed at the moment. So that excludes an awful lot that DO need documentation and are not being processed.
There is also an emergency service for people who need to travel abroad for work, airline crew etc.
I worked in the Passport office until the end of 2020 and am praying more pressure is put on the them to open up soon!

Tenzor07 · 12-03-2021 07:08PM

Dr. Em wrote: »

To clarify, inbound non-essential travel is not banned even under level 5. Ireland did not even follow Schengen in banning travel from most non-EU/EEA countries. Inbound tourists would have to have a negative PCR test, fill out the Covid locator form, and quarantine at a set address or in a quarantine hotel, not to mention complying with all the national restrictions. That is a major deterrent, but an outright ban would mean turning people away at passport control if they don't have an essential reason to enter the state, which some other EU/EEA countries have done.

Technically speaking there's no outright ban..

However what NPHET-FFFG have done is to make travel so difficult between mandatory PCR and now mandatory hotel quarantine for a growing list of countries, that travel demand is flat lined...there's no roadmap for coming out of these travel restrictions either..the message is Ireland is all but closed, whereas some southern EU nations are planning on opening by May for tourism... In Ireland people can't even get a passport renewed, a process that should almost be automatic, i.e. Online form, automatic system check, postage, done.

The DAA are laying off 100's of staff... Aer Lingus have their licence to run flights out of the UK.. Cork/Shannon airports are on life-support...Gardai surrounding the Airports.... Ryanair are running ghost flights just so crews can maintain their licences.. No plan for aviation.. Capacity at a bare minimum which can't be sustained based on "essential" travel only unless the state step in to subsidise.

Hotels in Deep hibernation, no road map, no plan to bring back staff/operations due to the outright uncertainty...many staff will emigrate to the UK or back to central Europe.

We're in Mid-March now, usually travel/hospitality are starting to ramp-up, now they are flat lined...operators given up making plans as there's too much uncertainty.

acequion · 12-03-2021 07:20PM

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Technically speaking there's no outright ban..

However what NPHET-FFFG have done is to make travel so difficult between mandatory PCR and now mandatory hotel quarantine for a growing list of countries, that travel demand is flat lined...there's no roadmap for coming out of these travel restrictions either..the message is Ireland is all but closed, whereas some southern EU nations are planning on opening by May for tourism... In Ireland people can't even get a passport renewed, a process that should almost be automatic, i.e. Online form, automatic system check, postage, done.

The DAA are laying off 100's of staff... Aer Lingus have their licence to run flights out of the UK.. Cork/Shannon airports are on life-support...Gardai surrounding the Airports.... Ryanair are running ghost flights just so crews can maintain their licences.. No plan for aviation.. Capacity at a bare minimum which can't be sustained based on "essential" travel only unless the state step in to subsidise.

Hotels in Deep hibernation, no road map, no plan to bring back staff/operations due to the outright uncertainty...many staff will emigrate to the UK or back to central Europe.

We're in Mid-March now, usually travel/hospitality are starting to ramp-up, now they are flat lined...operators given up making plans as there's too much uncertainty.

Jesus but that makes for very grim reading. What I cannot understand for the life of me is how there isn't an outcry over this and a fight back. Whole livelihoods are at stake, multiple businesses, the connectivity of the island with the wider world. Things that took decades to build. Ok, we all know we're in a global pandemic, but why is there not even a whisper of protest about all the above? Or will it come later?

12-03-2021 07:51PM

I agree with the above. I don't understand it either, why no pushback at all from industry?

Paschal O Donoghue was on Newstalk this morning and spoke of the huge supports they are currently giving Aviation in Ireland, so this Government money is probably filling the gap and keeping them afloat. I'm still surprised Michael O Leary or his CEO hasn't come out in public about the bleakness of the future of Irish aviation, maybe its because it would cause the share price to collapse as they are trying to keep the positivity going??

My friend has a son who is a captain with Aer Lingus. He has years of experience and training and was flying trans Atlantic mostly before Covid. At the moment he gets 1 flight every 3 weeks. His last flight was 18days ago, to Boston, with 11 passengers on board. I honestly cannot understand why there is not a lot of noise or protests about the decimation of this industry and many others? They couldn't be called "right wing" or anti-vax by Claire Byrne and RTE if they took to the streets in their uniform? Plus all the hotel workers, pub workers, beauticians, hair dressers? The public would stand behind them at this stage.

Tenzor07 · 12-03-2021 07:56PM

acequion wrote: »

Jesus but that makes for very grim reading. What I cannot understand for the life of me is how there isn't an outcry over this and a fight back. Whole livelihoods are at stake, multiple businesses, the connectivity of the island with the wider world. Things that took decades to build. Ok, we all know we're in a global pandemic, but why is there not even a whisper of protest about all the above? Or will it come later?

'Cos the way the Irish media has rattled the cage of the public, that's why there's no uproar, people want more travel restrictions...not less.. plan to get the sector moving again? Urmm...nope!

It's a sector that plans ahead.. Staffing.. Supplies.. Logistics/HR/management/routing capacity all in suspended animation.. Send staff and crews to busy routes... Hotel staff won't stay in Ireland for €350 a week when the UK will open up and offer staff triple or more a week for actual work now that recruitment from the EU is so difficult...

Irish Aviation/tourism/Hospitality is like a boxer after 10 rounds with Mike Tyson, battered, bloody and with little fight left in them...

Are we there yet? Your second Travel Megathread (threadbans in OP}

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