Safest Places in Europe to Travel to currently?

0gac3yjefb5sv7 · 08-07-2020 1:18am #1

Looking for any ideas. Potentially Greece. Any help welcome.

ted1 · 08-07-2020 7:30am

Achill is nice this time of year.

drunkmonkey · 08-07-2020 7:40am

Croatia, Greece, Denmark that's pretty much the green list of countys right now that are on par or below us.

The weather should get a lot better here in the next few weeks though.

drunkmonkey · 08-07-2020 7:43am

ted1 wrote: »

Achill is nice this time of year.

Could do a lot worse than Achill...

Rodney Bathgate · 08-07-2020 7:51am

Stay safe. Stay at home.

munchkin_utd · 08-07-2020 8:40am

Heres a fully up to date map of europe showing the cases per 100,000 over the past 7 days.
Karte_Europa.jpg?__blob=normal&v=66

https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Quarantaene_Einreisen_Deutschland.html

light yellow is <5 so its just as safe to go to Greece, Germany, Baltic / Scandanavian countries (excl Sweden) or Italy as stay in Ireland

Arguably more safe actually, as the weather will be better and you'll be outside more, meaning virtually no chance of catching it (on top of it barely being there in the first place)

France and Spain are a tick worse BUT even there the numbers dont delve into the exact source of the problematic numbers, which increasingly is larger outbreaks in meat plants (not where tourists go) or overcrowded tower/ apartment blocks in socially deprived areas (not where tourists go) or family occasions (again, not where tourists go)

Peregrinus · 08-07-2020 8:45am

Although bear in mind the risk of infection that the journey itself may entail. If you're flying, this is likely to be higher than the risk of infection at your destination.

ninebeanrows · 08-07-2020 9:05am

Looks like Germany could be the call. Also if locked down guaranteed routes back as Berlin route never stopped during pandemic

Munich?

munchkin_utd · 08-07-2020 9:20am

Peregrinus wrote: »

Although bear in mind the risk of infection that the journey itself may entail. If you're flying, this is likely to be higher than the risk of infection at your destination.

is it really though?

Most go to the airport by car, so zero (corona) risk.
At Dublin/ Cork airport - its ireland, so by definition (by Tony and the lads) the safest place on the planet, aside from anywhere thats safer like the antarctic, or quarantine for space flights.
On the plane, next to zero chance of catching anything. All passengers will be wearing a mask/ mouth covering so that substantially reduces any particles in the air, and the air conditioning sucks out all air within 2 minutes anyhow.
At destination airport, likely that you'll be wearing masks along with everyone else, so again grand.
On way to hotel/ apartment, again likely to wear mask if using shared transport, if you arent renting a car or getting a taxi meaning again its only your family to worry about.

All in all theres a very low chance of anything happening from what I can figure.

munchkin_utd · 08-07-2020 9:32am

Sleety_Rain wrote: »

Looks like Germany could be the call. Also if locked down guaranteed routes back as Berlin route never stopped during pandemic

Munich?

Munich wouldnt be a bad option (I would say that though! )

- lots of outdoor bars/ beergardens etc.
- beerhalls open, but with spacing, you need masks to get to and from tables but not at the tables
- unlike Berlin, the beer is good
- you can do plenty outdoors and safe from any residual corona risk like cycle tours, 3rd Reich walking tour, or go for a spin to the alps for a walk/ hike, even overnight down there for a change of scenery
- outdoor pools are opened again but with advance reservations, should you need to cool off (it could be in the 30s in Late July / August so a good option to have)
- virus is under control, relatively tough local government/ police enforcing any measures, lots of mask wearing indoors (ok... cr@p from a comfort point of view, but it does work)
- hotel prices should be good as theres very few foreign tourists (theres a new premier inn in the city centre which might be worth investigating)

Peregrinus · 08-07-2020 9:34am

Not all European airlines require the use of facemasks and those that do vary in the strictness with which they enforce the rule. And there will always be cases of people removing their masks to eat, drink or talk, or just not wearing them correctly. Aircraft air conditioning systems don't exhaust the air in the cabin; they recycle it. To prevent the spread of viruses, bacteria and other infectants you are reliant on the filtration system, but these vary in efficacy depending on how old they are and how well they are maintained.

You can reduce both these risks for yourself by getting and wearing an N95 mask on the flight (and not removing it for any reason). But they are pricey, and not re-usable.

I wouldn't want to overstate the risks, but there is evidence that cabin crew have a high rate of covid-19 infection, despite (obviously) being motivated to take all the proper precautions, and most observers put that down to the relatively high-risk environment in which they work. This is likely a more dangerous environment, infection-wise, than being out and about in any European country. It will probably be the most dangerous part of your holiday.

spockety · 08-07-2020 10:02am

munchkin_utd wrote: »

Heres a fully up to date map of europe showing the cases per 100,000 over the past 7 days.

https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Quarantaene_Einreisen_Deutschland.html

light yellow is <5 so its just as safe to go to Greece, Germany, Baltic / Scandanavian countries (excl Sweden) or Italy as stay in Ireland

Arguably more safe actually, as the weather will be better and you'll be outside more, meaning virtually no chance of catching it (on top of it barely being there in the first place)

France and Spain are a tick worse BUT even there the numbers dont delve into the exact source of the problematic numbers, which increasingly is larger outbreaks in meat plants (not where tourists go) or overcrowded tower/ apartment blocks in socially deprived areas (not where tourists go) or family occasions (again, not where tourists go)

France's rate per 100,000 is being almost doubled because they include French Guiana in their numbers (which is in South America). Without that, the number for mainland France is only 4.

munchkin_utd · 08-07-2020 10:07am

Sleety_Rain wrote: »

Looks like Germany could be the call. Also if locked down guaranteed routes back as Berlin route never stopped during pandemic

Munich?

should also mention that from July 22nd to early September theres a new initiative "Summer in the city" which will be 22 pop up beergardens, concerts, 2x big wheels and amusements, spread over all corners of the city to ensure theres a bit of craic in the summer but all outdoors and not concentrated into one place

Therell be a roller coaster and one of those wild water rides set up in the olympic park among other things.

the reasoning behind is is also to give a chance for the octoberfest stand owners (sausages/ toasted nuts and all that sort of stuff) and amusement ride owners to make a few euro seeing as the oktoberfest itsself and probably all other community festivals are cancelled.

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.muenchen.de%2Ffreizeit%2Faktuell%2F2020%2Fsommer-in-der-stadt-das-ist-geplant.html

Rodney Bathgate · 08-07-2020 11:06am

munchkin_utd wrote: »

should also mention that from July 22nd to early September theres a new initiative "Summer in the city" which will be 22 pop up beergardens, concerts, 2x big wheels and amusements, spread over all corners of the city to ensure theres a bit of craic in the summer but all outdoors and not concentrated into one place

Therell be a roller coaster and one of those wild water rides set up in the olympic park among other things.

the reasoning behind is is also to give a chance for the octoberfest stand owners (sausages/ toasted nuts and all that sort of stuff) and amusement ride owners to make a few euro seeing as the oktoberfest itsself and probably all other community festivals are cancelled.

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.muenchen.de%2Ffreizeit%2Faktuell%2F2020%2Fsommer-in-der-stadt-das-ist-geplant.html

Are you on commission from the Munich tourist board?

Dublin Mum · 08-07-2020 11:31am

munchkin_utd wrote: »

is it really though?
Most go to the airport by car, so zero (corona) risk.

At Dublin/ Cork airport - its ireland, so by definition (by Tony and the lads) the safest place on the planet, aside from anywhere thats safer like the antarctic, or quarantine for space flights.

On the plane, next to zero chance of catching anything. All passengers will be wearing a mask/ mouth covering so that substantially reduces any particles in the air, and the air conditioning sucks out all air within 2 minutes anyhow.

At destination airport, likely that you'll be wearing masks along with everyone else, so again grand.

On way to hotel/ apartment, again likely to wear mask if using shared transport, if you arent renting a car or getting a taxi meaning again its only your family to worry about.

All in all theres a very low chance of anything happening from what I can figure.

As above but travelling by ferry in our own vehicle and accommodation. Taking bikes too so zero need for transfers, public transport, taxis etc.
All eating, sight seeing etc will be outdoors and we’ll be socially distancing and wearing masks indoors as we do here and carrying them with us for cases where socially distancing might be difficult (but will be avoiding busy and crowded areas).

JimmyVik · 08-07-2020 11:33am

Leitrim

CBear1993 · 08-07-2020 11:36am

Hopefully the crazy gang stay away from this thread. Enjoying the nice suggestions and positivity

quokula · 08-07-2020 11:38am

munchkin_utd wrote: »

is it really though?
Most go to the airport by car, so zero (corona) risk.

At Dublin/ Cork airport - its ireland, so by definition (by Tony and the lads) the safest place on the planet, aside from anywhere thats safer like the antarctic, or quarantine for space flights.

On the plane, next to zero chance of catching anything. All passengers will be wearing a mask/ mouth covering so that substantially reduces any particles in the air, and the air conditioning sucks out all air within 2 minutes anyhow.

At destination airport, likely that you'll be wearing masks along with everyone else, so again grand.

On way to hotel/ apartment, again likely to wear mask if using shared transport, if you arent renting a car or getting a taxi meaning again its only your family to worry about.

All in all theres a very low chance of anything happening from what I can figure.

I must have missed the bit where they announced that it's perfectly safe to mingle with large numbers of strangers indoors anywhere in Ireland.

You also seem to be mistakenly of the belief that wearing a mask makes you invincible.

CBear1993 · 08-07-2020 11:43am

Well... it was nice while it lasted :rolleyes:

Any chance of ye buggering off elsewhere? Plenty of other space on here for your tripe.

munchkin_utd · 08-07-2020 11:43am

Rodney Bathgate wrote: »

Are you on commission from the Munich tourist board?

no, but maybe I should ask !

We are off to italy for the holidays ourselves.
I see zero difference in the chances of catching the virus there as Munich or Ireland if we behave ourselves, which with 2 kids will be the case.

No different to the previous corona free years, we will be mainly keeping to ourselves in self catering accomodation and spending heaps of time outdoors with zero indoor restaurant visits, and even then barely any outdoor restaurant visits at all (kids too busy having fun to be leaving the campsite(s) ).

otnomart · 08-07-2020 12:51pm

ted1 wrote: »

Achill is nice this time of year.

Absolutely !
Or even one of those islands with less population:
Garmna, Galway 1019
Inis Mór Galway 762
Valencia Island, Kerry 657
Leitir Móir, Co. na Gaillimhe 513
Árainn Mhór, Donegal 469
Inis Oírr, Galway 281
Haulbowline Island, Cork 216
Leitir Mealláin, Co. na Gaillimhe 204
Inis Meáin, Galway 183
Inchydoney Island, Cork 183
Inishbofin, Galway 175
Bear Island, Cork 167
Clare Island, Mayo 159
Cléire, Cork 147
Maínis, Galway 137
Toraigh, Donegal 119
Sherkin Island, Cork 111
Eanach Mheáin, Galway 104
Ringarogy Island, Cork 84
An Chruit, Donegal 60
Foirnis, Galway 60
Inishturk, Mayo 51
Inis Ní, Galway 43
Aughinish Island, Clare 34
Inishbeg, Cork 34
Samphire Island, Kerry 31
Tawin Island, Galway 31
Inishodriscol (or Hare Island), Cork 28
An Ros, Galway 22
Long Island, Cork 20
Inishbiggle, Mayo 18
Hop Island, Cork 18
Whiddy Island, Cork 18

otnomart · 08-07-2020 12:56pm

Seriously though: anywhere in Europe where they have (and enforce compliance of) decent policies on wearing masks and on proper distancing of tables in cafès/restaurants

munchkin_utd · 08-07-2020 1:04pm

otnomart wrote: »

Seriously though: anywhere in Europe where they have (and enforce compliance of) decent policies on wearing masks and on proper distancing of tables in cafès/restaurants

is that a question?

if it is, you can start with Bavaria and Baden Wutermburg in southern germany (other German regions seem to be less strict in actual enforcement) plus Italy

Austria has removed the compulsion to wear masks in hotels and elsewhere, but thats good for the rest of us as they are essentially voluntary guinea pigs to see how the virus spreads unchecked for a second european wave. I just hope it doesnt backfire.

otnomart · 08-07-2020 1:09pm

munchkin_utd wrote: »

is that a question?

if it is, you can start with Bavaria and Baden Wutermburg in southern germany (other German regions seem to be less strict in actual enforcement) plus Italy

Austria has removed the compulsion to wear masks in hotels and elsewhere, but thats good for the rest of us as they are essentially voluntary guinea pigs to see how the virus spreads unchecked for a second european wave. I just hope it doesnt backfire.

It was not a question, more like a suggestion of what to look out for. Many EU Countries have these policies now.
Thanks for that, though !

Tenzor07 · 08-07-2020 2:17pm

MattS1 wrote: »

Looking for any ideas. Potentially Greece. Any help welcome.

I've a suggestion...

Greece.. Athens and then Island ferry hop.

theoldbreed · 09-07-2020 12:37pm

MattS1 wrote: »

Looking for any ideas. Potentially Greece. Any help welcome.

We're going to Crete, have booked since end of January. Greece have handled it very well overall, Crete in particular. As long as it's on the green list we're going!

Tenzor07 · 09-07-2020 12:59pm

theoldbreed wrote: »

We're going to Crete, have booked since end of January. Greece have handled it very well overall, Crete in particular. As long as it's on the green list we're going!

Good choice, Crete is the only Greek Island with direct flights to and from Dublin on Ryanair, and they are around €50 one way depending on when you travel.

theoldbreed · 09-07-2020 6:03pm

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Good choice, Crete is the only Greek Island with direct flights to and from Dublin on Ryanair, and they are around €50 one way depending on when you travel.

We're going mid August and paid 530 return for two of us including seats but as I said we booked way back! Flights are a lot cheaper now.

Tenzor07 · 09-07-2020 6:15pm

theoldbreed wrote: »

We're going mid August and paid 530 return for two of us including seats but as I said we booked way back! Flights are a lot cheaper now.

€530 for two people, accommodation included?

xtradel · 09-07-2020 6:18pm

Flying into Munich in September but as I've been there before I'm staying in Augsburg which is around 40 mins outside. Waiting now for the big announcement if I wont need to quarantine when I come back!

theoldbreed · 09-07-2020 6:23pm

Tenzor07 wrote: »

€530 for two people, accommodation included?

No, I wish! 1,100 for 10 days for two.

Tenzor07 · 09-07-2020 6:42pm

theoldbreed wrote: »

No, I wish! 1,100 for 10 days for two.

Just did a quick calc for 10 nights in Chania, a lovely spacious apartment in the town with great reviews, plus return flights for €970.
So not too far off, but that's with about 3 weeks notice...
The flight back is what increased the price, if the flight over and back would have been the same it would have meant the whole lot for €840.

theoldbreed · 09-07-2020 8:05pm

Tenzor07 wrote: »

Just did a quick calc for 10 nights in Chania, a lovely spacious apartment in the town with great reviews, plus return flights for €970.
So not too far off, but that's with about 3 weeks notice...
The flight back is what increased the price, if the flight over and back would have been the same it would have meant the whole lot for €840.

Yeah that's where we're going, I found a lovely apartment with its own roof terrace in the old town, it's called Odyssey House.
That's a good price too, extremely good value I think.

Tenzor07 · 09-07-2020 8:14pm

theoldbreed wrote: »

Yeah that's where we're going, I found a lovely apartment with its own roof terrace in the old town, it's called Odyssey House.
That's a good price too, extremely good value I think.

If you booked that today along with your flights then what you paid is pretty spot on.
It's got great reviews and right in the old town so should be a perfect place to spend your 10 days.
Though hire a car and go see more of the Island, the biggest of the Greek Islands..

beggars_bush · 09-07-2020 9:54pm

We usually stay in agii apostoli for the lovely beaches then hit Chania at night

CBear1993 · 10-07-2020 7:44am

Been offered a job on a data centre in Groningen, Holland. Was thinking of heading over for a day or two to check it out before I commit. By the looks of the reopen EU map Holland is ok.

The other option I got was Gavle, Sweden (about 1.5 hours from Stockholm) but sweden is in the red zone on the map

beggars_bush · 10-07-2020 8:41am

Cost of living very high in sweden.
Beautiful country though

Tenzor07 · 11-07-2020 5:52pm

Video of someone recently arriving at Chania, Crete, seems pretty normal...

CBear1993 · 22-07-2020 1:37pm

Micheal Martin's bunker. Where he watches episodes of Recess trying to emulate Randall, Mr Burns from simpsons or Randall from Monsters Inc

sammye333 · 22-10-2020 4:07pm

CBear1993 wrote: »

Been offered a job on a data centre in Groningen, Holland. Was thinking of heading over for a day or two to check it out before I commit. By the looks of the reopen EU map Holland is ok.

The other option I got was Gavle, Sweden (about 1.5 hours from Stockholm) but sweden is in the red zone on the map

did you take the job in Gavle

Safest Places in Europe to Travel to currently?

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