Thursday 24 June saw the latest government update with some favourite destinations added to the green list and the green watchlist from 30 June.

This means you can now travel to green listed Malta. Additional destinations on the green watchlist include: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, Madeira, Balearic Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Jerusalem and Israel.

Please keep in mind that the green watchlist can change to amber at anytime and is not governed by the official review periods.

As well as having more destinations to consider, there is talk of removing the 'do not travel' advice to amber listed countries.

More good news is that from later in the summer, there is the “intention” that fully vaccinated travellers can return from amber destinations without the need to isolate on return to the UK.

I’ve had a few customers ask about under 18s. The guidance I’ve been given is that they are “pending decisions on whether under 18s should routinely be offered vaccination; we will also take clinical advice on whether regular testing can provide a safe alternative to quarantine for children accompanied by vaccinated adults."

Regardless of where you travel to, you will still need to check the FCDO travel advice and follow entry requirements for each destination and for return to the UK.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Nikki x

Visiting London and the H10 London Waterloo Hotel

I’ve always loved travelling to London and being a tourist, and last week was no exception. On Tuesday 15 June, I travelled to London for my first face to face travel event. As I was going to be in London, I decided to take advantage and stay over. Ohhh the excitement of staying in a hotel again after nine months.

Travelling on the train felt very safe (South Eastern); I was travelling off peak and it was quite quiet. When I reached St Pancras station, I was a little anxious wondering how busy the Underground would be! I was really taken aback as to how quiet that was, too! I almost had a carriage to myself.

Top Tip: If you can travel at off peak times, I’d 100% recommend it.

Taking the Underground to Waterloo via Leicester Square was very Covid compliant and I wondered why I’d felt a bit apprehensive. 

After a short 10-minute walk from the station, I arrived at my hotel, H10 London  Waterloo. The reception staff were friendly and personable, and like most other retail and reception points, there was a screen along with the mandatory hand sanitiser.

I was fortunate to be in a room on the 11th floor, so I had a superb view of the city that included Canary Wharf, Crystal Palace and the Shard.

There's a bar on the 8th floor, aptly named the Skybar... Wow! What a superb panoramic view of the city. It would have been rude not to sit a while and enjoy a little G&T whilst soaking up the view and the sunshine!

My event was that evening so I only had time for a short walk around the locality of the hotel. 

The next morning, after a wonderful sleep - probably the best I’ve had in a long time - I had breakfast at the hotel. All tastes and dietary requirements were catered for.

I’d really missed just walking around London so my plan was to do just that. Having planned a circular-ish route from the hotel, I set off in the direction of Westminster. I felt like a kid again, seeing all the sights for the first time.

London Eye, Big Ben (well the scaffolding and the faces), Houses of Parliament (complete with the obligatory person or two standing on their soap box!), Horseguards, the Mall, St James' Park with the pelicans, Number 10 with the added excitement of Boris and his outriders, the Golden Hind and Borough Market. 

Reminiscing about many previous trips for afternoon tea at the Marriott with views of the river, taking my grandson on a river boat for first time, passing hotels where I’ve been for sabrage events... the memories were flooding back and of course, I was making plans for many more!

As it was so warm, it was good to stop and visit some of my favourite places for a refreshment: the OXO Tower, the Shard and The George to name a few. I hadn’t booked a table at any, however, which I would recommend doing to avoid disappointment.

It really was great being back in the city, although it was a different city to the one I’d previously known! There were definitely less people and cars around; and there were lots of hand sanitiser stations, directional arrows on pavements, Covid posters, more space between seating and people in masks.

Change doesn't need to be a bad thing! I quite like the table service, more space in restaurants and bars, being respectful of my space and others, no pushing or shoving to get onto the Tube, etc.

It all feels a bit more personal and calm. I walked 14km and only covered a small section of London. I will most certainly be back soon, after all, I didn’t have time to shop, visit some of the attractions or the theatre!

London - you’ve piqued my interest once more. I can thoroughly recommend H10 London Waterloo as a base to explore the city, and I can book a wide range of activities and experiences for you...

Bateaux London: River Thames Dinner Cruise

From £79 per person

Take a journey along the Thames with London's best restaurant cruise.

Travel through the heart of the city and enjoy the striking sights of the capital from a special angle with live entertainment and delicious food.

Bateaux London is a 'floating restaurant', where the seasonal dishes are prepared and cooked freshly on board every cruise. A delightful way to celebrate a romantic occasion or birthday, Bateaux London's River Thames Dinner Cruise offers an unforgettable evening with the perfect combination of good food, live entertainment, outstanding service and spectacular London river views.

Departing from Embankment Pier, float past London's most iconic landmarks, many of which are spectacularly illuminated, while being accompanied by an in-house band creating a relaxing atmosphere with jazz tunes and popular renditions.

Once you've feasted on views, it's time to feast on a mouth-watering meal. The entertainment continues after your meal, where you’ll be able to dance to hits from four decades or simply enjoy a drink on one of the balconies or terraces..

West End Show: Mary Poppins

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s multi-award-winning musical, Mary Poppins, is flying back to the Prince Edward Theatre on 7 August.

The magical story of the world’s favourite nanny is triumphantly and spectacularly brought to the stage with dazzling choreography, incredible effects and unforgettable songs.

Seating Options
 

Choose from the following available ticket options (subject to availability):

• Top Price Seats Orchestra/ Stalls or Dress Circle: Our best tickets situated towards the front of the Stalls or Dress Circle with a great view of the stage
• Standard Seats (Orchestra/ Stalls or Dress Circle): Normally situated towards the back or the sides of the Stalls or the Dress circle
• Grand Circle: Situated in the best seats in the Grand Circle second tier.

Visit 'The View from The Shard' followed by a meal at Marco Pierre White's London Steakhouse Company

Voucher for two from £89

Indulge in a slice of the high life together, with entry to 'The View from The Shard' for two, followed by an exquisite three-course meal at Marco Pierre White’s London Steakhouse Company.

An icon amidst the city’s skyline, Western Europe’s tallest building is renowned for its magnificent architecture, 5* hospitality, and sweeping 360-degree views across the city below. You can take in the sights at your leisure, both in Level 69’s indoor viewing gallery and on Level 72’s spectacular open-air platform, offering views for up to 40 miles in every direction.

Stylish dining, high quality steaks, mouth-watering starters and a range of timeless puddings are all hallmarks at Marco Pierre White’s award-winning London Steakhouse Company. You can enjoy it all with a three-course meal of the finest quality fare, topped off with an expertly-crafted cocktail each.

Voucher includes:

• Entry to 'The View from The Shard' for two adults
• Three-course meal for two including a cocktail at London Steakhouse Company

Magical Cocktail Experience for Two at The Cauldrons

Voucher from £75

Get ready to mix up some magic at London’s most enchanting cocktail experience!

Don your robes, grab your wands and get ready for your most spirited Potions class yet, with this Immersive Magical Cocktail Experience for two at The Cauldron in Stoke Newington.

At your interactive work station, you’ll get to test out your magic wand by pouring a welcome drink. You’ll then use special molecular mixology skills to brew your delicious elixirs, each of which will have different traits and effects.

Harry Potter Tour + 4-hour Hop-On Hop-Off London Bus Tour Ticket

From £138 per adult and £120 per child

Step in to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and discover how the most successful film series of all time was brought to life at the UK’s Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. 

With return transportation to and from the Studio Tour provided, you won’t have to worry about casting a spell to get you home!

Plus, explore the very best of London and see the most famous locations with a 4-hour hop-on hop-off ticket. Choose from three different routes and over 60 stops for a convenient and fascinating adventure through the capital.

Up at The O2 Climb for Two

Voucher from £74

Enjoy amazing views across London from the roof of the iconic O2 on this exhilarating climb for two.

Suspended above the iconic tent canvas, you and a fellow adventurer will make the 365m journey to the summit, 52m above ground level.

With the help of your Climb Guide, you’ll be fully briefed before donning your fetching climb suit, shoes and safety harness. Once you’re all set, you’ll make your way up to the walkway before attaching to the climb system and beginning your ascent.

Once at the top, you can breathe in the incredible views of London stretching in every direction, and take some epic photos, before heading back down to earth.

This experience is a great idea for a gift, as you don’t have to commit the recipient to a particular date – the choice is theirs!