New warnings against "all but essential travel" - but what does that really mean?

John Walton

Mar 18, 2020 • 5 min read

all but essential travel

As borders close amid the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, most countries are advising their citizens against all but essential travel — or any travel at all. But what exactly does that somewhat vague phrase “all but essential” mean? Basically, it’s vague on purpose, but what it really means is do not travel here, and if you decide to go, your country may not be able to help you in the event of an emergency. 

Check-in desks closed at Sydney Airport amid COVID-19 pandemic

As of 17 March, the UK and US governments are advising their citizens against "all but essential travel". The  UK Foreign Office  issued a "COVID-19 Exceptional Travel Advisory Notice," advising British nationals against all but essential international travel.

The FCO has this to say on the subject: “Sometimes we say that only essential travel is advised. Whether travel is essential or not is your own decision. You may have urgent family or business commitments to attend to. Circumstances differ from person to person. Only you can make an informed decision based on the risks.”

Read more: Lockdowns and travel bans: which countries have COVID-19 restrictions

Travelling for a holiday to any particular destination is not “essential” by any reasonable definition. And in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it's irresponsible. However, there is some good news: airlines may let you change your destination, or get a refund to travel another time, and insurance companies will often cover your costs if you couldn’t have foreseen the problem. Take a look below for how that works.

What if I decide to still go on holiday?

That’s a pretty bad idea, not just because you might be in danger and most countries have closed their borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but because the usual sources of help in an emergency might not be there. For example, consular assistance staff overseas are often withdrawn when things start going south. 

You can still probably expect your country’s consulates and embassies — or those of other European Union countries if you’re an EU citizen — to assist in some circumstances, especially if you end up needing to be evacuated. However, it may be costly: some countries make a point of requiring their citizens to cover all or part of the cost of emergency evacuations, and the evacuation process is unlikely to be a pleasant one. Many countries have suspended commercial flights and closed land and sea borders. So you can expect to travel uncomfortably, perhaps on pallet seats on a freighter aircraft, with an awful lot of waiting around, being corralled and having to make your own way home from wherever the plane lands in your home country. Also expect to be quarantined for around 14 days upon arrival.

Read more: Will my airline give me a refund due to the coronavirus?

What does this mean for my flights? 

When this kind of travel advice is given, responsible airlines will issue what are known as “waivers”, either for full refunds, the ability to change your dates of travel (usually within a certain window of time) or in some cases to change your departure and/or arrival airports.

Waivers are by no means guaranteed, but check the social media feeds of your airline for information, and perhaps run a quick web search because there are all kinds of travel blogs that make a habit of collating this information. To take an airline up on their offer of a travel waiver, it’s usually best to try online first if that works, with your second best bet being via direct messages on their social channels. Calling the airline during this unprecedented global crisis where their call centres are likely to be swamped will require a lot of patience and a full phone battery. If you get no joy the first time round, don’t press it, thank them for their time and use what frequent travellers call the HUCA method: Hang Up and Call Again, and see if the next agent is able to help you better.

The wing of a plane is seen through an airplane window.

If your flight is cancelled, most airlines should endeavour to get you to your destination if you need to, but the regulations on what they’re required to do varies internationally. Flights out of the EU or on EU airlines are covered by the EU261/2004 regulations, which are some of the most traveller-friendly rules. Your airline may direct you to claim on your travel insurance. As ever, get as much as you can in writing and make copious, dated, timed notes with the name (and perhaps a staff ID number) of anyone you speak to on this, whether at the airline or your insurance.

Note that if you’ve booked a package holiday, you may have extra rights to cancel or change your holiday because of package travel laws, but that will depend on the country where you bought the trip.

Read more: What to do when you can't get home due to travel restrictions?

Am I covered with travel insurance if I decide to travel?

I’m an aviation journalist and not a lawyer, and this isn’t legal advice, but most travel insurance comes with a “reasonable person” test. That probably means not travelling when governments say not to. And most governments are saying not to. In general, when it comes to whether you’re covered, most travel insurers expect travellers they insure to follow the guidance of governments, usually the one where the insurance contract was made and where any arbitration takes place. 

So, if it’s a US policy, they’ll follow the State Department, or if it’s the UK, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. If that’s a different country from where you’re departing from, or your nationality, I’d suggest contacting the insurance company for clarification. If I considered my travel essential in the face of one of these warnings, though, I would get confirmation — and in writing — from my travel insurance provider that my cover would still be valid during the trip. I’d keep confirming up to my date of departure, as well.

This article was first published on 31 January, 2020 and updated on 18 March, 2020.

Aviation journalist John Walton writes regularly on travel for Lonely Planet and a variety of aviation magazines. He welcomes questions and discussions from readers on Twitter (he’s @thatjohn ).

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is now a global pandemic. Find out what this means for travelers .

This article was first published January 2020 and updated March 2020

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What is considered essential travel?

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While it might be tempting to take a quick trip to the beach or attend a friend’s birthday party, given the fact that COVID is still a real threat, you’re likely putting yourself and others at risk through non-essential travel. 

CDC data currently shows the number of cases is trending down since the recent spike in December, but more cases are still being reported each day. At present, there are more than 28 million confirmed cases in the U.S., with over 500,000 deaths. Those numbers alone paint a grim picture, but there are steps that each of us can take to help decrease the spread, and one of them involves how we travel. 

What is essential travel?

Essential travel is traveling for the sake of essential work (i.e., agricultural work), emergencies, medical purposes, government matters, and military matters. If your job requires your services for vital assistance, processes, or products, then your traveling is essential. 

For domestic travel, the CDC recommends checking the state’s health department website for the location you’re headed to for any restrictions and requirements. If for necessary reasons, you have to leave the U.S., you can visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for international advisories.

Ultimately, if you have to commute because of your work or an emergency, then your travel is considered essential.

What is non-essential travel?

Non-essential travel is commuting for the sake of leisure or recreational purposes. If you’re planning to go on vacation, participate in recreational activities, or casually visit family or friends, this is considered non-essential travel. 

Currently, you are free to commute within and outside of the U.S. (restrictions for certain  international locations may be in place). Road trips, flights , and train rides are all viable, and you’re free to visit recreational areas like parks and nature reserves.

Just keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for knowing and following any restrictions that are in place at your destination. 

What are the current restrictions on non-essential travel?

Since President Biden took office in January, many travel restrictions and policies that the former administration relaxed have been reinstated.

For U.S. citizens, the most significant change is that the CDC will no longer allow exceptions for negative coronavirus tests. Anyone coming into the U.S. from an international destination, citizen or not, must present a negative coronavirus test — no if, ands, or buts. 

For non-U.S. citizens, the new restrictions prohibit them from entering the country if they have recently been in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other parts of Europe, referred to as the Schengen countries. The Schengen area includes 26 countries like Germany, Switzerland and Norway that have minimal border control for those traveling among them. The ban also impacts non-U.S. citizens traveling from Brazil and South Africa. 

And still, the  CDC discourages non-essential travel  to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and requires all passengers who do choose to travel to wear masks on planes, trains, buses and in transportation hubs at all times. 

For commuting within the U.S., check for any restrictions with each state below:

See travel updates for each state

  • Alaska 
  • Connecticut
  • Massachusetts
  • Mississippi
  • New Hampshire
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • West Virginia

How to travel safely during COVID-19

If you are planning to commute for essential or non-essential purposes, here are some ways you can protect yourself and others, depending on your mode of transportation:

Travel by public transportation

  • Wear a mask.
  • Try to maintain social distance from other passengers. If possible, skip a seat if taking a bus.
  • Wear sunglasses, safety goggles, or glasses to help shield and protect your eyes since you’ll be in close proximity to others.
  • Keep hand sanitizer with you and wash your hands when possible.

Travel by personal vehicle

  • Try to limit the number of riders as much as possible.
  • Increase circulation within your vehicle by opening windows or turning on the air conditioning in non-recirculation mode.
  • Keep the vehicle sanitized with disinfectant sprays and wipes. Be sure to sanitize high-touch areas like seats, seat belts, the steering wheel and gear post.

Travel by airplane

  • Try to maintain distance from other passengers ( if possible ).
  • Wear sunglasses, safety goggles, or glasses to shield and protect your eyes since you’ll be in a closed space for potentially prolonged periods.
  • Keep hand sanitizer with you and wash your hands once you’ve arrived at your destination.

Plus, be sure to read our guide that outlines which airlines are taking the most precautions against COVID-19 .

Bottom line

The best advice right now is to stay home.

No matter how alluring that beach trip is or how much fun your friends say you’re going to have, the only way to absolutely protect yourself and your loved one is to stay home. Any non-essential travel increases your risk and others’ for contracting and transmitting COVID-19. But, if you must go, be sure you adhere to the CDC’s health guidelines which include:

  • Practicing social distancing by staying at least 6 feet apart from others.
  • Wear a face covering.
  • Keep your hands clean by washing and sanitizing with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Stay at home if you feel sick.
  • Avoid contact with others who are sick.

Featured image by Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.

Alexandra Maloney

Contributor

Alexandra Maloney is a contributor for Million Mile Secrets where she covers points and miles, credit cards, airlines, hotels, and general travel. She's worked as a writing consultant for the University of Richmond and is a features writer for The Collegian UR.

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(Stephanie Hays / The Seattle Times)

Defining ‘essential’ travel in the COVID era — and what to do when the trip in question could be your last chance to say goodbye

Valerie Hirschberg had her plane ticket booked. Her mother was dying in Arizona and she needed to be there to say goodbye to her best friend. 

But this was late March, and coronavirus rates in Washington were skyrocketing. At age 68 and with an autoimmune illness, flying presented a huge risk for Hirschberg, a Sequim resident. 

Her siblings begged her not to come: They told her it was too dangerous, too risky; that it was better to wait than risk her life. So Hirschberg did what she always does in times of uncertainty: She called her mom.

“And she said, ‘Wait.’ And I told her I would,” said Hirschberg. “She died on April 2 and I wasn’t there with her.”

Months later, Hirschberg has found it nearly impossible to grieve. She hadn’t seen her mother in months, though they talked regularly over the phone. Sure she has that piece of paper, the death certificate that states the time and place of her mother’s death, but she still “can’t fully accept it.”

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“It’s like I know it mentally in my head, but in my heart, I don’t,” Hirschberg said “Until I get in [my mom’s] house, it’s gonna be hard for me to accept that yes, she really is gone.”

The sense of isolation that comes with months of coronavirus lockdowns has taken a toll on many people, but it’s been a particularly difficult time for many elderly or immunocompromised Washingtonians who are at higher risk of contracting the coronavirus. Their world is changing in dramatic and permanent ways and they can’t be there to witness it. And especially in cases like Hirschberg’s, these people have had to make impossibly tough choices about what constitutes “essential” travel, weighing complex pros and cons to decide whether to attend funerals , see their parents or children or grandchildren. There is no end date in sight, and unless they want to risk getting themselves or their loved ones seriously sick, there is no good solution. 

Rituals like funerals are important because they “give meaning to being a social entity as human,” said Dr. Cheryl Kaiser, a psychologist at the University of Washington. Missing them can really take a toll on a person’s psyche.

“Rituals or ceremonies provide a unique sense of understanding reality, especially when the world is uncertain. Often, we’re grasping to figure out what’s going on in the world: What does it mean, who am I?” Kaiser said. “Questions about identity come to the surface. For [immunocompromised or elderly people], they’re missing access to these important events that provide meaning in a pretty uncertain time.”

Being forced to miss the traditional processes of grieving can cause one to grieve harder, to miss more, said Toni Williams, a Seattle-based grief counselor. 

“I have clients who may have lost loved one, either to COVID-19 or other elements, and they are having to be stifled in how they’re celebrating that loved one,” Williams said. “It changes how you feel inside. Because you might have felt that you shortchanged that person that you love or you feel guilty because you weren’t able to do as much as you would have done if they had been normal circumstances.”

But for many people over the last few months, access to these types of grounding, self-actualizing events has been ripped away by coronavirus. 

To travel or not to travel?

Back in March, with her mother ailing, Hirschberg struggled with the idea of flying for two reasons; her mother’s insistence that she wait and confusing government messaging. When Gov. Jay Inslee first imposed the Washington state stay-home order in mid-March, only “essential travel” was allowed. But did Hirschberg seeing her dying mother qualify as “essential travel?”

“They kept saying ‘only emergency travel’. I tried to find that out — I actually called the mayor’s office and didn’t get an answer,” said Hirschberg. “I didn’t want to go against the regulations they put in place, but it was all a bit nebulous.”

Mike Faulk, a spokesperson for Inslee’s office, said there is no formal definition of essential travel, adding that to his knowledge “the ban on nonessential travel has never been enforced.”    

“[The travel ban] is a reminder that we can’t act like life has gone back to the way it was before COVID-19,” Faulk said.

For Lisa Norris, another Washingtonian, flying to Virginia to help care for her mother who has terminal cancer felt like an essential trip. For Norris, 62, the decision on whether to travel was a no-brainer, even though she would have to quarantine for two weeks after her flights.  

Norris, along with her siblings, act as caregivers for their parents. She admires her parents: Her mother hasn’t allowed herself any self-pity during this time, always “worrying about other people’s comfort” said Norris. Working from home allows Norris to return the favor. 

She quickly decided that seeing her parents, age 87 and 92, was worth the six-hour flight and the two weeks of isolation. Then she began researching best practices to take as many safety precautions against the coronavirus as she could.

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“It is a privilege to get to spend more time with her and my dad both,” Norris said. 

When she first flew across the country in early April, Norris’ plane was practically empty and she was happily surprised. The way back was a different story.

“My plane was 75% full, and there were plenty of folks with and without masks in the Seattle airport,” said Norris. “I took a nonstop flight and didn’t move my mask or use the bathroom for about five to six hours.”

After returning to Washington for a week, she flew to Virginia again and is now quarantining for two weeks before resuming her duties as a caregiver for her elderly parents. 

How to decide?

Williams, the grief counselor, says there is no clear-cut right or wrong answer in these situations because they involve such a tough conundrum: weighing physical health concerns against emotional health and familial ties. Either way, there’s always a risk involved.

“I’ve had many clients who have preexisting ailments or diagnoses and have traveled to see loved ones that may have been in the hospital, or loved ones that they wanted to put to rest,” said Williams. “It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and make sure that they’re looking at all the determining factors to travel. We’re still in the midst of a pandemic, no matter how you flip it. But it’s a matter of, are we making the most of this pandemic or are we gonna live in fear?”

But while the choice of whether to travel is entirely up to the individual, sometimes, like in Hirschberg’s case, the decision made can be hard to live with. In those instances, when reluctance to travel means missing the chance to say goodbye to a loved one, what’s even more unclear than defining “essential” or “nonessential” activity is how to grieve without closure.

Williams recommends that her clients try and “be okay in your feelings.”

“A lot of times, American society pushes you to push your grief down and not actually articulate what you’re feeling because you have to get up and go to work,” Williams said. “You still have to function every day. But taking that time out for self-care is really important as well. And also making sure that you are thinking about what that person meant to you.

“Give yourself grace to know that you did everything that you could to ensure that that person was celebrated.”

Hirschberg is still struggling to cope with the loss of her mother. She has been journaling, writing notes to her mother, going through old pictures and reaching out to friends who have also lost loved ones. But it’s hard; her siblings were there with her mother and she was not. They don’t understand what she’s going through, said Hirschberg. And while her husband has been “available and understanding,” her mother was her best friend. 

“My mom was like the one person who just always got me my whole life. She was the one I could always call and talk to about anything and I knew she would accept me and understand me,” Hirschberg said. “That kind of loss … it’s a real kind of loneliness.”

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

What counts as essential travel during the Covid-19 lockdown?

The law and the government guidance around social distancing changed from 1 June, meaning this piece is now out of date.  You can read our new article on the latest guidance here .

We’ve been asked by readers what counts as essential travel during the Covid-19 lockdown.  New government guidance on lockdown measures was released on 11 May, and this article has been updated to reflect those changes. 

The new guidance only applies to England, and to members of the public who are fit and healthy. It comes into force on 13 May.

People identified as being high risk —the clinically vulnerable, or the clinically extremely vulnerable who have been advised to shield— should continue to follow existing guidance and remain at home where possible.

You should still ensure you stay at home as much as possible, and keep two metres apart from anyone outside of your household. Police have the power to fine or arrest people who break the new laws around social distancing. From 13 May, the fines are now higher , with a fixed penalty notice of £100 for anyone who breaks the law. 

It is important to remember that if you or other members of your household have symptoms of the new coronavirus, you should not leave your house unless absolutely necessary, or to exercise until your period of self-isolation is over. 

If you’re not sure whether your reason for travel is essential then you can check the government’s guidance which can be found here and their FAQs which can be found here .

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When you can travel

The law lists various reasons why you might need to leave the house (detailed below), but these aren’t meant to be exhaustive. 

As well as this, the government has set out new guidance on when you’re allowed to leave the house if you do not have symptoms.

It is now advised that people wear face masks or coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible, such as on public transport or in shops. Government advice suggests avoiding being face-to-face with people outside of your household, and says you can lower the risk of infection if you stay side-to-side. 

You can go shopping for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, as infrequently as possible. You can also go to garden centres . Although you should not use public transport unless you have to and the government advises you to try and avoid peak times, there are no rules against driving to the shops. 

Police guidance  on the law in England says it is likely to be reasonable to leave the house to buy several days’ worth of food, including luxury items and alcohol, or to buy a small amount of necessary items or collect surplus basic food items from a friend.

Going outdoors

You can meet with one person from outside your household at a time, as long as you stay two metres apart. 

You can now exercise outdoors as often as you wish, as long as you follow social distancing guidelines and remain two metres away from people outside of your household. This includes using outdoor sports courts and facilities, like tennis or basketball courts or golf courses. 

You can also spend more time outdoors. Sitting in the fresh air, picnicking and sunbathing are all now permitted. 

There are no more restrictions on travelling to outdoor open spaces. You can travel to any open space irrespective of distance, but should not travel with someone from outside of your household unless you can social distance, for example by cycling. The government also recommends checking that the outside space, for example if it is a National Park, is open and prepared for visitors before you travel. You can still not visit a second home. 

Caring for others 

You can also leave the house to care for elderly or vulnerable people, such as dropping shopping or medication at their door, as long as you have no coronavirus symptoms, no underlying health conditions, are under 70 and are not pregnant. More advice on caring for others can be found here . You should not share a car with anyone you do not live with.

Medical need

You can also leave your house for any medical need , including donating blood or attending medical appointments. There are no rules against driving for these reasons. 

Work and family

You are permitted to travel to work i f you cannot work from home, for example if you work in construction, transport or for the NHS, but the government has urged these workers to avoid public transport if they can. 

Critical workers can still take their children to school or childcare providers, and children under the age of 18 can be moved between households if their parents do not live together. 

Other reasons 

The law says that leaving the house to avoid injury, illness or escape the risk of harm is allowed. Police guidance says it is also reasonable to move to a friend’s house for several days to allow a “cooling-off” following arguments at home.

If travelling is “absolutely necessary”, you are allowed to travel to access public services such as social services, the justice system, support for victims or support from the Department for Work and Pensions. These services should be provided and accessed remotely whenever possible. 

The government has advised homebuyers and renters to delay moving house , but you are permitted to do this if it is unavoidable.  Although leaving your home to stay at another home is generally not allowed, students leaving university halls to live permanently at their family home is permitted. 

You can also take your pet to the vet if it needs urgent treatment. 

Although the government has stopped social events such as weddings, baptisms and religious ceremonies, funerals can still be attended by immediate family or members of the deceased person’s household . If none of these are able to go to the funeral, friends can attend . Faith leaders have been asked to restrict the number of people attending funerals to ensure two metres can be kept between them, and no one showing symptoms of Covid-19 should attend.

Work in people’s homes, such as repairs and maintenance , can still be carried out as long as the tradesperson has no symptoms. If a household is isolating or includes a vulnerable person who is being shielded , work should only be carried out if there is a direct risk to the safety of a household, such as emergency plumbing or repairs. No work should be carried out by a tradesperson with coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild. 

Police guidance says it is reasonable for someone to leave their house to buy equipment to make repairs, but not to redecorate. 

International and domestic freight transport , including by air, ship, road and rail, is classified as essential activity. Advice against non-essential travel does not apply to it.

When you can’t travel

The government has detailed in its guidance some of the specific cases where you are not allowed to travel. 

Essential travel does not include visits to second homes, camp sites, caravan parks or similar places, either for isolation or holidays. You should remain in your primary residence.

In general, you should not visit family or friends in their homes, unless one of the permissible reasons above applies, such as if you are caring for them or need to move children between their parents’ homes.

You should not use public transport unless you have to. If you do have to use it, you should try and avoid peak times. 

You still cannot exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool. Outdoor gyms and playgrounds cannot be used, and you cannot visit private or ticketed attractions. 

International travel

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises against all non-essential travel worldwide indefinitely .  

Government guidance says that whether international travel is essential or not “is a personal decision and circumstances differ from person to person. It is for individuals themselves to make an informed decision based on the risks and FCO advice.”

The government is also planning to ask most people entering the UK to self-isolate for 14 days, but this has not been introduced yet and more details are due to be released shortly. 

Further updates

In light of recent questions raised in the media and public debate about what counts as essential travel following the controversy over Dominic Cummings , we asked the government for more information about when it is permitted to travel to a location other than your primary residence, and to seek childcare.

We sent the following questions to the Department of Health and Social Care and to the Cabinet Office.

  • Does the guidance allow all members of a household to travel to a location, other than their primary residence, if one member of the household is showing symptoms of Covid-19, and they feel that (in the event more members of the household may become sick in the future) care for a person in the household may be easier to provide in that location?
  • If the guidance does allow this, do you have any additional guidance on what types of care would qualify? For example, care for an adult with disabilities, care for a clinically extremely vulnerable individual, ordinary childcare, etc?
  • Is there any additional guidance on how far people can reasonably travel for these purposes and what modes of transport they can take?
  • More broadly, does the guidance allow for members of a symptomatic household that is isolating to travel to a second location, if they feel that they would be better able to self-isolate at that second location?
  • And does the guidance allow for members of a household in which nobody is currently showing symptoms to travel to a second location if they feel that they would be better able to:
  • a) self-isolate, should it become necessary in the future, at that location?
  • b) provide care, should it become necessary in the future, at that location?
  • What steps should adults in a household with children take if they have a reasonable concern that all adults in the household may soon become unable to care for their children, due to symptoms of Covid-19? 
  • Can members of other households provide childcare, if the child(ren)’s parents or guardians have symptoms and feel they are unable to provide care?
  • Broadly, can members of other households provide childcare if required, even if the household with children is not showing any symptoms - for example if the adults in the household need to leave the house, to go to the supermarket or make a short trip for medical reasons?

The Cabinet Office pointed us towards the government’s stay at home guidance for household withs a possible Covid-19 infection and said: 

“This [guidance] sets out that that: “If you are living with children “Keep following this advice to the best of your ability, however, we are aware that not all these measures will be possible.”

The Department of Health and Social Care said:

“All of our guidance related to travel and childcare during Covid-19 can be found on gov.uk . If you want a statement about Dominic Cummings, you would need to speak to the political team at No10.”

Update 24 April 2020

This story has been updated to reflect changes in law and government and police guidance.

Update 11 May 2020

This story has been updated to reflect changes in government guidance.

Update 27 May 2020

We updated this article to include our questions and the responses from the government on travel and childcare.

Update 1 June 2020

Updated to acknowledge changes in the law and government guidance from 1 June.

Update 5 June 2020

This article has been archived.

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A motorhome driving through Banff national park in Alberta, Canada.

Can we claim insurance now UK advice against travel is ‘indefinite’?

The Foreign Office’s updated advice warns against all but essential travel until further notice. One reader asks how that will affect their holiday in July

“We have a six-week holiday to North America starting on 4 July , all independently booked”, says Steven, 52, from Bromsgrove. “We are flying to Canada and then doing a three-week drive, by car, across the US and then picking up a motorhome in Canada for final three weeks. The flights have been fully paid and are non-refundable. The car hire and US hotels are all fully refundable, except one, but the motorhome is not.

We are due to pay the balance of motorhome, booked through Authentik Canada , by June. . All payments made so far have been on a credit card. I have full travel insurance, which also covers travel disruption. Now that government travel advice has changed are companies obliged to offer a refund? Or will we be able to claim on our insurance now?

The FCO’s advice against all but essential travel was issued on 17 March, initially for a period of 30 days. Last weekend it extended the advice to an “indefinite” period, so no one knows when normal travel will resume. Given this new advice, the reader could contact his airline and the motorhome company to ask for a refund on the basis that there is no way of knowing whether or not he can travel.

As the motorhome company is based in Montreal, it falls under Canada’s Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents (CFCTA) . Authentik states on its website that customers may be entitled to a refund under CFCTA regulations but it is asking customers to wait until 45 days before travel because of its current volume of enquires. If the airline and motorhome provider both refuse to offer a refund, Steven could try his insurance company. Some insurers will pay out now that the FCO’s advice is for an “indefinite” period – with the proviso that the claimant has tried their travel provider first (although, unhelpfully, some travel providers, including Authentik, require customers to ask their insurance provider first).

The Association of British Insurers says: “This decision [to extend the advice against all but essential travel] will allow the majority of policyholders with cancellation or travel disruption cover in place to claim for cancelled trips that were already booked and cannot now go ahead.” Some insurance policies may require claimants to wait until they are within 30 days of travelling. Steven could also try his credit card company: under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, purchases over £100 on Visa or MasterCard credit cards are protected.

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Flights resumed but fco travel restrictions remain: your rights.

all but essential travel

Holidaymakers may be relieved that flights to popular destinations are resuming over summer. But for many, they’re worried about going against Foreign Office travel advice or are left in limbo as their overseas accommodation booking has been cancelled.

British Airways, Easyjet and Ryanair have announced plans to resume a large part of their flight network in the summer months.

While this may be good news for lockdown Brits, and a sign that things are getting back to a ‘new normal’, for others, this may leave them in a predicament and with questions relating to refund and cancellation rights.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is still advising Brits against all but essential international travel. And, what makes this trickier is that there’s no end date to this guidance, according to consumer rights lawyer, Dean Dunham. We simply don’t know how long this advice will be in place though the FCO does state it is “under constant review”.

Aman Johal, lawyer and director of Your Lawyers, added that this advice could change closer to a flight’s departure date. But for customers who bought travel insurance when they bought their flight, the insurance company could be within its rights to refuse to pay out if the terms state it will only pay out if the flight is cancelled.

“Customers should check the terms and conditions to see if they can claim money back. There are differing levels of insurance that consumers can take out and it will usually depend on exactly what it is that they are being covered for,” he said.

Holidaymakers should also check their travel policies for cancellation if the FCO warns against travel to a particular destination at the time you’re due to depart to see if you can claim.

Emma Coulthurst, travel expert at TravelSupermarket, said: “If you think there is more likelihood of being able to travel – for example, Portugal says it is working with the UK government to try and establish a quarantine free air corridor from July if possible – then you may want to wait and see.

“If the flight is cancelled, you are entitled under EU law to a refund within seven days. Look for free cancellation options for accommodation so you can cancel it if you decide not to travel or if it looks unlikely that restrictions will not allow you to.”

Adam Ewart, CEO and founder of international luggage delivery service, Send My Bag, said British tourists are generally advised against travel to countries where death tolls are high or on the rise, such as USA and Russia, and may find challenging border crossings there.

He said: “Recently, we have seen Central America and South America become the new epicentre of the virus. Countries in these regions may see travel restrictions last longest. In particular, the Brazilian government has banned entry to all foreign visitors and the Mexican government has extended its land border with the US until 22 June.”

Overseas accommodation cancelled

For some Brits, the biggest worry is that their overseas accommodation has been cancelled. While flights are scheduled to go, realistically without anywhere to stay, they can’t visit. Here, holidaymakers may be forced to book pricier alternative accommodation or cancel their flight which would ultimately mean they lose their money.

And for others, they may have reservations about taking a holiday amid the coronavirus pandemic. Johal said: “Most travellers will have bought tickets before lockdown was announced, so it makes sense that there may be many people who would prefer to cancel their holidays due to the continued risk involved.

“Unfortunately, customers are bound to the terms and conditions applicable for when they purchased their tickets. Many airlines are offering vouchers to customers who would prefer to not travel until 2021/22, but cancelling may not oblige the airline to issue a full refund.”

Another cause for concern is that Brits may need to self-isolate upon reaching their international destination as the UK itself is due to bring in quarantine plans for anyone coming into the country from 8 June.

A ‘holiday’ stuck inside four walls where you can only leave for very specific situations for fear of getting a fine doesn’t sound like much fun.

Again, cancelling a flight because you’re disinclined to travel would mean you lose your money.

But Scandinavian countries and Germany lifted quarantine measures for EU arrivals on 15 May, Ewart said.

He added that consumers need to consider future travel destinations carefully.

“Choosing the right location, as well as the right accommodation provider, may reduce the chances of any nasty surprise cancellations and improve the likelihood your holiday will go ahead.”

But booking a package holiday deal is perhaps the best form of protection for travellers. Dunham explained: “If the flight is able to go ahead, the passenger has no rights to a refund if they cancel.

“If it was a packaged deal, the position would be different as the protections under the package travel regulations would apply.”

Johal added: “Package holiday companies may have stated in the terms that refunds will only be given for part of a cancelled package. If the hotel can no longer accommodate the customers, but the flight is still running, a customer may only be entitled to a partial refund.”

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We Found the 24 Best Travel Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2024: 57% off Luggage & More

From the spontaneous day trippers to the annual spring breakers, we've rounded up all the best deals on travel essentials from amazon's big spring sale for every little miss jet-setter out there..

Shop Amazon Big Spring Sale Travel

We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like them at these prices. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Some brands featured in this article are partners of Amazon's Creator Connections program, which means E! may make an increased commission on your purchase if you buy something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

TGIF! It's the first official weekend of spring , and the possibilities are endless. Whether you booked a spontaneous day trip or just started packing for the girls' trip that  finally made it out of the group chat, or you're simply looking for the best sales to shop from the comfort of your home over the weekend, you're in the right place. Why is that? Because, as it so happens, we're at the halfway mark of Amazon's Big Spring Sale , and the deals just seem to keep getting better and better.

There's something for every shopper in the vast sea of savings, from self-care essentials to spring wardrobe basics to home decor to fitness gadgets & so much more. And, there's something here just for you too, Little Miss Jet-Setter . From suitcases for 57% off  to avid traveler-approved faves like the Tile Tracker , hanging toiletry bags , portable chargers & more, we dug through all the Amazon travel deals to find the best of the best to save you time & money.

All that's left for you to do is shop away to your heart's content!

Shop Amazon Big Spring Sale Travel Deals

Rockland london hardside spinner wheel luggage - carry-on, 20-inch.

First things first, you're going to need something to pack all your items in, and if your old suitcase is barely hanging on by a thread, now is the time to make an upgrade. This lightweight yet durable carry-on with 8,800+ five-star Amazon reviews is currently 57% off, and it has all the space & compartments you need to stay organized on the go.

Tile Pro Bluetooth Tracker - Pack of 4

Better safe than sorry should be your mantra when you're packing for a trip, especially if you're going somewhere you've never been before. Do your sanity a favor and stock up on these top-rated Tile Pro trackers that are perfect for keeping a pulse on your luggage, keys & other important items. (Plus, according to my mom, they're great for finding your phone thanks to the button on the Tile that makes your phone ring even on silent.)

Iniu Portable Charger

Your phone is one of the most important items you'll be taking with you on your trip, and the last thing you want is for it to run out of juice during a crucial moment (say, like when you're trying to navigate the directions to your hotel). This portable charger has a whopping 73,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon, and shoppers rave about its quality/value, performance, compact size, and sleek appearance.

Neutrogena Cleansing Fragrance Free Makeup Remover Face Wipes

After an eight-hour flight or road trip, it's understandable if your skin is feeling a bit icky. Give your face a quick refresh with these dermatologist-tested cleansing towelettes that have 86,400+ five-star reviews on Amazon. They help lift away dirt, makeup, oil, and sunscreen off your face, and they're made with a micellar-infused triple emollient formula that's both gentle & effective.

Coslus Portable Cordless Water Flosser

Just because you're traveling doesn't mean you can't maintain your full self-care routine. This water flosser helps you take oral hygiene with you wherever you go, and it's a super popular pick among shoppers; according to Amazon, it's been purchased 20K+ times in the past month alone, and right now, you can score it on sale!

EltaMD UV Restore Face Sunscreen

When you're on the road or in the air, you can still be exposed to harmful UV rays, and it's equally (if not more) important to make sure that you're putting on sunscreen. This cult-fave pick from EltaMD contains skin-nourishing ingredients like squalane for restoring moisture and ginger root extract for improving complexion, and it's one of my personal faves that I swear by as well. As someone who's bought this sunscreen from Amazon multiple times before, let me say that this deal is one you don't want to miss.

ARZOPA 16.1-inch Portable Monitor

If you have to work during your travels, it may be hard to stay productive without your full setup. While you can't bring your whole cubicle or home office with you through TSA, this highly rated portable monitor is the next best thing. You can choose from multiple display modes, switch screen orientation views, connect it to various devices & more.

Fyy Travel Cable Organizer Pouch

Speaking of devices, don't just shove all your chargers, earbuds, and USB drives into your backpack — trust us, it  will all get tangled. Instead, store all your cords and cables in this electronic travel case that's equipped with two interior layers with all the space & compartments you need to get (and stay) organized.

InfinaCore T3 Folding Wireless Charging Pad

Or, if you really want to declutter your cords and avoid some major headaches, this innovative wireless charging pad is 100% worth investing in. The space-saving design can wirelessly charge up to three devices at once, and it folds up into a compact size when you're done using it. Plus, it even doubles as a hands-free phone holder when folded into a triangle, so you can catch up on your fave show while waiting for your phone to charge.

Boxiki RFID Blocking Sleeves - Set of 12

Keep your credit cards and IDs protected when traveling through airport security with these RFID-blocking sleeves . Featuring high-quality rigid aluminum foil coating, they're designed to prevent electronic access to your cards and block them from being scanned or skimmed. 

Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter/Receiver

Save yourself from using the uncomfortable, tiny plane headphones by transmitting your audio to your wireless headphones via this nifty AirFly Pro . It has a battery life of 25+ hours, and it connects up to two headphones to in-flight entertainment, gym equipment, gaming devices, TVs & more.

Samnyte Hair Wax Stick

Look flawlessly put-together no matter where you go (or how long your red-eye flight was) with this internet-viral hair wax stick . Use it to smoothen hair frizz, style your edges, and achieve the "clean-girl" look in just a few easy steps. Did we mention that it's formulated with 18 kinds of plant nutrients that nourish your hair while styling it?

Bagsmart Toiletry Travel Bag With Hanging Hook

This traveler-approved hanging toiletry bag has over 44,800 five-star reviews on Amazon, and it's one find that's worth all the hype. It's made of water-resistant, heavy-duty material, and it unfolds to reveal multiple compartments that are perfect for organizing all your hair, makeup & skincare essentials.

LilyAbeille Travel Size Toiletries Bottle Kit

Speaking of which, if you don't want to pack all your value-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner & more into your luggage (or physically can't fit it all), these travel-size bottles are a lifesaver. They're as practical as they are aesthetically pleasing, featuring a leakproof design and BPA-free construction. Plus, they suction on to the shower walls for space-saving functionality.

LeakLocks Toiletry Skins Elastic Sleeve For Leak Proofing

This is the sole item in our list that isn't on sale technically, but at its price, it's an absolute steal. Leakproof all of your toiletry bottles with these genius elastic sleeves , which are designed to fit standard-size & travel-size bottles alike and protect your clothes & other luggage from smelling like shampoo the entire trip.

Hanes Zip-Up Hooded Sweatshirt

At just $13, this full-zip hoodie is an affordable travel essential that future you will thank yourself for buying when you're not freezing your butt off at your airport gate. It has over 93,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, is available in a variety of colors, and is built to last (seriously, I've had my blue one for three years and it's still going strong). Plus, the full-zip design makes it super easy to take off in those hectic TSA lines.

Reolink Security Camera Wireless Outdoor

While this isn't a travel essential you'll be packing in your suitcase, it's a home essential that will help you maintain your peace of mind while you're traveling. This solar-powered home security camera features weatherproof-certified construction and is designed to provide crystal-clear video both day & night. It connects to your phone via the correlating app, so you can monitor your home even if you're halfway across the globe.

Kelofon Green Faux Leather Double Layer Jewelry Storage Box With Mirror

Tiny but mighty, this charming  jewelry storage box is intuitively designed for maximum practicality. It includes six ring rolls, three necklace hooks, one mini vanity mirror, and four divided compartments to protect all your favorite pieces. The exterior is crafted from waterproof PU leather, while the interior is made from high-grade velvet.

Renoj Resistance Bands

These resistance bands  allow you to squeeze in a quick sweat sesh while traveling, even if the only space you have is your hotel room. There are countless YouTube workout videos you can follow along to, and these bands include three levels of resistance that allow you to adjust the difficulty of your exercise.

Fitbit Charge 6 Fitness Tracker

Or, if you're headed somewhere where you can go for a jog, this shopper-loved Fitbit fitness tracker is the perfect accessory that will help you make the most of your workout. It comes with up to seven days of battery life, 40+ exercise modes, a built-in GPS, blood oxygen level monitoring, heart rate notifications, health metrics & more.

Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan

Traveling during the warmer months of the year means that you'll probably be sweating at one point or another during your trip. This nifty mini fan with over 41,500 five-star reviews will come in unbelievably handy during those moments, and it even works as a backup power bank and flashlight.

Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier

Breathe in fresh air no matter where you go with this mini portable air purifier , which is equipped with a two-stage filtration system that eliminates up to 99.97% of germs. Plus, it features a cordless design that has a battery life of up to 12 hours, making it perfect for everything from road trips to hotel stays & more.

General Medi Mini First Aid Kit - 110 Pieces

It's  always  a good idea to have emergency medical supplies on hand in your car, purse, or wherever you go, essentially. This mini first aid kit  is a great way to stay prepared on the go, and it includes 110 hospital-grade first aid supplies that will help you clean and dress minor wounds.

Wavytalk Portable Hair Dryer with Diffuser

There's no guarantee that the hair dryer in your hotel or Airbnb will work; stay prepared with this foldable, lightweight hair dryer . It may only weight one pound, but it's super powerful, featuring 1600W of power. It also comes with three heat settings, two airflow settings, and one cool button, along with an attachable diffuser.

When is Amazon's Big Spring Sale?

The first  Amazon Big Spring Sale  runs from March 20 to 25, 2024. Amazon customers can shop deals on beauty products, spring fashion, electronics, home products, and more.

What is on sale during the Amazon Big Spring Sale?

Customers can shop  deals  on seasonal items including spring fashion, outdoor furniture, cleaning and organization products, and Amazon devices.

How can I find the best deals during the Amazon Big Spring Sale?

You can find curated deals from  E! Insider Shop  throughout the sale. New deals will drop throughout the six-day sale. You can also shop Amazon Big Spring Sale deals  here .

Do I have to be a Prime member to shop the Amazon Big Spring Sale?

No, all customers can shop the  Amazon Big Spring Sale . However, Prime members will have special access and exclusive deals. If you are not a Prime member yet, you can  join now  to start enjoying your member benefits including fast, free shipping and exclusive discounts.

How much is Amazon Prime?

An Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or you can pay $139 per year.  Join now  for a 30-day free trial.

How much is Amazon shipping?

Amazon shipping costs depend on the items ordered and shipping location. Thankfully, shipping on your order is free (and fast) if you sign up for a Prime Membership.  Join now  for a 30-day free trial.

How much is Amazon Prime Student membership?

Students can get Amazon Prime at a reduced price of $7.49 per month or pay $69 per year.  Join now  for a free 6-month trial.  

Keep the good deals & vibes going by checking out these 20 self-care discounts from Amazon's Big Spring Sale, featuring picks starting at just $5.

This Former Airline Employee's Viral Flight Hack Is Blowing Our Minds

Senior Reporter, Work/Life

You'll save yourself so much stress and searching if you follow this ex-airline employee's tip.

If you have ever scrambled to find your gate number or forgot what carousel your suitcases are on, you know that figuring out flight or baggage claim information can be annoying or tedious at best. But there’s an easy way to get real-time updates about your flight right from your phone ― no ticket or airport TV required.

On TikTok, former airline employee Darby Maloney said that her “No. 1 flying hack” ― besides getting TSA PreCheck ― is to text the flight number to herself and her family on the morning of her flight.

A flight number consists of a 2-letter airline code and a series of numbers that will help you differentiate your flight from others that are flying that day. You will see the flight number in your booking confirmation or on your boarding pass.

Maloney gave the example of an American Airlines flight like AA686. If you are confused about what your airline code is, you can also quickly look it up in the International Air Transport Association’s search engine .

Maloney said when you text your flight number on an iPhone, it will send you a link that will show where your plane is and the current gate number, expected flight duration and your baggage claim carousel. Maloney said the link is helpful because if your gate changes, it will automatically change in that link too.

“I never have to look at screens in the airport anymore,” Maloney said. “It’s the greatest hack ever and I think nobody knows about it.”

@durbinmalonster S/O @Brooke Webster for teaching me this in my bag loading days 7 years ago ♬ original sound - Darby

Maloney’s advice was clearly news to many people. Her video had over 1 million likes and garnered thousands of comments. As one top comment to her video put it: “As someone who flies for work, this is SO helpful!”

Sure, you can download your airline’s app to get the same information, but the genius of this tip is how it reduces the numbers of steps you need to take.

Take the stressful scenario of having a short layover for a connecting flight as an example. Gates can often change, and you don’t want to waste time going to the wrong one. If you want to know immediately where your next gate is, Maloney recommended texting yourself the flight number for that leg of your trip.

“The second you land, you can just click your link and know exactly what your gate is so when you get off of the plane ― boom, you’re off to your connection,” Maloney said.

Or how about the family member who is picking you up? They just need your flight number to keep track of any delays.

“I use this the most when somebody’s picking me up,” Maloney said in a follow-up TikTok video. “I’m not going to ask them to download the app ... I’m just going to send them the link.“

Because airlines use the same planes for different flights, it’s most useful to text yourself the flight number on the morning of the flight, Maloney recommended .

Here’s how the hack works:

If you’re on an iPhone, all you need to do is to text yourself your flight number. From there, you will click on the hyperlinked number and select “Preview Flight.” There you can look up your flight information in real-time.

If you have an iPhone you can text yourself the flight number to quickly get real-time information on your air travel.

If you have an Android, texting yourself the flight number will not cause the same pop-up link, but you can type your flight number in your Google search bar to get the same real-time information.

When you’re rushing through the airport, it’s nice to know exactly where your plane is. This tip makes that information a stress-free tap away on your phone.

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I'm a Toaster Oven Lover. And I Really Love This One That Doubles as an Air Fryer.

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro with a yellow illustrated border around it.

Listen, I’ve been through some things with a toaster oven. When I lived in Beijing as an adult, most kitchens were ovenless, so expats like myself had to buy large toaster ovens in order to bake or roast things at home. On Thanksgiving, I’d lug mine to a friend’s house so we could use both our ovens for the holiday meal—a 14-pound turkey flirting with the heating element in one, and green beans, sweet potatoes, and herbed stuffing cycling through the other.

Suffice to say, I demand a lot from this appliance. Even then, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro impresses me. It heats quickly and evenly, combining the gentle consistency of a full-size oven and the crisping power of an air fryer.

all but essential travel

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

An air fryer toaster oven that really does it all.

This reliable, versatile oven can coddle fragile bakes or deliver super-crunchy tater tots in one sleek, if splurgy, machine.

Buying Options

You save $80 (20%)

It really can do all the things

Brownies baking in a Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro.

We’ve done a lot of testing on this genre of appliances: plain ol’ toaster ovens , air fryers (the pod-shaped ones), and air fryer toaster ovens . In short, if it uses a heating element to zap your food, we’ve spent an inordinate amount of time thinking about it.

Senior staff writer Michael Sullivan, who did the original research and writing for all of these guides (plus our slot toaster guide ), can tell you in his sleep that it’s really hard to combine the speed and power of an air fryer with the evenness, versatility, and sheer volume of a nice, big toaster oven. In other words, for a long time we thought that you can’t really have your (evenly baked) cake and an air fryer, too. But the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro nearly proves us wrong.

It roasts and bakes

My family’s wall oven is old, with a faulty door that doesn’t close all the way and unreliable temperature regulation. So I eagerly volunteered to test the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer at home. Ever since, we’ve come to rely on this toaster oven even for big-oven tasks like roasting a whole chicken (or braising one in our dutch oven).

It’s great for veggies, too. We’ve broiled green beans and roasted brussels sprouts in it. Once, my husband threw together some basic potato wedges that were so uniformly crisp on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside that you almost can’t say the word “potato” in our house without a child running up to you, a bright hope in their eyes, to whisper-ask, “...wedges?”

We’ve also baked cakes, brownies, and cookies in it, with terrific results. It’s even pulled off more finicky projects like chewy meringue cookies.

It air fries

Of all the large toaster ovens we’ve tested that promise air frying capability, the Breville oven came the closest to actually acting like an air fryer (albeit a larger, slower one). In our test kitchen, it produced frozen french fries with crispy shells and creamy insides, and crunchy-but-still-tender fish sticks. And it made them faster than our favorite convection toaster oven pick, the Cuisinart Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven TOB-260N1 .

At home, we’ve seen similarly delightful results with all sorts of frozen foods: chicken nuggets, tater tots, hash brown patties, french fries, and shrimp tempura, just to name a scant few.

If you’ll permit me one piece of unsolicited advice: Don’t use the frying basket. Everything tastes better (and crisps up faster) when you use the included baking tray—or, as we commonly do, a Nordic Ware quarter-sheet pan .

Toaster ovens inevitably take longer than slot toasters to get your morning slices golden brown, but with our pick from Breville, what you sacrifice in speed, you can make up in volume.

When we have a loaf of sourdough in our house, I cannot toast those slabs (or slather them with butter) fast enough before the carb monsters I call my children inhale them and cry for more. We can pack out a single rack of the Breville oven with six to eight slices of sourdough, preventing our kitchen table from turning into the latest Hunger Games arena.

Although the Breville oven didn’t toast quite as evenly in tests as our runner-up air fryer toaster oven pick , it still does a pretty great job.

And it’s a dream to use (with a few small quirks)

Small details on this oven’s interface make it feel fahn-cy. Printed on the oven door are guides for where to slide in the racks and trays if you’re air frying versus toasting versus baking. The door also has small magnets so that when you open it, the rack will automatically slide out. This makes it easier to check for doneness or pull out your food.

The screen and dials combine sleek technology with intuitive manual controls—you spin the time or temperature dials to adjust them to your desired settings—so warming up your leftovers doesn’t feel like you’re taking the SAT.

I also love that the timer automatically pauses when you open the door to check on your goods. It does, however, have one annoying quirk: The timer doesn’t run while the oven is preheating, but as soon as it hits the set temperature, the clock starts ticking. Rarely am I standing in front of the toaster oven, poised to slide in my cookies right when we get to 375 °F, so I almost always have to fiddle with the time when I start my bake. But, in the grand scheme of things, that’s a small nit to pick.

It is kind of massive, though—and pricey

With a footprint of 19 by 16 inches, this toaster oven requires no small amount of counter space. And it’s heavy, so you probably don’t want to be moving it around. All this volume also means it takes longer to heat up, so you won’t get cooking as fast as you would with a dedicated air fryer .

And the Breville oven’s luxe experience comes at a price—$400, to be exact. If you have the counter space and would benefit from our pick’s impressive versatility, the investment is worth it. This is one of the truly do-it-all kitchen appliances we’ve tested, and it will last longer than your average toaster or air fryer.

If you can find it on sale, even better. Our Deals team has tracked low prices on it during the spring and the week of Black Friday for the past few years.

These small tasks help your oven last

The Breville oven’s quality build also makes it easier to care for than any other toaster oven we’ve tested. The nonstick interior wipes down easily, as does the brushed stainless steel exterior. And the crumb tray is easy to remove and slide back in.

The accessories, like the baking tray and the racks, have also held up fine to occasional hand-washing. And should you lose or break any of the accessories, Breville sells those individually on its website.

I empty the crumb tray fairly often and wipe down surfaces when we remember, but by no means am I religious about it. Still, the Breville oven is working like it’s brand-spanking-new after a year and a half of consistent use. Like most Breville appliances, the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro also comes with a two-year limited warranty.

All this means it’s likely to tempt me with a parade of tater tots for years to come.

This article was edited by Rachelle Bergstein and Catherine Kast.

Meet your guide

all but essential travel

Marilyn Ong

Marilyn Ong is a supervising editor for Wirecutter’s kitchen team, covering everything from ice cream makers and Instant Pots to toasters and trash cans. Prior to this, she was an arts and then restaurants editor in Beijing, and she also took time away from blinking cursors to be a caretaker for her three young kids. Cooking for her family gave her a healthy obsession with finding the best affordable tools for the kitchen—but when she’s cooking for herself, all she needs is instant ramen and an egg.

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all but essential travel

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
  • Travel abroad
  • Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

all but essential travel

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

Within 80km of the Venezuela-Colombia border 

FCDO advises against all travel to within 80km (50 miles) of the border with Colombia. Drug traffickers and illegal armed groups are active along the border area with Colombia and there is a risk of criminal kidnapping.

Zulia State

FCDO advises against all travel to Zulia State, which has prolonged power cuts, water shortages, violence and local conflict.

Within 40km of the Venezuela-Brazil border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 40km (25 miles) of the border with Brazil. Drug traffickers and illegal armed groups are active along the border area with Brazil and there is a risk of criminal kidnapping.

All other areas of Venezuela

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the remaining areas of Venezuela, due to ongoing crime and instability.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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