The best hassle-free holiday destinations this summer

Gone are the days of mandatory travmin (travel admin); for those looking for a fuss-free break, there’s a wealth of options this summer, after numerous destinations decided to scrap all Covid restrictions.

There’s now a growing list of countries where travellers can simply rock up, no testing, forms, masks, quarantine or proof of vaccination required.

So for the easiest, breeziest trip, here’s our pick of holiday destinations where the only potential headache will be whether the UK’s beleaguered travel industry can get you there as planned…

Vipava Valley, Slovenia

Slovenia dropped all of its remaining travel restrictions – bar a passenger locator form – at the end of February. This small but perfectly formed nation tucked between Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia was having a real tourism moment before the pandemic struck; go now while its charm and landscapes remain unspoilt. The whole country has plenty to offer, from the splendour of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj to the easy, laidback city break vibes of capital Ljubljana. But make a beeline for the Vipava Valley, where verdant rolling hills, begging to be hiked, and a Mediterranean-esque microclimate are complemented by vineyards (wine tasting is a must) and Italianate tasting plates.

Lefkada and Zakynthos, Greece

Greece scrapped all entry and border requirements related to Covid on 1 May, following that up with an end to its mask requirement (in most settings) on 1 June. Head to the Ionians for some chilled out island hopping; Kefalonia may have lured Captain Corelli’s Mandolin fans with its rustic beauty for decades, but Lefkada and Zakynthos have some of the nation’s most dazzling unspoiled beaches. You can get between islands pretty easily spring to autumn, with some ferries from as little as £8 one-way. Tiny isle Ithaka, a ferry from flights-connected Kefalonia, is a tranquil beauty with swathes of unspoilt nature and lively little ports for an evening out.

Madeira

This autonomous Portuguese archipelago was quick off the mark when it came to shedding restrictions, binning them in early March (compared to mainland Portugal, which waited till July). With the Spain’s Canaries still insisting on proof of vaccination or a negative test, sun-seekers after a scorching island with dramatic, volcanic scenery could consider swapping Tenerife for Madeira’s four islands this summer. Here, you’ll find rugged cliffs, honey-coloured sand beaches,…