If a week’s a long time in politics then a day’s an absolute lifetime as we say a tentative goodbye to pre-departure tests.
The UK and Ireland are not exactly throwing their doors open… we still have to put those little sticks up our nose.
But it’s enough to see punters bombarding their travel agents for summer holiday ideas.
Special agents

Our holiday providers have reported business up 150%.
With operators at the likes of Jet2Holidays (flash sale) and Barrhead Travel here in Scotland glued to their phones.
A kinda Christmas come late.
For us Caribbean converts in Scotland (I’ve always been a believer) there has been a rush.
To get on the new Virgin Atlantic Edinburgh to Bridgetown, Barbados route.
While old favourite Tenerife (and why not take in the north and west of the island too) is also seeing brisk business.
State of redemption

The Oo Es of A is always a dream destination with Orlando warming up nicely with a whole raft of attractions.
See you there in June (although I’ve jinxed that on so many occasions I’m loath to name it in case I can’t claim it).
While start spreading the news, New York is among the dream destinations we are lining up as our big comeback holiday.
Now if you’re a UK/Ireland hopper like me then you’ll always favour going through Dublin for your transatlantic trip.
You skip pre-clearance you see.
Aer of optimism

Our old pals at Aer Lingus are always front and centre with their deals.
Ireland’s national airline carrier has a January Seat Sale.
They have two million seats on sale including up to 20% off European and UK* travel.
As well as flights to North America from just €169 each way as part of a return trip.
And as they reminded us when I was over in Dublin for our American Thanksgiving catch-up their VeriFLY app takes all the work out of it for us.
That way you can upload your Covid-19 related documentation required for your destination,
And that way all of your Covid documentation is verified before travel.

As usual we’ll bring you the best deals and destinations right here.
And with that in mind Michael O’Leary and Ryanair never miss out on the opportunity to seize the moment.
And they are offering 100,000 seats from €16.99.
Politicians watch out

So let’s say a tentative goodbye to pre-departure tests.
Safe in the knowledge that politicians being politicians then they’ll likely change all the rules next week.
Let’s not let them.