What a week of massive news. In fact, we’d go as far to say that this week has brought with it some of the most positive news we’ve seen down-under for 18 months. From updates on working towards being able to finally depart Australia’s shores or be allowed to arrive back home, if you missed this week’s top stories on Karryon, prepare for a serious dose of ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.
So much happens in such a short space of time in these strange times we now live.
Much like waiting for a (London?) bus, you wait for ages, and then three come at once.
This week saw some of the biggest, boldest and brightest stories hit the headlines for months.
And while many of them divided opinions and brought with them some scepticism around the ‘certainty’ or validity of it all – you couldn’t help but feel the buzz of the beginning of the bounce and a move to better times.
So, without further adieu, here’s our top 10 stories of the week.
10. Expert backs shorter-period home quarantine to start “well before” Christmas
The expert in charge of reviewing Australia’s quarantine system is keen to see shorter-period home isolation for overseas arrivals in place before the end of the year, once the nation hits 80 per cent double-dose vaccination coverage.
9. Bali by November? Indo’s Tourism industry ready for international Arrival Revival
Bali’s tourism industry is hoping for an uptick in business after COVID-19 social restrictions were eased for the resort island. The government is beginning to formulate plans to allow foreign travel to resume.
8. I’d prefer an ankle tag: Why home quarantine apps are a bad idea
With the federal government announcing plans to begin home quarantine for arrivals into Australia this week, there are still numerous questions as to how exactly it’ll work. Toby Walsh, Professor of AI at UNSW, Research Group Leader, UNSW, explains.
7. UK scraps vaccine passports, pushes for end of PCR tests for jabbed travellers
The UK has ditched the introduction of vaccine passports and is set to announce plans to manage the COVID-19 pandemic during the country’s colder months, including to “get rid of” PCR tests for travellers as soon as possible.
6. Still no clarity on reopening: Singapore Airlines cancels flights to Australia
Singapore Airlines has blamed a lack of Australian government clarity about international travel on a decision to scrap dozens of pre-Christmas flights.
5. Hop on this scenic flight and witness the total solar eclipse over Antarctica with Chimu Adventures
2021’s Total Solar Eclipse will take place on the 4th of December over the remote Scotia and the Weddell Sea before moving over Antarctica, rendering viewing opportunities rare for anyone in the world.
Unless that is, you’re on an epic scenic flight with Chimu Adventures and Qantas.
4. Air Canada to reconnect Australia and Canada from mid-December
Is Canada calling? The #ArrivalRevival is real, with Air Canada announcing its Sydney to Vancouver flights will resume from 17 December 2021. Plus, guests will now be able to earn points with Virgin Australia’s Velocity program.
3. Expert backs shorter-period home quarantine to start “well before” Christmas
A federal ban on Australians leaving the country without government permission will be dropped as soon as November under plans to end the 18 month plus travel restrictions and implement a “vaccine passport” so travellers can cross international borders.
2. Aloha! Hawaiian Airlines hope to restart Sydney & Brisbane flights in December
After an 18 month hiatus since Hawaiian Airlines last flew into or out of Australia, scheduled direct flights to Honolulu from Sydney and Brisbane are currently live on the carrier’s website to begin from December 16. All we need now is the Australian federal government to hit the go button on green lane travel.
1. Qantas confirms December start dates to London, LA, Hawaii, Fiji and more
Qantas has confirmed the exact dates when the airline anticipates to be able to ‘Fly away’ again to destinations in the US, UK, Asia and the Pacific.
All we need now is to hit the 80 per cent national vaccination target. And it’ll be a very merry Christmas indeed.
See the theme here? Pent up demand? Anyone would think Aussies are keen to head overseas.
We’ll leave it to Stephanie Yong from the Singapore Tourism Board who’s got an uplifting message to share from Marina Bay as part of our Together In Travel check-in series.
We hope to see you soon Stephanie!