Five things you MUST check before you book a holiday, including insurance and cancellation policies

But if you're planning on jetting off, there are some important things to consider before you book, including whether you can get insurance and cancellation policies.

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As the virus continues to spread, future travel policies and restrictions remain uncertain.

And even if we can go abroad there will be limits on what we can do and where we can go.

For instance, some countries are saying that Brits will not be allowed in when they reopen.

While others are imposing strict social distancing measures including limiting the number of people on beaches.

Despite this, travel website Skyscanner says that searches for December holidays have spiked by 30 per cent over the past three weeks.

Here's the five things you absolutely must check before you buy your next holiday.

What restrictions might be in place?

The first step in booking a holiday is to decide which country you want to travel to.

Normally, you could just pick your favourite location and away you go, but coronavirus means this is no longer possible.

Some countries have already said that they won't be lifting travel restrictions for Brits.

Cyprus says it is aiming to open for tourists from July - but that UK travellers won't be welcome.

Austria is considering similar plans, which will allow tourists from countries with low coronavirus numbers, such as Germany.

And Turkish holiday resorts will make Brits have Covid-free certificates before they can visit.

Other countries, such as Greece, have said that UK holidaymakers will be welcome as soon as it opens in July.

Even if we are allowed to travel, there may still be certain restrictions on what you can and cannot do.

For instance, restaurants might still be closed, there could be social distancing schedules on beaches and you might not be allowed in certain shops.

Italy has said its beaches may impose roped-off areas, no queuing and social-distancing rules for tourists.

While Spanish beaches may slash sunbathing space by up to 90 per cent - meaning you might struggle to get on the sand.

Elsewhere, even stricter measures have been proposed, with one beach suggesting plexiglass "pods" for families on beaches.

Meanwhile, tourists in Spain could find themselves eating in plastic cages - with a screen down the middle of the table.

Check the country you want to travel to and research their coronavirus exit strategy.

This will give you a good indication of what the country is planning to do.

Be careful when booking, as if a country decides not to allow Brits you might lose your money.

Can you get insurance?

The FCO (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) is currently advising against all overseas travel for an indefinite period of time.

This means that travel insurance policies will only cover you in extremely limited circumstances.

In fact, lots of companies have stopped selling travel insurance altogether for new customers.

And Gocompare.com and Moneysupermarket.com have even stopped comparisons on travel insurance until the FCO restrictions are lifted.

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You need insurance to cover you not just because of coronavirus, but also in case you can't travel, get sick or the holiday is cancelled for other reasons.

Ideally you should get insurance from the moment you book in case something goes wrong between now and your departure.

If you look online, you may be able to find some insurers still offering travel cover.

It is likely to be more expensive than usual, and it almost certainly won't cover you for any coronavirus cancellations or disruptions.

And if you have multi-trip cover, you may be covered for future trips depending on the advice when you booked.

If you can't find insurance, legally you can still book your holiday, but you need to be aware that if lockdowns or other restrictions continue you could lose your money.

Fortunately there are other ways to try and protect your cash.

Do you have ATOL and ABTA protection?

Holiday firms and airlines are struggling due to coronavirus, so you need to make sure you are covered in case yours go bust.

ATOL protection means that if your travel company or tour operator fails, you'll get your money back.

You should also get your hotel and return flights covered if the company collapses while you are abroad.

But be aware that some companies are stalling refunds meaning customers have been left out of pocket, while other operators are offering vouchers and rebooking instead of cash.

For example, Portugal has delayed holiday refunds until 2022 with British tourists offered vouchers instead.

If you do book anything, you need to be prepared for having to move or delay your holiday without getting your money back.

Can you pay with a credit card?

If you're booking a holiday, you should pay for at least part of each element using your credit card.

A handy consumer protection called Section 75 means that people who pay this way can get their money back if something goes wrong.

Under the act, your card provider is jointly liable if you don't get the service you paid for.

For instance, if you book a flight or accommodation and it gets cancelled, you can claim.

To be eligible, the total cost of the item needs to be between £100 and £30,000.

To avoid getting stung by hefty interest payments, make sure you pay off the credit card straight away.

And if you're worried about debts, you don't have to put the full amount on credit.

Even if you only put £1 on the card and pay the rest through debit you will be covered.

However, there is some confusion in the rules about what happens if your travel company offers you an alternative to a refund.

For instance, lots of airlines are offering vouchers instead of cash leading to some banks blocking Section 75 claims.

So you should only book a holiday if you would be comfortable with some or all of your refund taking the form of vouchers or credit notes.

What are the cancellation policies?

Lots of holidays are super cheap right now as travel companies look to secure revenue for once coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

In fact, plenty of airlines and hotels are offering great perks for people who book future holidays now.

If you want to take advantage, another option is to look at the cancellation policies of the individual elements of your holiday.

For instance, some accommodation will give you a refund as long as you cancel more than 24 hours in advance.

And some airlines are offering free rescheduling if you book but can't travel.

If you choose your elements carefully and read all the small print, you may be able to cancel or rebook your holiday without losing too much cash.

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You should use this to inform your travel plans.

For instance, booking a trip where you will have to rely heavily on local restaurants could be extremely frustrating if they are all shut.

Some countries may also require safe to travel certificates, or may not be allowing holidaymakers from the UK.

The restrictions are likely to change significantly over the coming months and it's impossible to know for certain what is ahead, but researching will mean that you are as prepared as possible.