While the world is divided between people eager to get vaccinated, and people refusing anything of the sort, we are slowly getting back to a normal-ish kind of situation.
Sure, there are geniuses who still use the eye thing they give you on planes (what the hell is it called??) as a facemask, rendering the whole concept useless, but I must admit, the past year has taken its toll on all of our mental health – or lack thereof.
Nevertheless, the world is opening up again, and if you’re like me, you may have only recently realized that you have failed to make any summer plans. And who could blame you? What with the world in turmoil, few of us dare spend our hard-earned money on trips that may or may not happen.
So, I have resolved to – and I highly recommend that you also do the same – trade my panic for some careful planning. After all, it is only the beginning of summer and we all deserve to vacay or staycay (even naycay if that’s your thing), however we can.
We Hungarians often forget that our small land holds a great many exciting places that are perfect for a long weekend or even for a one-day getaway.
A day trip to Szentendre
Rest assured that I will review the best places to visit within Hungary if I experience any, and for now, if you’re looking for a day trip, I would highly recommend Szentendre. Having just been there – I have in fact been many times before – I remembered just how cute it is.
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It’s very easily accessible from Budapest, with public transportation, on a bicycle, not to mention any motorized vehicle you might have at your disposal.
Picturesque streets
It may be crowded but once you see the old town, you’ll understand why. Szentendre’s crawling with bars, restaurants, ice cream places, woven through with narrow cobblestone streets, and is perched right on the bank of the Danube where the daring can even do some sunbathing.
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The town also offers many museums for those craving some culture. I’ll let you do your own googling on that topic. However, my favourite is Retro Design Center (as you must already know from here), and for those with a sweet tooth (or sweet eye more like), I would recommend the Szamos Marzipan Museum. I mean, it’s sugar. There’s not much else to sell here.
Whether you pack a day full of sights and activities, or just choose to laze on the river bank and wander around the old town, Szentendre is always a top choice if you want to leave the city for a day.
If you choose to go on a holiday within Hungary, keep in mind that all hotels and other forms of lodging will require you to present your immunity card or the EESZT application.
If you should choose to venture across borders, there’s a lot to be considered, simply because rules and regulations kinda change from one day to the next.
Travelling to some beautiful destinations from Hungary
I am going to list a few facts (true on 16th June 2021) regarding travel to some of the most popular destinations from Hungary.
Cyprus
Travel to Cyprus is now possible for persons with an immunity card + the document showing the date and type of vaccine received. If 14 days have passed since the last shot, no mandatory test or quarantine is required.
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Croatia
Travel to Croatia is now possible for persons with an immunity card + the document showing the date and type of vaccine received (Hungarian document is sufficient). If 14 days have passed since the last shot, no mandatory test or quarantine is required.
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Slovenia
You can travel to Slovenia with an immunity card. In case travellers do not have the immunity card, they must provide proof that all shots (depending on the type of vaccine) have been administered + a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 21 days have passed since the last shot. The days that have to pass depend on the type of vaccine. If one of these is provided, no mandatory test or quarantine is required.
Austria
You can now travel to Austria without a mandatory quarantine if you can provide a negative test not older than 72 hours or proof of having been recovered from contracting Covid. Proof of immunity will also grant you entry. Registration is no longer required to enter Austria.
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Greece
Travel to Greece is possible with a negative test, or proof of vaccination if 14 days have passed since the last shot. The document has to contain the traveller’s name, the type of vaccine administered, and the date and number of the shots. The language of the document has to be either English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian.
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Italy
Travel to Italy requires a negative PCR or antibody test not older than 48 hours. If this is not provided, it will be mandatory for travellers to spend 10 days in quarantine.
Again, this can change any time, so before you go prancing off into some foreign sunset, make sure to check the requirements here or contact your friendly consulate for advice.
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Any way you slice it, summer should be fun, wherever you are, so I humbly urge y’all to make the best of it. Eat ice cream, drink Aperol Spritzes, wash your hands, use suntan lotion and murder as many mosquitos as you can!