THEY are questions on many lips: will it be save to go on holiday next year and where should I go?

And the answers are likely to be fraught with many considerations with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic set to be with us for a long time yet.

But with holiday-hungry Brits chomping at the bit the plan a getaway for next year, this map shows where in the world has the highest - and crucially - lowest rates of infection right now.

The map, which was created with data from The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University in the US; National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China; and the World Health Organization, shows average daily cases per 100,000 people in past week in every country of the globe.

The Northern Echo:

The lighter colours are the least infections and the darker colours are the countries with the highest rates.

According to the data, the UK has around 30 cases per 100,000 and the trend has been increasing over the past two weeks.

But that figure is down on the 62 cases per 100,000 currently being reported in the US.

Popular travel destinations Spain and France have reported 18 and 14 cases per 100,000 respectively.

Lithuania is reporting the highest rate in Europe at 97 cases per 100,000 but it's not exactly a holiday hotspot for many Brits.

Austrailia, New Zealand and much of the far East are showing the fewest cases in recent weeks, making them among the safest places to travel.

But given the distance, few will want to plan a holiday that far next year given the uncertainty.

The government has released a guide to help people know what to do before and after they travel abroad.

Plan for your travel: checklist

  • Developments in the coronavirus pandemic remain uncertain around the world. No travel is risk-free. If you are legally permitted to travel abroad and are planning travel in the future, even if you are returning to a place you’ve visited before, follow this checklist.

Before you travel

  • Follow all the current rules for where you live, including if they restrict international travel. In the UK, there are different restrictions in place in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
  • Keep up-to-date with the latest developments for your destination before your trip. Sign up for travel advice email alerts and check the TravelHealthPro website for travel health guidance 
  • Find out about any entry restrictions, screening or quarantine requirements on arrival that might affect you. Check ‘entry requirements’ in our travel advice and contact the UK-based embassy of the country you’re travelling to for more information
  • If you need to take a COVID-19 test to facilitate travelling to another country, you should not use the NHS testing service. Instead, you should arrange to take a private test
  • Read the safer air travel guidance on sensible precautions and steps to take if you’re flying. Consider your own circumstances and health, and remember you will need to wear a face covering on flights in England and Scotland. See also the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) guidance 
  • Check with your accommodation provider for information about availability and the safety measures they have put in place 
  • Read the advice of local authorities and follow all local health measures in place during your journey and in your destination. Local measures and travel restrictions may change before you arrive or during your stay. Check the travel advice page for your destination and check with your transport provider for more information 
  • Get travel insurance, and make sure you are content with the level of cover it provides. If you already have travel insurance check it is valid and provides appropriate cover 
  • Check your cancellation rights. Speak to your tour operator, transport and accommodation providers if you have any questions 

When you’re abroad

  • Continue to follow any updates to our travel advice for your destination
  • Be prepared to comply with measures to manage localised outbreaks such as border closures, movement restrictions or quarantine rules. These could be brought in at short notice
  • If you test positive for coronavirus you are likely to need to get treatment locally and stay there until you have recovered. If you are required to quarantine or self-isolate by local authorities, you should expect to do so in the country
  • You may need to stay longer than you intended. Plan ahead for any delays to your return home and the financial implications or practical arrangements you may need to make
  • You should liaise closely with your travel company or airline to ensure you are aware of any changes to schedules. Plan for the risks of disruption and local domestic measures affecting your travel when arranging your return to the UK
  • If you will be returning to the UK, prepare for your return journey by completing the passenger locator form

When you return

  • You will need to follow the rules for entering the UK. You must show proof of a completed passenger locator form at the UK border. You can complete it up to 48 hours before you enter the UK, and should do so before arrival. Failing to complete the form is a criminal offence
  • You may have to self-isolate for the first 10 days you’re in the UK. See the guidance on self-isolation for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
  • You may not have to self-isolate when you arrive from some countries and territories known as ‘travel corridors’. View the latest guidance and list of travel corridors for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
  • See the list of people who are exempt from the English border rules
  • If you need to self-isolate, you may be able to pay for a COVID-19 test to find out if you can reduce your self-isolation period