As a result, we have an impressive portfolio of clients not only in this country but also in Europe and further afield.

Many of our clients are global brands and as such we are called upon to supply models for photo shoots and film sessions that take place abroad, as well as at home in the UK.

We promote our models, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

We have connections with companies in the area you live in – and are also very happy to act as your agent and step in to oversee any work you source yourself close to where you live.

This means we can not only reassure you as to the nature and safety of the assignment, but we can also ensure you are paid properly and promptly.

Working locally can be ideal for models with families, full-time jobs or other commitments that make it difficult for them to travel.

Others, however, might be eager to accept bookings in other areas of the UK, relishing the opportunity to see parts of the country they might never have visited before.

And, of course, when it comes to working abroad, we have many models on our books who simply leap at the chance of an assignment abroad.

So, what should you remember if you do accept a booking in another country?

1. We will explain what you will need to take and tell you about your travel arrangements – make sure you understand everything and ask us if you are unsure.

2. Make sure your passport is always up to date. If we offer you a job abroad at short notice and your travel documents are not valid, then you won’t be able to go. Remember that now Britain has left the EU, some passports may not be valid for travel despite the date stamps. Go to gov.uk to check yours. It is recommended that on the day you travel you have at least six months left on your passport.

3. If any other visa or travel documentation is required, we will inform you. You may need to fill out an application for the relevant country and there may be special requirements.

4. Be aware that with Covid-19 each country has its own entry requirements. You will need to look on the website to make sure you understand what they require.

5. Pack carefully for the country you are visiting. Check the weather and bring appropriate clothing and footwear. Don’t forget to bring sun protection if it is hot.

6. Think carefully about what to put in your hand luggage – bring your headphones, phone charger, the appropriate travel-plug adaptor and a book.

7.  Bring water and snacks but remember that if you are flying liquids will be removed when you go through security.

8.  Although you will be able to use your British bank and credit cards abroad, exchange rates can be excessive and so many people now have cards that can be used in cash points abroad with a minimal charge. It is also always a good idea to have some local currency in your pocket too.

9.  Finally, make sure you have enabled mobile data and roaming on your phone so you can use it while abroad – but check with your provider what the costs for this will be. You will need to be able to keep in touch with us, and vice versa. Plans might change and we need to ensure you will be in the right place, at the right time, ready and looking forward to modelling abroad!

Holidays – and foreign travel in general – are a chance of escapism, a source of adventure, and an opportunity to recharge the batteries after months of work. Though it takes planning (and a little financial saving), a cheeky holiday abroad is often the year’s highlight. Who wouldn’t want to spend a few days exploring new territory in balmy temperatures, checking out local cuisine and nightlife, or simply lounging on a sandy beach to achieve an envious tan? Though a holiday is one of life’s simple pleasures, COVID became globally prevalent and acted as a huge spanner in the works in the holiday industry. What a shame.

But now things are slowly turning in favour of the committed holidaymaker. COVID cases are dropping (in the UK, at least), and holidays abroad are now largely permitted. Travel is subject to certain conditions – of course – but in the case of most European destinations, it’s business as usual. And even better news for sun seekers – there are plenty of flights out there which are now even more affordable.

A quick check on a certain budget airline’s website that flies frequently from UK airports reveals a ticket from London Stansted to Corfu is £7.99 (as of 27th July 2021). £7.99! OK, that’s one-way, and the return will set passengers back only £62.99, but still…that’s just over £70 for a holiday in a popular Greek island with an average summer temperature of 30^oC. Bargain!

If travelling to Spain from the UK, the Spanish government requires all arrivals to present on entry a pre-travel declaration form and either a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination. This is a small price to pay for a well-deserved and long overdue holiday break. Safety comes first, but the fact is that holiday travel is now possible.

Models Direct have placed several lucky models on assignments abroad, although they didn’t have to follow the recent COVID guidelines. Take Elizabeth, who travelled to France for a spectacular photo shoot. Or how about the Golding family (Mum, Dad and two children), who embarked on a 4-day, all expenses trip to the south of France to shoot a commercial for an innovative travel company. Valencia? Why not? That’s exactly where we flew our model to advertise an ultra-modern wheelchair. Foreign travel and modelling work is a real possibility – do you have the ambition and talent for it?

Where’s your dream location? It might be a place you’ve already experienced, so recreating your best memories could be your priority. Perhaps it’s a destination you’ve been drooling over in travel brochures. If genuinely achievable, surely now is the time to turn your holiday hopes into reality. One thing’s for certain: it’ll be a holiday you won’t forget in a hurry.

But what about the UK? For every UK person hoping to get away abroad, there’ll be someone with an eye on holidaying in the UK. Cornwall and Devon, The Lake District, Norfolk Broads, Scotland, the Welsh beaches…the UK isn’t short of top-notch holiday destinations. And if you don’t fancy a plane flight, think about holidaying closer to home. What about a camping trip, or a pony trekking expedition? You’d be surprised how many new options are available on your doorstep!

Oh, and if you were wondering where Cliff Richard and his friends went on his “Summer Holiday”, it was Greece!