Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

What is this obsession with holiday?

(220 Posts)
Lucca Mon 29-Jun-20 10:25:14

Just spoke to my son In sydney. He seems to think advice there is no international travel until this time next year. That will be nearly three years without seeing him.

Lucca Mon 29-Jun-20 10:21:42

Teetime

Not really bursting to go but we have a cottage break booked for September in Kirby Lonsdale - I would like to go on that. Our Portugal holiday in May was cancelled of course but we weren't bothered.

Don’t eat too many pies in that marvellous bakery.....

geekesse Mon 29-Jun-20 10:19:12

It’s not an ‘obsession’ for me, merely a sensible way of maintaining my wellbeing. I have been working from home doing a 55 hour week since the start of lockdown, mostly working online to a tight, externally imposed timetable. I have little time to cook well, or to relax, or to spend time caring for myself. I’m exhausted and going stir-crazy. To regain my equilibrium, I need a change of scenery, plenty of fresh air, good food, no technology and a bit of pampering. I can’t get any of that at home. So I’m taking a three day holiday in a beautiful location within easy driving distance. If others think that’s extravagance, or signalling or whatever, sorry, I don’t care.

glammanana Mon 29-Jun-20 10:18:31

With what has gone on this past 6mths and the sadness within the family my DD & I obviously cancelled Majorca for our week away in May,we have rebooked just this morning but not until June 2021 it gives us something to look forward to.

lemongrove Mon 29-Jun-20 10:04:38

Our holiday was cancelled ( sob) for our 50th anniversary too, and possibly our last trip abroad.
Won’t be rushing to book anything at all now until at least next year or until there is a vaccine available ( if there ever is.)
It’s different if you are younger though, and our AC are looking forward to their holidays abroad in August.

B9exchange Mon 29-Jun-20 10:04:04

Am looking at booking a house in a rural situation in France, which has a lower CV-19 rate than us, and no quarantine on return now. It will enable DS and DGs to come across from Spain and spend a few days with us, we haven't seen them for well over a year, and it looks as though offering them a holiday is the only way we will get to see DGs as they have continually made excuses when we have suggested visiting their house, but this they have agreed to! Serious hole in savings, but we are getting on a bit and soon won't get insurance to drive abroad, carpe diem and all that! grin

TerriBull Mon 29-Jun-20 10:03:54

We've cancelled a week in Seville, two short breaks in the UK, will probably cancel another short UK break in July and sadly a holiday in Portugal in September a birthday treat for my husband. We are both of the opinion that mass gatherings at airports and then the flights may not be wise, given the inevitability of a second spike. No not obsessed with holidays but they along with UK breaks are the highlights and would certainly break up the current monotony. As it is for everyone, life is going along on a continuous but rather dull path at the moment. I consider myself fortunate to live in a nice part of the world on the edge of London with several Royal parks to walk in and the river to walk by, plus we've had the bonus of some very good weather. I'm not stressed about the holidays because we've been able to cancel without forfeit of money, plus I've been to many of the places in the world I've wanted to go to, but well suffice to say about this year, resigned and a little disappointed.

MawB Mon 29-Jun-20 10:03:45

Actually,I have touched on this in Annsixty’s “Signalling “ thread! -No not a thread about a thread!
Lots of reasons why I cannot even bring myself to look at the travel pages these days -
For years money was tight and we didn’t go anywhere except cottages in Scotland, Cornwall or Norfolk or a “free” holiday in a family friends farmhouse in the Dordogne. Then when Paw was contracting - so time away from the office = no income but while we were able, we made the most of city breaks of max a week or sometimes even a long weekend - always Europe though because of health issues.
So for me it was a situation of matching desire with capability, it’s easier that way!
Now much as there are places I would like to visit, I don’t like leaving Hattie, there is nobody to share it with and frankly, the appeal has gone. I wish I could stir myself to take advantage of the “freedom” I have after the last years of caring for Paw when he wasn’t well enough to travel (last “holiday” being a week in Ludlow in 2011 I think!) but lockdown has also banged that on the head.

gillybob Mon 29-Jun-20 10:02:38

I would absolutely love a holiday . Can’t pretend that COVID-19 has made any difference though .

Alexa Mon 29-Jun-20 10:01:53

My needs are satisfied with my own garden and home entertainment. However some people have few facilities in their homes and look forward to the countryside , the beach, or the art gallery when they go on holiday.

Some others like to explore novel surroundings or do new activities.

Others like to socialise with the possibility of sex , or flaunting something or other, in exotic surroundings.

Teetime Mon 29-Jun-20 09:55:08

Not really bursting to go but we have a cottage break booked for September in Kirby Lonsdale - I would like to go on that. Our Portugal holiday in May was cancelled of course but we weren't bothered.

ExD Mon 29-Jun-20 09:54:22

We've had 2 cancellations but apart from having to fight to get my money back, I'm not too stressed about it and certainly wouldn't consider going on one just yet.
Is it really worth the risk?

Nannarose Mon 29-Jun-20 09:51:40

I know that for some people, having a really good holiday is factored in to their plans for managing their life.
Some people I worked with, who had small children,would say that they worked hard, earned good money, and their main 'family time' was 1 or 2 seriously good holidays a year.
At the time we retired I knew other, comfortably off couples, who said that they were going to live in a flat, with the idea that they would spend a good part of the year abroad.
For people who have decided that is a huge part of their lives, the absence of 'holiday' is a huge blow. Personally, i didn't organise my life like that, but I have some sympathy for those who do - although of course they are lucky in the current climate to be able to consider it.
I would add that I have 2 young relatives, front-line NHS workers who made the decision to spend this crisis apart from their significant others (and still are). They have both spoken with feeling about the holiday they will enjoy together when they can.

Kate1949 Mon 29-Jun-20 09:49:51

We've had three breaks cancelled this year. It doesn't bother me. We've been to lots of lovely places abroad and in the UK so I'm happy with that. I do feel for younger folk, such as my granddaughter who is desperate for a holiday in the sun.

BBbevan Mon 29-Jun-20 09:46:22

I think it is a case of if you can have it you want it, now. Us older ones are much more patient .

Bellasnana Mon 29-Jun-20 09:46:07

I am. Living on a small island, it’s nice to get away every so often to see family abroad. However, I will not be going anywhere as I think it is too soon to risk it, so will just enjoy being at home instead.

GagaJo Mon 29-Jun-20 09:45:08

I'm not a fan of holidays. Used to be, but the shines worn off. Too much stress before and after and no guarantee of a great time while you're there.

A local beach, a book and peace and quiet'll do me anyway.

Calendargirl Mon 29-Jun-20 09:36:46

No, I’m not kittylester and fortunately neither is DH who is often wittering to get something booked.

GrannyGravy13 Mon 29-Jun-20 09:35:16

DH is I am not (don't tell him my passport is about to expire)

kittylester Mon 29-Jun-20 09:33:39

Watching the news it is obvious that people can't wait to go abroad on holiday.

We have been on lots of lovely holidays, both abroad and at home, but I can't understand this current determination to rush off. We have had 2 trips cancelled this year.

Are you raring to go away?