Summer holidays abroad ‘extremely unlikely’ as third wave hits Europe

I’m fully aware that camping and Campervan holidays are not everyone’s choice. However from what I’ve heard both anecdotally and on radio 4 programs such as You & Yours almost all holiday accommodation including air B&B, holiday cottages and hotel prices have been hugely hiked (by hundreds of pounds) due to the high level of bookings and lack of availability especially during the school holidays. I understand the rules of supply and demand but this seems to be rip off Britain at its best.

'Who on earth wants to holiday in this country?' - well me for one. Just as hot beach holidays are not the only type available abroad so caravan / camping holidays are not the only sort in the UK!
Irritating though it must seem there's not much choice this year. No country is clear of Covid and the UK is currently in a better state than other places. Its not forever and there are lovely places right here!

We live in a beautiful environment and already have three sets of friends booked in over the summer. It will be more work for us, but it's the least we can do for those who really need a break from the confinement of city life. We all have to make the best of things.

I think that UK tourist spots around the country will be totally ghastly this year. Camp sites are currently are only taking bookings from Campervans with their own toilet and shower and are already booked up. Camp sites and other places are not passing on the VAT reduction from 20% to 5%. As they say they are trying to recoup losses. I understood that the vat reduction was to encourage us to go out and spend.

Last year lots of people went “fly camping” and caused a great deal of mess and resentment. Many of these campers would probably have previously been at festivals all summer. As a responsible wild camper with a small Campervan we will be hounded out from remote places and probably fined for not using overpriced and over crowded camp sites.

Many of the tourist spots quickly become filthy. Last summer the mess left on beaches and in the countryside was totally disgusting. There are few public toilets and people were using bushes and the beach.

The weather can not be guaranteed to be pleasant and much of the food and drink served in tourist spots is overpriced and inedible. The prospect of having to book a slot to eat out at a pub or queue for a cafe fills me with depression. There appears to be a complete lack of spontaneity available.

Who on earth wants to holiday in this country?

My partner is able to return to our holiday apartment as it is technically her main residence. She is planning to go as soon as possible. The difference......sunshine every day, fabulous affordable fresh food and wine beautifully presented. No queuing for shops or cafes and no rip off tourist prices. What’s not to like?

Sadly I didn’t apply for residency when I could and have to stay in the UK for now.

Aveline

*GrannyGravy13*- my post was in relation to those don't feel it's a holiday if its not 'abroad' preferably somewhere hot rather than those with family there.

People are entitled to how they view a holiday ! I like to go abroad not so much for the heat as for a different set of scenery and culture, nit to mention food !

Galaxy

We will do UK this year because we have to. I just so want to visit Europe or anywhere really.

Ditto......
Not sure how much chance of finding somewhere available though.

GrannyGravy13- my post was in relation to those don't feel it's a holiday if its not 'abroad' preferably somewhere hot rather than those with family there.

We will do UK this year because we have to. I just so want to visit Europe or anywhere really.

I am not surprised either people have let down their guard far too soon.

If I do decide to go away it will be in UK but I will need to be 100% sure it is safe to do so & that doesn't look promising at the moment.

I’m not surprised, already planned to stay in the UK this year, couple of long weekends away will do.

I agree. All that will happen if we all fly off for holidays is that we bring infection back with us.

I am working abroad and the rate here really hasn't dropped much since January. I have made the very sad decision not to return for Easter, to try to reduce my risk and the risk I pose to my family.

I will be happy to have a holiday anywhere. But had been hoping to visit friends in France .. looks like there is no chance of that .

It is a tricky one.
Come June, July it will be mostly the younger people who will want to head abroad for a holiday. Will they have actually been vaccinated by then if the roll out slow down?
Also if we are to see a possible surge in new cases in the autumn will it be sensible for kids to return to school after having just visited foreign countries in August?
In addition I think it would be unfair to re open foreign holidays at the same time as the tourist season starts here. The UK market needs to get a few months head start at least.
I do feel sorry for those who have family abroad.

Aveline

Holidaying in the UK this year supports the hospitality industry and lots of related jobs. No need to go abroad right now.

What about those of us with AC, GC and other family members living abroad?

If we have had both vaccinations why should we be prevented from visiting them?

Holidaying in the UK this year supports the hospitality industry and lots of related jobs. No need to go abroad right now.

Not going until they get their vaccinated numbers much higher.

There are other places to go that haven’t got a third wave though