Am I wise or foolish to book a holiday?

hayleymc14

Hi all,
I am keen to go away to one of the (fingers crossed) so called 'Air bridge' countries. I am keen to take advantage of the reduced prices out there at the moment but I am cautious that I am being foolish. What are your thoughts? I am aware of the Covid risks but I also think that as we have the highest rates in Europe my risk of catching it during a staycation is actually higher! 

[Deleted User]

It is all a matter of choice Hayley.    Nobody can say.   If it carries on raining like this I might be booking one myself!   But bear in mind it will be very different from the norm.   Depends what you are looking for in a holiday.   I like sitting on a balcony in the sun, with a glass of wine and reading so for me it wouldn't be a problem once I got there, if pubs and clubs were limited,  but the flights might be more 'testing' for me so for that reason I would probably only book as far as mainland Spain.  Have fun whatever you decide to do, we all have to adapt in some way or other. 

bradders1983

Life is a risk. Crossing the road is a risk. Going down the stairs is a risk. Smoking is a risk. Drinking is a risk. Eating doughnuts is a risk. Catching the flu is a risk. Walking down the street and having a grand piano fall on your head is a risk.

And so on.

Pollycat

My concern wouldn't be catching the virus in another country.
It would be the proximity of UK people at check-in, Security, on the flight, Passport Control, luggage reclaim and coach transfer - and in reverse on the way home.
I'd also be concerned about what the resort would be like:
can we get sunbeds round the pool?
can we get into the restaurants we want to eat in if half the tables and removed?
can we get on local buses?
can we do the trips we want to do?

Personally, if we have to 'make do', I'd rather stay at home.

I wouldn't be doing a staycation either.

Other people seem very keen to get away from the UK.
I don't know who is foolish and who is wise.
It's a personal decision.

bradders1983

I am more than happy to go abroad, however I won't be rushing to book anything this summer not because of the virus (because I am not paranoid and life goes on), but mainly because of what Pollycat has said.  A lot of places are going to have the fun sucked out of them with restrictions. 

Other things that Polly hasnt mentioned...

- pools with capacity limits
- all inclusives reverting to table service, long waits to get food as they go and get the food for you
- the airport/plane experience: airport with closed shops, executive lounges closed or curtailed, having to wear a mask on a 3-5 hour flight and not even able to have an alcoholic drink on the plane, being prodded and poked at the arrival airport possibly.
- Other countries having more draconian rules on the wearing of masks in public than the UK.

blindman

hayleymc14 said:

Hi all,
I am keen to go away to one of the (fingers crossed) so called 'Air bridge' countries. I am keen to take advantage of the reduced prices out there at the moment 

Don't let your urge to "grab a bargain " cloud your judgement of what the trip will be like as mentioned by others here.
I think catching the virus will be the least of your problems compared to the "enjoyment" of your holiday.

Vegastare

My concern is whether the rug will be pulled from under you so to speak....so you book because gov give go ahead etc and book 2 weeks in Crete for September 2020 - earlier Sept arrives and wham Crete has raise in Covid cases or your region of UK has local lockdown.....you may face 2 week lockdown on return to UK - what does the travel company or your insurance do....are we back to all these problems already posted on this site waited and fighting for refunds or vouchers you don't want.
Yes it is all a risk, but if Tui etc want your custom they need to provide some certainty not just relating to travel and hotels etc but cancellation and quick turn round of refund or quick offer to unaffected areas.

rosiesposies

I am making a 'back up plan' today as it is likely my sept holiday to canada will be off (other half is british and there is no way hes getting in to BC on Aug 28)
so we have opted to book ferrys to spain with the motorbike, 5 days on the west coast, 5 days on the east. We know there is risks but we avoid the flying aspect, we dont do all inclusive so resorts lack of facillities do not bother us. of course there is risk of further lockdown in both countries, but at least its something to look forward to! 

Vegastare

rosiesposies said:

I am making a 'back up plan' today as it is likely my sept holiday to canada will be off (other half is british and there is no way hes getting in to BC on Aug 28)
so we have opted to book ferrys to spain with the motorbike, 5 days on the west coast, 5 days on the east. We know there is risks but we avoid the flying aspect, we dont do all inclusive so resorts lack of facillities do not bother us. of course there is risk of further lockdown in both countries, but at least its something to look forward to! 

Think you have to have the actual address of all your accomodation  when arriving in Spain!!!  Best to check

rosiesposies

Have hotels booked but thanks for the heads up