The travel restrictions through the Covid-19 pandemic have made many people think twice about going abroad certainly in the short term, with the question is it worth the hassle? Being the main quandary for the British public.
Do I need PCR tests and how much do they cost? Do I have to isolate in resort or on return? What happens if I get covid whilst abroad? What happens if the traffic light system changes? These are some of the questions that holiday makers are asking themselves and every travel agent on a daily basis.
Being an owner of 3 travel agencies and a keen traveller I can see both sides of the conundrum.
Customers are in three different categories. A) Get me away as soon as possible, I need to feel the sand between my toes, I need the holiday experience Sun, Sea and Sangria. (adjust to suit). B) I am never travelling abroad again, I will take my holidays in the UK. What is not to love about the British Isles? C) I am going to leave it a while let things settle down and book for next year when I will feel more comfortable travelling.
There is no right and wrong option. It is a personal choice that we completely understand. Those customers who have travelled, have said post Brexit border control and customs was surprisingly easy, almost novel getting a stamp in your passport. Quieter resorts, bars and restaurants make the experience a little more palatable and not having to fight for sunbeds around the pool an added bonus. As resorts get busier this might throw up a few hurdles as restaurants and bars maintain the ability to socially distance.
Sure, there are hoops to jump through in terms of health forms, lateral flow tests in resort and passenger locator forms to be completed online prior to returning to the UK
Those passengers who have decided to holiday in the UK have been impressed with the procedures have been put in place to feel safe. The good weather last year and for good portions of this year have helped. We have seen a big upturn in the number of UK based holidays we have sold. Whether it be coach holidays, lodges and cottages or just exploring the UK under your own steam.
My only issue with the UK holidays is the vast increase in cost compared to a couple of years ago. Lodges and Cottages doubling or trebling in price. The cost of eating out or going for a drink, sometimes twice the pre-pandemic prices. I know it is supply and demand, I know that hospitality has suffered through the pandemic, but surely building businesses sustainably has to be a more sensible approach.
I for one am due to travel abroad this year as well as have a weekend away in the UK so will experience both options. Watch this space
