Zero judgement on this thread, just keen to hear others' stories. I travelled to Ireland to go to a family funeral on 20th August, i'm still here.
Got off plane, rented a car, drove straight to aunt and uncle's place and funeral was next day. Is going to a funeral "essential" ? No, but this relative was very special to me and I was also wondering if / when i'd see other relations over here again as surely this is going to go on (countries being added / taken off the "green list", air bridges, local lockdowns, etc etc) until a vaccine is developed and ready? I've gone against guidance, I know. I've put my emotional needs ahead of the global advice. I don't wish to be a potential burden on another country's health system shouldtheworsthappen, but here I am. I went to that funeral and to a house afterwards for tea. Apart from that, i've restricted movements since 21st August - been to the local chemist once, for tampons - I'm now able to move around more freely. I'm self-employed (but work has dried up lately) as a result can work from anywhere with wifi. I dIdn't book a return flightand aunt and uncle are happy to have the company - they're in mid and late 50s and not medically vulnerablebut both retired. Returning the hire car tomorrow but going to stay until next Friday.
To be upfront - I feel like I can breathe for the first time since March. Live in a fairly built up area in England but not a Covid "hot spot", struggled a lot during lockdown and even beyond. I ammarried but no DC. DH's work has carried on as normal the whole time. Thiswill be the longest we've been apart since we met but we're quite independent people at home anyways. He's supportive of this break for me. My head feels clearer, it's lovely to be with aunt and uncle (no kids of their own and a bit like a second mam and dad to me).
And that's my story of non-essential travel.