Absolutely gutted we cancelled our Greek holiday because of covid :{

[mostwonderfultime]

We decided to cancel this year because we were concerned about having to isolate if anyone on the plane was found to have covid, and also because we thought it was too much money or a holiday that was potentially not going to be as good as pre/post covid what with masks, social distancing etc. But now I keep seeing pictures on Facebook etc of people seemingly having amazing holidays abroad. I also feel bad for my dc who've complied with home learning and been cooped up for months and should be on a lovely holiday now

It is what you make it and the weather has been mostly great.

But not everywhere across England it hasn't! Not in recent weeks, not in the fortnight we'd have been away.

Cold damp wet weather makes my arthritis painful. Dry warm weather makes my joints far less painful.

I enjoy a good dose of sun and heat every so often, and to ensure I get it I personally prefer a week or two further afield.

I personally don't want a holiday spent in a jumper and raincoat, dashing from one indoor location to another. Or sat in a holiday B and B resorting to board games whilst it's raining outside. And I certainly don't want to be in a tent regardless of the weather!

ive got holiday booked in nov for dh and mine 20th anniversary-hoping to move it as it wont be the same as normal i doubt

I went and due to go again next week. There's no queues to the beach or sun beds by the pool. You don't have to wear face masks outside unless you are in a crowded area or if you are dining, only when you get up and walk about is when a face mask is required. My DS played on the beach, chased waves and had a great time after being stuck in a one bedroom flat during lockdown with no outdoor space. This holiday helped me and DH solve our issues as we were arguing so much during lockdown when he was trying to wfh and I was trying to kick him out the bedroom so DS could have his nap. It was basically the fact that we never spent so much time together in a small confined space that led to most of our arguments.

We have a sailing holiday booked for August and we are going. Some friends are there at the moment and say it's completely calm, no queues for restaurants or bars, masks needed in any enclosed facility like shops or bakeries and cafes but outdoor tavernas don't require them. There are random covid checks at the airport but we are happy to comply.
I deliberated for months about whether or not to cancel but I'm so pleased we didn't. I've been keeping an eye on the daily cases and deaths and they are managing much better than us, we intend to fully respect their guidelines so we won't pose a risk to them. As a family I think we really need to get away, it's more than a holiday this year.
I live on the Norfolk/Suffolk border and can confirm that the beaches here are jam packed and busier than I've ever known them. I'll feel safer in Greece for sure.
There are plenty of last minute Greek holidays available so there's nothing to stop you making a new booking if you'd like to.

I know the feeling OP.

We cancelled our expensive 2 weeks in Greek luxury and instead booked a cheap few days to Barcelona. Then when that got cancelled booked Palma 🤦🏼‍♀️ we’re now having 4 nights in Brighton at a relatively similar cost to what we paid to go abroad.

It’s shocking how expensive holidaying in the U.K. has become

@Turnedouttoes I agree. Holidays in the UK are ridiculously priced this year.

Our holiday to Majorca was cancelled for us. We should have returned yesterday. It truly sucks. But with the thought of not being able to access the pool or all inclusive then the sudden change to isolate on return whilst we would have been away, it's fortthe best.

I'm not sure if we will go abroad next year either, but I'm going to squirrel some money away for a fab holiday eventually. Just need my refund now.

We went to Weymouth. The sea was amazingly clear and cold! But it was all last minute low stress low expectations and actually very nice ( not as good as Spain....)

Maybe it's time to try low budget last minute UK for a bit. I might try Scotland next year.

My mother lives on one of the Greek islands. 27 people that flew in from a British airport recently tested positive for Covid and were transported to an isolation centre on the mainland. They will remain there until they fly home so their holiday is ruined.

People need to hear and understand that this is a real possibility along with sudden lockdown abroad or quarantine on return. It is not just about there being safer than here, the situation can change at the drop of a hat.

@BackInTime the advice has changed recently and you don't have to isolate in a government facility, it depends on your accommodation. If it had remained the way it was then we would have cancelled as there is no way I would have wanted to do that. Obviously if any of us feels unwell or has any symptoms prior to departure we won't travel.

Got to say ruined holidays is the least of it isn't it?

@dustyparadeground

Got to say ruined holidays is the least of it isn't it?

Still shit though 🤷🏻‍♀️

We are holidaying in England right now. Having a lovely time, enjoying the beach and not getting stressed. Greece will still be there next summer.

We’re in Greece now. We have to use masks and plastic gloves at the buffet, the hotel is at reduced capacity as their is a limit on numbers in all indoor areas, and half the sun beds round the pool. The hygiene practices are excellent. 30% of people are tested at the airport and anyone positive is moved to a specific 4* hotel on the island. I’m glad we came as it feels a lot safer here than where we live. Social distancing is largely observed and everyone is getting on with lounging round the pools. We’ve also seen the same holiday as we paid for last year at half the price this year.

We are also in the position where we are happily working from home and quarantine wouldn’t affect us.

Last minute breaks this year have risks but are v cheap. DM me if you want to ask anything.

It's shocking how expensive holidaying in the UK has become

Our last UK holiday cost £2000 for a cabin on a holiday park with shared swimming pool (that cost extra!) It rained half the week. Went abroad on October half term, villa, own pool and sunshine - £2000. Each to their own and all that but I know what my choice would be every time.

You can still go holiday in this country, bolstering our economy. The way is going at the moment with our cases Greece may just shut its borders to us as we have to Spain and you will have to quarantine

We cancelled our two week break in Greece for August back in June. Yesterday we rebooked but just for a week. I belong to many Greek holiday forums on Facebook and everyone says that the airport is quiet, the resorts feel safe and it’s worth trying to go.
So we will give it a go. Had a fantastic bargain from our local airport - the price was the same I was looking at paying for a lodge in the UK. No brainer.

Seriously tempted to book a last minute getaway !

YANBU to be gutted OP - I'd have been gutted too if we'd booked to go to Europe this summer. The vast majority of people have had disappointments this year - cancelled holidays among them - it's okay to feel sad. What I would say is either start to make plans for what you'll do next year, or book something here in the UK. Yes, seaside cottages in popular areas are all booked out now, but there are plenty of lovely parts of this country. We holiday in the UK regularly and our holidays here are always good. Yes, the weather can be disappointing, but a holiday is a holiday. We had a week in Norfolk in early July and it was lovely (I can well believe it's heaving now though!)

Any suggestions for the lovely UK holidays people keep mentioning here?

I am looking for somewhere that can accommodate a family of 5 (preferably with separate bedrooms) with a heated outdoor pool, a kids club (one where they can stay on their own for a couple of hours) , somewhere I do not have to cook and where the food is good (half board would be fine!) with evening entertainment that is suitable for the children... a play park would be good too.

ideally not Cornwall, although Devon will do!

This would replace the all inclusive holiday that I intended to go on.

@ZiggeryZaggy what's your budget 😭

@Newbiehere123 - it was under £2500 for 11 days all inclusive in Turkey, with the kids clubs and activities included. And it would have been hot 😫 I looked at centre parks prices here yesterday and couldn’t believe it... around £1400 for a weekend !!

@ZiggeryZaggy this is exactly the reason why I didn't cancel mine and going next week. It's so expensive to do staycation in this country. I have been looking at holiday prices in the UK since May so I could let's say contribute to the economy and also not catch Covid abroad but I decided to risk it. For 11 days, all inclusive for under £2500 sounds like a bargain. You will have to pay thousands to get that quality in the UK but minus the weather!

I have little patience with people who are gutted to not be going on holiday, I'm afraid.

Holidays are a luxury and the world is in an emergency situation. People need to get things in proportion, come on.

@Chicchicchicchiclana - you are right that there are more important things in the world.

However, holidays mean different things to different people I think. I bought an old car, and a smaller house that I could have done, because when I considered spending more, I thought “but think about how many holidays you could have for that amount”! And that has always been more of a priority for me.

Travelling properly isn’t an option anymore with school age children, but I love going away and am sad about it this year - it doesn’t mean that I don’t care about people or the world though.

@Newbiehere123 - I hope you have a lovely time ☀️