I am glad I didn't have a holiday abroad this year...

[HullaBulla]

... but others don't understand why not! I used to take a couple of holidays abroad a year before Covid and since then, one a year. I don't have the travel bug at the moment and had no desire to go abroad this summer. I had a long weekend away, a couple of hours' drive away, really enjoyed it and this was enough for me. I really enjoyed the rest of my time off work, going on nice walks, meeting friends for lunch and lovely chilled days with good books.

Some friends can't believe I didn't have a 'proper' holiday and are wondering what's wrong with me!

Anyone else not have the travel bug at times?

I'm going on holiday tomorrow- in the UK, because there are things I want to see here. Other times I go abroad. There's lots to see and do in the UK, as well as overseas.

I strongly disagree that a uk holiday isn't a "proper holiday"

However weve just been away to Spain and it was lovely to get some really warm sun. We've had some gorgeous weather this year but it seemed to cool down as soon as the school holidays started! (We dont go abroad every year)

I never see the point in going abroad over the summer, when it's arguably the nicest time of year to explore the UK. I do enjoy traveling further afield at other times of year though, either to catch some winter sun, to ski or to go to places where the summer months would be monsoon season.

Same. Swapped our usual trek in Europe for camping close to home. It’s been absolutely wonderful. Only a 90 min drive home tomorrow.

YANBU. The whole airport thing is no longer enjoyable for me, and then to roast in a climate where it's too hot to do anything just doesn't appeal. Much prefer holidaying in the UK.
But as others have said, each to their own.

@HullaBulla moves to the beach this year . Best summer weather I can remember in along time. Wanted to spend time in my new area and home and it’s not disappointed .
Nowhere else I’d rather be . (This year ) anyway

I’ve travelled all over the globe. Now I’m 58 and this summer we have had 3-4 small trips to North Yorkshire, County Durham and Stoke and that has been perfect.

You can keep packed airports, security, transport to hotels, Brit hating locals and having to listen to crap from other tourists. I’m done with putting up with a load of shit to lay by a pool!

Holidays abroad with young kids are very stressful, I find - regardless of whether city/beach/all-inclusive/self-catering. No one (except perhaps at the £££££ end of the market) has really cracked the art of de-stressing family holidays with little children.

Personally, I would never go on summer holiday in July and August as it's so hot and overcrowded. However, as I am from Dubrovnik, we go there every summer for 3 weeks. We have our own place there. It's so relaxing, the food is fantastic. I love the feel of the safety and the atmosphere. But the only cost to me is the flights.
I just need to add that, after the heatwave we had in DBK in August, I was glad to return to England and the cooler temperatures. Oh, it was bliss.
I remember some nights when the temperature was 30 °C at midnight. air con was on all day and night. English people should appreciate how lucky they are, no extreme temp, no fires...
Personally, I think the best times to go on holiday are May and October half-term.

It’s called “people are different and like to do different things”. Novel concept to you, apparently.

Live and let live.

Friends of mine went to Turkey last summer, at the start of August, and they said it was so hot that they couldn't even go on any trips, let alone stay by the pool. And they will never do it again in the peak of the summer when the prices are extortionate. Extreme heat is not fun. And yes, I love the English climate, although I will be buying a portable air conditioner when it comes on sale for the next year, just in case we have a few days of extreme heat (which I believe will be happening due to climate change).

I think that the OP understands this concept. It is her friends who appear not to.

Good for you, OP. Going abroad isn’t compulsory and I’m glad you enjoyed your time off at home. Each to their own.

As for me, I’m off to Italy next week. Everywhere should be much quieter & saner now that August is over and the schools are open again. Can’t wait.

Your decision not to travel is a personal one based on your immediate needs and desires. So you dont owe an explanation to anyone, You are not harming anyone else by choosing to holiday near home and spend your time (and money) in the UK.

I used to travel solo and extensively but have now lost my taste for travel as my mobility has declined. I hate flying (being close to strangers) and the way you get treated at airports. I also dont drive so more or less get taxis everywhere. My world has now narrowed down to my home and family but thats my decision. I run a small international business so I have plenty to do with my time.

I haven't been abroad this year, but I've not even missed it as the weather has been fab this summer!

I love being here (SE England) in the summer time when the schools are on holiday. It's SO peaceful and it's usually great weather.

With BIL living 500 miles away on a Scottish island only accessible by road and sea (no airport) then a visit to see him counts as a holiday.

We holiday both home (often country cottages) and abroad (villas/hotels/ ski resorts) multiple times a year and I really feel I need and deserve each break. For us it's a must!

If we could have guaranteed sunshine during the summer months in the UK, I’d probably prefer holidaying here tbh. Just great to combine sightseeing with beach and relaxation. I find holiday destinations in the rest of Europe, unless city breaks, a bit mind numbing unless you specifically go away to chill on the beach or round the pool.

I haven't had a holiday of any kind, OP, unless you count going to visit my sister for 3 days at Easter. I was hoping to take the kids away in October but don't think that's going to be possible and I haven't missed it! I live near the sea. There's countryside. I wouldn't mind a city break where I get to see beautiful architecture and go to fascinating museums but that was never going to happen with the kids anyway so no I don't miss a villa with a pool in burning heat when instead I had my own house with a paddling pool and slightly less burning heat!

Past two years we have done massive long haul trips, as fun as they are, not very relaxing. Which means I really just could not be arsed going abroad this year, we went for a week in Devon but have quite enjoyed just pottering around the house/local area. A do nothing summer.

It's been a good opportunity to get some stuff done round the house and save some money for house renovations.

How strange that they would say that to you.

I haven't been abroad for 10 years, my partner even longer than that. We go on UK holidays and stay in some beautiful places.

My 8 year old DS has never been abroad and is terrified of the idea of getting on a plane but we'll do it eventually. I am very nervous of flying and don't enjoy the experience at all. I don't feel like I'm missing out if we don't go abroad, in fact I prefer a UK holiday to be honest.

Not me, I always have the travel bug. Love it! I do think it’s important to travel in one’s own country too, though.

I agree with you OP, pre Covid we were 2/3 times a year long haulers!, then we got a dog and have stayed inthe UK ever since. Honestly I don't miss the long haul travel at all, I would like to travel to France but the whole travel with a dog drama puts me off bothering!

So you are happy with your life and where you live and the things you can do all the time - pity your poor friends