So it’s now illegal to even have hope it optimism for the future?!

[Lissy23]

That’s how it seems reading posts on here and on social media platforms.
How dare I even think about booking a holiday in this country 5 months into the future?
Why can’t I just be grateful I have my health and I’m not lying in a hospital bed?
I should be thinking of those dying everyday, not booking something so I’ve got things to look forward to...

Well I have one break booked in April, two breaks booked in June and one in August. And yes, they’re all fully refundable. Do I expect them to go ahead? Yes to June and August. Cautiously optimistic for April.

It's nit illegal to book a holiday. I've not seen anyine saying that, other than at the top of this thread.

The government has laid out how it is, and why it's too early to say whether holidays will go ahead. And nearly everyone has grasped that. Including on the other MN threads about this (though of course there might be others I've not opened)

Book according to you appetite for risk, realise that the risks might come about, and no whinging if you're unlucky. But have a fantastic time if you're not.

Woe betide any gov that plans to cancel the summer. Not.a. Good. Idea.

This thread is heartening to read. I work in the travel industry and Schapps' comments yesterday plunged so much of the industry into despair that its good to read that people still have hope. Of we course we all understand that travel isn't possible right now, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with booking for winter, next year or even 2023! Most operators have got their acts together now and are on top of refunds and offering flexible terms for new bookings do for him to say no to booking at all is incredibly irresponsible for a minister. Particularly considering that the industry he's casually damaging employs over £120k people and contributes £37b to GDP!

How can you afford 4 breaks in a matter of months?! 😳 Are you one of the York princesses?

@Ritascornershop

1 - using a friends house for free
2 - 2 nights in premier in pre booked @ £29 per night
3 - 2 nights London Premier inn £50 per night
4 - U.K. cottage for week more expensive at £800.

I have two holidays booked in the summer. Both in the UK. It'll be fine. Some people like to worry. I think you need to seek out better threads op.

If you are including my thread here then, like most of the posters who responded you missed my point!

It isn't the booking or the anticipation I have an issue with.

It's the highly visible moaning, people on the news, trilling on about how devastating it is to have rearranged a beach holiday twice already, blah blah blah. Today on bbc and itv a story like that lead the covid section, lots of sad faces, outraged voices and exhortations for the government to do better.

And then moving on to cancer treatment, mental health issues etc etc.

Great to see you’ve kept some perspective.

I remember when a group of MNetters labelled those worrying about covid as dementors, I wouldn’t have predicted the shift in this direction...

I need to have something to look forward to. I'm not sure how much longer I can go on like this. Its not natural. I've just had covid. 2 weeks in. Didn't have hardly any symptoms, obviously had something to make me take the test. There will be thousands and thousands of people like me. Sadly yes many do end up in hospital so I'm not downplaying it at all but this is just getting depressing now

@GoldenPenPot

I’ve heard sales of sack cloth and ashes are up 300%. Online sales obviously.

This did make me laugh...

@WingingItSince1973 tbh I would stay away from dramatic unfounded thread titles like this one if I were you.

I was thoroughly harangued as one of those dementors, nasty pms included 😁

It's not illegal to be optimistic.

Hysterical much I only see ridiculous posts like yours OP, I don’t see anyone saying you can’t make plans for the future. I do however think you are kidding yourself about being able to go away in April. Hopefully your other trips will be fine.

The Government said in yesterday evening,s press conference that it was too early to say wether holidays would be able to go ahead

You can bet that if little Matthews holiday to Cornwall isn't refundable, holidays will be allowed.

@CuriousaboutSamphire

I was thoroughly harangued as one of those dementors, nasty pms included 😁

You? Never!

Yes, me 😁

I had the temerity to say covid measures would continue in some shape or form for a year or two...

That sounds optimistic compared to this thread title! Does it feel weird?

I think it’s better they are advising people to wait as it’s all still too unknown with the variants.

I don’t see the rush, travel means more chance for it to spread so they should be very careful before allowing unnecessary travel.

Hell! I doubt anyone here last year could have foreseen the reality. Well, maybe the one or two epidemiologists.

But we all know now that there will be global covid measures of some sort for a couple of years yet. Even if it is just mask wearing and keeping an eye on the changing red countries.

I didnt really "get" the message on BBC 10pm news last night. It's illegal to go on holiday right now, it's not illegal to take a punt on a holiday later in the year. I think the news puts depressing slants on announcements.

Every holiday I have booked is well covered for covid so not a big deal if cancelled.

If I dont get to go on any holiday this year I suspect that's many thousands I wont be spending in the economy. No travel, no need for extra clothes, no day trips, no meals out, no pubs etc as we do on holidays. If its day trips from home I might buy fish and chips when out and the kids will be in whatever fits from last summer.

What will happen to the economy? Something has to go ahead in between lockdowns surely?

im starting to book a holiday abroad like I did last summer, making sure I can cancel last minute.
if it doesnt work out I can always plan a last minute UK holiday like we did last year.

it's not forbidden as we dont know what will happen in summer, just make sure if you pay money upfront you can recover it if you have to cancel

I’ve booked a couple of up weeks too. Was looking pretty booked up where I was looking. Jeez so many jabs are happening what on earth are we waiting for? 66 mil people in the uk don’t have Covid and it will get harder to catch it soon. Flights elsewhere? Bit trickier.

OP I’m pleased for you, you have to do what keeps you sane and gives you hope.

However, I’m sure you wouldn’t be angry at the government for saying they can’t guarantee any of those breaks will come off?? Or for saying holidays abroad might not happen? Because it’s too early to say.

I’ve got a log cabin ( uk ) booked for end of April . I imagine that won’t go ahead now ..... such a shame 😞