Summer Holidays - Right and Wrong?

[DadAManger]

Back in May I posted a thread saying we would probably not be able to go away again this summer (most of us anyway). This was before the Indian Variant/Open Sky Border cock-up.

At the time, I got a lot of messages of the `’you do you, I’ll do me”, “I’m going, no matter what they say”, “i have two trips to the US and two to Spain booked and I am GOING” variety and others that accused me of throwing those that worked in travel under the bus for even asking. String views, but understandable.

What are people doing now? Still going away and dealing with tests and quarantine in return? Been away already? Cancelled the lot because of Government rules? What’s happening?

No change for us, we have a UK holiday booked as we do most years.

We were never going away to be honest. I don’t know anyone who even booked to go abroad this year.

It’s always been a bit of a gamble, and the way the situation is playing I would be cautious about next year as well.

I can’t see how global travel can possibly be done safely for a really long time. For starters we would need the world vaccinated and there is just so much difference in vaccination rates.

Still planning to go to an amber country (if it stays amber). Will quarantine on the way back.

I am on the way to the airport now. Tests and isolating isn't a problem for me. If I was not able to isolate I would not book a trip as it is too risky.

We moved flights from Majorca for last summer to this summer for last week of school holidays (mid August). We're meeting with our friends tonight and I think we'll just move again until next year. Too much worry even if it did go Green that it would go Amber again and I'm not having DS missing any school in an exam year. If it was booked mid school holidays I might feel differently.

It would be easier I think if the government just banned foreign travel again until we're properly sorted in the UK. I don't blame people for going away while they can, I'm becoming increasingly worried that we'll be in the same position next summer. I'm also now becoming worried about our UK breaks because of the high numbers.

I hate living like this - I'm sure everyone does - don't blame people for trying to have a bit of hope about the situation.

We’re still going to an amber country for the summer. Have factored in the testing and quarantine. I am desperate to get out of this shithole place and staying home for 5/10 days is a price I’m willing to pay.

We have booked several UK breaks but are avoiding school holidays as it will be very busy. We will most likely go abroad next year but as we are retired, quarantine isn't a problem.

I’m going to Spain in a couple of weeks.
There are several practical reasons why I need to but to be honest it’s about 80% a holiday.
We will test before coming home and do a release test on day 5.
Both wfh and dc are off school so we can quarantine.
I don’t really care if anyone thinks I shouldn’t go, unless it’s illegal I am going

We've got a house booked in the UK wih dh's parents and brother. I'm waiting for them to say they won't be going, but suggesting we're welcome to go on our own. All adults double vaccinated.
I need the break.

Nope staying in UK this year. Booked Crete for next year instead and hoping that things are better then. In Greece for example atm masks are mandatory even outdoors, except if your eating or on your sunbed. Doesn't sound like fun to me, wearing a mask for much of the holiday, even if we could quarantine.

Fingers crossed next year is better but who knows with all these variants etc.

Those of you saying you're still going to an amber country. Are you aware your travel insurance will probably be invalid because government advice for amber countries is Do not travel. Make sure you check this before going.

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In Greece for example atm masks are mandatory even outdoors, except if your eating or on your sunbed

Just want to point out that is wrong.

Masks are mandatory outdoors when moving about hotels and pubs and restaurants (same as here) but they are not mandatory on your sunbed or in the pool or when eating.

And the masks outdoors is expected to be dropped soon.

Live in Scotland, holidaying in Scotland. Same as last summer.

@christyt114 Absolutely aware and will get specialist insurance.

Just wanted to point out that Staysure Travel Insurance explicitly does cover you for travelling against FCDO advise and their policy costs are very reasonable.
DH and I are off to Greece in 2 weeks. Will comply with all testing and quarantine. Can't wait for the change of scene!

Have France booked and am waiting on till the very last minute to decide what we will do.

Have a back up holiday booked in the U.K. too, so worst case scenarios we will just have a U.K. holiday. Best case we will have 2 breaks.

We have put aside testing money which if we don’t need to use we will buy a new garden set.

Feeling pragmatic about it all.

Battle face Insurance for amber list countries . There is no way I am paying inflated prices for crap service, miles of traffic jams and it being windy and rainy in the UK.

I had a holiday booked for Crete for last month (changed from last year) which was cancelled. I cancelled a holiday to Cyprus that would have been for this week. Instead I have booked two different UK holidays, one for June, one for July. I’m hoping there will be some countries on the green list for my silver anniversary early September, if not I’ll book another UK cruise. I wouldn’t go to an amber destination.

Booked for the U.K. and live in the U.K. so unless we have a lockdown things should go as planned

It just took me about 5 minutes to get through security. The lack of queues and waiting at the airport right now are the only positive thing about these restrictions. I recommend anyone who can go on holiday to go because who knows how long will this shit show last. When I went on holidays last summer I was called selfish and told I only have to wait until next summer to be able to go... Well look how that worked out...

I’d like to go abroad at the end of august, but very doubtful as to whether any easily accessible countries will be on the green list by then. It’s so complicated though, I’ve no idea how to arrange tests.

We've transferred our Spanish holiday again to next year. Wouldn't have minded the quarantine on the way back or the testing. Whats put me off is that I'd be worrying the whole time I was there that one of us would get covid. I'm not worried that we would be too ill but we'd then have to stay and isolate in spain which we can't do because of work. Our insurance would pay for us to isolate in spain but that's no use if I need to be home to work ( we both wfh)

After the recent announcement I was well up for booking somewhere amber and doing the quarantine. Then I realised the number of tests needed and decided I cba at the mo. Will see what happens at the next review. Thinking about delaying a holiday until second half of August (original plan is start of July).

Holiday abroad booked, if it's green we'll pay for testing and happily go, if it's amber we will rebook for next year. DH and I could and would isolate on return but DC will be due back at school so wouldnt let them miss school. And I don't feel comfortable going against guidance tbh (not that holiday companies will refund for amber cancellations )