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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Holidays abroad - anyone booking?

136 replies

Soulstirring · 13/08/2020 06:27

Very tempted to book Turkey for this month. Wondered other people’s thoughts/experiences of travelling abroad?

OP posts:
Shabooma · 14/08/2020 14:11

@Soulstirring

Very tempted to book Turkey for this month. Wondered other people’s thoughts/experiences of travelling abroad?
My reason for not going to Turkey is nothing to do with the virus and everything to do with it’s abysmal treatment of women and the fact they don’t believe in equal rights.
Shabooma · 14/08/2020 14:11

*its

Ginfordinner · 14/08/2020 14:15

@Friendsoftheearth

Why does anyone need to go away because of the weather - it is 33c and boiling hot, and has been for a week now!!! No respite in sight either...
Not everywhere in the UK
Bearbehind · 14/08/2020 14:41

Totally agree with 123sunshine, the biggest issue for many of us is the fact we aren’t free to make our own choices and the decision can be, and is being, taken out of our hands, often at great expense and ver6 short notice

There was very little availability for UK holidays anyway, and they were generally extortionate - with France off the agenda, that’s only going to get worse

Burton94 · 14/08/2020 14:43

We’re planning to go to somewhere at the start of September. Booking last minute so we can see what the situation is like.
In regards to the previous post about insurance, Money Box on Radio 4 have said some travel insurance firms are now offering coronavirus cover. Don’t forget your EHIC will cover some countries too. Our insurance won’t cover cancellation or early return but still covers medical costs. So we’ll be booking through one of the big travel companies which is ATOL and ABTA protected and buying a package holiday.
As always keep an eye on local news, the gov.uk travel advice and the British embassy of the country you’re in.

ScorpioSphinxInACalicoDress · 14/08/2020 14:49

I may go up to Rome in September. (Am in the south of Italy) but no further afield yet, much as I'd love to. Had Copenhagen, Berlin and Vienna cancelled, then I cancelled Madrid.
I am consoling myself with planning for next year though, and have booked London at the beginning of December.

I just don't think I could bear constantly checking the news to see if things had changed re quarantining.

I don't begrudge anyone at all who is travelling though. Too many people being bossypants and shouting at others for nipping over the channel while they themselves scattergun threads mouthing off that they aren't going to wear a mask to nip to Asda. Odd really. Wink

KoalasandRabbit · 14/08/2020 14:58

My inurance does offer coronavirus cover, still paying other nothing.

KoalasandRabbit · 14/08/2020 14:59

out = other

Abraid2 · 14/08/2020 15:05

If it was just me to consider I'd go like a shot and be happy to quarantine on my return. Wouldn't bother me at all as I can work from home and get food deliveries. But apparently you can't walk the dog (or presumably collect from dog care on your return)? And I have a frail, formerly shielding, elderly parent who needs help at times so going on holiday and then being out of action for two weeks would be a bit risky.

KoalasandRabbit · 14/08/2020 15:14

Someone on here had to quarantine with a dog the other day and they got someone else to collect and drop off at end of drive and it ran back down the drive so they managed that but we have 3 chickens, 1 rabbit and 1 cat in 2 different places so would be more of a challenge. My DH can work from home so that parts OK. Not sure if we can get food deliveries at the moment, we couldn't for ages then didn't check - if we knew in advance could stock up but its the sudden announcement. Plus would be 2 weeks of no school for kids. Though would imagine a lot of people won't do it. Seems very strict no dog walking and no food shopping when people can go to rammed beaches and bars here and do that.

ruabon1 · 15/08/2020 20:59

I am due to go next month to a place not currently on the quarantine list. Prepared for the 14 day quarantine if introduced (have a supermarket online delivery account for starters) and am wfh in any case. Have discussed the possibility with my boss as a courtesy.

Hotel can be cancelled on the day should FCO advice mean I cannot fly there.

Original poster
Soulstirring · 17/08/2020 12:23

Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply. I’m genuinely interested in all views. We too had two trips cancelled, and we’ve been so lucky with refunds. Both Jet2 and Balkan holidays were amazing and refunded immediately.

I agree, there is so much scaremongering. The pictures of the beaches are so misrepresented - we were on one on Cornwall end of July that appeared in the national papers and I can assure you it wasn’t anywhere near as crowded as the picture lead you to believe.

I love my sunshine holiday but I think given the timelines introduced for France this last week we won’t risk it now. East coast next week it is with the trusty tent!

OP posts:
Aragog · 17/08/2020 12:29

We've been to France for a week, and DD was there for an extra week. We went and returned well before quarantine time fortunately.

We felt really safe whilst away. Masks were worn in more places and with higher compliance rates. Everywhere was clean. Sanitiser everywhere. Places were busy enough for atmosphere, but not over busy - so you could keep your social distance from others.

The trains (Eurostar and french trains) were all great too and again with SD in place.

DD's second trip to France was supposed to start today but they've not gone due to quarantine. They have had most of their AirB&B money back but will lose their flight costs from RyanAir. Our travel insurance covers us from Covid issues when away but is invalid for travelling against FO advice. Can't claim on insurance for lost costs as its below the excess,

I think its one to book and go away, but be accepting that advise may change and you may have to quarantine on return, and unfortunately if FO advice changes you may loose money.

Okbutnotgreat · 17/08/2020 13:10

We have a trip booked with Tui for a package deal that was an absolute bargain. They have an insurance package in place and guarantee they will cover Covid related medical costs and ensure you will get home safely but you obviously still need insurance for non covid stuff. I’m happy to travel with a package operator but wouldn’t dream of doing it independently this year.

Aragog · 17/08/2020 13:49

@Friendsoftheearth

33c here every day for over a week. Before that 23-25c or hotter every day over July and August. Next week's forecast 22c every day for the next ten days minimum. It has been roasting this summer!! Too hot!

Are you in Scotland pootle?

Where are you in the country?

Because right now in South Yorkshire it is 18 with grey clouds. Last night it was thunder. Most days last week had rain or drizzle. Though the temperatures did rise some days it was still overcast and blowy, and grey.

Our forecast for the week is 16-20 degrees but with rain, cloud, possible storms.

We have had some lovely days and weeks I grant you, but for us the actual school summer holiday weeks have been very mixed, not at all consistent and a lot of rain. Our weather is inconsistent and not reliable here.

We went away for a fortnight in France and every day was 30+ and sunny. There was no need to take cards and coats out; just needs shorts and a t shirt every day.

Friendsoftheearth · 17/08/2020 13:53

South East England - I haven't worn a coat since early March. Haven't needed as much as a jumper since April.

It is very hot every day and has been all spring and summer. Can't speak for other parts of the UK

KoalasandRabbit · 17/08/2020 13:56

We've had some hot weather - around 33C for a week - over in East Anglia - I managed to end up in hospital from heat so probably just as well my Asian holiday had to be cancelled. Week we went to Devon was low 20s and sunny for 7 days and 2 days of rain. Since the heatwave we've had a few days of rain and thunder and low 20s.

I would always plan for both indoor and outdoor activities if going to UK on holiday - indoor much harder this year but we had an indoor pool which was great for the couple of rainy days.

KoalasandRabbit · 17/08/2020 14:02

We didn't take coats on holiday Current forecast here is 23 and thunder, 23,22,25 and big sun, 24,21,20 - not sunbathing weather but good for general sightseeing / days out. Week after is slightly lower at around 20C including 3 days with light rain, rest sunnyish.

Bwlch · 17/08/2020 14:04

It is very hot every day and has been all spring and summer. Can't speak for other parts of the UK

How hot is very hot? Not everyone's perception of temperature is the same.

To me it would have to be getting close to 40 for it to be hot. 50 to be very hot.

Aragog · 17/08/2020 14:38

Why does anyone need to go away because of the weather

You said this. Well, maybe the reason is because it hasn't been boiling hot every day elsewhere in the country. There is a huge difference between the weather in SW England and many other parts of the UK!

amieejust · 17/08/2020 14:40

Do it, everyone else is...

KatherineJaneway · 17/08/2020 15:43

We went away for a fortnight in France and every day was 30+ and sunny. There was no need to take cards and coats out; just needs shorts and a t shirt every day.

Way too hot for me.

Friendsoftheearth · 17/08/2020 17:58

I live in the SE England and it was 36-37c for ages which is hot by any standard I believe, and has now dropped to a more comfortable 22c bwlch although still warm, it is not sweltering. I say this as something who can not stand the heat...given I am peri menopausal and have my own insulation to contend with !!!

Backtobasics5 · 17/08/2020 18:26

@Friendsoftheearth

South East England - I haven't worn a coat since early March. Haven't needed as much as a jumper since April.

It is very hot every day and has been all spring and summer. Can't speak for other parts of the UK

Grin Typical MNs land
Backtobasics5 · 17/08/2020 18:28

@Okbutnotgreat

We have a trip booked with Tui for a package deal that was an absolute bargain. They have an insurance package in place and guarantee they will cover Covid related medical costs and ensure you will get home safely but you obviously still need insurance for non covid stuff. I’m happy to travel with a package operator but wouldn’t dream of doing it independently this year.
TUI have had some really good deals! I booked myself for December! I bet it’s because they know they probably won’t go ahead. Like you said you have a good guarantee though.
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