Back in early March it seemed inconceivable that a shut down of air travel could happen. The coronavirus was only starting to hit our UK shores and it was hard to know how it was going to impact our lives. I mean, a lockdown? People having to stay indoors? It was unprecedented.
For a while I was in denial, like many of us, and hopeful about my travel plans. I had a conference to attend in Las Vegas – one of the highlights of my year. A childfree experience with wonderful friends and fellow business owners. I was crossing everything in the hope it would go ahead. But as the days went on, it became clear that would not be the case. We were in the grip of a serious pandemic and my hope turned to practicality and acceptance. There would be no travel plans for some time.
The start of the coronavirus pandemic seems a very long time ago now. We adjusted to life in lockdown and and got used to staying closer to home with no travel plans. My girls and I enjoyed exploring parts of the local area we didn’t know existed and it brought us together as a family. As lockdown continued I had pangs of missing travel but put them to one side, knowing it wasn’t possible. Until now that is…
Post lockdown travel
With air restrictions lifted, lockdown eased and countries welcoming back tourists, what should we do post lockdown? COVID-19 is still a threat and will remain so for a while. For some, it’s a waiting game to see whether booked holidays will go ahead. Things are continuing to change – both here in the UK – and overseas. Some of us will have to rearrange travel plans or consider whether to take the plunge and holiday overseas or go on a staycation in the UK. Where to travel, post lockdown, is a very personal decision. I spoke to some of the UK’s top family travel bloggers about their post lockdown travel plans and whether they would be staying in the UK or going overseas. Many were remaining cautious but some were going on road trips to France or booking last minute flights.
I made the decision NOT to travel overseas this summer. My case will be different to many as my husband falls into the ‘extremely vulnerable’ category of people at greater risk of coronavirus due to his past health issues. Throughout lockdown, he has been shielding and I didn’t want to add any risk to him or us. I also felt it would be hard to relax and have a holiday with concerns about the coronavirus and his health.
Should we travel to France?
The option was given for us to go to France. Being the main driver and with two fairly young children (aged 4 and 7), I didn’t want to embark on the 12 hour drive to the French Alps. Although we would be driving in our own car and getting the EuroTunnel, we would have to stop off several times, stay overnight and use service facilities. Even without the threat of coronavirus, it is a big undertaking.
I also didn’t want to fly. A personal decision. I know people who have no problem but my husband certainly couldn’t risk it. I didn’t want to tackle it with two young children and have the possibility of getting stuck overseas with local lockdowns. The government’s sudden change on its quarantine policy with Spain has caused huge disruption for people’s summer holiday plans. Who knows which country will be next. I have been overly cautious and if, I’m honest, knew there would be an element of extra stress and hassle which I wasn’t prepared to take on.
What this situation has taught me is that I live in a great country and there is still SO much of the UK that I haven’t explored. For one summer, for one year, I can forgo overseas travel despite being a self-confessed travel junkie. I mean, I had barely scratched the surface of our local park let alone the rest of England and the UK! Indeed, 2020 will be one with fewer travel plans but it still has the opportunity to explore places – old and new – as part of a UK staycation in post lockdown travel.
Short family break in Devon after lockdown
I am pleased to say, we escaped to north Devon for a three day break. How refreshing it was to get a change of scenery after four months of lockdown during the coronavirus. Smelling the fresh sea air and feeling the wind blowing against our cheeks as we looked over the north Devonshire coastline was a delight. Fortunately, the wind didn’t blow too strong all the time and we got some sunshine too.
This was a stripped back holiday, enjoying the simple things: rock pooling, building sandcastles and eating fish and chips by the sea. Seeing another family who were nearby at the same time was made all the more special because of the situation and not having seen anyone for so long. We didn’t venture out on any day trips. The beach of Westward Ho! is huge so very easy to maintain social distancing. We also spent some time in the quiet fishing village of Appledore.
I will be writing more about our trip in another post and the precautions we took while on holiday in the UK, how we avoided eating in restaurants and some of the activities we undertook during our post lockdown UK holiday to Devon.
UK trips after lockdown
Our summer holidays are usually packed with pre-planned travel and day trips. Not this year. What I have embraced is having the freedom to be more spontaneous. It is a novelty to have few plans and I am excited to have smaller UK trips to go on. We will be going glamping again – after the success of our glamping trip to Warwick Castle. This time it will be in Dorset. We will also be revisiting Devon, on the south coast this time, for a couple of nights. I’ve managed to find self-contained accommodation on booking.com at fairly late notice so if you’re still contemplating what to do, there are options out there.
I must say I am really excited to explore more of the UK and a enjoy the English Riveria rather than the French Riveria. After four months in lockdown, I am more appreciative than ever of nature, the coast and the simple things. I will be revisiting seaside towns I went on holiday to as a child and discovering new ones as well as enjoying the UK outdoors. It is certainly a different time compared to other years but I know the world will still be waiting for us to explore when the coronavirus has eased. Our international family travels will resume and I have no doubt we will enjoy them all the more and have a renewed gratitude for being able to travel.
Whatever you are doing this summer, have a wonderful time. We all deserve a break from the routine. Stay safe, vigilant, take the right precautions and follow the government advice.
I would love to hear about your travel plans and views on travelling post lockdown, please do comment below.
