Enjoying your UK Holiday in a post Covid-19 world.

The hospitality industry is on pause. Hotel, B&B and Holiday accommodation owners are waiting with bated breath. The 4th July 2020 is the date we are all preparing for and whilst there are still a number of things that could push that date back (the R number increasing being the significant one) we are hopeful. Diaries have been reopened and tentative bookings are being secured. Whilst none of us want a second wave, those of us who have a business that relies on the economy restarting are crossing every finger and toe that the virus is retreating and we are about to take some small steps towards our new normality.

Camping and self contained holiday lets are whispered to be the first to reopen, these industries will find it easiest to open, without concern for restaurant social distancing or high volume guests. Travel has been sorely missed and if we can't go abroad then we want to explore what is right here on our doorstep in the UK.

The question, however is will we be welcomed back with open arms? Or will the images we have seen online of local residents in favoured holiday hot spots brandishing placards telling us to "Go home" be something we will be faced with? Will we witness a look of horror at our arrival, when we are armed with roof boxes full of fishing nets and clothes for all weathers, kids excitedly falling out of the car and a dog sniffing his new surroundings?

My answer is that I really hope not, the seaside towns and villages need the trade. The Ice cream seller needs excited Children to pester their parents for a 99, the chap selling crabbing kits on the corner needs city kids who come to marvel at what can be enticed out of the harbour side with nothing more than a line and a piece of bacon, the restaurants need the families who come to spend time relaxing and enjoying the dishes perfected by Chef's that have spent years in catering college, and above all else.... We need our lives back. We need some sort of normality. We need to spend time with our families enjoying time together, not to be met with a frown and an angry snarl that we should shop alone, eat takeaway sheltered in our homes and dare to take a moment to rest on an outside bench.

So how do we enjoy a holiday as restrictions are lifted? In my view its simple, pick somewhere less touristy, away from the crowds where there is plenty to do without being reliant upon the reopening of tourist attractions, a secluded beach home or somewhere nestled in the countryside. Days can be filled with walks, exploring the woods, climbing trees or stomping through waterfalls. Crabbing on the beach or trying your hand at paddle boarding, sometimes a bucket and spade is enough to occupy a toddler for hours! BBQ's at your cottage, with your family, snuggling up under the stars, a glass of wine in hand and a blanket. Those are the memories that you will all remember, not the overpriced day trips and a hot dog from a stall that costs more than you get paid per hour. For now lets strip it back and enjoy the simpler things, explore somewhere new and leave the City trips and the far flung destinations for when this is all behind us.

#grewelthorpe #Holidaycottage #Covid19Holidays #Perspective