Holidays:
It`s holiday season, but this year there are a few things which are affecting plans at this popular time.
Firstly the weather. Unprecedented temperatures not only in the U.K. but especially in Europe have reached critical levels.
Many people will be thinking twice about going to countries where it is so hot that it is not only a health risk, but they will be unable to enjoy their holiday in the usual way.
There may be the threat of fires, drought, and travel disruption.
Secondly, the airline industry is simply not able to keep up with demand following the shut down during Covid restrictions.
Customers are already having disruptions and cancellations happening even before the peak holiday period.
This brings a financial impact as not all costs are recoverable, and many people may well be rethinking future holiday plans.
In the UK there are threats of rail strikes which could affect holiday travel, particularly for people who have perhaps decided to holiday at home and make a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint by not flying.
Thirdly, the huge cost of living crisis which includes massive fuel increases is bound to not only affect holiday destination choices, but the overall financial outlay.
Holiday costs everywhere will increase, as fuel is necessary for even the most straight forward of journeys, but will be especially high for those including air travel.
There are many hidden holiday price rises too, e.g. food, insurance, taxes, car hire and activities.
WHY DO WE GO ON HOLIDAY?
Most people expect to spend a week or two away from home in a different location. It is called a holiday.
Holidays are interesting. How did they come about?
Going back as far as Roman times, holidays were undertaken, often for religious or cultural festivals.The word holiday comes from "Holy Day" which was considered a non working day.
However until well into the 20th century, holidays were only for the rich. Popular locations were health spas and also coastal destinations which were seen as great health promoters.
Gradually as work place terms and conditions improved, a weeks holiday time was factored in by U.K. law in 1939.
The holiday week did not usually mean going away, but allowed time for some relaxation and enjoying pursuits like dancing, fairgrounds and creating local entertainment.
As rail travel was increasing, coastal resorts started to became popular with the contrast and benefits of the seaside, fresh air and fun, compared to the crowded working conditions of factories and other places of employment.
Many could not afford holidays, but often travelled for seasonal work such as hop picking which brought a change of scene and company plus some money to spend.
Holiday camps which had been successfully introduced, provided a family holiday destination which included entertainment and activities for an inclusive cost.
Post war in the 50s, as finances improved for many, and holidays increased to two weeks annually, caravans and camping holidays became popular.
In the 60s, 70s and 80s the foreign package holiday was born and gained huge popularity to the gradual disappearance of the more traditional holiday resorts.
The Channel Tunnel opened in 1994 which opened up a whole new choice of foreign destinations which could be reached by road.
Holidays proved to be hugely beneficial.
They gave a welcome break and change of routine which help to set up workers for the rest of the year. People were able to experience different places and cultures.
It was something to look forward to with the whole family, when there was little else.
Car owners were very much in the minority, few people had t.v. so holidays were a big part of the annual plan.
How Holidays Have Moved On
Having now reached 2022, holidays have changed out of all recognition.
People still look on the annual holiday as a break from the stresses of work and life in general.
It is the anticipation and planning of the holiday which makes up a good part of the enjoyment.
Getting travel brochures or surfing the net to find a suitable destination.
Choosing hotels, apartments or villas or opting for activity holidays. Cruising is also hugely popular as are multi destination breaks.
Matching up the location, who is travelling, dates, and means of travel are all part of the fun of arranging a trip.
When actually on holiday, the idea is to leave the work routine behind and concentrate on calming things down, and doing pleasant, relaxing fun things.
Almost everyone likes good weather. Many prefer hot sunshine and will do little else but lie in it. Others prefer more active pursuits and like to explore their holiday destination and surrounding area. Most will enjoy eating and drinking different food experiences to that of home.
As the holiday industry has expanded and holidays have become more generous within the work place, many take several within the year,
Short breaks both home and abroad have become more affordable and popular.
This type of holiday is becoming more of a lifestyle choice rather than the well earned annual break. It is a way of spending leisure time in a completely different environment simply because it is affordable and lots of people have the time and disposable income to do it.
For all that the majority of working people manage to have some sort of holiday, we must not forget that there are thousands more who don`t.
This may be down to health or social issues, financial or family issues. Ironically these are often the people who might be in most need of a holiday.
A carer for example might never be able to take a break as there may be no one else to replace them.
A single mother with children may find it impossible financially and physically challenging to have a holiday.
People in difficult housing situations may never get the chance to have break.
There is no doubt that due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, many more people will find it impossible to afford a holiday.
Perhaps it is time to look creatively at how we spend annual leave time?
There are many ways to move away from the stresses and routine of work without resorting to a massive spend and organization.
Many parts of the country which are easily accessible, remain unexplored.
Sometimes it is surprising what is available within a local radius.
It may give time off to pay more attention to a hobby.
Children are often unimpressed by their parents insistence on foreign holidays and sometimes prefer the security of home territory where they can still interact with friends and are happy to have mystery days away.
It`s possible to escape the drudgery of family cooking by eating out occasionally or arranging for meals to be delivered, and perhaps having some help with housework. The cost might be surprisingly manageable and still gives a break from the work routine.
Perhaps joining up with friends who are in similar circumstances may give an opportunity for sharing ideas and resources.
The whole idea of a holiday is to swap the daily work routine for a more relaxing time which includes doing things which bring a feeling of rest and rejuvenation, and maybe the time has come to look more closely at these alternatives.
We should of course be bearing in mind the overall effect that we are having on climatic change. The more we jet off to the sun, the more we are destroying the planet and the hotter the weather will become.
Meanwhile, after the disruption of Covid, many people feel the need to get away to a change of scene.if you are fortunate enough to have a wonderful holiday booked, enjoy it and make the most of the benefits.
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