So how many of us are actually going (hopefully)

[Gill C]

Both of us have had 2nd jab today,but still not brave enough to book anything.

[Tredegar Boy]

I think that Dr Mike Tildesley is right to be pessimistic. The South African variant is emerging in parts of Europe. It's vital to keep it out of the UK.

It's unlikely that the EU will complete its vaccination dawdle until mid-2022 and possibly later. Greece may have to be very careful who it lets in.

As of 17th March there have been 351 cases of the SA variant in UK up from only 2 at the end of December, so its here already. Clearly we're using track&trace more effectively to keep the numbers to that low figure as they say it spreads far quicker than the original virus.   

[Jimbo]

That's right. The UK variant is B1.1.7 and the vaccines are pretty effective at combating that, but not so good against the SA variant - although still better than we would have dreamed of a year ago.

It's tough if you have to choose to pay the rest of your booking, pay extra to change it at this stage, or scrap it and lose what you have paid.

[Karen]

Cost us £100 to change, but the holiday was cheaper,  next year, so saved £40!

[Paul and Ruth]

Hi Karen. Did you rebook in stamatis? We've booked for next year. But slightly later. July 11th. Hope we meet up. Going to miss seeing again in July.

[Jimbo]

Well, that's us moved to next year!

[WINKIE]

Wise moving your trips methinks, not looking promising this summer  .

[ukouzo12]

https://metro.co.uk/2021/03/22/lockdown-people-travelling-abroad-without-valid-excuse-face-5k-fine-14285368/

[Lesley]

Is the main update still April 12th?

[richnsare]

Hi Lesley,

Yes it is. Some restrictions are easing from next Monday (29th March) when we'll be able to meet up to 6 people in our gardens once again. The government have announced this morning that the £5k travel fine will come into affect to coincide with this easing next week, but we still can't travel right now anyway, so just a financial warning for people thinking they might travel I guess.

The government are also in talks right now (according to Matt Hancock this morning) with a Global Travel Taskforce, the findings and recommendations of which will form the decisions to be announced on Monday 12th April. But, as with most of these discussions you can expect most of the detail to be leaked out beforehand.

Fingers crossed for a positive update.

[Rod]

I posted earlier in the Yammas Bar that the UK Government roadmap to recovery has hinted at international travel by 17th May.  My wife and I were lucky enough to have our holiday in San Stefanos just last September.  With restrictions in place I would say it was a success and not a problem at all, even at the airport.
Anyway, we are booked to go in June this year if Boris allows it.  If not then we rethink our holiday plans.  I do understand people's concerns however.

[Lesley]

and Air France will add direct flights to Crete, Heraklion from April 17th - so looks like Greece are 'hoping' to open up to Tourism.

[Karen]

Hi Karen. Did you rebook in stamatis? We've booked for next year. But slightly later. July 11th. Hope we meet up. Going to miss seeing again in July.

Hello Paul and Ruth. We go on 1st coming home on 15th, so we'll have a few days together! Managed to get daytime flights and our studio for 3! Yes we will miss you both too! Xxx

[Karen]

Well, that's us moved to next year!

It's not looking promising at the moment, fingers crossed for everyone!

[Karen]

Wise moving your trips methinks, not looking promising this summer  .

We will  know more hopefully, on 12th April so people can make their choices .