This is the year to holiday abroad
The last few years it hasn't been unheard of to stay at home in Britain for the summer holidays, saving money and let's face it, the Britain countryside is gorgeous. Most of us are still feeling the pinch of the recession and a long-haul trip somewhere exotic is just out of the question. But if you're considering pulling another stay-cation this year, think again. It's true that the whole world will be watching London this summer as the Queen celebrates her Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics come to town. You can also bet that the city will be more crowded than ever with Britons visiting the capital and foreigners from every corner of the earth doing the same.
Hotel prices are up and you can bet the Tube will be more crammed than usual. Why on earth would you want to stay at home for holidays this year? The only reasons you would stay are the Jubilee and the Olympics, both of which will be widely televised. Let's face it. Were you actually planning to camp out on the Mall to get a glimpse of the Queen. Admit it, you weren't! The City of London warns local of traffic madness and total gridlock. You can forget getting to work via your usual route for a whole two weeks. Instead, we say ditch the whole London thing and avoid it all abroad. If you're really into the Olympics, then you can bet it'll be covered on television in any county you visit.
While the UK government and tourism agencies say "Yes, this is the summer to stay at home and experience it all." We say, "No, this is the summer to escape it all." While it may be nice to be in the centre of all the excitement, let's face it. English summers just don't stack up to those of the south of Spain, Greece or Portugal. Grab yourself a cheap villa on a Greek island like Crete or Corfu or head down to Algarve, even Lisbon. There's just as much culture there (but it'll be new and exciting) and it won't cost you an arm and a leg to get there if you fly low cost. While you're soaking on the beach, just think of all your colleagues that stayed to holiday at home. Send them a postcard, will you?
What would you choose?
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Are you staying home this summer or holidaying abroad?