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Realistically, EU h...
 

Realistically, EU holidaying by late summer?

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It’s the not knowing that’s driving us mad.
Two weeks in Morzine in mid August. Driving down.
I know the resort has said it’ll be open but will we be able to travel, use the lifts and go to the pool? Will the restaurants be open…we’re self catering and the thought of 2 weeks of family cooking on 2 hobs and a microwave doesn’t appeal!
Anyone spotted any more up to date news?

Who knows eh? France will be 'open' by then, unless they have to close down again of course. Morzine is well suited because however busy it gets in the Summer, it's still pretty spread out. I guess the lifts will have hundreds of metres of spaced out queues, but they'll still get roughly the same amount of people onto them, well, give or take.

But as you say, they're not even talking about allowing non-essentials international travel yet, and the few times they've managed to squeeze an answer out of a Minister they've been pretty downbeat on the idea of it.


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 10:35 am
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Easyjet starting to fly again:

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52751791


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 10:48 am
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Yes but read the small print:

"The only international service from the UK will fly from Gatwick to Nice."

And you aren't getting on a plane unless your wearing a mask and meet the "new" airport security checks - temp scanning etc, which I'm not sure are in place as yet?


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 11:17 am
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Spoke to DFDS this morning, balance due tomoro, they said they won't cancel for a few weeks yet, and to hold on. They obviously know that this ain't happening in July, but can't really say that. Not bothered about a refund, credit would be fine, happy to put it off until next year, or even a wee mini break to Amsterdam at xmas.


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 12:26 pm
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Apparently Greece is going to re-open to international holidaymakers from June 15, but the UK is not expected to be on the list of permitted countries. Sounds fair enough to me as things stand.


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 12:41 pm
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Spoke to DFDS this morning, balance due tomoro, they said they won’t cancel for a few weeks yet, and to hold on. They obviously know that this ain’t happening in July, but can’t really say that. Not bothered about a refund, credit would be fine, happy to put it off until next year, or even a wee mini break to Amsterdam at xmas.

That's useful. I cancelled the return trip with Brittany Ferries yesterday - I'll get a credit note for the 25% deposit but won't have to pay the balance as I went for a fully flexible fare - for reasons I can't remember.

Our DFDS booking is for 3 July - they are showing all sailings cancelled until 17 June at the moment. I'd prefer a refund but I'll take a credit note if they insist. A bit of goodwill around discount on next years fares if using a credit note would go along way though, rather then suggesting that prices are going to rise - as if the implication from Brittany Ferries.


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 12:50 pm
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I've only paid 125 quid OTS, and did it with credit card, so could pursue it that way, but credit would be fine. We'll be going next year anyway (if allowed obv!)


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 1:00 pm
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I tend to only really book city breaks at late notice, so as far as holidays are concerned I haven’t really been affected yet. Not into sitting on a beach for two weeks, MrsD doesn’t ride so cycling holidays are out.

Not furloughed so I’ll probably be ready for a few days off by the end of July, but I suspect I’ll probably be having a long winter break. Whether I’ll get to actually go anywhere remains to be seen


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 1:21 pm
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Can only comment on DFDS Newcastle ferry booked for next week, 27th May. Cancelled as not sailing. Tried to re book online, to a cheaper crossing at the end of the year. DFDS wanted to keep the "extra" as a booking fee, saying that my original booking was non refundable. Finally, actually spoke to them. They were extremely helpful and the full refund was showing in my bank the next day.


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 4:46 pm
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If anyone is concerned about not getting away this summer, I just walked around Lidl in a pair of flip flops. It was remarkably close to being on a self-catering holiday in Europe.


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 4:48 pm
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I'm supposed to be in Slovenia in mid July. The operator has stated they will be restarting operations form June 23rd. Whether I can get there is another matter, Easyjet are only cancelling flights 7 days in advance, so who knows, but I doubt my flight will fly.

Still got my fingers crossed for Finale in October though.


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 4:51 pm
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Easyjet are only cancelling flights 7 days in advance

and although moving the flight is free of charge you'll need to pay any differences and is only open till May 2021, not really helpful when trying to move a summer holiday back


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 5:00 pm
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If anyone is concerned about not getting away this summer, I just walked around Lidl in a pair of flip flops. It was remarkably close to being on a self-catering holiday in Europe.

Ha ha, the Lidl twixt Pollença and Port de Pollença provides some endearing memories (fresh baked rolls, sushi and mini cucumbers) from some of the family holidays we’ve enjoyed there 😃


 
Posted : 21/05/2020 11:15 pm
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Still got my fingers crossed for Finale in October though.

Hearing this a lot & schools & unis planning to start in Sept, but this is start of flu season

It shouldn't be as bad as the start of the crisis for lots of reasons, but still gonna be a big surge in cases?


 
Posted : 22/05/2020 10:13 am
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OTS - Interestingly, DFDS have off their own back changed my booking until the week before christmas, so no deposit lost, and means once the 21 season ferries open, we can change to that.

Reasonable behaviour IMO, quite happy.


 
Posted : 22/05/2020 12:49 pm
 DrJ
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So is there actually anything to stop me from going on holiday to say, Greece (when it opens to tourism) and just "self-isolating" at home when I get back? Or will the Fun Police come round and beat me up for having a sun tan in a non-approved fashion?

If Patel is reading this - here is a version for you:

So is there actually anythin' to stop me from goin' on holiday to say, Greece (when it opens to tourism) and just "self-isolatin'" at home when I get back? Or will the Fun Police come round and beat me up for havin' a sun tan in a non-approved fashion?

P.S. - still gettin' the annoyin' "GDPR popup" even after readin' Mark's posts and deletin' cookies.


 
Posted : 22/05/2020 7:02 pm
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Finally made the decision to cancel our Alps trip to Austria in early August.

Everything from there says it will all be open mid June to early July, restaurants are re-opening now so was looking good, until UK announcements today.

Had already paid the accommodation in full but would only get 20% back if cancelled after 20th June. With announcements today about 2 week quarantine starting 6th June and would be only be reassessed 3 weeks later it would take it past our cancellation date so may as well cancel now.

Tunnel crossing needs to be changed in the 2 weeks before travel so will leave it in place for now just in case things open up and we can find somewhere to go at short notice.


 
Posted : 22/05/2020 7:38 pm
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until UK announcements today.

Which can easily change in the next couple of months.

Hell the way things are going it could be lifted with things like agreements with other countries such as unified process to limit transmission when travelling etc.

I'd be surprised it's in long term if everyone is open for holiday business.


 
Posted : 22/05/2020 7:50 pm
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Cheers Nobeer - I suppose I should call them.


 
Posted : 22/05/2020 8:21 pm
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My relatives made it to Spain via Gibralta. The biggest headache was getting on the flight to Gibralta, two attempts to get through airport check-in at two day intervals. Anyhow, all now reunited in Spain.

I'm on 64 plates, Bob, we do some MTBing and walking in your part of the world most years.


 
Posted : 22/05/2020 11:23 pm
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52781812

Decision made?


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 2:20 pm
 DrJ
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52781812

The owners of Schiphol, CDG, Frankfurt etc must have thought it was Christmas. Patel's hatred of foreigners leads her to sacrifice the UK airline industry as well as any hopes of the UK being a player on the global business scene. After this and Brexit we'll be like Cuba without the sunshine. Or the music.


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 2:30 pm
 pjm7
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...and there goes any hope of my trip to Morzine mid August, mind you these buffoons are changing their minds every other day, so could have changed again by then.


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 2:37 pm
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That’s the problem...I wish someone would just say ‘you aren’t going’


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 3:38 pm
 Spud
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I hear Durham is nice for a break....


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 4:22 pm
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Looks unlikely for UK citizens due to the handling of the virus and that we're now apparently enforcing quarantine for people cummings coming into the UK.

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/coronavirus-uk-holiday-quarantine-france-cyprus-travel-ban-a9529721.html


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 4:28 pm
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I suspect they'll remove the quarantine for eu countries by end of June, and just apply it selectively to specific non eu countries based on their virus situation


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 4:51 pm
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Spain just announced its open for business from July. It really cannot afford not to be, economy on the costas needs tourism.


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 5:00 pm
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I'm supposed to be going to majorca for 2 weeks in July, flying out with easyjet and back with Ryanair.

Yesterday Ryanair cancelled the return flight, so I booked a different return with easyjet instead, not surprisingly it was v cheap at 30 euros per person.

I'm hopeful that I'll be able to go by then, it's a fast moving situation though so who knows really.


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 5:04 pm
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Our trip to Andorra is September has been pushed back to next year due to the uncertainty of getting in to Barcelona Airport (they had it bad even by Spanish standards) and no news yet on when the Valnord lift system will open for the summer


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 6:47 pm
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Poland cancelled for july not a big shock.

Hope Slovenia in October is fine


 
Posted : 23/05/2020 6:47 pm
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Looks like the UK for us this year, was going to Greece in July but can’t be sure if it will be possible.

These holiday resort countries will have to re open soon or all their hotels will go bust.


 
Posted : 24/05/2020 12:53 am
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Moved our half term eurotunnel crossing to end of August so we can catch the tour. On the original tour schedule we would have missed it due to it being a week earlier than normal meaning the kids were still in school.


 
Posted : 25/05/2020 12:01 am
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Coronavirus: France to reopen cafes, bars and restaurants https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-52837232

Looking more hopeful that our Morzine holiday at the end of August may happen???


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 7:32 pm
 DrJ
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Looking more hopeful that our Morzine holiday at the end of August may happen???

The state of bars etc was never the issue - the problem is the restictions on travel imposed by UK and French authorities, with 14 days quarantine now required at each end. Thanks, "Johnson".


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 7:34 pm
 DrJ
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These holiday resort countries will have to re open soon or all their hotels will go bust.

They are open but Boris "Johnson" Johnson put a spanner in the works with 14 days of quarantine in order to keep people from Greece (very little CV19) out of the UK (lots of CV19). Weekend in Skegness, anyone?


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 7:37 pm
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Boris “Johnson” Johnson put a spanner in the works with 14 days of quarantine in order to keep people from Greece

with 14 days quarantine now required at each end.

france are dropping the quarantine requirment from 14th june, spain are dropping it from 1st July.

I expect we'll drop it too for arrivals from eu countries.

I'm quietly confident that I'll be able to get to mallorca in july


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 7:43 pm
 DrJ
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france are dropping the quarantine requirment from 14th june,

Not from the UK they aren't.

I expect we’ll drop it too for arrivals from eu countries.

Because the Home Secretary is so pro-EU ? I hope you're right but I don't share your confidence!!


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 7:50 pm
 mrmo
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Just say you're dom cummings, then no need for quarantine when you come back.


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 7:55 pm
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Not from the UK they aren’t.

According to this article (see para 5 & 6), the quarantine will be voluntary

https://www.thelocal.fr/20200528/latest-france-aims-to-reopen-borders-for-european-travel-from-june-15th


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 7:58 pm
 mrmo
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According to this article (see para 5 & 6), the quarantine will be voluntary

https://www.thelocal.fr/20200528/latest-france-aims-to-reopen-borders-for-european-travel-from-june-15th
/blockquote>

Unless you're planning a one way trip you still have to deal with quaratine on the return. Can't help but think it is about making sure people have as little awareness of just how badly the UK has handled everything by trying to stop people leaving.


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 8:03 pm
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Still no.


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 8:05 pm
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The key words are hope "hope" and "aim" which are not "will", he said the decision will be European not just French, and then you have to interpret "European". And it will be on the basis of reciprocity, and everything depends on the evolution of the virus.

Nothing is certain yet. Two weeks is a long time in CV 19 times. I personally would be a little pissed off with opening up to a country with about 10 times the infection rate with a population reticent to follow their own government's advice let alone stupid foreign laws. I'm not sure I'm very keen on opening up the region I live in which has close to zero new case to people from Paris, but that's what's now possible.

It looks like my planned trip to Germany is back on.


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 8:18 pm
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I am beginning to wonder if I cancelled our August trip to Menorca too hastily.

Maybe I’ll give it 6 weeks and drop onto last minute searches...


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 8:38 pm
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Exactly, the issue is not whether countries are 'open for business' it's whether they're willing to accept people from the UK given our bloody numbers.


 
Posted : 28/05/2020 8:39 pm
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