Is Europe available to us again

[Herman]

We thought this year, what with this pandemic thing we thought we would holiday in the UK. But with all the councils clamping down on wildcamping it is seriously hampering where we can go.

So I'm thinking of going into Europe, is anybody else venturing over there, and those that are there now, what is the reception like from the French.

On the plus side, we would have places like Brugges to ourselves, no Chinese tourist.

 

[SimonM]

I certainly hope we‘re gonna be welcomed, I’m booked on the tunnel Sept 1st -headed who knows where......

 

[TeamRienza]

We have a long standing booking for late August to end of September for France. We will take a final decision the week before departure unless the government decides for us. I can transfer the booking at no cost to 2021.
As it stands the infection rate in France is similar to the Uk, so with a little tweaking of routine, ie avoiding cities and crowds in much the same way as we do at home, I think we should be fine. In fact we will have less close contact with people in France than we do with family and friends at home.
One weak link is shopping. Even then most French supermarkets are less crowded and more spacious than at home. Masks are mandatory. Shop between 12.30 and 2.00pm and they will be very quiet. The ferry crossing can be less of an issue by staying in our cabin (overnight sailing).
We intend to reduce our contact with people at home for the two weeks prior to departure to reduce risk, and will carry about three months of meds (nothing critical) in case of a lockdown, although if past history is followed we can cut and run at short notice.
We cannot legislate for a situation were one of us becomes smitten while away, but all travel and life carries risk.
Watch this space.

Davy

 

[trevskoda]

Borris says go at your own risk if daft enuff.

 

[2cv]

It’s certainly necessary to be prepared for Quarantine on return.

 

[Val54]

We thought this year, what with this pandemic thing we thought we would holiday in the UK. But with all the councils clamping down on wildcamping it is seriously hampering where we can go.

So I'm thinking of going into Europe, is anybody else venturing over there, and those that are there now, what is the reception like from the French.

On the plus side, we would have places like Brugges to ourselves, no Chinese tourist.

Not sure Bruges would be on our route .............

Belgium tightens social distancing rules amid spike in coronavirus cases

‘Our aim is clear – avoid another full lockdown,’ prime minister says

www.independent.co.uk

 

[witzend]

It’s certainly necessary to be prepared for Quarantine on return.

Or to be locked down out there

French Prime Minister Jean Castex said a second lockdown could not be ruled out and local measures would be imposed where the number of infections rises.

France and Germany 'could join UK quarantine list' as British holidaymakers braced for further travel 'uncertainty'

More European holidays could be thrown into disarray this summer with officials warning of possible new lockdowns in France and Germany.British holidaymakers in Spain were left fuming after being told they must quarantine for 14 days when they return home following a spike in the number of...

uk.yahoo.com

 

[jagmanx]

There will be "spikes or surges" in many places.

Not sure how the powers that be would/will deal with people returning on ferries etc in vehicles.
Presumably......be expected to go straight home and stay there for a fornight ! With no Food !!!

AND what happens to an airplane (half-full) of people arriving at an airport..taken to a local prison (sorry hotel) at their own expense ?

As a certain Transport Minister MIGHT have said (and done) DO NOT GO !
Just my ultra cautious nature !

 

[jagmanx]

Just remember government(s) advice......."Is based on the science"

Economics being considered a science when it suits

 

[Wooie1958]

Look at the news and what has just happened with Spain

That`s why, with a heavy heart we`ve decided to give Europe a miss this year and look forward to next year

Hopefully by then this dreaded situation will have settled down more and we can go off on our jollies feeling more relaxed.

 

[Fisherman]

To me it’s not the question of wether or not Europe is available to you, it’s should I be travelling to Europe. Nicola Sturgeon stated quite clearly that she would not be booking any such holidays, and I think she is right.
We are in the early stages of a pandemic that to some extent after great sacrifice by most of us we have managed to get under control. But many countries that have relaxed their regulations to soon and to much are starting to pay a heavy price. We are in danger of doing likewise.

Then we have the problem of insurance.
If you use travel insurance bought before the outbreak of Covid you should be covered, but if you bought it after then you would be travelling without any cover for Covid. Also if you travel against government warnings you have no insurance whatsoever. Then there’s the possibility of being stuck somewhere under quarantine, or having to quarantine on your return.

When you get to Europe it won’t be the same as before.
Shops closed, restaurants closed, people on edge, having to wear masks were ever you go, it simply won’t be the same experience as before.

So wether or not Europe is open to us, I think I would think long and hard about going. There’s plenty to see here in the British isles. Being stuck in Europe with no or inadequate insurance would be no fun at all. It’s staycations for us.

 

[Deleted member 9237]

I would not recommend anyone comes over here at this time many new case's being reported each day

 

[Dezi]

We are off in early September taking our own Bison Fute down to Pezenas then meandering east.
Around Frejus we head north to Aix les Bains where madam can have a long awaited medium ice cream.

Finally, if time allows we will wander along the Moselle towards Luxembourg and home.

Apparently the word "medium" has many connotations.

Dezi

 

[Wooie1958]

The wife`s granny was a Medium if you believe all that mumbo jumbo

 

[2cv]

So far in Europe lockdowns and quarantines have been relatively mildly enforced. There may be changes to the policies in the event of a second wave. I remember when the virus first spread that it was considered at one time in Spain repatriating all visitors by air with any vehicles to be left. I also know that when the virus was ravaging New York arrivals were being compulsorily quarantined in local hotels, serviced by infected staff who of course passed on the virus to those in quarantine. I’d say that for now international travel carries much personal risk.

 

[caledonia]

Why do people think their holiday is more important than theirs or other people’s health. Covid has not gone away! We are getting it under some form of control and it takes everybody help to do this.

 

[Deleted member 77519]

My cousin is still stuck in west Africa, he went there in January. You just need to be mentally, and physically prepared to accept the worst. I don't think you will be any less safe in Europe as we are over here.

 

[jacquigem]

We have travelled up the east coast of Spain and are now in Central France over the last 3 to 4 weeks and haven't had any problems staying at Aires and occasional small sites. 3 Aires around lac du der had water turned off but we have found other sources. We keep ourselves to ourselves and wear masks in public places and hand sanatise. Been away from the UK for nearly a year now but feel really safe compared to what we see on media regarding UK. We feel it has got to be a personal decision but at the moment if you are wanting to come and are prepared to take precautions then we would say go for it

 

[Dezi]

Why do people think their holiday is more important than theirs or other people’s health. Covid has not gone away! We are getting it under some form of control and it takes everybody help to do this.

I do not think think any holiday is more important than somebodies health that is why I am strictly following
government guidelines and will continue to follow whatever guidelines are in place abroad, should I get there.

I do not presume to know more than the health experts who set said guidelines, so I follow their advice.

If you do not accept what the guidelines are and wish to impose your own stricter ones, then that is your choice.

Current government guidelines on international travel is here.

You will be pleased to see that France is exempt and its OK to visit.

France travel advice

FCDO travel advice for France. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

www.gov.uk

France travel advice

FCDO travel advice for France. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

www.gov.uk

Dezi

 

[Nabsim]

Working on the theory the Covid virus is less effective in warmer climates it makes sense to stay wherever it warmest. Everyone off to Morocco?