Experts Predict When We Might Be Able To Go On Holiday Again

While we're all sat around waiting for this lockdown to end, and for life to start returning back to whatever normal is going to look like in a post-coronavirus world, it's nice to think about getting away on holiday once again, someday.

However, while we can be whisked away in our dreams, we've actually got no idea whatsoever about when we'll be able to sit by a beach with a beer, or enjoy the delights the world has to offer again.

With that in mind, a number of experts - people who might actually be able to make a better educated guess than we can - have spoken to The Independent and offered their predictions as to when international travel for holidays might be a possibility.

Many believe that once the vaccines start to take hold, things will gradually start to open up. That could be this summer, then.

Others believe countries' wariness about reopening their borders could mean some destinations will be off the cards until 2022.

With varying degrees of optimism, they all do at least believe we'll get away from this wretched rock again at some point.

One of the optimists, Paul Charles of travel PR firm PC Agency, believes May might even be possible.

He said: "I think the vaccine programme will boost confidence and reduce infection rates faster than we might think as we sit here in a dark winter month.

"Staycations will start again by the end of March; spring will bring warmer weather and reduced rates; and over 30 million people, half the population, will have been vaccinated with at least one dose.

"Short-haul European breaks will be possible from May and this summer will be a more extended season than last year."

However, Charles cautioned: "Widespread long-haul travel will take much longer to materialise, as many countries won't open up until 2022. So I predict travel will recover in 2021 but 2022 will be the comeback year."

Jonny Bealby, of travel operator Wild Frontiers, is even more optimistic.

He said: "With vaccine rollout continuing apace, by March we will see a reduction in Covid-related mortality figures, along with lower infection rates and much less pressure on the NHS, and as a result international travel will start to slowly reopen."

All of those interviewed believe that the summer will see international travel for holidays resume in some capacity.

They list vaccines and warmer weather reducing rates of infection among the reasons why this could happen, as well as suggesting Western European countries might represent realistic destinations for Brits.

Axel Hefer, CEO of Trivago, added: "As the UK has been on a faster pace rolling out the vaccine than the rest of Europe, we'll likely see travel return quicker there than for the rest of the continent.

"As infections start to go down and more people get vaccinated, we are hopeful that close to Easter will be a crucial turning point for domestic travel in the UK, with travel abroad following that in the months ahead.

"Our recent survey found that for 34 percent of Brits, their number one 'dream holiday' would be the chance to reunite with friends and family.

"This desire among Britons will fuel a strong return to domestic travel before we see an uptick in international travel. There is reason for optimism about a strong return to travel later this year."

Sure, it's cold and crap right now, but sit tight, keep hopeful, and you'll have that cold bottle of beer in your hand and the sun on your face before you know it.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, UK News, Europe, Coronavirus, travel, Holiday

Tom Wood

Tom Wood is a LADbible journalist and Twin Peaks enthusiast. Despite having a career in football cut short by a chronic lack of talent, he managed to obtain degrees from both the University of London and Salford. According to his French teacher, at the weekend he mostly likes to play football and go to the park with his brother. Contact Tom on [email protected]

@TPWagwim