Going on Holiday in the UK - WHY?
Discussion
A lot people, especially those living inland, like to holiday by the sea, not necessarily for lounging around on the beach, they just prefer to be in a different environment.
I’m sure there are many nice seaside locations (at a price), but the majority with any kind of entertainment/choice are rather run down and shadows of their former self, with establishments that reflect their long term residents.
Compare this with Southern Europe, where you have a rich choice to satisfy most budgets, more or less guaranteed sunshine, eateries with balconies you can use and of course it’s foreign, which makes more exotic.
Of course these destinations cost more to get to, but overall cost is probably similar to a holiday in the UK, with less chance of disappointment.
I’m sure there are many nice seaside locations (at a price), but the majority with any kind of entertainment/choice are rather run down and shadows of their former self, with establishments that reflect their long term residents.
Compare this with Southern Europe, where you have a rich choice to satisfy most budgets, more or less guaranteed sunshine, eateries with balconies you can use and of course it’s foreign, which makes more exotic.
Of course these destinations cost more to get to, but overall cost is probably similar to a holiday in the UK, with less chance of disappointment.
blueg33 said:
twing said:
I always love the hate for Cape Verde on PH
Have you been? We went to Sal. My daughter called it rubbish island as there was litter absolutely everywhere, friend who is a pilot says landing there is like landing on mars.
All the food is imported, the island is almost totally flat and the main town is mostly shanty town.
I definitely have some sympathy for the original post and points being made. We are currently in Arras in France. Aside from food and drink, the costs are £129 for Irish Ferries (6 passengers and an SUV), £614 (4 nights) for a really nice AirBnB with 3 bedrooms, large open plan living area, modern kitchen etc.
I think it is good to get away fully, somewhere new and completely different. The adventure and unfamiliarity is part of 'getting away' so to speak. And it's eminently more affordable than staying in the UK. So it's a win win for me.
In theory you could even bring a dog here as well I suppose.
UK holidays are kind of OK, not too bad - but not a patch on something like this. It's a no brainer.
I think it is good to get away fully, somewhere new and completely different. The adventure and unfamiliarity is part of 'getting away' so to speak. And it's eminently more affordable than staying in the UK. So it's a win win for me.
In theory you could even bring a dog here as well I suppose.
UK holidays are kind of OK, not too bad - but not a patch on something like this. It's a no brainer.
theplayingmantis said:
otolith said:
Must admit, the grumbling about tourism and holiday lets from locals in tourist areas does inspire a slight feeling of “well f
k you then, I’ll go where they want my custom”.
most locals are fine, its only the stupid and jealous. usually of the left or far right.k you then, I’ll go where they want my custom”.We are friendly with some of the local businesses and many shut between November to February. They spend a month carrying out renovations and then go off to somewhere warm like Canary Islands or Thailand for a couple of months. They have no complaints, although many are seriously worried about this summer as it is looking very uncertain. Going to war with the tourists and second home owners is costing them their economy.
I can certainly see some sense in the OP’s post. We have holidayed extensively in the UK but even though where I am right now (for example) isn’t the most polished or beautiful of places, I’d take it over any UK coastal town or city every single time.
The quality of food and drink is excellent (even corner shops here have better fresh produce than we might find at home in a supermarket much of the time). It’s also very cheap/good value. The beaches & people are lovely. It’s a short flight from the UK (also drivable if you have the time/inclination) and has sunshine over 300 days per year. Even at Christmas, it’s warmer than an average summer day at home.
The quality of food and drink is excellent (even corner shops here have better fresh produce than we might find at home in a supermarket much of the time). It’s also very cheap/good value. The beaches & people are lovely. It’s a short flight from the UK (also drivable if you have the time/inclination) and has sunshine over 300 days per year. Even at Christmas, it’s warmer than an average summer day at home.
Prisoner 24601 said:
Go on...the big reveal please.....
Sorry - I wasn’t trying to turn it into a guessing game. Yes, Malaga. A fantastic city itself, but this whole area is a lovely holiday/break destination at any time of the year. Lovely restaurants, bars & beaches which aren’t crawling with chavs, dogs & sprogs.
Edited by MarkJS on Friday 31st May 17:37
MarkJS said:
Sorry - I wasn’t trying to turn it into a guessing game. Yes, Malaga. A fantastic city itself, but this whole area is a lovely holiday/break destination at any time of the year.
Went for a long weekend to Malaga a couple of years ago. Was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. Roof top bars, families all out eating on Sunday, marina- and not expensivePurpleTurtle said:
Have you not considered a country where they speak English, or where you can get by in it?
I speak very basic (GCSE level, 30yrs ago) French and German but have holidayed in every major European country either solo or in groups, plus the USA, Canada, Mexico, Africa and India. Zero language difficulties, the most trying circumstances resolved with a phrase book.
Not speaking the lingo is a poor excuse to deny yourself the delights of international travel but each to their own I guess.
To be honest, nowhere abroad particularly appeals to me, and unfortunately it’s been so long since I went abroad that terrible anxiety would kick in….plus I hate flying….I’m best off sticking with what I’m comfortable with. I’m not an adventurous sort at the best of times.I speak very basic (GCSE level, 30yrs ago) French and German but have holidayed in every major European country either solo or in groups, plus the USA, Canada, Mexico, Africa and India. Zero language difficulties, the most trying circumstances resolved with a phrase book.
Not speaking the lingo is a poor excuse to deny yourself the delights of international travel but each to their own I guess.
Crap answer I know.
blueg33 said:
The French have a totally different approach to food I think that's a given. But Its just as easy to get a crap meal in France as it is in the UK, especially in tourist locations, and generally food in France is more expensive than here whether you are buying it at a supermarket or in a restaurant.
I can point you to restaurants in Devon that would match or beat any decent French restaurant and cost you no more and in many cases less.
Oh, and the French are rubbish at fish and chips
Yes but a decent French restaurant is Michelin and a Bistro/Brasserie about the same as our top notch.I can point you to restaurants in Devon that would match or beat any decent French restaurant and cost you no more and in many cases less.
Oh, and the French are rubbish at fish and chips
Can't say much of North Devon has ever given me a warm glowing feeling when we go down. Woolacombe poor, Braunton highstreet has a Fish and chip shop that has a queue out the door most weekends....because it's the only restaurant in braunton and it suits the local tourists.
One of the few places in the UK I do like is Dartmouth in Devon. Absolutely gorgeous mini harbour, harlyn bay beach is nice as far as UK beaches go ...but again the accommodation in Dartmouth is atrocious, overpriced, the restaurants are garbage and overpriced and there is nowhere to park.
simons123 said:
One of the few places in the UK I do like is Dartmouth in Devon. Absolutely gorgeous mini harbour, harlyn bay beach is nice as far as UK beaches go ...but again the accommodation in Dartmouth is atrocious, overpriced, the restaurants are garbage and overpriced and there is nowhere to park.
apart from that mind....bennno said:
simons123 said:
One of the few places in the UK I do like is Dartmouth in Devon. Absolutely gorgeous mini harbour, harlyn bay beach is nice as far as UK beaches go ...but again the accommodation in Dartmouth is atrocious, overpriced, the restaurants are garbage and overpriced and there is nowhere to park.
apart from that mind....fourstardan said:
Yes but a decent French restaurant is Michelin and a Bistro/Brasserie about the same as our top notch.
Can't say much of North Devon has ever given me a warm glowing feeling when we go down. Woolacombe poor, Braunton highstreet has a Fish and chip shop that has a queue out the door most weekends....because it's the only restaurant in braunton and it suits the local tourists.
Pattard Restaurant Can't say much of North Devon has ever given me a warm glowing feeling when we go down. Woolacombe poor, Braunton highstreet has a Fish and chip shop that has a queue out the door most weekends....because it's the only restaurant in braunton and it suits the local tourists.
Farmers Arms Woolsery
Flame Factory
Pier House
Royal George
Zaichik said:
Just back from a week in Devon. Some beautiful places but the weather was bad.
Overall a bit like going to a tattoo convention in an open prison
Haha.Overall a bit like going to a tattoo convention in an open prison
We have just been in Cornwall.
We must have been the only people without full sleeve/chest/leg tattoos. I suspect that people were looking on thinking.that we were a bit strange.
It was a great holiday, though.
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