As things stand, sitting and writing about our travel plans for 2021 seems a little bold particularly as we’ve had our wings well and truly clipped by being placed under another national lockdown – but it’s a post I’ve written at the start of each year for the last couple of years so I might as well continue with it this year!
Our travel plans for 2020 were grand – with almost a week in New York for Dave and I, and a couple of big work trips. We had told the children they would be unlikely to be going on a foreign holiday because of our trip to New York but that we’d aim to take them to France again in May half term of 2021.
Of course none of it happened. Our trip to New York was cancelled, my girlie holiday with Kirst couldn’t happen, the work trips were postponed, no festivals took place and, thanks to the huge demand placed on UK campsites as well as limited facilities at many, we actually only managed to go camping twice through the whole season (in fact we really stretched it with a late season camping trip at the end of September!).
We managed a trip to Dover to stay with my Aunty and Uncle in the summer holidays (which was just glorious thanks to sunny weather, beach days and bike rides) and Dave and I had a few precious nights in London with friends. But, frankly 2020 was a massive washout for us travel wise – in fact we barely stayed away from home at all.
So when it comes to making travel plans for 2021, I feel apprehensive. We took a lot of disappointment last year and I’m not sure I can face that again – whilst I do like the idea of having something to look forward to, I’m not sure I can take having it taken away again so it feels easier not to omit to anything at all right now.
There is also of course the worry of committing to something financially – knowing how long it took to get the money back from our flights to New York, or just the fact that I don’t know how stable my income is. Whilst I’m currently teaching three days a week till Easter, my blog income took a heavy hit this financial year and I don’t want to commit to booking big trips that we might not then be able to afford.
As such our travel plans are super low key for 2021 at present. We would absolutely love to go to France with the kids in May half term, not least because the girls have got a two week break this year for the first time and we want to be able to take advantage of the time to take a longer trip and of course, the second week would potentially be a little cheaper for travel and accommodation. However, we’ve told the kids were not sure this can happen as it obviously depends very much on what the situation looks like come May – both for us financially and for the wider world in terms of Covid and travel restrictions.
Kirst and I are still keen to book our “dollybirds tour” – this is a holiday we have been promising ourselves for three or four years now but for one reason or another it keeps being postponed. Last year we had decided it absolutely must happen as a way of marking 20 years of friendship – Covid had other plans. We are also hoping to book a weekend break with the boys in honour of Kirst’s 40th – we were supposed to be away over New Year but, well story of 2020. Fingers crossed we can arrange that for the summer.
My sister has suggested it’s about time we planned another grown ups trip (similar to Mum’s surprise birthday trip to Venice!) and who am I to disagree! We were supposed to have a weekend away for my parents’ 40th wedding anniversary a few years ago but it had to be cancelled due to Mum’s dog have puppies so I think we’re owed one! Nic quite fancies the idea of somewhere with good Christmas Markets but I guess that depends on when we manage to go. As long as there’s good food, plenty to drink and places to wander and explore – we’ll all be happy!
I’d really lovely to be able to book a weekend away for Dave and I, just the two of us. Lockdown has meant we have spent more time together than ever before – but we are not on our own! I miss being able to take a day off to go shopping together, or out for dinner. I miss the kids being able to go stay with their Nana for a weekend! Hopefully we might manage a night or two away this year.
The kids are keen to add a couple of festivals to the list this year – as are Dave and I. We all really missed them last summer and are crossing our fingers tightly that festivals in 2021 get to go ahead.
And of course camping. Always camping. We really missed being able to go camping in 2020 so we’re hopeful we can book some trips in this year – maybe even plan a longer trip if we can’t get abroad (of course I think lots of people will have the same idea so this might not prove to be doable!). Knowing that we can take our dog camping with us means camping isn’t a massive hassle to organise too.
So yes, whilst we do have some travel hopes for 2021, nothing is set in stone. I’d love to say that we’ll get abroad in 2021 but in reality we’d be happy to be able to have some days out outside of our local area, and sleepovers at Granny & Grandad’s!
If you have enjoyed this post and found it helpful, here are a few ways you can say thanks and support We’re going on an adventure:
Click here to buy me a virtual coffee – it’s like a little tip jar but with caffeine!
I’d love for you to tag me in any photos of your adventures on Social Media if one of my posts has inspired you to visit
Click here to leave We’re going on an adventure a Google Review
Share this post with your friends – you’ll be helping me and them!
Follow We’re going on an adventure on Facebook or Instagram
