From Bad To Worse

This is a phrase which will hold true for months, methinks. Just when you thought a particular problem had gotten as bad as it could, you’ll be proven wrong. For example, Boris is rather ill. It’s certainly gone from bad to worse for him. For us too, given that Dominic Raab has been lined up to take over. Raab is the man who, as Brexit secretary, belatedly discovered that we actually use the Dover-Calais crossing for trade rather a lot. And then tried to explain this new discovery to his increasingly terrified audience.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office had advised against all travel abroad until the 16th April. This is important. This is what determines what is  to be cancelled, and is used to decide when insurance policies should pay out. I think it’s reasonable to say that we all expected this to be extended, perhaps several times, in a rolling fashion. To early May? Through to June? Today, the question was answered, and it has truly gone from bad to worse. All travel is advised against indefinitely. That is not entirely helpful. Is my trip in June on or off? The one in May? The one on April 17th?

But there is good news for the European travel industry on the horizon, I feel. When the restrictions are lifted, it seems certain to me that European nations will be the first to benefit. By months, perhaps years, over more far flung destinations. Even when the restrictions have been lifted elsewhere, I think there will be many nervous travellers choosing to stick somewhere closer to home. Those hotels, airlines, museums and restaurants that make it through these difficult times will prosper again.

But I’m still looking forward to visiting the ‘Stans one day. Revisiting Mexico. Making my way to South America. But probably not India. Been there, done that. And if one is to be entirely frank, India (certainly the Golden Triangle/Rajastan) was something of a cesspit before the pandemic. Still, it was worth it to see the Taj.