The Eye

A recent BBC Article notes that Britons are “addicted” to cheap flights and confused about the climate impact of flying, according to research.

Dr Boardman’s Environmental Change Institute (ECI) published research last year showing the government could not achieve its long-term goal of a 60% cut in national greenhouse gas emissions without curbing the aviation sector.

She also believes the increase in flying may be hurting the national economy, with Britons choosing to spend money holidaying overseas rather than in the UK.

However, more and more Britons take overseas holidays for a variety of reasons. The unreliable British weather has to be one of them. Whilst a good British summer is a real joy, there has never been any guarantee that the two weeks you book in Cornwall, or The Lake District, or Scotland will be warm and sunny. I remember twice spending vacation time in Wales, during which it rained most every day.

Facilities overseas for families are often better; many UK establishments do not cater well for children, in fact some hotels actively discourage children from staying. Yes, children, don’t want two weeks of fish sticks, or sausage, or chicken nuggets as their dinner option each day. I wouldn’t feed my kids on that crap at home for two weeks, and would expect better on vacation.

Cost is another important factor. You can’t deny that in many cases a family can take a break in a good quality Mediterranean resort for far less cost that staying in the UK, even accounting for flights. Britain is an expensive country to live in, as well as vacation in, and when you factor in that weather, it’s not surprising that so many Brits go overseas for that well-earned break!

Now the Government can’t do anything about the weather, but they could rein in some of the excessive taxation, and some hoteliers and resort owners could get out of the 1930’s and into the 21st century, and offer British families what they truly want at a price they can better afford.