Holidays 2025

[Matt2112]

Well it's time to seriously consider the options of which Greek-speaking territory will be the destination of choice for the main summer holiday this year.

The "window" to get away is even tighter than previous years due to certain bands having the temerity to play at the Piece Hall during the first week of August, so the shortlist is down to some places previously visited where I'd love to go again (Rhodes, Santorini, Kos, Crete, ZAKinthos ) and one that would be new and I'd love to experience (Skiathos).

Lots of moving parts still, so we'll see.

[pxr5]

Off to Dumfries and Galloway tomorrow to stay in a holiday cottage for a week. It's the first long trip in our EV, so it could get interesting 

[Nickslikk2112]

I'm chilly Jockoland bound on Saturday for a couple of nights in Glasgow, to watch the Women's Tour of Britain on Sunday.

[The Picnic Wasp]

I'm chilly Jockoland bound on Saturday for a couple of nights in Glasgow, to watch the Women's Tour of Britain on Sunday.

It's quite warm today.

[Nickslikk2112]

I'm chilly Jockoland bound on Saturday for a couple of nights in Glasgow, to watch the Women's Tour of Britain on Sunday.

It's quite warm today.

Been able to wear the fingerless gloves and put the hood down on your Parka?

[The Picnic Wasp]

I'm chilly Jockoland bound on Saturday for a couple of nights in Glasgow, to watch the Women's Tour of Britain on Sunday.

It's quite warm today.

Been able to wear the fingerless gloves and put the hood down on your Parka?

Only if I can get the Damart balaclava on wearing fingerless gloves.

[Slim]

Flew to Malta on Thurs, joined a cruise ship, sea day yesterday, Heraklion this morning. We were supposed to be in Mykonos this morning but it got cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. Other half was disappointed as she went there in the '80s and was looking forward to going back.

I like the sea days most of all as I don't have to go anywhere and shore excursions are usually wearing. I have to go ashore today. But at least I have the Internet when we're not at sea. I get free data roaming. Handy.

Piraeus and Athens tomorrow and I admit I'm looking forward to Athens as I went there 52 years ago! I've brought a decent camera. I had a Kodak Instamatic with me last time. Still have the prints somewhere.

[Thenop]

Booked a week and a weekend separately in September and October. We always skip school holiday period, too expensive and too busy.
Staying in country as usual. Relaxing, walking, reading. And cooking, planning an elaborate vegan gumbo, takes up most of the day.
Have to get through the summer first though!

[Slim]

So Heraklion, as it turns out, is less interesting than Middlesbrough. This whole trip has been a grind so far.

[Thenop]

This whole trip has been a grind so far.

But you knew that it would be even before you went. So, next year Middlesbrough then I assume?

[The Picnic Wasp]

So Heraklion, as it turns out, is less interesting than Middlesbrough. This whole trip has been a grind so far.

I've never been that fussed about holidays. I don't mind a reasonably quick visit to experience a different culture or environment but I seem to have homing pigeon in my DNA. Business trips were particularly annoying and I just couldn't wait to be on the homeward route again as soon as possible.

Going away with the lads when very young could be traumatic too. You can never account for the behaviour of others when travelling or at the destination. I find inappropriate language excruciating when in mixed company, even though it's strangers I will never meet again I get quite embarrassed. Mind you, that doesn't seem to apply anymore these days. I do feel a gravitational pull to where I've always lived. It's probably a bad thing if I'm honest, but it keeps me content.

I was thinking recently that the chances are I won't travel by plane again and I used to be air travel obsessed (only because I've always been so interested in aircraft) After the last few days I think that idea is more reinforced.

[pxr5]

^ I hear you. I'd be happy foregoing holidays, but the missus still likes going away. These days though we like to stay in the UK (thankfully, as airports fill me with dread) and yesterday we got back from a week in a cottage in Dumfries and Galloway. But we'd both had been happy coming home after 4 or 5 days. Thing is these holiday cottages seem to cost the same for 5 days as 7 - bonkers. I think I've done enough travelling in my lifetime (mostly for work) and am now happy to just chill at home.

[Nickslikk2112]

I've not had what you might call a "proper" holiday for years now. Just weekend breaks, think we had a four night break in Edinburgh 13 years ago. I do like going away and seeing new places, but it's people you encounter on the way that put me off. Not been on a plane since 2012 and Mrs S hasn't been on one since 1997. Whether we will or not again I knoweth not.

We'd like it of more destinations were available on train though the Channel tunnel.

[Slim]

Good Morning from Piraeus. Hot day here. Out to face Athens in 30 mins.

The coffee was particularly vile in the buffet this morning.

[Slim]

This whole trip has been a grind so far.

But you knew that it would be even before you went. So, next year Middlesbrough then I assume?

Ah.. if only.