How to Take a Holiday in a Recession by Julie Samuel

The newfound strength of the Euro, a hot British summer prediction, and (of course) the recession. These are just some of the reasons we expected to see holidays abroad on the decline this year. Who can justify their usual two-week break in Spain, when it is no longer "cheap" to drink and eat on the back of the powerful pound? What makes it even more unjustifiable is the hot summer Britain has been promised this year. It would make perfect sense to skip the flight altogether and book a local holiday in Britain

Seemingly, there are many advantages to "staying-in" this summer. One can cut out the cost of flights, and make things simple this year by staying within the confines of the UK. It is also somewhat easier to leave your holiday booking to the last minute if you aren't going abroad. This means you can wait for a weekend when you have enough cash to take it easy, and ensure you will still have a job after the summer. No commitment required- a very attractive aspect with a recession threatening to cut your salary at the drop of a hat.
However, there is also something quite revitalizing about going abroad for a summer holiday that just can't be replaced by a local break. Let's face it, no matter how promising the weather predications, the past few weeks have been somewhat grey, and there really is no guarantee of sunshine in England.
Another factor to consider is the effect that summer holidays have on your health. Getting out and about in some real sunshine can do wonders for your well-being. Simply being out of your usual surroundings for a while can boost your mood and reduce stress considerably.
The good news is that you can probably still afford to go abroad this year, and it is definitely an option worth considering when you only get one chance at a real summer holiday.
Something to think about is cutting down on your holiday time. A shorter one-week break abroad may be more beneficial than the two-weeks at home, which can leave you feeling like you never really got away at all. You can still get your annual dose of wine and sunshine and save on costs.
You can find some real holiday bargains this year as well. The recession and accompanying consumer attitude mean that hotel and flights are cheaper than ever. Use the internet to explore some summer holiday options and to book some great hotel deals online.

About the Author
Julie is a freelance writer who lives in the country and enjoys reading, cooking and the great outdoors.