Don't even consider a foreign holiday this year | Matt Mohan-Hickson

The sun continues to shine and summer is upon us.In years gone by it would be the season of barbecues, festivals and holidays.
STAY AT HOME: Why not plough some money into the Lake District's economy instead of Spain's?STAY AT HOME: Why not plough some money into the Lake District's economy instead of Spain's?
STAY AT HOME: Why not plough some money into the Lake District's economy instead of Spain's?

But while coronavirus can’t stop you from firing up a grill and enjoying a burger or two with your household, the other two on that list are off the agenda.

Victorious Festival and all major events due to take place over the next three months have been cancelled.

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And the chances of us making our traditional early morning pilgrimage to the airport at any point during the summer seem low right now.

So instead of shuffling, bleary-eyed on to a plane at some ungodly hour before jetting off to sunnier climes, it is far more likely we will be sitting in gardens and parks or on balconies at home.

The virus means that 2020 is likely to be the year of the staycation instead of Ibiza, Marbs or Benidorm.

However there is some talk of ‘air bridges’ – whatever that means and if it isn’t an actual floating bridge I’ll be very disappointed – rescuing summer holidays.

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This picture will likely become clearer in the coming weeks.

The summer holiday is one of the great British traditions and the possibility of missing out on a getaway in this of all years, might seem unbearable for some.

But even if there was a chance that we could climb aboard a plane and jet off to Spain or other holiday destinations, I don’t think any of us should.

With people from all over this country, as well as those from right across Europe, descending on those resorts, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

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It only takes just one super-spreader unknowingly with the virus to share it around with fellow tourists at the hotel, who then return home carrying the disease, to lead to another outbreak.

And it is not just a risk for tourists to bring the virus back to England; it could also put locals working at the resort at risk.

Is sunning yourself while having a few drinks really worth the risk? I personally think not. And if you really are craving a getaway in late July or August, why not consider a break in the Lake District, the Cotswolds or another UK destination?

A true crime series which has you raging at the injustice of it all

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Netflix has made another of its true crime series with Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich which, as the name suggests, revolves around the convicted sex offender and billionaire.

It’s shocking that this monster was allowed to get away with his crimes for so long and each episode leaves your blood boiling at the injustice.

Despite the authorities being aware of Epstein’s offences, he evaded justice for more than a decade because he was so rich and powerful.

But as the documentary hints at, it wasn’t just Epstein who was able to get away with these sorts of crimes. And by placing testimony from the survivors of his crimes at the forefront, it reveals the damage he caused.

Finally seeing the sea again was a very special moment

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Portsmouth is labelled ‘the great waterfront city’ where you’re never far from the water.

Yet more than eight weeks into lockdown I began to wonder if it still existed. Despite daily walks, as allowed, I did not step one inch outside Fratton from mid-March until May.

It wasn’t until unlimited outdoor exercise was allowed I felt comfortable walking to the seafront. Stepping on to the beach at Southsea and seeing the crystal blue water was a moment I hadn’t expected. I had missed seeing it, feeling the breeze and the crunch of pebbles. It can’t be overstated how oppressive it is only seeing city centre buildings for weeks on end. ​​​​​​​

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