Holiday season

A friend of mine has just written a post about the idea of 'staycations,' ie holidays in your home country. Since pretty much every holiday I've ever had (unless you count a couple of school trips) is a 'staycation' by this definition I have to admit to being slightly puzzled by all the fuss. Is the difference between holidays abroad and holidays in the UK really so big? Why isn't the UK a good enough tourist destination for some people- why doesn't it count as a 'proper' holiday, which is an implication of the term 'staycation'?

I went on holiday with some friends last week. It was only 3 nights and I wish it had been a bit longer, but I enjoyed it. It didn't rain at all during the day (unlike last year!) which is an important factor when you're camping. We went by trains, which (most surprisingly!) all ran on time. We carried all our tents and camping gear with us, which isn't the easiest thing to do by train and by foot, although I admit we cheated and got a taxi from the station to the campsite and back because we couldn't face carrying it, and were a bit concerned about time.

We were camping in the Peak District- Buxton, to be precise. We were there, not just because it is a lovely area (although I can remember some good holidays in the Peaks as a child) but mostly because it's where the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival is held every year. This is the third year we've been. The first time, like this, was perfect camping weather during the day- not too hot, but pleasantly warm, with very little rain although it rather cold at night this year. Last year sadly was something of a washout, and a leaking tent didn't help! But we were close enough to civilisation and a warm, dry theatre to sit in in the evenings (not to mention local pubs!) so we survived!

So this year we were happy to divide our days between wandering the countryside looking for an elusive waterfall, patronising the local shops, (particularly the second hand bookshop!) and 'fringe' events at the festival. In the evenings there were G&S performances, we saw excellent productions of The Grand Duke, The Gondoliers and Princess Ida. Not to mention disturbing the local wildlife (and probably the local population) with our singing. And drinking tea.

The point I'm trying to make is that we had a good time. Obviously this kind of trip wouldn't be to everyone's tastes! But would I rather do that or have what many people consider a 'proper' holiday lounging on a Spanish beach? Well, I think that might get a bit boring after a day or two. Of course, I wouldn't mind a bit of sunshine, and a swim in the sea. But do you know, I think I'd choose Buxton with my friends. And the G&S.