how times have changed

Looking at several threads travel now is so common to go to all parts of the world.

I can well remember what a big thing it was when my parents decided to go to America for a holiday. Seemed like weeks of preparation (more than likely only days but seemed weeks to me)

All the fuss about getting to the airport - booking a flight-passports - insurance- somewhere to stay over there in Stison Beach, California to see relatives etc. Travel agents were thin on the ground so had to do it all onesself. It went on and on making the arrangements.

Now just have to go on the internet- find a destination- book and pay on line with all the holiday options available. even view the resort first, what a difference

Re: how times have changed

And now it's all changed again with Covid-19.

Re: how times have changed

Damn right!

Re: how times have changed

I would still prefer to go through a travel agent in the high street. If something goes wrong, at least you have a point of contact. It used to be someone who could help you out when there was a problem. Booking online is nice and easy but there are plenty of cons out there too.

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Last time we used a travel agent we said we were thinking of going on a cruise. He said where would like to go. My weird sense of humour kicked in " Preferably on the sea" | said . Well he did ask

Re: how times have changed

I remember it differently.

I seem to recall(when my parents took me on holiday) the only way to book was through a travel agent

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Going into a travel agents and filling in all the forms was such a drama. I'm sure I remember forms that had a white top copy and yellow and pink carbons or maybe blue. You'd be terrified of losing the slip of paper or the tickets. It was nice to have the human interaction though.

Holidays were so expensive in those days. I guess we are heading back to that.

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back in the late 1950's things were a lot different. That is when my parents went to USA, a bit before your time I think. Infact even before you were born I am talking about

Re: how times have changed

When I was growing up in the 50's no one I knew had holidays, if you got a day out once a year to the sea side on a coach trip you thought yourselves very lucky.

Now many people look on holidays was a 'right' even if it means disregarding measures to combat a virus that affects us all.

Re: how times have changed

I was lucky really my Dad had his own factory employing 35 people so could afford a holiday each year. Even so our holidays were a fortnight in Cornwall staying with my Gran that or no holiday.
One holiday had to be cut as there was a break in at the factory and expensive solder was stolen . He made specialist tin boxes the big companies didn't because of small production runs.

Some on here arn't old enough to actually know what it was like back then. geting coupons for bread and milk I remember well and queueing up at the bakers. Rag and bone men with horse and carts and a bell ringing and calling out was something quite exciting to see. We alway made a fuss of the horse the only one we saw where we lived