Is The Cost Of Travel Becoming Prohibitive?
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Hello Friends,
This week has been a bit of a struggle.
Although its only been a 4 day week (we flew back from Malta on Monday), the working week feels like its dragged on for ages.
It’s not because I don’t enjoy what I do, but I found it difficult to get motivated.
Slotting back into the way of work, it didn’t fill me with enthusiasm. I know it won’t last.
And I won’t feel sorry for myself.
But I just wanted to share that life is not all unicorns and rainbows. Sometimes the struggle is real.
And this was one of those weeks.
Lightbulb Moment
I was fortunate to have a few days out of the UK this last week, jetting off to the Island of Malta for a few days.
I fully appreciate this is a luxury and many may chastise me for doing so when many can’t.
I don’t want to get into a political ding dong over whether this is right or not, but rather look at cost of COVID tests.
My lightbulb moment for this week is the cost associated with COVID tests.
The travel industry is on its knees and we all need to do our bit to help (where we can).
One element is the frequency and, with it, associated costs that come with COVID testing when travelling. The rules implemented by the UK Government over what is / is not required is as clear as mud.
Sometimes it is an Antigen test, other times it is PCR only.
Both can be prefaced with ‘advised’ which is hugely open to interpretation.
This means that if a family of 4 chooses to go on holiday (to a green country say), Antigen tests on Day 2 are required (if double vaccinated etc).
The cheapest tests I found were £43 with a BA discount, so for a family of 4 this is over £160 in tests alone.
This is not sustainable.
There will be an argument that says people shouldn’t be travelling either due to COVID or due to cost, and I appreciate that.
However, ignoring the issue is not the answer.
If we are to try and avoid a 2-tier society, situations like this need to be address properly.
So my lightbulb moment this week is the realisation that if we are serious about helping get the travel industry moving again, the cost of tests and travel needs to come down.
It feels like a huge money grab.
Many families won’t be able to afford the testing before, during and after. And this is unfair.
The true cost of international travel set off my lightbulb moment this week, one I don’t know how to answer but know it’s not right.
Book Of The Week
Be Where Your Feet Are: Seven Principles to Keep You Present, Grounded, and Thriving : O', Neil, Scott: Amazon.co.uk: Books — www.amazon.co.uk
Be Where Your Feet Are: Seven Principles to Keep You Present, Grounded, and Thriving : O’, Neil, Scott: Amazon.co.uk: Books
This is the latest book I’ve started reading. I must admit I had forgotten that I pre-ordered it so when it arrived this week, there were 2 thoughts:
- Oh dear, what I have bought now…?!
- Ah, I was looking forward to reading this!
I’m only a few pages in but already it is one that I’m excited about. Written by the CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers Scott M. O’Neil, he talks about the stories that have influenced his life and the importance of being present.
I don’t want to spoil anything but the 7 principles he uses to be present, grounded and to thrive will be thought provoking.
Quote Of The Week
“If there is no path, create your own” ~ Billboard in South Africa
This Week’s YouTube Video
Our careers are full of challenges and none more so than having to deal with job changes. There is an old school thought process which states you should stay in a role for at least 2 years, but I think this is wrong.
Millennials often get unfairly blamed for change and wanting to do things differently, but I whole heartedly agreed with it. Having a portfolio career i.e. multiple careers in different roles and industries, is becoming fair more common & I think a positive differentiator.
In this week’s video, I talk about why you should consider moving jobs more regularly and how this will boost your career.
Why not go against the grain for once?
#LetsF*ckingGo
Bren
