Time to plan a trip with UK tipped to open to travellers
A GOLD COASTER desperate to visit her relatives in Britain would plan a trip now if a travel industry leader’s prediction is proved right.
Britain is set to be one of the first countries open to Australian travellers due to its vaccination program, according to Flight Centre CEO Graham Turner.
The federal government has confirmed vaccination programs are a factor when determining whether to lift travel restrictions.
Elanora’s Jenn Griffith said she would start to plan a trip to Britain now if Australia’s borders were reopened.
“We’ve experienced a lot of loss in our family in the last few years and I feel quite isolated,” Ms Griffith said.
“My aunty is the closest relative I have left to my mother. The last time I saw my aunty was when she came over for mum’s funeral.
“My son Xavier was three in August … I have three cousins, aunties, uncles and multiple second cousins and none of them have met him.”
She said despite always living apart from her British relatives it was hardest not knowing when she could see them again.
“Mum came out to Australia on a boat from the UK by herself.
“She met my dad in Sydney,
fell in love and they travelled Australia.
“They had a pig farm in Darwin when Cyclone Tracy hit.
“They rebuilt their lives and started a juice factory,” she said.
“When dad became unwell, they sold up and moved to Broadbeach Waters.
“Mum always made sure we went back to the UK to visit family.
“I have lost count how many trips I have done to the UK as a child.
“The last time I was in the UK was with my mother and my daughter in 2005 and it was the last time we all saw each other.”