Dear Reader

AFTER the week that was, the Prime Minister and Prince Andrew might feel inclined to lie down in a darkened room for a few days — though not necessarily together.

Or, if they prefer, they could take a literal approach to putting their heads in the sand and head for, well, almost anywhere, as more and more countries realise that closing their borders at this stage of the pandemic has little impact in slowing down the rates of infection.

France came to its senses this week — and you could hear winter sports enthusiasts rejoicing up and down the land. Punitive restrictions have been lifted, so all you need now to visit our nearest neighbour is proof of vaccination and a negative test taken no more than 24 hours before departure.

EasyJet reports it has seen a 600 per cent hike in last-minute bookings to French ski resorts and conditions on the slopes are looking good.

The Alps is not all about careering down a mountain with a pair of planks strapped to your feet.

It’s the champagne air; the dappled sunlight as it fingers its way through frosty pine branches and the challenge of raising a smile from moody lift attendants.

Don’t know about you, but this January has been especially taxing. Almost every conversation I’ve had this week has included some reference to getting away somewhere hot or, at least, a sighting, however fleetingly, of warm blue skies.

I flew to Edinburgh (pictured) last week. No blue skies there either — but on the way back the airport was heaving with couples and families jetting off to sunnier climes.

Everyone seemed to accept that masks are here to stay for a good while yet and that a certain amount of tedious formfilling is now part of the travel experience.

But there’s far more confidence in the air this winter than there was in 2021. And long may that continue.