Dear Reader,

CLEAR as fudge, frankly. That’s my verdict on the big announcements by governments about coming out of lockdown. For example, there was no mention about when cruise lines might be given the go-ahead to start sailing again — and we can only hope they merit a directive on April 12 when a decision will be made about resuming foreign travel from England on May 17.

The British Holiday & Home Parks Association is also awaiting confirmation as to whether touring caravans and motorhomes — which have their own kitchens and bathrooms but require the use of a shared water point — are classified as ‘self-contained’ holiday accommodation and can, therefore, open in mid-April.

Then the World Health Organisation wades in with its warning about vaccine certificates, saying there are still ‘critical unknowns’ about the efficacy of the jabs in reducing Covid transmissions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel would go along with that, after refusing to have the Oxford vaccine.

What’s clear is that ministers could not have pushed liberation day any further than May 17 without all manner of wailing and gnashing of teeth — and not just from the travel industry. One reader desperate to see relatives in Malta (Valletta, pictured) emailed to ask what are the chances that the May 17 lift-off date could be brought forward if infections continue to decrease and vaccinations pick up pace throughout Europe. Almost zero, sadly, I replied.

Perhaps we need a big gun to fire a salvo on behalf of travel. After all, we’ve had Tony Blair pushing for vaccine certificates and David Cameron warning the Chancellor that tax rises in next week’s budget ‘wouldn’t make any sense at all’. Not forgetting, of course, HRH’s clarion call for vaccine doubters to roll up their sleeves.

Here at Escape we’re feeling gung-ho — and devoting the whole section to holidays this summer. Our guide to traditional European hotspots is packed with info about where to go and what to expect once you get there. It won’t be a normal summer, but with a fair wind — and a touch of British bravado — it should be immeasurably sunnier than last year’s dud.