Travel abroad this year has split hairs among travel experts, MPs and the British public. While many are ditching holidays abroad for a British staycation, others are already taking flights overseas after being given the green light last week. One travel expert in particular, Simon Calder appears to have divided opinion once again after he appeared on ITV’s Lorraine.
The travel veteran, who is also a senior travel editor for The Independent, appeared on the show from the south of France.
Calder explained, after having flown to France, that he didn’t think social distancing and flying were “compatible”.
He said: “I completely sympathise with people if you think social distancing and passenger aviation are compatible.
“I’m afraid that’s wrong.
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Calder’s comments were viewed as controversial on Twitter with some people disagreeing with what the travel expert said.
One user tweeted: “#Lorraine #GMB can you replace Simon Calder.
“He’s not impartial when giving out travel advice.
“He needs to keep his personal views aside.
“He seen no one wearing face masks, yet people filmed behind him were.”
Another said: “Simon Calder on @itv telling Brits to ‘live a little’, reporting from his French holiday spot.
“Unbelievable British exceptionalism. Idiot.”
However, others thanked the travel veteran and appreciated his advice.
One Twitter user said: “I love @SimonCalder he has the right attitude on @GMB.”
Another said: “@SimonCalder thanks for the info on @GMB today.”
It comes as results of a survey ran by the ITV suggested that only 22 percent of people said they would feel safe getting on a flight with 78 percent saying they would not.
The UK government revealed a list of countries that will be exempt from the England’s quarantine rules last week.
The countries included France, Spain and Italy but not Portugal as countries that Britons could travel and avoid quarantine rules on their return.