My hols as a nurse were in Spain – now Great British break is back

The word holiday comes from Holy Days and it was the wealthy Romans who first travelled for pleasure. The 18th century saw a revival of this Roman tradition by taking a “Grand Tour” of Europe.

The privileged sons of gentry were sent of for an “improving cultural tour”. Holidays rarely existed for the common man and his family.

It was the industrial revolution and the arrival of the steam trains when the Victorians started the concept of seaside holidays. As resorts expanded and travel became easier, the industry thrived. By 1975, 40 million people headed to the seaside to enjoy holidays in caravan and camping sites, guest houses, hotels and holiday lets.

My own childhood memories are of exciting times staying in those caravans and holiday lets.

We were happy to be with the extended family spending long days on the beach and even had a special treat of one evening in a restaurant! 

Just as Thomas Cooke, the inventor of the package tour, moved with the times, those far-flung places we could only dream of were to become accessible for many people.

It became a reality for me during my third year of nurse training. I was working on a women’s radiotherapy ward and experienced much sadness caring for those lovely ladies. It was a good time to sample a package holiday of the time.

In August 1971, three young nurses headed to Tossa de Mar in Spain, leaving behind my new boyfriend (future husband)!

It was a long coach and hovercraft journey, but it was all so exciting, even though we all suffered that Spanish tummy! I and many others were to turn our backs on the British seaside for many years.

While the resurgence of this British tradition may be short lived, memories will still be made. My two great-great nieces, Scarlett and Ruby love their time in Ilfracombe and Woolacombe.

However, I just wonder where future travel will take them. Maybe to the Moon someday?