MID ESSEX readers have said they are more likely to go on holiday in the UK this year instead of seeking sun abroad.

Monday, May 17 is the earliest date for the resumption of overseas leisure travel for people in England, under the Government’s road map for easing restrictions.

We asked our readers if they would prefer to go on holiday abroad or take a staycation in the UK and 57 per cent of the 400 voters said they would stay closer to home.

A total of 26 per cent voted to go abroad and 16 per cent said they were not sure.

Under the new rules, destinations will be categorised as red, amber or green, with different quarantine and testing requirements.

If you go to a green country, you will not need to self-isolate and will only need one post-arrival test.

People returning from amber countries must quarantine at home for ten days and take two post-arrival tests.

Anyone coming back from a red list country will have to quarantine in a hotel for ten days when they come back.

But these restrictions have not stopped holiday bookings going through the roof.

Director of Premier Travel Paul Waters credits the increase in demand to the reopening of its branches, two of which are in Braintree and Halstead.

Mr Waters said: “As soon as we opened, we had a number of customers come back.

“We are finding that people are coming in and inquiring about two or three destinations and they are waiting for the green list to come out to decide where they want to go.

“Some people are still hesitant to book, but we have seen an increase in bookings for 2022 when people feel more confident.

“We are also seeing a lot of new customers are people want to support local again.”

A spokesperson for Thomas Cook said: “With every announcement from our government and overseas governments, it’s more clear that holidays are back on for this summer.

“Those sun-soaked days on the beaches of the Med that we’ve all missed so much are within touching distance.

“We look forward to seeing what countries will be on the green list from May 17 so we can help our customers get away and enjoy a much-needed holiday.”