Tourist boards have been working hard to engage the virtual traveller during lockdown, but there is nothing like the real thing: ‘As soon as campsites are open we will be like hares out of a trap – we can’t wait to be off motoring again if only for a few days,’ was how one of our regular contributors expressed their feelings on the current situation.

While many share this eagerness for a change of scenery, most will be thinking about a break in the UK rather than venturing across the Channel. But some motorhomes and caravanners will be hankering after a trip to France or some autumn and winter sunshine in Spain and the ferry companies are preparing to transport them if these countries are open to visitors, although the resumption of anything other than essential travel is unlikely before the end of June.

Ferry operator DFDS (www.dfds.co.uk) has announced its preparations to welcome back holidaymakers under the ‘new order’ of social distancing imposed by the Covid-19 virus.

Among the measures it is adopting are a limit to passenger capacity; staggering the boarding and disembarkation process; limits to passenger numbers in onboard shops with no testing or sampling of products; scrapping self service, all food and drink will be served by the crew; installation of plexiglass and the wearing of protective masks and gloves at passenger contact points; all passengers to wear masks during boarding and while in public areas on board Dover to France and Newhaven to Dieppe routes. Fresh air will  be pumped through its air con system, all external decks will be open and passenger lounges will be arranged to enable social distancing.

Kasper Moos, head of short routes and passenger for DFDS commented: “The travel industry faces a number of challenges in responding to the post-coronavirus world. However, one thing that remains is our unique ability to offer access to plenty of space onboard and outside, sea views and lots of fresh air when holidaymakers travel by sea with us.”