In another blow to our escapist dreams, the UK’s foreign holiday ban is set to be extended to July.

Government ministers are drawing up plans to delay holidays abroad, with a £5,000 fine for anyone who tries to break the rules.

Foreign travel was previously allowed from May 17, but the global coronavirus situation is prompting tighter border restrictions.

Karen Simmonds, owner of Travel Matters in Balham, has been sending clients to their dream destinations for 22 years.

Ms Simmonds insists holiday-seekers should “not panic”, as it is too soon to give up hope for a trip away this summer.

Karen Simmonds, on holiday with her family in Costa Rica

Karen Simmonds, on holiday with her family in Costa Rica

“There’s a good deal of scaremongering going on as the information hasn’t changed from a few weeks ago. We’ve always been told that the Department of Transport have a Global Travel Taskforce that will be looking at the roadmap out of lockdown on April 12.”

“May 17 was always going to be the earliest we were allowed to travel abroad, but obviously, the third wave in European countries isn’t looking good, nor are Boris’ remarks that this will wash up on our shores.”

Ms Simmonds said clients should hold their nerve as the situation is changing rapidly.

The success of the vaccination programme, more affordable testing, and the likelihood of travel corridors are all indicators a holiday could still be on the cards.

“We may have a traffic light system like last year, with pockets we can travel to on the Continent. Already Turkey and Cyprus have expressed interest.”

“And the alternatives are encouraging as we’re seeing domestic holidays boom. People have holiday vouchers that have rolled over from last year that they can spend. And places like Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall and the Isle of White are set to recover quickly."

Ms Simmonds admitted that times have been “dire” since the pandemic, with the company’s revenue down 80% since last March.

However, the staff at Travel Matters are looking forward to opening their doors on Blandfield Road when non-essential shops are permitted again in April.

“It’s encouraging that people are looking ahead and hopefully their holidays will be fulfilled. I think by July or August summer holidays are likely to happen."

"Or why not plan a long haul holiday for 2022? Take longer, stay longer.”