Chris Thompson   Chris Thompson on the internet

Everything is bad, bad, bad in the news at the moment. First there was volcanic ash. Now, apparently, there is all sorts on the way which is going to be horrible for your holiday. There is bad weather, and bad traffic, and the bad combinaition that these two combine to create — and

Now, on top of everything, the BBC is reporting that there will be horrible amounts of engineering work taking place on lines used by most of the major UK rail companies.

And even the AA themselves are predicting bad news. Roads will be congested to kingdom come as people visit DIY stores and garden centres, according to the story.

But then — should we not expect busy and congested roads when holiday season comes around? It’s part of the holiday experience. It’s to be expected. And bad weather — weather is weather: it’s not that that makes the holiday. Not really.

Of course it’s not very nice if it rains constantly while you’re abroad, but while you’re travelling?

My biggest worries abroad have always been financial ones. I remember going on tour while I was at university, and I just expected to be able to take my card out there and use it. But the first time I tried, it simply didn’t work. I wouldn’t want to carry too much cash in any case: it’s protecting your money abroad that can be a difficult thing.