If you’re low risk, it’s your duty to go on holiday – and don't worry, you’ll feel safer than you did at home

In Florence, the lack of tourists has meant no queues for museums or galleries, incredibly cheap rates for stunning accommodation, and 20 or 30 per cent discounts in all the stores

Going on holiday in the middle of a global pandemic might not be everyone’s idea of a fun break. But when the government lifted the travel restrictions from the UK, the first thing I did was book a flight. I’d always wanted to go to Florence, and this was the first time in three years that I’d financially been in a position to do so. Damned if was going to let a virus stop me.

I’m sure some of my friends thought it was a silly decision, but I’d weighed up the risks carefully. Yes, there’s slim chance I could contract the virus – and an even slimmer chance I would be one of the unlucky people to develop serious, and potentially life-threatening, symptoms. But those risks are present at home also. The only difference is that, if the worst did happen, I would be miles away from friends.

It was never in doubt that I was getting on that plane.

Travelling during the pandemic has been different. I was temperature scanned at Heathrow, and face masks are mandatory in the airport and on the plane. I landed in Bologna, and got the train to Tuscany. Masks are compulsory there too, and I was temperature checked again, at the airport and at Florence train station. What I didn’t expect from this trip, however, was just how comfortable it would feel.

I’ve now spent two weeks in and around Florence. Masks are de rigueur: even out on the street, most Italians are wearing them. Tuscany has a low infection rate in comparison to the north of the country, but the locals tell me that masks have been compulsory since the beginning of lockdown in March. You can’t enter a shop, bar, hotel or restaurant without a face covering or using the supplied hand sanitiser.

The result is that I have felt less at risk here than I did at home, where masks were shunned and using hand sanitiser felt optional. Back in Britain, I’ve been coughed on in Morrisons and sneezed at on a train. Here the masks give me some sense of protection.

Yet Florence is quiet. Like a ghost town, the locals tell me. The Americans stopped visiting before lockdown, and aren’t expected to return for a year, even two. There is a smattering of Chinese, Dutch, German and French tourists about the place, but I’ve only come across one English family.

I understand the feeling of trepidation about travelling the world right now. But if you’re not at high risk from Covid-19, I can’t see any increased danger. If you’re statistically low risk, perhaps it’s your duty to get moving and help out?

Travelling now certainly has its benefits. In Florence, the lack of tourists has meant no queues for museums or galleries, incredibly cheap rates for stunning accommodation, and 20 or 30 per cent discounts in all the stores. I’ve booked on workshops and experiences and been the only one there: a one-to-one experience without the cost.

To say the Italians are grateful to see me doesn’t come close to describing the welcome I’ve received. Italian businesses have been offered no financial aid from their government. Despite paying taxes of 65 per cent, lockdown meant the loss of tourists and total loss of income. For many, this has been catastrophic – and you hear it in their stories: the ranch that had to walk 27 horses miles each day for free grazing as they couldn’t afford to feed their stable; the young woman with a leather store, who eyes filled with tears of happiness when I spent €100; the owners of a guest house still waiting after four months for a €20,000 loan to keep their business afloat.

I know many businesses in the UK have struggled but, for the most part, the majority have been able to claim financial assistance. Not so abroad, in many cases.

Going on holiday now isn’t purely for your benefit, it’s essential to tourist destinations, and the people that live there. If you’re lucky enough to be in the position to do it – like I was – then go. You can take it from me: you’ll have have an incredible time and be made most welcome, and you’ll certainly feel safe.