A large majority of Independent readers sampled in a travel poll say they do not plan to go abroad this summer – but will return in equal or greater numbers in 2021.

At an online event called the Future of Travel, hosted by The Independent, participants were asked: “Will you feel confident about travelling abroad this summer?”

Of more than 150 subscribers, only 28 per cent said they would be confident about making an overseas trip once lockdown and international restrictions are lifted.

They expressed reservations about the uncertainty created by the government’s controversial quarantine plan – which will take effect on 8 June – and health concerns about coronavirus.

During the event, The Independent’s deputy travel editor, Helen Coffey, said: “I’m finding it hard to look ahead to the future for anything, not just travel, and I expect that a lot of people are in that situation.

“You feel as though you’re in stasis and can’t make any decisions because you don’t know when things will change.”

Reader Julie Kane said: I feel fairly confident about visiting European countries in the next 12 months, but not confident about getting there safely.”

There was far more optimism about travel next year, when responding to the question: “Looking ahead to 2021, will you take more, the same or fewer holidays?”

Slightly more than half (53 per cent) said they would travel the same as they had planned for 2020. Almost one in three (31 per cent) hoped to travel more, while barely one in six (17 per cent) said they would cut back on holiday plans.

At present the Foreign Office warns against all non-essential travel anywhere abroad.

In addition, the Home Office quarantine plan will take effect on 8 June.

From that date, almost all arrivals at UK airports, ferry ports and international rail terminals will be required to self-isolate at home, out of direct contact with family and friends, for two weeks.

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