Slightly Askew

On Center Parcs

Monday, August 15th, 2011

I’m sure Center Parcs isn’t everyone’s idea of a good holiday, but having spent this weekend there, I’d certainly recommend it.

Here’s a few thoughts from my (short) travels.

1. On arrival, there’s a ‘drive-thru’ style check in desk. (I’m not one for this nu-speak, but the spelling ‘drive-through’ seems awfully archaic.) Even now, I am thrilled by completing a transaction from the comfort of my car. Why aren’t there more drive-thrus? (Okay, the plural looks odd.) Surely a drive-thru Argos would be a winner? Or a drive-thru Post Office? Perhaps a drive-thru Tobacconist? More drive-thrus, please.

2. In stark contrast to (1), life would be a lot more pleasant if we didn’t have cars. The Center Parcs system of not allowing cars in the complex other than on arrival/departure days (which are Mondays and Fridays) makes walking and cycling a lot more pleasant and substantially safer. Perhaps the riduclous petrol prices can only be countered with a radical rethink on the way we use cars.

3. My laptop died a few days before we left. The villa didn’t have Wi-Fi. As a result, I spent a weekend with my focus firmly on my family. I should do that more often.