A few years ago, people didn't quite understand that the UK was a holiday destination. Blame the recession: silly recession, crazy recession, party pooper recession.

However, according to British Destinations, the "understanding" that this country is a great place in which to enjoy a vacation has grown "immeasurably" since then.

It's a brilliant achievement given the economic situation. Both domestic and international holidaymakers now appreciate the merits of taking a break in the UK, which has been made possible through good marketing, deals and engagement.

People who are looking to go to France for a holiday after July 1st and take their car with them – Eurotunnel or the ferry – have been urged by a charity to carry a breathalyser with them.

That's because it is going to be compulsory for all drivers in the country to have one with them in their cars, regardless of whether they live and work in the country, are passing through or are on vacation. They can pick up one-off breathalyser kits for around £2.

We get it, we really do. You're in a boardroom. It's Friday afternoon.  It has been a long week. You're tired, uninspired. In walks a couple of chaps, sharp suits, confident swagger, a PowerPoint presentation that makes TED keynote speeches look like child's play. You say: "Brilliant, do it, here is a load of money."

And then, months, years down the line, when things aren't quite working as you hoped they would, you look at this moment and wonder how it was that such a ludicrous idea was ever allowed to see the light of day. Your only saving grace is the old adage of being able to learn from your mistakes.

If life were like a Gene Kelly musical, we'd happily splash around in absolute disregard for the wet weather or the fact that we'd literally soaked our clothes. So what we'd say, 'tis only rain! Moreover it is a beautiful dull, wet day, what's not to love?! And then we'd skip across the pavement, kick a pool of water here and there and stomp up and down absentmindedly with a smile that shined as bright as the sun. Yep, that's what we'd do.

The national personification of the UK, or the anthropomorphisation if you want to get all scientific about – would be someone cool. Gregarious, stylish and able to hold a crowd's attention, the UK would be the country that every country wants to be.

"Yeah, I'm cool, chilling, you know, popular as ever: 2011 was another brilliant year for me, couldn't keep them away, but I tell you what, this year baby, 2012, this is going to be out of this world for me personally. It's the life."