I've never been able to understand the need to clean through the house when going away
I admire your ability to resist this compulsion, Judith! I thought it was only me who did the pre-holiday clean. It's so when we come home, everything is clean, clean bedding and towels, plus we do all the ironing so work clothes are ready. I suppose it's an effort to prolong the holiday after-glow as long as possible by eliminating the mundane.
We always have pizza delivered the night before we leave to minimise washing up etc. Anything left in the fridge gets handed out to neighbours who are always delighted with our food parcels!
Happy holidays to all.
Jock.