Many of you have been asking about my travel plans for this year. My first trip is to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand next week. In April I am on a coastal walk around Norfolk on the East coast of England. In June I am in Paris and in September another long distance walk in Scotland. Those are the trips that have been booked. However, the dilemma is about whether or not to go to Vietnam etc. The coronavirus is spreading rapidly and whilst I don't fear for my own safety and would be taking all known preventative actions, I am worried about bringing the virus back home and passing it on to my daughter and grandchildren. At the moment I am undecided but the risks seem to be increasing on a daily basis. The best outcome for me would be a government ban on travel to these countries but that is unlikely. What would you do?
Postscript:
I have spoken to the travel company and at the moment the tour is going ahead. If I cancel, the cost will not be refunded either by the travel co. or the insurance co. Money is only refunded if the gov decide to ban visits there. It is all about the risk to my family which would be high.
Postscript:
I have spoken to the travel company and at the moment the tour is going ahead. If I cancel, the cost will not be refunded either by the travel co. or the insurance co. Money is only refunded if the gov decide to ban visits there. It is all about the risk to my family which would be high.
I would go. Vietnam state control would be quite good at shutting down areas if there was a viral outbreak. From the Bangkok Post, there have been 16 cases and no deaths. I would have reasonable confidence in Cambodia but perhaps not so much with Thailand. All are wonderful countries, if a bit hot and sticky.
ReplyDeleteCompared to when we were in Vietnam in about 2001, I expect Vietnamese tourism has become quite sophisticated. I liked the rawness of it back in 2001, when our train was stoned, our bath drained out through a drilled hole in the side of the bath to a floor drain, the bedside radio was a car radio that didn't work, our view from a hotel window was a wall a few inches away, where the pool where we expected a nice cool dip turned out to be so heated by the sun. We loved it all. Vietnam is a wonderful country. Take the holiday and if you are worried about infecting family, don't see them for two weeks after you return. For them it will just be Mum/Grannie having a long holiday.
As much as you would have loved Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, I would leave your dream trip to next year. You do not want to be caught on the other side of the world when the transport is limited or the hotels are shut.
ReplyDeleteI would cancel. The risk is too great for getting it and transmitting it. Hopefully travel insurance will give you a refund.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't do it. Besides the possibility of getting sick or bringing the virus home, there could be a border ban by your own country not allowing you to reenter. Hope you can get a refund.
ReplyDeleteThey are telling us here that it is no longer a matter of if but when.
Too much panic about it at the moment about catching it, I might point out the Flu kills people as well but no one panics over that. Personally I would not be taking the chance of the hassle. Thing is can you get a refund.
ReplyDeleteIf it were me, I think I would postpone. Why take a chance when you could do the trip safely (and without this added worry) at a later date. I’m sure you have gotten excited and would be disappointed and I know what an experienced and intrepid traveler you are, so I know you will make the right decision for you!
ReplyDeleteI think I would postpone.
ReplyDeleteSent you an article about how to decide. Hope it comes through.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely cancel the trip, considering the way this virus is spreading so quickly. But that's just me. :-)
ReplyDeleteI shouldn't go, maybe you end by locked up in a hotel for weeks in quarantaine....
ReplyDeleteIt's all panic making ! people get hysterical, that's what I fear ! And hysterical people are not reasonable I wouldn't go if it is next week for this reason. It seems to me that the whole world suddenly ran around like headless chicken, no rules, nobody knows really what to do ! I would go in April or a little later when the hysteria has calmed down. What does your travel agent say ? You can also die from the flu 42.000 dead last year that's a bit more and no fuss was made ! In short I wouldn't go next week but certainly a couple of months later !
ReplyDeleteHmmm, that really is a dilemma. Sounds like you've already paid for your travel (since it's next week) and you get no refund if you cancel. That's likely a lot of money down the drain if you decide not to go. Personally, I would go.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a dilemma and I do understand your concern for your family (I know my DIL would make me self quarantine for at least 14 days (probably more) if I returned from anywhere that was considered a risk.) I think I would be more worried about getting stuck somewhere and not being able to get back on schedule than of actually catching the virus. As many have pointed out we don't cause a panic about flu and for many people this virus will be similar. I hope if you do decide to travel that you have a great time and get home safe and well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Andrew! Well, not on the part of seeing Vietnam, as I have never been there, so can't say yay or nay, but on the traveling itself. Enjoy it, love it, come back healthy, but do tell children and grandchildren, you may be off grid for a bit longer after the holiday. Above all though: STAY HEALTHY!!!
ReplyDeleteWe canceled a family cruise of the Adriatic Sea that we were to go on in June that was beginning and ending in Venice as we were concerned about the Covid-19 breakout in N Italy and the fact we did not want to quarantined on a cruise ship in case illness breaks out. We got back most of our deposit but not all, but we felt we just did not want to take the risk as we are over 60 yers of age the age that seems most vulnerable.
ReplyDelete