To think going away would not be a sensible move?

[notgoingabroad]

I booked tickets to the other side of the world at Christmas. Also bought tickets for a short flight out there, a trip etc.

One lost job and - I just don't think it can be done, financially.

AIBU to be gutted we've lost so much money

[MaidOfStars]

I hate to say it but somebody will: insurance?

[Twitterqueen]

Christmas is 10 months away! If you've got the tickets then I would keep hold of them. Is there any reason why the person wouldn't get another job before the trip?

[VimFuego101]

Christmas is a long way off, I wouldn't abandon your plans yet especially if you can't get your money back for what you've paid for so far.

[notgoingabroad]

I booked them at Christmas was what I meant, sorry - the trip is next month.

[19lottie82]

Even if the OP does have travel insurance I can't see them paying out because they've decided they can't afford it.

[HermioneJeanGranger]

What is there left to pay? If you've already booked a flight and trips, I would be really reluctant to cancel and lose all your money. Could you find a cheap hotel deal or stay in a B&B or something to save on accomodation?

[MaidOfStars]

Even if the OP does have travel insurance I can't see them paying out because they've decided they can't afford it
I think a job loss would be covered by some policies - ours covers redundancy (I guess they wouldn't pay out of you got sacked). It may not only be covered by travel insurance though - check other policies you might have.

[MaidOfStars]

What are the future job prospects, OP? Are you (or whoever it affects) likely to get something reasonably easily?

It's not ideal but do you have a credit card you can use?

[Plateofcrumbs]

Yes check your travel insurance, some policies cover redundancy.

If not - consider how you could reign in your expenditure on your trip and still do it. Views are free, after all!

We once got given free flights anywhere in the world, but they had to be used at a time we had just moved house, we were utterly financially stretched. We went on a completely shoestring budget - stayed in hostels, ate picnic lunches and 'early bird special' dinners, took the bus and went to the free museums. It was THE best holiday.

[notgoingabroad]

No credit card, and credit isn't great at the moment so don't think will get one.

I have a new job but it's different holiday/timings so I'd have to take four weeks unpaid. I can't afford that I don't think.

[Plateofcrumbs]

(Rein in, not reign in!)

[BlueMoonRising]

Couchsurfing? That could offer free accommodation?

Can you change the name on the tickets? Try to sell them to recoup some of the money?

Assuming you don't have travel insurance that will pay out.

[MaidOfStars]

OP, even if your travel insurance doesn't cover loss of job, please tell me you got something basic to cover you travelling across the world?

[notgoingabroad]

I don't know what you mean, maid, to be totally honest. I just booked the flights online.

[fiorentina]

Depending upon your earning power and if you think you'd be able to save when you return and be financially stable within a few months? If so then I would go and live like a backpacker.
If you live from one pay packet to the next with never a chance to save then unfortunately it's probably not viable. Are the flights transferable to later in the year, even for a fee?

Could you rent out your house on Air BNB to recoup some money?

[MaidOfStars]

Did you take out a travel policy to cover medical expenses/repatriation/legal fees, lost luggage, cancelled flights etc? Have you got ANY travel insurance?

[MaidOfStars]

(Or do you have travel insurance associated with a bank account etc?)

[Plateofcrumbs]

Oh if you have to take unpaid leave that is a different story

[notgoingabroad]

I don't think I can go. I just don't think I can afford the combination of loss of earnings AND money spent over there, which is a shame.

[Plateofcrumbs]

There is a lesson here about booking travel insurance at the same time you book the trip. Most policies have some cancellation coverage, which may include redundancy in addition to illness and other emergency situations which would prevent you travelling.

[MaidOfStars]

OP, how much have you spent so far, that will be lost?

Where are you going? Somewhere that can be done cheaply (e.g. USA, Thailand) or somewhere with a high cost of living (e.g. Australia)?

Is there any wiggle room for you to take the four weeks unpaid or is this single thing enough to sink you? If there is wiggle room, how much? £500? More or less?

[MaidOfStars]

Oh, and who are the flights with?

[MaidOfStars]

There is a lesson here about booking travel insurance at the same time you book the trip
First thing I do when I book something - check current coverage and purchase as necessary.

[notgoingabroad]

Spent around £1000 so far.

[MaidOfStars]

And what has this paid for? Just travel and the trip? Where were you planning on staying and how were you going to pay for that?

(Just trying to get a feel for where your money is allocated)