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Original poster

Are you delaying booking a holiday (coronovirus)

29 replies

justasking111 · 10/02/2020 12:45

Friends talking at the weekend, are a bit leery of travel just now. One friend has not booked their cruise, another their trip to Singapore.

So are they in the minority or is this something that is happening.

OP posts:

ofwarren · 10/02/2020 12:46

We were going to be booking somewhere but are now waiting to see what happens.

Trahira · 10/02/2020 12:46

If I'd been planning to book a trip to China or somewhere close by (which I'm not) I think I'd be holding off for a couple of weeks to see what happens.

Butterflyflower1234 · 10/02/2020 12:47

I'm going to the Caribbean in a few weeks time and I am concerned.

I certainly wouldn't be looking to go towards Asia way currently. I think your friends are wise to hold fire at the moment.

okiedokieme · 10/02/2020 12:48

Depends where, I'm meant to be going to China, I've delayed booking! But to Europe or America I wouldn't worry, but do buy travel insurance straight away and check the small print to ensure you are covered if he government advises you shouldn't travel to your destination.

Personally I would avoid Hong Kong and Singapore who have had lots of cases, South Korea too has lots.

RunningAwaywiththeCircus · 10/02/2020 12:50

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

adviceneededon · 10/02/2020 12:55

My parents are booked on a cruise departing late February and due to visit Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, amongst others. They really don't want to go, not due to the fear of the virus but more due to the fear of being potentially confined to their cabin for weeks if there is an outbreak. The tour operator will not let them cancel, and they don't want to lose the thousands they have paid, so they're at a loss as to what to do!

InOtterNews · 10/02/2020 13:00

No. But I am travelling to Australia in 2 weeks - via Singapore. On the basis that I am only travelling through the airport and not going out into the city I'm not worrying just yet. However, I'm keeping an eye on the news as more cases become known. Mainly because I don't want to be turned away when I get to Australia

qwert1 · 10/02/2020 13:01

Wishing everyone safe travels.

AlfieandAnnieRose · 10/02/2020 13:02

@adviceneededon that’s such a shame, your parents must’ve been looking forward to that cruise for months! Before the virus I would’ve been very jealous of them

cologne4711 · 10/02/2020 13:02

Give it a week and the cruise company may change its tune. Or move the cruise so it calls at different, lower risk, ports.

Will the tour operator not let them change cruise?

If not, it might be worth contacting the weekend consumer press. There was an article in the Times/Sunday Times this weekend about Kuoni not allowing rebookings but they changed their tune once the paper got involved.

Aderyn19 · 10/02/2020 13:04

I want to book a holiday to Greece. I'm not worried about bring there since I think the risk is much the same as here but I am a bit worried about flying and being at the airport. I'm also concerned that if things get worse we won't be allowed to travel and the insurance won't refund us if it's a global problem. But on some l also think I'm maybe overreacting.

Jaxhog · 10/02/2020 13:07

But I am travelling to Australia in 2 weeks - via Singapore. On the basis that I am only travelling through the airport and not going out into the city I'm not worrying just yet. However, I'm keeping an eye on the news as more cases become known. Mainly because I don't want to be turned away when I get to Australia

Yikes! We're booked to go in October. I just hope the worst is over by then. We're staying in Singapore for a week on the way...

adviceneededon · 10/02/2020 13:07

No they cannot change or amend the cruise due to it being less than 90 days to travel. They cannot cancel unless the foreign
Office says it's unsafe to travel, which is looking unlikely, and even then it states in their insurance that they are not covered for epidemics so would lose out either way. If there wasn't the risk of being confined to the cabin, they would be happy to go. But seeing the news recently of this happening with another cruise ship, it's a high possibility.
Added to that, there is a new baby due in the family, and due to the isolation period required following their return, they will miss out here too.

thenightsky · 10/02/2020 13:07

I've booked a holiday to Madeira, but its not until June. I expect it will have all blown over by then.

Original poster

justasking111 · 10/02/2020 13:39

Cruises are a bit of a worry. Just been reading about a norovirus one, Gibralter refused to accept them so cruise been cut short and they are on their way home. God only knows what coronavirus will do to them. Not much fun if you are refused at your destinations.

OP posts:

HaudMaDug · 10/02/2020 14:09

I've not been on a proper holiday since my 20s (45 now)and have the perfect opportunity just now with no responsibilities at home.
I had been thinking of heading East but am now holding off to see what happens. Can't see any of this being over soon though, the cruise ship in Yokahama must be a nightmare as every time another case is confirmed the quarantine starts all over again.
Getting on holiday might not be the problem but returning to work on time afterwards would be and I don't think my boss would be understanding enough to grant an extended quarantine time on my return.

onlyforaminute · 10/02/2020 14:29

We are going away this week and have another three holidays planned this year. Not worried in the slightest. All European though. I might reconsider if we were travelling to China but probably not.

I read that 1% of people infected may die, the rest will recover like you would from a typical flu virus. I would imagine that the 1% are more likely to be people with compromised immune systems.

As it's in the UK now anyway I can't see why you wouldn't travel if you're still happy to be on public transport or out and about here.

Dowser · 10/02/2020 15:28

Going to Tenerife in three weeks
We’d better get the cases out of the loft 👍

BearSoFair · 10/02/2020 15:32

My friend is heading to Thailand tomorrow...she doesn't seem at all concerned but I'm not sure I'd be going if it were me!

Peakypolly · 10/02/2020 15:38

That does sound unfortunate re booked cruises.
I am due to cruise from Shanghai in April and have already been given the option to cancel and get a full refund, or hang on and see if an alternative itinerary can be arranged.

FreckledLeopard · 10/02/2020 15:39

Off to Australia via Hong Kong in two and a bit weeks. Am checking updates regularly, but understand that if flights from Hong Kong ended up being cancelled, then the carrier will hopefully just stick me on a plane via a different route (Middle East or similar) so fingers crossed should be ok.

Drivemybluecar · 10/02/2020 18:41

Am I correct though in thinking that it is only people with underlying medical problems have died. Or am I reading that wrong ?

ofwarren · 10/02/2020 18:53

The doctor who died in China was only in his 30s with no underlying conditions

Original poster

justasking111 · 10/02/2020 19:40

The poor doctor who tried to tell us and was reprimanded for it. Shameful.

OP posts:

Drivemybluecar · 10/02/2020 21:08

@ofwarren thanks. I didn’t know that.

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