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A Christmas escape or don't be a fool?

68 replies

OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 06/09/2022 09:03

I really hope this doesn't piss anyone off given the current financial crisis... and I'm sorry if it does. Please don't jammie dodger me! Trust me, money aside nobody would want the last two years I've had mentally and now I'm genuinely in between "go for it" and "don't be an irresponsible twat". I am 38 and live alone, no kids. Just me. The past two Christmases have been absolutely shit. I spent the last one trying to cheer both myself and someone else up from a really depressing situation and the one before that was at the start of a very ugly breakdown. I lost almost 3 stone in weight. Details irrelevant but I wouldn't want to go through it again for all the tea in China. This year I have started to feel better but I really don't want to be at home for Christmas, I know I'll just get depressed again. I'm already dreading it and it's not even Halloween. Yes people will say "please come and spend it with us" but I don't want to be the spare prick in someone else's home despite how welcome I will be. So I just want to jump on a plane and go somewhere new and escape it all. It's going to cost probably just shy of £2k for what I'm aiming for including spending money, everything, even the airport taxi. This will be around 15% of my savings, which I do try to increase each month. My total bills at the moment (obviously this will increase) come to around 40% of my take home pay. The rest goes on food, petrol, living and then saving whatever is left. I'm really not wealthy by any means (especially compared to some of the high earners on here) but I have a relatively small mortgage and I don't usually live a very expensive lifestyle. Of course deciding not to have children has impacted this. Spending this much on a solo getaway is NEVER something I have previously contemplated. But this year I want to just forget the festivities and lie on a warm beach with a good book and a few cocktails. I'm also starting a new job next month so there's always the worry they will hate me and give me the sack! If you were in my position would you go for it? It would be cheaper to stay in the UK of course but this is the point - I want nice weather, a positive environment and to just turn my back on December altogether.

OP posts:
Arenanewbie · 06/09/2022 10:14

Go for it, consider it as an investment in your mental and physical health. We went to a holiday recently, first time in 3 years, they were very hard years so we spent quite a big sum ( for us) on this holiday. Half way through I couldn’t believe how different we all were. Usually DH and I are exhausted, emotional, snappy to each other, DD is anxious about everything. But on holiday it’s so different, we were sitting and playing board games in the evening and laughing. yes, we came back and doing spending spreadsheet atm, discussing cuts etc but this conversation goes much calmer and smoother because we all have had a rest and now are much more sensible people. 🙂

CrazyBaubles · 06/09/2022 10:27

Definitely go for it. You've got savings and it'll be worth every penny not to be home and depressed. Where are you going?

DH and I are not long back from a holiday and are going away for Christmas. No guilt whatsoever!

pennysarah · 06/09/2022 10:27

Def go for it!

Flatandhappy · 06/09/2022 10:27

Absolutely go for it, it will give you something lovely to look forward to, a nice holiday while you escape the things about Christmas you don't want, and hopefully some great memories.

Since my cancer treatment a few years ago DH and I have the "life is too short" mentality. We travel a lot when we can (obviously there have been some COVID restrictions) and recently spent a month in Bali which was something we had wanted to do for ages and was amazing. I know some of our friends think we are probably a bit irresponsible but I would prefer to live what life I have rather than paying down my mortgage. Have a wonderful holiday.

mjf981 · 06/09/2022 11:40

Oh do it. Book it today. Life is short. I'm jealous!

pimlicoanna · 06/09/2022 11:42

I'd absolutely do this and I did it a few times before I had children. You'll only regret not going it you don't go for it.

SilverLiningPlaybook · 06/09/2022 11:45

Don’t even think twice. Book it now!

OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 06/09/2022 13:04

Thanks everyone! I've not been abroad since 2020 and I absolutely LOVE flying so I'm going to look later. I want an adult only, peaceful beach resort where I won't be bothered by anyone. I just hope covid restrictions don't come knocking again although I won't book anything without insurance. I might go whole hog and even fly from Heathrow... I've never been to Heathrow! 😃✈️❤️ (got a thing about airports they are so exciting!!)

OP posts:
StolenWillowTree · 06/09/2022 13:14

I do this every year and it's wonderful. Israel is a great place if you want to escape Christmas, in addition to being very cheap and hot.

emmathedilemma · 06/09/2022 13:15

Definitely do it! Maybe head to a country that doesn't traditionally celebrate christmas although I suspect you'll find hints of it in most places.

hopeishere · 06/09/2022 13:30

Go for it. But if you're starting a new job make sure you can get leave.

saltofcelery · 06/09/2022 13:44

Wow!! Go!!! You will not regret it. I hope you have an amazing time.

worriedniece · 06/09/2022 17:30

Yes absolutely enjoy it!

HappyGoDucky · 06/09/2022 17:42

So, where are you going? 😂

CMSdividend · 06/09/2022 17:52

Do it!
It's me and my kids this year, their dad is going away. My best friends, who I usually would see, are flying halfway round the world. My other friend is doing the same.
So I've booked a holiday camp for over Christmas and won't be home either.
I'm looking at it as a post-covid-pre-financialcrisis blowout..

Etinoxaurus · 06/09/2022 18:11

Go for it! Any idea where? We often go away for new year, occasionally christmas as it’s so efficient leave wise. Never had a bad holiday then but for your needs:

Malta- bit quiet and “family” not sunbathing weather
Egypt- hot and lots to do, although variable safety which meant we didn’t do anything
Marrakesh- wonderful, short flight and beautiful ‘spring day’ weather- enough to tan and lots to see
Thailand- long flight but glorious weather and scenery, no sense of Christmas which might be what you need. I was dreading it because I thought it’d be sleazy, went to Kao Lak which was very quiet and no nightlife, very gentle.

Have a wonderful time 💃🏽

OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 06/09/2022 18:21

I'm going to go with Tenerife, it'll be hot but not sweltering, which will suit me. Sunbathing weather apparently? Plus I'll feel pretty safe there. The hotel is very quiet with great reviews and has all the amenities I want. Spa, balcony, all inclusive, adult only and heated pools etc...

OP posts:
netflixfan · 06/09/2022 18:27

You dont need anyones permission. Just go and save your mental health and hopefully have a lovely time. I really dont know what kind of horrible person would criticise you for that.

Etinoxaurus · 06/09/2022 18:29

OrangeFlowersAreLovely · 06/09/2022 18:21

I'm going to go with Tenerife, it'll be hot but not sweltering, which will suit me. Sunbathing weather apparently? Plus I'll feel pretty safe there. The hotel is very quiet with great reviews and has all the amenities I want. Spa, balcony, all inclusive, adult only and heated pools etc...

Sounds amazing! Not ridiculous journey, lots to see if you want to and 🌞

GreenClock · 06/09/2022 18:33

Anyone who criticises your plan is not worth paying heed to, OP. Enjoy!

Double-check with your new boss though.

MNCar · 06/09/2022 18:35

Sounds lovely x

Always4Brenner · 06/09/2022 18:36

I’m praying for a miracle and away from here for Christmas in my new home.

inapickleproblem · 06/09/2022 18:38

You should definitely go for it!

JubileeTissues · 06/09/2022 18:39

Jesus wept lass, get it booked!

Always4Brenner · 06/09/2022 18:39

Also meant to say if you can afford it without it ruining your finances then go for it.