Do I cancel this holiday or go

[capabilityfrowns]

I've not been away for 5 years and had some health issues over pst 2 years.

I'd booked a holiday abroad for 10 days for next September alone , all inclusive .
I was looking forward to 10 days in the sun , but then I'm already having anxiety about driving to airport, parking , being alone etc

My dd had agreed to sit my dogs .

Dd has now been invited to a wedding and feels now she's getting a puppy , working , studying it will be too much with my two and her one so I'd booked a pet hotel

Thing is one of my dogs is old , the other has never been kennelled.

I don't know anyone who would stay here and sit them , and a live in paid for service is extortionate (I've made enquiries)

Ive about a week before I pay my next instalment- should I just cancel and wait until my old boy is over the bridge ?

It's starting to feel like a source of anxiety rather than something good .

I am torn here.

On the one hand: if it’s causing you stress and unhappiness, it’s better to cancel. You won’t enjoy the holiday if you are worried about your dogs back home the whole time.

On the other hand: It’s 10 months away, where there is a will there is a way. Your old boy may not still be with you, if his health is really poor. You may find an affordable pet sitter.

On balance, I think I would cancel this one but re-book another holiday immediately for dates that you CAN get somebody to sit your dogs (ideally not your daughter, as she seems unreliable).

If you do this, you can plan and budget your new holiday to minimise the stress (eg getting to the airport a day in advance and staying over in an airport hotel. I always find that helps the stress of flying, and gets the holiday mood going too!)

This is actually a really good point! A few kennel stays at the weekend will prepare them brilliantly.

Don’t let the anxiety put you off, you deserve this holiday, you can’t go through life thinking “what if”, deep breath and just do it!

Cancel the holiday. Forget the £20.

Then start doing some things for yourself but closer to your comfort zone.

You’re trying to go from 0 to 100 too fast.

This holiday is for next year, you have plenty of time to sort out your dogs. Advertise locally for a dog sitter.

Just done that and possibly found someone . Thank you .

OP, gently, are you wise to go on holiday on your own with all your medical conditions? Is this fear over the dogs actually just transferred anxiety that you've taken on too much for yourself with holidaying alone? (I read and didn't comment on your thread on the pip interview, at the beginning of this month, because I had not long had mine at the time)

I wonder that myself but I can't see how sitting under a beach umbrella for 10 days in the sun with a cocktail is gonna hurt ......

I'm back to work soon . I need something to look forward to . My consultant told me yesterday I might never get well . So how long do I leave it ?

Sweetheart, from your other thread:

I have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, blind in one eye and two other conditions that are debilitating.

I've gone from an active woman running, walking , yoga, to needing an adapted toilet seat

Had to hire home help

Can't get up stairs or down
Can't drive my manual car
Don't leave house
Been off sick 5 months

It's affected my life to the point I do t get dressed or leave my house . I can't drive . I can't get my bank card out of my purse . I can't use stairs . I can't do laundry. I can't get trousers , socks , knickers or shoes on .

This is one of the most ridiculous things I’ve seen on here, and that’s saying something 😂.

Holidays aren’t in short supply. The OP isn’t taking one away from someone else.

Is it? On the scale of first world problems, stressing about a holiday 10 months away is right up there, so I was questioning whether the OP really wants to go. But she does, so we're all good.

Just as an aside make sure you get good travel insurance cover.

I have worldwide insurance with a policy through work , had to use it once before and no issues .

Think I've found a sitter but having to pay £450 for them, a professional dog sitter would cost me £1350 for 10 days , !,

The guy I've got and his wife know some of my colleagues and is at least dbs checked plus he's older so reliable I hope .

If it's a first world problem then so be it, just haven't had a break in a long long time and first time away alone . The stress is if something happens to my old dog while away . I'm telling myself it's 10 days . Just 10 days .

I've got until end of the month to cancel or commit .

I'd cancel. September is nearly a year away, you have time to rethink and rebook. You could always plan a UK minibreak with the dogs if you want something to look forward to in the meantime!

If you do decide to go, you can practise driving to the airport beforehand so it isn't scary.

Have you contacted any local kennels? One of them near us does a trial sleep over to see how the dogs get on with kennels. Our dog had never been in a kennel before. Ddog was very excited when dropped off for the holiday.

Best wishes.

Thanks - I think given my old boys age and my little man's disposition I'd prefer someone to stay here with them . I think my little man would get depressed, he is like my shadow and needs a person .

Big bear would cope but his age bothers me .

Thanks tho x

as previous posters have said to stop you worrying I would cancel. Then rebook another time if you feel you can manage.
when you cancel if you feel relieved it was the right decision. If you are disappointed then re book.

@capabilityfrowns absolutely go and ignore people telling you not too. You have plenty of time to improve health wise and you can't sit around waiting to get worse. You have insurance. Take some books and relax.

I am saying this as someone with similar health problems and looking to go away next year. I have delayed doing things due to my health... enjoy yourself :)

Thank you . I'd like to just be brave and do it . I didn't used to be scared of anything. Now I'm scared of everything! I feel if I push myself I'll be glad I did .

@capabilityfrowns I feel exactly the same but life is short and needs to be grabbed with both hands. Make sure your insurance is adequate, you know where to go if you are unwell, how to seek medical treatment.
You will be fine :)

If you join Trusted Housesitters it will cost you £199 for annual membership - this is the most expensive option. The basic service is £99. I've used it a few times now, and never had any problems. Cats have been happy and the sitters send me photos.

I live alone and go on holiday alone. Go and enjoy yourself!

Forgot to add link!

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/

Oh thank you - I think I've however agreed to pay someone £450 🙈. I'll have a look at that site .

The professional dog sitter was going to charge £1350!

I mean how ! They are using your utilities , facilities , Netflix account, how the chuff is £1350 justified to live in your house and let the dogs out ?

I've offered a double room with own bathroom, and asked them to let dogs out and feed them - and be companionship for 10 days.

I'm in the wrong job .

They aren't coming to you for a holiday. You are paying them for a professional service. Like the difference between leaving your kid with a registered childminder or with a random you found on Facebook. One will be trained and insured, the other is going to sit and watch Netflix and maybe be good to your dogs. Who knows.