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 .

@capabilityfrowns I have one I have built a relationship with over time so i can leave my beloved pooch with her. She is £12 an hour for walks and about £50 a day if she does holidays. To be honest I would pay whatever to know she is ok and I can relax. She is not a kennels dog....

My neighbour uses trusted house sitters. In fact there are a couple in there now. Never had any issues

If it’s causing you anxiety, and now a lot more money, is probably cancel seen as you will only loose £20. Id then use the money to take the dogs on a lovely UK holiday instead. Absolutely nothing wrong with going, I’m sure you’ll have a great time, but if it’s more anxiety inducing than fun it’s fine to not go too.

Yes, I think you're almost hoping the dogs will be the excuse you need, which is understandable, but don't let that happen.

If driving to the airport is one of your main worries, can you go to the airport by train?. I always do when travelling alone, its cheaper than paying for airport parking and often easier too.

Break down all your concerns and tick them off

driving to Manchester airport, parking, - go by train.

what you can take and can't , plastic bags and 50ml liquids - very easy to follow guidance here https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions

If you're taking checked bags there are no restrictions on liquids

feeling lonely - you might do sometimes, but mostly you'll feel free.

So it's just the dogs. Throw money at it if you can, you can do it more cheaply next time, but make this first time happen whatever way you can.

In your shoes I think I would cancel this specific holiday and then rebook a long weekend somewhere lovely when your daughter is able to have the dogs.

Seems much less stress and more doable and then once you’ve done it you can work your way up to a longer holiday with potentially different dog sitting arrangements.

Cancel now I think.

There are places in the UK where you can go for a holiday in September at reasonable cost, decide much nearer the time, and be able to return easily if during your break it becomes too much for you.

I think given the situation regarding your elderly dog, and the fact that you only lose £20 if you cancel now, it would make sense to let go of this particular holiday . Perhaps take a short UK break to get your dogs used to the house-sitter. And if your old dog still seems healthy at a later time, you could book for something last minute .

Well I tried to cancel , turns out the £20 low deposit wasn't exactly that , they want the full deposit to cancel which is a further £357 !

Now I'm really really torn . Ds has said he will fly home (he's abroad ) and house sit for me but he can't drive and would be quite isolated, though I could get him deliveries I guess ......

This is becoming a source of stress when it was meant to be the opposite!

@capabilityfrowns he has offered because he wants to help you have a break. Maybe take him up on his offer and enjoy yourself. Leave him well prepared... he may enjoy a veggie week!

You may as well go now :)