We want to go to New Zealand to stay with my dad and go travelling around, either next Christmas or the one after. I went 20yrs ago. Kids have never been. We probably won't go again. These years work well for us with the kids ages, before we get into exams etc. I'm also keen to go while my dad has his fitness and health and is still able to do things with us. We'd go for 3 weeks.
My issue is our pets. Ddog is 14 and has gastric issues, arthritis, no teeth, very short walks only and I'm currently home cooking for him after a few difficult weeks, all this said he seems happy currently. Dcat is 18 and is diabetic, I inject insulin twice a day and generally keep an eye for signs of hypo or hyper, but is also happy and otherwise well.
I can't decide whether to book our trip for Xmas 2026 because pets are currently both as well at they will ever be. We would look to keep them at home and use a pet sitter and a combination of friends and family. It feels like there is a risk of having to cancel if they're ill and no one can care for them. Or do I wait until 2027 thinking that probably they will not be here by then. If they are though, then there's more risk of having issues with their care.
Obviously I love them and want to do the right thing by them, as well as making this trip ... At some point!