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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

DM going on holiday to Haiti... AIBU to think she has a death wish?

95 replies

Cantwejustsaywhatwemean · 08/01/2014 20:39

Apparently there are Air bnbs there... Oh well that makes it ok then! She was supposed to be booking a much needed break to see my DB in the USA but has announced she also plans to go to Haiti for a few days with a similar aged friend (70+). She's not an intrepid traveller and has a habit of 'adopting' people she thinks need her help then taking ages to extricate herself from situations that end up making her feel I'll. she's not in great health but loves to be a bit different and crazy. I am pretty sure Haiti is the most dangerous country on earth. AIBU to worry? NC'd obviously although I think even this title may out me... Anyone else been on holiday to Haiti or have a 70+ year old relative who has?

OP posts:
MrsSquirrel · 08/01/2014 20:56

Why do you think Haiti is so dangerous? It is a poor country, of course, but there is no war there.

Artandco · 08/01/2014 20:57

We stopped there for 3 days 2 years ago. Had then 6 month old and 2 year old with us. We survived, had a lovely time with friends, and would go back. It's a poor country, not at war

CustardOmlet · 08/01/2014 20:59

I wouldn't say it was the most dangerous place on earth, but I can't imagine the tourist facilities are great.

MrsTerryPratchett · 08/01/2014 20:59

I can start a pretty long list of countries that are more dangerous, Somalia just to start with.

SparkleToffee · 08/01/2014 21:01

Tbh FCO suggest against travel to parts of Port au Prince, they suggest great care due to criminal activity throughout the country , and there has been an increase in cholera. Personally I'm not certain it is the place for an unseasoned traveller. However that said presumably she has insurance and they know where she is going?

I'm not sure if its booked what you can do to stop her

magnumicelolly · 08/01/2014 21:02

The most dangerous country on earth? Seriously? If I was asked to name the 10 most dangerous, I don't think it would even come close to featuring on the list!

Original poster
Cantwejustsaywhatwemean · 08/01/2014 21:04

Good to know it's not as dangerous as I thought

OP posts:
WooWooOwl · 08/01/2014 21:04

YANBU to worry, but I think it's great that she wants to do that sort of travelling at her age.

Original poster
Cantwejustsaywhatwemean · 08/01/2014 21:06

I am not going to try and stop her... That would be a hiding to nothing! But would be very worried about her

OP posts:
VworpVworp · 08/01/2014 21:20

I thought FO advised against travel to Haiti.

VworpVworp · 08/01/2014 21:30

Goodness- you don't think she's got mixed up with Hawaii do you?

RandyRudolf · 08/01/2014 21:32

That's what I was thinking Vworp

TeacupDrama · 08/01/2014 21:33

haiti is not as safe as Germany but i would imagine there is lots worse places syria pakistan afghanistan sudan somalia iraq iran etc etc

Rushyswife · 08/01/2014 21:34

It's worth checking if the fact that the FO warn against travel invalidates her travel insurance, this can sometimes be the case.

Artandco · 08/01/2014 21:37

The gov website only warns of travel in port au prince. The rest of Haiti is classified as safe

Original poster
Cantwejustsaywhatwemean · 08/01/2014 21:43

Vworp that made me laugh! No on reflection she said "x says it's very poor but just lovely" doesn't sound like Hawaii to me. I am concerned that she doesn't really know what 'very poor' really means. I did think that they didn't have an effective government... What about police? Who do you go to if things go wrong?

OP posts:
Original poster
Cantwejustsaywhatwemean · 08/01/2014 21:45

She hates insurance of all kinds. Would laugh at me if I said about insurance.

OP posts:
lastnightIwenttoManderley · 08/01/2014 21:48

No insurance is nuts!

Playing devils advocate though, would you be as worried if she said she was going to the Dominican Republic?

Personally it sounds like she hasn't really thought it through. I'm quite a seasoned traveller but would always listen to the fco. Mind you, back to the insurance, most standard insurers have a blanket ban on countries on the fco list...

Tabliope · 08/01/2014 21:49

I think she's nuts sorry. There's no war there but unless she's going to go to a resort (if there are any) and not leave the hotel it'll be dangerous. They had nothing after the earthquake of a few years ago. I don't think things have improved a hell of a lot. Per capita I think they're amongst the poorest nations. In fact at the time of the earthquake they might have been the poorest. It's violent with high rates of crime including kidnapping. I think the FO advises going there. I would really try and talk her out of it.

Original poster
Cantwejustsaywhatwemean · 08/01/2014 21:53

Right now I'd be thrilled if she said she was going to the Dominican Republic!! I am always the annoying one who says 'do you really think that's a good idea?' I think it just inflames her...

OP posts:
Tabliope · 08/01/2014 21:54

I should imagine the police are corrupt. Wasn't it a dictatorship. Papa Doc was the president years ago. Not sure who is now or how good they are. I think voodoo originated from there.

Selks · 08/01/2014 21:55

She is out of her mind to consider Haiti without insurance!! (or anywhere without travel insurance really), seriously - at least get her to sort decent travel insurance. Who does she expect will pay the $20,000 plus bills if she falls ill and needs an operation or has a road traffic accident? How would she pay the huge costs of medically repatriating her should she need it? Insane.

lastnightIwenttoManderley · 08/01/2014 22:05

No insurance is nuts!

Playing devils advocate though, would you be as worried if she said she was going to the Dominican Republic?

Personally it sounds like she hasn't really thought it through. I'm quite a seasoned traveller but would always listen to the fco. Mind you, back to the insurance, most standard insurers have a blanket ban on countries on the fco list...

lastnightIwenttoManderley · 08/01/2014 22:05

No insurance is nuts!

Playing devils advocate though, would you be as worried if she said she was going to the Dominican Republic?

Personally it sounds like she hasn't really thought it through. I'm quite a seasoned traveller but would always listen to the fco. Mind you, back to the insurance, most standard insurers have a blanket ban on countries on the fco list...

UncleT · 08/01/2014 22:59

It is not correct to say that Port au Prince is off limits but "the rest of the country is safe". The UK travel advice says something completely different. Security is a major concern and any independent travel to the country is strongly warned against. She should not travel there without making full arrangements for her reception and security while in the country.