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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you are still going on your France holiday this summer?

153 replies

LuckyLouby · 11/05/2020 20:30

Just that really. We have a family holiday booked to go to France this August and were very much looking forward to it. However, given the situation, we are unsure of whether to go or not. We have booked with Brittany Ferries and they have given us the option of taking a credit note for the deposit we have already paid and using it to rebook at a later date. Alternatively, we can go ahead with the holiday.

The holiday home itself is in rural France but the worry is over taking the crowded ferry to get to France.

Has anyone else booked a similar holiday for this year? What are you planning on doing? We're so confused about what to do Confused our hearts say go but our heads say don't take the risk and take the credit note.

OP posts:
Bobbybobbins · 12/05/2020 20:23

I am also surprised that anyone could still be thinking about going abroad this summer.

fralaloptitier · 12/05/2020 20:24

very aware

Glittertwins · 12/05/2020 20:24

I wish people would read before making comments about asking about holidays. The majority of us booked last year for summer 2020 before anything was known!!

fralaloptitier · 12/05/2020 20:29

I imagine that unfortunately there will be corona renegades who will be planing their secret holidays all the same.

oblada · 12/05/2020 20:29

Not everyone goes abroad for a 'holiday' only. Some of us have family there and as such very much expect to be able to go before the end of the year thank you very much. Just like I hope my mother in law will be able to come over from India to see us and the children. If it's not possible then it's not possible but I'm not giving up hope so easily.

Glittertwins · 12/05/2020 20:33

According to the campsite webpage, they are open. Brittany Ferries aren't sailing. I can't do anything now because it's too far into the future but if I've booked everything through the one company, could I get a full refund for whole holiday if the ferry crossing is unavailable?

TP67 · 12/05/2020 20:35

Why are France exempt from having to quarantine? I don’t understand that decision. Did they give any reasons for that?

oblada · 12/05/2020 20:39

TP67 - because Brits are exempt from their quarantine. To be honest the UK is getting the good end of that bargain.

brittanyfairies · 12/05/2020 20:39

I live in Brittany and you people saying you're going on holiday to France to an area that's pretty safe. You're missing the point you're coming from the UK which is absolutely not "pretty safe".

I just got to go back to work this week after 9 weeks locked down at home. I have to wear a mask all day which makes me feel claustrophobic and I can't breathe. I can only be with some of the kids I taught and the others I can't touch and can only speak to with a barrier between us. They want a hug and I want to give them a hug but I can't, it's shit to be honest. We just want to get back to normal.

We don't want any tourists here this year no Parisiens and no Brits. We want to stay pretty safe in our region and we want our lives to return to normal.

Greenleavesawash · 12/05/2020 20:41

As PPs say- this is not a holiday! I want to see my immediate family in France and am willing to self isolate (either end) if needed

amijustparanoidorjuststoned · 12/05/2020 20:41

@Glittertwins it doesn't matter if you booked it yesterday or 18 months ago - it's been quite clear for a month or so that nobody is going abroad this year on holiday.

If you are worried, please speak to your travel insurers.

Glittertwins · 12/05/2020 20:43

Can't do anything unless within 28 days according to travel insurance

amijustparanoidorjuststoned · 12/05/2020 20:43

@Greenleavesawash I really do sympathise. But it just isn't practical to allow people to visit family abroad unless it is an emergency. Sorry. Sad

oblada · 12/05/2020 20:46

Brittany - to be honest it isn't up to you. If the respective governments allow it and the airlines fly then I will definitely be going to France in August (or at least my children will be).

amijustparanoidorjuststoned · 12/05/2020 20:51

@oblada well luckily for @brittanyfairies I don't think either government will allow international travel in August.

It's a really shit situation, and I do massively sympathise with everyone wanting to see their families. I'm not saying this to be an arsehole. I just think a lot of you want to get your heads out of the ground and face up to what is happening globally.

Chillipeanuts · 12/05/2020 20:53

oblada

Not everyone goes abroad for a 'holiday' only. Some of us have family there and as such very much expect to be able to go before the end of the year thank you very much. “

Wish you the very best, truly.

Our son in law lives with us. He and our daughter are expecting their first child in just a few weeks. His parents live less than 5 miles away and he (and they) has already accepted that unless things change drastically, they won’t be meeting their grandchild for quite some time, because of vulnerable members of our household.

I’m a little perplexed that so many people still don’t seem to recognise just how beyond our control this situation is. It’s going to be a very long time before life reverts to “normal”.

oblada · 12/05/2020 21:02

Let's just wait and see :) Im not being a wild idealist. My husband works in vaccines so I have some understanding of the current situation and mostly of the fact that truly nobody knows. I have some hope also for the economy as no international flights until September etc would be shit for the airlines and pilots etc

If it doesn't happen it doesn't happen. It's mostly for my 2 oldest girls who would like to spend time with their grandparents. It would also be nice for us to be able to see my nephew who is now 6months old as we haven't met him yet (adopted 3months ago just before lockdown effectively)...lets see!

jasjas1973 · 12/05/2020 21:03

I booked my french holiday before christmas, if it goes ahead fine, if not (highly likely) i'll take the credit note for next year or whenever!

I don't think anyone will be travelling for tourism until there is a vaccine, how can they? planes & ferries cannot provide any form of social distancing and host countries wont want to import infections.

Or the world decides to isolate the vulnerable and leave everyone else to take their chances with a relatively mild disease.

Greenleavesawash · 12/05/2020 21:06

I know it’s not practical! I’m just putting another viewpoint over that for many this is not about two weeks in the sun but a chance to see loved ones before they die - Christ!

Twonka · 12/05/2020 21:07

On the plus side, you’ve done all the hard work booking so next years holiday is sorted! That’s how I’m looking at it! The UK is a beautiful country, if only we could guarantee sunshine ☺️

MrsExpo · 12/05/2020 21:09

It’s my understanding that the French are currently quarantining everyone entering the country for two weeks. Maybe the pp who lives in France can confirm this?

Orangeblossom78 · 12/05/2020 21:16

I think we caught the virus in France at feb half term, maybe on Brittany ferries who we went with, and it has put me off a bit!

oblada · 12/05/2020 21:17

MrsExpo - not for travel from the UK. Tho currently a moot point as only essential travel allowed. It may be relaxed in the coming weeks of course, let's see.

Orangeblossom78 · 12/05/2020 21:18

If you get sick in France would travel insurance or E111 cover you?

Tunnocks34 · 12/05/2020 21:22

No we have rearranged to next year