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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To lie about my location to the holiday accommodation?

409 replies

Rae34 · 21/09/2020 23:45

I am single and live alone so this period has been very difficult. I have also worked from home since March and have been very careful with who I see and where I go. Just took my temperature there & normal. About 99% sure I am virus free.

Anyway I had booked 3 days in a cottage by the seaside, about 2 hours drive. I am an artist and have been so looking forward to finishing my project and getting some breathing space before what lies before us in the next season.

The booking.com accommodation has just been in touch asking where I am coming from because I am in a restricted area they will not accommodate me any longer. Well sadly I am in such an area. AIBU to tell a white lie and say I'm coming from the next city over (which is not affected)?

I have been so, so careful and was so looking forward to a short break. Also doubt I'd get a refund and it wasn't cheap.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 21/09/2020 23:47

Don’t lie.

Lots of people will be in the same position as you and while it’s obviously terribly disappointing, the rules apply to you.

HerRoyalNotness · 21/09/2020 23:48

Depends, will they ask you for ID that has an address on it or proof?
I’d they’re cancelling bookings from your area then they should be offering a full refund surely.

I’d go with explaining my circumstances as you have here and let them decide either way.

Original poster
Rae34 · 21/09/2020 23:50

My mental health is really suffering at the moment. It is just a few days and I'll soon be stuck inside during the dark months. Sad

I know I don't have the virus. You're saying plenty of people will be in my position, but a lot of those people will be with families they'll be able to see and spend time with regardless.

OP posts:
TylluanBach · 21/09/2020 23:50

Why bother asking here? If lying is on your mind then you're going to do it anyway aren't you?

Original poster
Rae34 · 21/09/2020 23:51

I just looked at booking.com and it says if you book non refundable, as I did, they dont need to refund you.

If anyone can point me to any more hopeful links or resources that would be great!

OP posts:
Original poster
Rae34 · 21/09/2020 23:54

@TylluanBach strange reply. No I posted here because I dont like lying. But I also know I dont have this virus and it would be be a 3 day mental break which I sorely need.

Been working non stop from home since early March. I had to take the last of my annual leave as instructed by work. It's a hard one.

OP posts:
Brighterthansunflowers · 21/09/2020 23:54

If they’re refusing to accommodate you they should give you a refund

But yes YABU to lie. Doesn’t local lockdown mean you can’t leave the area except for work or other essential reasons? Holiday is not essential so you shouldn’t be travelling

Isawthathaggis · 21/09/2020 23:54

I’d go.

If anyone asks say you desperately needed an eye test and it’s the only way you can think of to get one.

The rules are for plebs. Of course, take care, don’t be silly and don’t go if you have symptoms. But it sounds like you’re being careful.

Those in charge wouldn’t think twice about going.

PurpleDaisies · 21/09/2020 23:55

@Rae34

My mental health is really suffering at the moment. It is just a few days and I'll soon be stuck inside during the dark months. Sad

I know I don't have the virus. You're saying plenty of people will be in my position, but a lot of those people will be with families they'll be able to see and spend time with regardless.

I’m sorry but none of that is relevant. You are not above the local lockdown restrictions.

Is there anyone local you could form a support bubble with?

Did you buy travel insurance to cover this sort of situation?

Original poster
Rae34 · 21/09/2020 23:56

Well no I am not I'm a local lockdown as such. Cant meet people from more than 2 households in a bar or restaurant.

OP posts:
Original poster
Rae34 · 21/09/2020 23:56

@PurpleDaisies I think mental health is relevant. Maybe not the full picture but relevant.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 21/09/2020 23:57

You have already decided and you are obviously only wanting to hear from posters who agree with you.

Original poster
Rae34 · 21/09/2020 23:58

No I havent decided.

OP posts:
RuggerHug · 21/09/2020 23:58

Ask them what their policy is for people who isolated for 2 weeks prior to arriving. If you have definitely done that and can somewhat prove it you may be able to go. I do feel for you OP but you obviously understand why they have to say what they do. For every booking like you, there's probably 5 who took the piss and think it's not real.

Haenow · 21/09/2020 23:59

Sorry but YABU. Your mental health is relevant and very important but I really don’t think you should lie. I appreciate this is very disappointing. They may ask for proof of address and you’ll be screwed. See if you can appeal to their better nature and hopefully get a refund?

Dreamscomingtrue · 22/09/2020 00:00

I think you give our address details when you make a booking don’t you?

If you’re not in a lockdown area then it should be ok for you to go?

Original poster
Rae34 · 22/09/2020 00:00

I do understand. they dont know if I'm a decent person following the rules and taking care or an anti masker conspiracy theorist.

OP posts:
DustyLoafer · 22/09/2020 00:01

According to Gov UK website if you are travelling to or from a local lockdown area you are still ok to stay in self catering accommodation as long as under 6 people and not mixing households.

Original poster
Rae34 · 22/09/2020 00:02

@Dreamscomingtrue well I thought I had! But they have asked 'where will you be travelling from?'

OP posts:
TylluanBach · 22/09/2020 00:02

[quote Rae34]@TylluanBach strange reply. No I posted here because I dont like lying. But I also know I dont have this virus and it would be be a 3 day mental break which I sorely need.

Been working non stop from home since early March. I had to take the last of my annual leave as instructed by work. It's a hard one.[/quote]
Nothing strange about my reply, probably quite close to the truth tbh.

Original poster
Rae34 · 22/09/2020 00:03

@DustyLoafer do you have a source for that please? I was on the website about an hour ago but not getting very far.

OP posts:
Sugar00 · 22/09/2020 00:03

@Brighterthansunflowers

If they’re refusing to accommodate you they should give you a refund

But yes YABU to lie. Doesn’t local lockdown mean you can’t leave the area except for work or other essential reasons? Holiday is not essential so you shouldn’t be travelling

No!

Why do so many people think this is what it means?

PurpleDaisies · 22/09/2020 00:03

I think I’ve confused this with the Wales restricted areas rather than the England ones.

Are you allowed to leave the area where you are now?

If you are, the company should really give you a full refund because they are the ones not willing to have you to stay.

Can you get them to clarify what the refund situation is?

Butterer · 22/09/2020 00:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sugar00 · 22/09/2020 00:04

@Dreamscomingtrue

I think you give our address details when you make a booking don’t you?

If you’re not in a lockdown area then it should be ok for you to go?

No, it’s OK for OP to go, wherever she is travelling from.