To lie about my location to the holiday accommodation?

[Rae34]

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.

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

Because that is what it means in Wales.

Sorry OP it's for England. Hadn't considered you might be in Wales, they have different rules.

www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-on-holidays-in-areas-with-local-coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions

Lol yes ok @Butterer I take your point. But I am being so careful it would be pretty nuts if I had managed to get it.

I am in Scotland, where there are some restrictions. Can anyone help with a link or resource I can point the accommodation to to show why they should accommodate me?

I'd lie

But dont say Bolton

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

It isn’t if she’s in Wales.

We are in England and so far our cottage holiday is going ahead this weekend. If they end up cancelling us then according to their website we can change dates or get a refund.

I’d challenge the booking company, because it’s not what the government guidance states about going on holiday.

If you live inside an area with local restrictions, you can go on holiday outside that area but you should only socialise indoors with members of your own household or support bubble

You can only stay in a private home - which includes self-catered accommodation such as holiday cottages, apartments or boats - with members of your own household or support bubble

You can stay in a hotel or similar accommodation (for example, a hostel or bed and breakfast) with another household but should avoid sharing rooms with people you do not live with or otherwise socialising indoors, for example in each other's rooms, in reception areas, or in restaurants and bars

www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-on-holidays-in-areas-with-local-coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions#travelling-outside-the-area

And I agree that mental health is important

Go for it OP!
But don’t they need your actual address?
I hope you can get away and enjoy a break.

I'm in Scotland travelling to another Scottish town. Thank you @DustyLoafer - the advice says:

"If you are not able to take a planned holiday due to local restrictions, we encourage accommodation providers to offer alternative dates if this can be agreed with you. If this cannot be arranged, we encourage businesses to provide a refund as they have for customers during the broader period of national restrictions, which may depend on the terms of the booking contract."

Oh I’ve linked to uk guidance didn’t see your post..

These are the rules for east Dunbartonshire.

www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-local-measures/pages/east-dunbartonshire/

It specifically says you are allowed to travel out of the the area and holidays with your own household in self catering accommodation are allowed.

The issue is if i lie and they ask for proof of address. Then i'd feel a right mug.

Thank you @PurpleDaisies. So my next challenge will be to find our where I stand with a refund if they choose to cancel regardless.

Quite surprised by the current results of the poll. I can’t see you’re putting anyone at risk, at all. 3 days alone in a cottage by the sea? It’s hardly a packed hotel bar sharing space with strangers.

OP, take anti-bac wipes, be considerate of the cleaners etc and those coming after you and don’t go out ‘mingling’, but enjoy your break.

Quite surprised by the current results of the poll. I can’t see you’re putting anyone at risk, at all. 3 days alone in a cottage by the sea?

People don’t like lying.

It looks like the op doesn’t need to anyway. The Scottish rules say the travel she’s booked is allowed.

Yeah exactly, it is allowed, but they are saying they wont accommodate me if I tell them I am from a restricted area.

Not sure I have a leg to stand on legally.

They should give you a refund though, which you can use to book somewhere else.

www.booking.com/covid-19.en-gb.html#:~:text=For%20the%20best%20support%2C%20please,using%20your%20Booking.com%20account.&text=If%20your%20booking%20is%20no,see%20if%20this%20is%20possible.

Hmm

Not sure how you stand legally, however it is only a holiday. Even if you think that it is benefitting you it is still just a holiday..................................

YABU

If you are subject to restrictions, they apply to everyone- not just those who find it convenient or who agree. For all you know, there may be a reason that the accommodation are being very careful. I don’t think it’s up to you to decide the risks others should take.

Also, even though you think it is unlikely that you have Covid, you can’t really be sure- many affected people have no symptoms at all. However low you feel your risk of having the virus (and it may well be very low, by the sound of things), you shouldn’t lie to get a break. Do they not have your billing/correspondence address anyway?

Your mental health is a red herring- if you are struggling, then seek help for that from your GP or local counselling services.

They’re cancelling on you. You’re not cancelling them. It isn’t against the government rules for you to be going.

I wouldn’t lie, no. But I would email the rules to them and that if they refuse to accommodate you, they will have to refund you in full.

@jacks11 I don't need a counsellor, I need a few days by the sea! Not a red herring. Can't believe people actually think like this.

You said you've been so careful and it's needed for your mental health so yes I think you should go.

Right @PurpleDaisies @Mummyoflittledragon I will just emailt them in morning and explain the situation. Will link to the gov sources you sent and ask if they are going to refund if they choose to cancel. Not sure else i can do.