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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Are people who are going on holiday this year selfish?

179 replies

Meltinthemiddle · 19/05/2021 10:25

Just saw a big row unfold on my FB feed because someone posted they've had their vaccinations and can't wait to go on holiday and they quite a few negative responses calling them selfish 🙈. I just wondered what others thought?

OP posts:
freakyfridays · 19/05/2021 20:54

I think some people don't think it counts as a holiday unless you get on a plane.

ferries work too. Unless you end up on the isle of Wight.

HeronLanyon · 19/05/2021 20:56

Not selfish but I’d say they are risk takers (things are changing fast and refunds/quarantine costs etc are all up the swannee a bit) and why not wait.
I’ve been doing long walks recently
And have really caught the sun. Look as though have been away away. Wish I hadn’t. So maybe i do think I don’t want to be thought to have been abroad. Hmmm

Ladyinthewindow · 19/05/2021 20:56

Nope! If I could afford to go on holiday, then I'd be off in a shot.

StripyHorse · 19/05/2021 20:59

@Plumbear2

Yes it is. Apart from bringing new variants back they could also take new variants to where ever they are going.
Yup it's selfish for this very reason. It is less likely you will become infected / transmit covid if you are vaccinated but it's no guarantee.
wonderstuff · 19/05/2021 21:01

No. As long as following travel guidelines people should be free to enjoy their holidays with absolutely zero guilt.

I can't wait to go to sunnier climes. Absolutely fed up with cold damp weather.

Sparklingbrook · 19/05/2021 21:02

@freakyfridays

I think some people don't think it counts as a holiday unless you get on a plane.

ferries work too. Unless you end up on the isle of Wight.

Yes you could go all the way to Calais maybe.
Grilledaubergines · 19/05/2021 21:02

Yes. And a little hard of thinking.

I keep hearing “we’re DESPERATE of a holiday. We need a break.” Aren’t most people feeling that way? But most are sensible, so will avoid taking action that causes risks to other people.

Unicornsbumhole · 19/05/2021 21:03

I think after the past 12 months I damn well deserve a holiday, worked my ass off all the way through this pandemic, it nearly broke my marriage, and my sanity and if a break is selfish then so be it, keep your opinions to yourself.
This won't go away and we need to start understanding that and dealing with it

wonderstuff · 19/05/2021 21:03

Everyone worrying about variants realises the government hasn't closed our borders right? People have been travelling to the UK the whole time, we don't need to travel to find new variants they're being imported to us.

Grilledaubergines · 19/05/2021 21:08

@Unicornsbumhole

I think after the past 12 months I damn well deserve a holiday, worked my ass off all the way through this pandemic, it nearly broke my marriage, and my sanity and if a break is selfish then so be it, keep your opinions to yourself. This won't go away and we need to start understanding that and dealing with it
Keep your opinions to yourself? Not really the way it works.

So you not realise everyone has worked their arses off, suffered stress, relationship issues, illness etc etc etc etc. Not just you. But you go ahead and have your selfish holiday, you really do deserve it.

Sparklingbrook · 19/05/2021 21:10

@wonderstuff

Everyone worrying about variants realises the government hasn't closed our borders right? People have been travelling to the UK the whole time, we don't need to travel to find new variants they're being imported to us.
No, but not travelling will help to minimise your risk if you are worried about them presumably? The variant might come to you, bit you don't have to increase your chances of finding it.

Seems more than a little chaotic at the airports at the moment WRT mixing everyone up regardless of where they flew in from too,

MaryThorne · 19/05/2021 21:10

@XenoBitch

No, it is not selfish. It is allowed, and if they follow any self-isolation rules etc on return, then it is a non-issue in my eyes.
This
cosmoswithcovids · 19/05/2021 21:17

I feel sorry for those younger people who haven't yet had their first vaccines who actually want to get away, this past 14 months has been a hard slog.

Personally I'm 31, haven't had a vaccine and I'm not interested in going abroad. Very selfishly I'd love for more people to go abroad to take the pressure off the touristy area our second home is in.

At this point I think everyone has to do what they can to jolly themselves along.

toodleloooo · 19/05/2021 21:26

I think it's certainly thinking of yourself and putting yourself first but I'm not sure I'd begrudge anyone that at the moment.

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 19/05/2021 21:32

If it's within the rules then absolutely go for it!!

KitKat1985 · 19/05/2021 21:33

If they are following the rules and getting the required tests / quarantine periods then I can't see the harm. To be honest if people don't start having holidays then the entire travel industry is going to start to collapse soon. And most people need something to look forward to.
What I would say is people must be aware by now that things are very changeable so I think there probably won't be much sympathy for people who get 'caught out' by sudden changes in quarantine rules or travel restrictions, and I think people should accept that travel is at their own risk.

Echobelly · 19/05/2021 21:33

Not really, but airports are going to be absolute nightmares this summer, which is the main reason we're not going to try to leave the country.

SamusIsAGirl · 19/05/2021 21:46

No, a staycation is when you do day trips but have more of a holiday ambience - more eating out/takeout, chilling out and staying up late.

marylouis · 19/05/2021 21:48

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

AlmostSummer21 · 19/05/2021 22:58

@freakyfridays

AlmostSummer21

so close... if you'd gone on about driving to Italy and staying with relatives there you could have more of a point Wink

I do have a point, I'm not sure what you think yours is
freakyfridays · 19/05/2021 23:02

clearly.

CherryLemonade · 19/05/2021 23:07

Yes I think its selfish. They must also have a lot of holiday allowance from work to get a week off and then ten days at home to self isolate!

freakyfridays · 19/05/2021 23:14

@CherryLemonade

Yes I think its selfish. They must also have a lot of holiday allowance from work to get a week off and then ten days at home to self isolate!
or just.. work from home like most office workers had to do for the last year or so.

Such a non-issue for so many of us.

kittycorner · 20/05/2021 01:03

I don't think it's wise to go overseas.

I think staying in the UK and going on a holiday, using sensible approaches when vaccinated, is smart.

Hopefully next year proper abroad travel is a safe and viable option.

SamusIsAGirl · 20/05/2021 14:28

Mind you, I'm surprised how much I've missed international conferences. This is the longest I've been in the UK since 2006.