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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Should I just plan to blooming well go?

26 replies

Bellasorella1 · 20/12/2021 20:12

Had an absolutely horrific year and planned to head off the Dubai this week to sit Christmas out / have some fun. I’d be going on my own and if I stayed here I’d also be on my own, y’know as opposed to that awkward non-family person intruding on a friend’s big day(s). (I’ve done both scenarios several times before and not really enjoyed it)

Of course now, thanks to dithering Boris no one knows what the f**k is going on travel wise. An expert on LBC earlier was saying it’s not the time to be doing any independent travel but package tours should be ok. Obvs I’m doing independent travel and am pretty independent. However, am I missing something - other than possibly having to rearrange flights is there any other reason not to go? Apparently even if they decide there will be fines for going on hols if you get out before it’s announced they have to let you back in but the number of flights will reduce.

Would you go? Dubai is currently massively less impacted with covid than here due to very strict restrictions but friends are worried about me going.

OP posts:
LemonViolet · 20/12/2021 20:19

When do you have to be back here for work or any other commitment?

Worst case scenario - you test positive for covid and can’t get back into the U.K. until you can give a negative test, can you afford to be stuck in a hotel in Dubai for several weeks maybe? Or worse if restrictions change and you have to isolate in a hotel here at your expense when you return?

Personally I just wouldn’t at the moment. Yes everything is shit right now but I couldn’t afford financially or responsibility/commitment wise to be stuck out of the country.

HeddaGarbled · 20/12/2021 20:40

You could seed Omicron in Dubai 😱

BingoandBluey · 20/12/2021 20:42

I would have thought the difference between package and independent holidays is about atol protection and ease of getting refunds.

Original poster
Bellasorella1 · 20/12/2021 21:16

Hopefully not you need a pcr to get on the plane. Just got the result back. Flight is lunchtime Wed and I’m staying in til then.

OP posts:
Original poster
Bellasorella1 · 20/12/2021 21:30

@LemonViolet

When do you have to be back here for work or any other commitment?

Worst case scenario - you test positive for covid and can’t get back into the U.K. until you can give a negative test, can you afford to be stuck in a hotel in Dubai for several weeks maybe? Or worse if restrictions change and you have to isolate in a hotel here at your expense when you return?

Personally I just wouldn’t at the moment. Yes everything is shit right now but I couldn’t afford financially or responsibility/commitment wise to be stuck out of the country.

I've got what seems to be rock solid insurance and I'd obv be doing everything I can to keep safe.

Cant see that I'd have to isolate on return, Dubai is so much safer than here (currently) and there are only so many isolation rooms available.

I am working on a contract and wouldn't be back at work until 6 days after my planned return. The contract hasn't got that long to run anyway in a worst case scenario.

OP posts:
Original poster
Bellasorella1 · 20/12/2021 21:34

@BingoandBluey

I would have thought the difference between package and independent holidays is about atol protection and ease of getting refunds.
I used to work for a package company. They will always get you back whether it means cutting your trip short, sending out recovery flights etc.

When you go independently, it's up to you to rearrange any cancelled flights, etc. I've booked with major carriers, so not worried about losing money there, although there could be extra hotel costs if I had to stay a bit longer.

OP posts:
Luredbyapomegranate · 20/12/2021 21:35

Go!

Tay17 · 20/12/2021 21:48

I’d definitely go! Life’s too short. You could not gk and the travel rules not change, it’s all so up in the air so I’d say prepare as much as you can (which it sounds like you have done, insurance etc) and go and have a lovely time!!

Casimira · 20/12/2021 21:53

Go, and enjoy every minute of it.

Pinkchocolate · 20/12/2021 21:56

I would go. You seem to have thought about all scenarios and are sufficiently prepared. Enjoy OP if you do end up going. I’d love to escape somewhere hot for a bit.

MoiraNotRuby · 20/12/2021 21:57

If I could afford it, even if things changed, I would go. Have an AMAZING time and enjoy it on behalf of this Internet random too. Have a cocktail/sunbathe for me.

LividLaVidaLoca · 20/12/2021 21:59

I’m your circumstances I’d go.

Though Dubai seems ethically dubious.

Currently riddled with covid and a little bit jealous tbh.

peboh · 20/12/2021 22:01

In your circumstances, I'd go! Go enjoy yourself, drink cocktails, get a nice bit of sun!

Thehop · 20/12/2021 22:05

@HeddaGarbled

You could seed Omicron in Dubai 😱
There’s ONE confirmed case of omicron in dubai.
Thehop · 20/12/2021 22:05

@Bellasorella1 we’ve got family over from dubai at the moment. They’re in much better shape over there than we are at the moment. I would go in a heartbeat.

cardibach · 20/12/2021 22:09

@Thehop I think that’s @HeddaGarbled ‘s point…
We have loads, they have few, OP is a risk to Dubai.

LouiseLaChain · 20/12/2021 22:16

Worst case and you get stuck there - can you take a laptop and work remotely?

Thehop · 20/12/2021 22:17

[quote cardibach]@Thehop* I think that’s *@HeddaGarbled ‘s point…
We have loads, they have few, OP is a risk to Dubai.[/quote]
Oh god of course. I’m sorry @HeddaGarbled, completely misunderstood. You make a good point.

KellyMarieTunstall2 · 20/12/2021 22:33

I would definitely go I'd I was you. Better than being alone here. Have a great time.

DyingDeclaration · 20/12/2021 22:52

I was in Dubai for work a couple of weeks ago. The COVID measures / mask wearing were taken seriously everywhere including on flight and felt far safer than home in that respect. Arranging return PCR through hotel was quick and easy.

VaulterTech · 20/12/2021 23:00

Go op. We cancelled our abroad trip and I’ve been away with work twice to uk cities since then and everyone out partying, wish I’d just gone abroad now! If isolating won’t impact your work I’d go in a heartbeat

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 20/12/2021 23:09

I think I’d probably go! As long as you aren’t too concerned about having to get back for work etc.

Original poster
Bellasorella1 · 21/12/2021 00:16

Thanks gang for the support. I’m going to do it.

Que sera, sera. Will try not to be the weepily angry tourist at the airport you see on tv if all goes a bit wrong.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas whatever you’re doing xx

OP posts:
MintJulia · 21/12/2021 00:22

Have you got £2,000 for a quarantine hotel, if the rules change?

NovemberNovemberDarkNights · 21/12/2021 00:28

You seem to have all bases covered. I'm CEV so wouldn't go (uk airport - no thanks!!) but in your situation I might, please post photos of sunshine, pool, cocktails so we can live vicariously!! Oh & be careful not to get arrested!