Santorini explosive argument

[JifNtGif]

I always go in holiday once a year with friend. Normally Europe, something chilled for 10 days. We switch who does all the admin / booking but will have a few places in mind. This year it was my turn to organise. Have booked Santorini. Got a fantastic deal. Beautiful venue. I booked it over Xmas for this July. Friend happy.
After several earthquakes we were nervous but agreed to wait it out (aware this is 'act of god' so couldn't get refund on insurance). There's been nothing major recently. So I assumed trip was on.

Over the weekend friend forwarded BBC article and said that the lead scientist said the " big earthquake/ volcanic eruption was coming this summer " and has said she's not coming.
I've read the article and it doesn't say that at all. In fact if anything it seemed the team had no clue what was happening and just let a journalist hang out with them for a day.
We can't cancel without losing a lot of money and friend said she would rather pay not to go. She won't reimburse me if I go by myself though.

We had a heated discussion and tbh I think she's making up earthquake scenarios/ catastrophising. What would you do ?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm25lz56rezo

That’s a great result. You will love it.

I’m going there this Summer and not worried at all! Can you take someone else?

A bit more than “ironically” 🤔

If you cannot travel your insurance should reimburse any out of pocket expenses though the airline will cancel your flights and refund and so should your accommodation provider. If you just want to cancel and there is no travel advisory that’s on you

EXCELLENT news OP! 😃 And when you and your other friend return with memories of a lovely holiday, the friend who should have been going (and didn't think twice about shafting you for the cancellation charges) is going to feel more than a little foolish (and also rather disappointed when you choose to never commit to a holiday with her ever again).

@JifNtGif I would still go, it’s an amazing place. And if she’s already paid her share then just go on your own and she doesn’t get her money back?

Excellent. To be on the safe side - the Greek government built a fast evacuation port "just in case" - make sure you know where it is on day 1 😂

One extreme to the other. Now I'd be concerned that I'm going with a friend who is hoping for an earthquake. 😁😁

No one can predict when an earthquake is going to happen. Your friend is being ridiculous and awkward. She needs to pay for whatever is her half. Go with someone else.

That’s a great result! You and your volcanologist friend will have a great trip! Make sure you visit Akrotiri.

Brilliant 🤣. Glad you got it sorted! Enjoy your trip!

Make sure to send your other friend photos of you and other friend having fab time in Santorini when you get back 😄

Good plan!!

I really don’t think these days it’s worth booking direct. You lose supplier failure protection and you don’t have end to end responsibility with a single company. Both TUI and EasyJet offer flexibility to change which you don’t have with airlines.

Different if you are doing something unique but bog std holiday locations just book early in the sales to get best value.

I think she is being unreasonable to not pay for the holiday if you go. I’d have a rhjnk also about the friendship - is this an important friendship that you would like to continue, as if so you both need to come to a resolution that concludes this conflict amicably. She needs to see she is being unreasonable in her demands too. I’d offer to meet her face to face talk to thru with her. Have food, don’t have any booze. If she really doesn’t want to go that’s acceptable and maybe she can see if she can sell her holiday to someone else ? Or call the companies to see if she can transfer it to somewhere else : get some refund.

Just to let you know, we've just been to Santorini on a cruise, and one of the trips was to an island just off the main bit for a volcano hike. We went, it was great, there were steaming vents where the gases comes out, no bubbling pots of lava, like in a James Bond film though! If they thought there was any chance of lots of tourists being blown up, they wouldn't go.

And the OP’s friend that is now coming is a volcanologist?

goodness, that’s quite a neat end to the story isn’t it

Whether she wants to go or not, she still needs to pay her share. If you can't get a refund it shouldn't be up to you to pay for the entire trip non-trip!
But I agree with other posters, get her to sort her bit and then go anyway.

I would say as that if she isn't actually physically going on the hoilday and also given that you will have more space for yourself half of the cost would be more than a generous reimbursement your friend.