Would you travel or lose the deposit?

[thelightishere]

Long story about why we have two deposits in one booking (prebooked two holidays in 2019 for 2020 essentially) but the holiday company are saying the owner will not move the booking to later on this year (we had combined the two and moved to June 2021 so meant to go in 3 weeks and the country has been put on green list). Deposit we stand to lose is £2400.

I'm early 40s and not yet had vaccine, DH has had first, two other family members have but not willing to travel yet (both had two jabs now) and we have a toddler DC.

Had covid 7 months ago, DH has confirmed he no antibodies from that (part of research study).

My WWYD is whether you would travel, or whether you'd be happy to lose the deposit. I know it's our decision etc but am interested in others' perspectives.

If it's on the green list, I think I'd go, though that's easy to say from the point of view of not having to make the decision!

Given the very few countries on the green list have very low case rates, it overall feels low risk - no higher than going on holiday in the UK. My family is probably at greater risk going to Yorkshire on holiday for half term from our part of the UK with lower case rates.

The only question for me would be the airport, which feels a bit like the pinch point, but on an individual level you are all pretty low risk if you're not vaccinated yet and have had Covid - so even if no antibodies there may be some T-cell immunity playing a role.

But I'm also influenced by how much I miss travelling.

I thought the vaccine was now offered to aged 34 or above?

Think of it this way: you've already lost the deposit.

You're not going to get that money back. Nothing you do now will put that £2400 in your bank account.

What you have to decide is: are you sufficiently happy that the risk is low to go on this holiday?

That's it. Nothing about the deposit, nothing about money. Are you happy to do it, or not?

I’d go.

What’s making you think you shouldn’t go?

If it were me I’d get the vaccine first and then after a first dose I’d be perfectly happy to travel to a green list country. It’s up to you though, the deposit is spent whether or not you go so really it’s whether or not you feel comfortable with it.

I would go

As a pp said, firstly stop thinking about it in terms of losing your deposit. If you don’t go you’ve in effect gained money as you won’t have to pay the remaining balance.

Personally I wouldn’t go but that’s because I wouldn’t be able to quarantine when I returned. And I would be worried about testing positive before I travel and having to cancel anyway.

I don’t understand why you haven’t had your vaccine though

On vaccines, just a reminder that depending on where you live just because you're eligible to book doesn't mean you can get one immediately! DH had to wait three weeks - has had his first dose this week (he's 43 and booked the first few days he was eligible.)

Id go. But I would get vaccinated first, you have been eligible for 2 weeks

@motogogo

Id go. But I would get vaccinated first, you have been eligible for 2 weeks

Agree

Vaccine is booked for Sunday. Didn't realise it would be so important in replies

Would be travelling two weeks after that so not enough time to kick in.

What's stopping me is reluctance to get covid again!

I'd go without a second thought!

When did you have it?

Tbh I’d go in a shot and thank my lucky stars it’s on the green list - not many are!

I would not go if you have not been vaccinated. It is a lot of money to lose, but better that than lose your life.

@caringcarer

I would not go if you have not been vaccinated. It is a lot of money to lose, but better that than lose your life.

OP is no more likely to lose her life going to a green list country than staying here.

I'd go but then I'd also have had (and did have) my vaccine the minute I was eligible to ensure maximum time to become covered by the vaccine. It's really your own fault that there isn't a big enough gap now.

I'd go. I don't believe that your risk is greater going to a green list country than it is here. Escape this awful weather!

Yes, I’d go.
If you’re worried about catching coronavirus then of course whether you are vaccinated is important!!

If I read correctly, you’ve already had covid? The vaccine will boost immunity from that and two weeks after vaccine would be good enough for me.

Unless there are any underlying illnesses you’re not mentioning?

I wouldn't travel now. You have already lost the deposit, so try to think about whether you want to pay the rest of the money to travel now.

I would definitely go.

Are you also having to pay for the family members not coming with you now, assume grandparents?

I thought they couldn't test T cell response when checking for antibodies? If this is correct you and your dh will probably have some protection.

Where are you going?

I would go.
The risk of catching covid is no greater in a green list country than in the UK.
You don’t have to quarantine when returning from a green list country

I'd crawl over you to get your seat on the plane, but YOU have to be ok with the risk.