DH and at odds over cancelling Christmas trips: would you?

[workwoes123]

We live in France, all our families are in Scotland. We haven’t been back to see them since’ Christmas 2019. We managed to see my parents this summer, in France, but DHs mum (Parkinsons, osteoporosis and now dementia) went into a nursing home in summer 2020 - and he hasn’t seen any of them in person through all of this. Our children, who were very close to their grandparents, are growing up so fast. So far, so much the same for many families.

We used our twice cancelled summer flight vouchers to buy tickets for this Christmas . We are going for teo weeks, leaving the day after schools break up. DH and I triple vaccinated, DS 13 double vaccinated. The requirements in terms of testing etc have gone from minor to testing three times - two of them in the U.K. so at the mercy of expensive and unreliable private firms. In Scotland thé govt haven’t done any more than in England yet but they are encouraging people not to socialise, and to do LTF all the time.

DH is a teacher, , I work in a school, we have two boys in school. He’s really worried about getting Covid in Scotland and being stuck there. Where would we isolate? In a hotel? Presumably we can’t isolate with family?

I’d probably do it, he wants to cancel / postpone. At this stage we’d lose a bit of money on AirBNB but not too much. But are things going to be any better in February?

Argh!! WWYD? What are you doing - if you plan to travel over Christmas?

Sorry.. you are right.. the sworn statement says no contact with a case within 14 days..

Forgive me if I’m wrong but the only test you absolutely need to do is the pre-departure test to enter the U.K.

You need to book the Day 2 test for sure, but you don’t need to actually do it. No one will know. The test centres do not keep a record of whether or not you have tested on Day 2. Things get lost in the post… If you don’t do the test you’ll be fine to get back into France (it’ll just a case of morals, rather than legals, if you’re feeling under the weather at the time).

Or am I missing something because of the added dimension of transferring across the border from England to Scotland, and vice versa on the return?

@tangyandsalty

I would go. If it was just a jolly I'd probably postpone but with elderly parents nothing is guaranteed.

Same here, and I speak as someone who lost my elderly Dad during the last lockdown (not Covid related).

For elderly relatives in declining health, just do it. The day you don't could be the day you regret not going. They no longer have all the time in the world left. I'm glad I ignored the rules to spend a last few days with my Dad when he was dying.

@Blackbird2020

We have to do a test up to 48 hours before departure from Scotland to France, the proof of a negative result has to be shown to board the plane afaik.

We’re direct France - Scotland - France, no crossing the border to England.

@Blackbird2020

Forgive me if I’m wrong but the only test you absolutely need to do is the pre-departure test to enter the U.K.

Nope….in the context of the OPs trip prior to return to France they would also very much need to provide a negative test result in the 48/24 hours prior to travel to France, exact details on timings vary depending on vaccination status.

..and Border Police/airport staff at many ports of have certainly been very diligently checking test results/vaccination certificates in recent days.

I would go, but shorter maybe (if possible)

@Draggondragon

I had to travel to the UK last month after 3 years away and hated every second. Not one person seemed to give a shit about others and I was the only person wearing a mask or distancing. Heathrow is a shitshow covid factory. I couldn't wait to get out of there, I felt really vulnerable. If you haven't been back a while you may find it a culture shock after France.

Yeah but people are still wearing masks in Scotland and are being much more careful. I felt very vulnerable when I had to go to England after being here. . It does seem very careless after being in Scotland.

I'd go OP.

Ah, sorry I didn’t realise France had changed their entry rules to include a pre-departure test too now.

@Blackbird2020

Ah, sorry I didn’t realise France had changed their entry rules to include a pre-departure test too now.

Yep, it’s recent change (came in last weekend)..

I wouldn't put a halt to any plans now if everyone involved is double jabbed and those who need them have also had boosters Covid is not going anywhere. We need to restore a worthwhile quality of life, while being sensible. Wear masks, use antibac, avoid mixing in vast crowds where possible, WFH if suitable, but don't miss out on family visits or long awaited holidays. You'll wait forever.