Planning a trip to Sri Lanka next February, a bad idea?

[Hillsmakeyoustrong]

So we have been planning a trip to Sri Lanka as a family of four for next February but are in two minds as to whether it's a good idea given recent/current instability. I've tried to get a sense of the situation through the media as I have no personal contacts but am struggling. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Anyone?

Check the FCO

@FoxtrotOscarFoxtrotOscar I have checked it. It's fairly generic.

We are in touch with friends (locals) out there who live in the South West area near Hikkaduwa / Baddegama.

Cost of living is rising daily and exponentially - fuel, food, water is still fairly cheap by our standards, but it's not affordable for them. Public transport has all but collapsed with the lack of fuel.

Hotels etc are still up and running, they are desperate for the tourist trade. The advice we have been given is to eat and sleep off the beaten track, not in chain hotels or the bigger posher restaurants.

My Dad and I are thinking of going out next year, but I'm guided by him on costs etc. I've been twice for a few months, he's been out several times but his mobility is shot now so it won't be a touring trip for him.

If you wanted a guide, we know Lucky Bolonghe out there who is brilliant and could cost you up a trip and talk you through the local issues as well. I've mentioned him here before and you'll see he's talked about a lot on travel sites.

@GetOffTheRoof thankyou 🙏. Exactly the sort of thing I was wondering about. We are fairly independent travellers and would have been booking Airbnb and small guest houses anyway. We would have previously travelled by train but have 6 year olds in tow so would want to hire a local driver for the most part. I guess I'm thinking (selfishly) if the infrastructure is collapsing that will impact all the major services like transport, health. I'm wondering if it's the best time to go but if it would be ok then we would want to be part of supporting the economy.

Really? I looked at the FCO website for Sri Lanka the other day and it seemed unequivocal to me - it said that the country was in a state of total economic collapse. IMO you'd be crazy to go. It's a shame as I would love to go too but some things are not worth the risk.

Such a shame. I went in Feb just before Covid and was planning on going again Feb 2023 but doesn't look like a good idea. An incredibly under rated country, beautiful people, delicious food. I really hope things recover for them quickly. If anyone does go please do report back.

Before you go make sure you check with your travel insurance provider that you will definitely be covered! I know some providers have stopped insuring for the time being. Wouldn't want to get stuck somewhere or hurt without any help.

If/when you do go though have a great time - it is a beautiful country ☺️

I’d either ensure you have thorough insurance for everything, or book refundable things. Maybe consider a back up option? We did Vietnam in February, was great

@Lcb123 thanks I might look at Vietnam. If I didn't have 6 year olds in tow then I'd likely risk it. I've travelled in unstable regions before but that was pre kids. I have to say there are so many places I wouldn't go to now that I happily visited 20 years ago the world has changed significantly

I’m from Sri Lanka. It is safe to travel to Sri Lanka. Sharing a link of YouTube blog that would be useful for you. Hope you will make a trip to my beautiful country. You are sure gonna enjoy every bit of it. 😊
https://youtube.com/@Sheneller

Thankyou @Anz123 🙏

We have decided to go to Costa Rica in February but will most definitely be visiting your beautiful country as soon as we can save up for our next big adventure