Overseas Travel - Are You Booked & Are You Still Going?

LTheMindsetTraveller on 27/02/2020 - 20:16
Last edited 27/02/2020 - 20:16

Hello =)

We have seen a dozen or so threads about upcoming booked travel and what should I do in light of this virus that is going around the world? We all have read, seen, or heard the news - multiple times per day - and have an idea what the coronavirus is, and then we reflect on how it could impact those who are travelling (or not). We could debate and argue this 'until the cows come home' and still have no resolution in what is still a dynamic virus situation.

The direction of this thread (well I hope anyway) is to see, in factual data, of who are booked, when and where are you going and IF you are still going? [prefer not to debate pros/cons of this virus]

Hopefully, we can use this format

When I am going?
Where I am going?
Am I still going?

I'll start off with my situation:-

4 to 18 March
Thailand (Koh Samui / Koh Phangan)
Yes + wife

8-21 April
Thailand (Bangkok), Cambodia (Phnom Penh) and Singapore
Yes + wife

14-19 May
Melbourne
Yes

11 July - 3 August
France (Paris) and TBD european cities.
Yes + wife, however my parents may cancel if situation gets worse.

3 to 18 August
Singapore and Japan
Yes + wife

Travel

Comments

lddv04 on 03/03/2020 - 14:58

+1

When I am going? April
Where I am going? NZ
Am I still going? Hell yes!
- athk on 04/03/2020 - 07:52
  
  +1
  
  Enjoy! The South is so beautiful.
partymix on 03/03/2020 - 16:34

+1

Was booked in for 3 weeks in Japan over March however have just devastatingly cancelled due to travelling with an 8 month old. Not in fear of the virus but because I don't want to be stranded if they ban flights back from Japan AND/OR the risk of ending up in quarantine :(
hopper on 03/03/2020 - 17:53

jesus is coming soon
Tejas57 on 03/03/2020 - 18:27

Heading to london Sep 5 to 16.

will still be going. already have tickets to see wicked on the west end, Jimmy Carr at the O2 and the harry potter stdio tour.

I'm also transiting via dubai so that helps (rather than HK or singapore)
- matt3 on 03/03/2020 - 19:20
  
  Say g'day to Jimmy for us.
Cheap Charlie1 on 03/03/2020 - 19:09

I was worried about the virus and the impact it would have on lives and the economy, but basically everyone I talk to dismisses me as a conspiracy theorist or prepper.

Since I'm healthy and have enough emergency money to survive for years without working, I'm just going to continue travelling, only take the most basic precautions, and if I get it so be it I'll just spread it around I guess. It's just the flu after all.
Buckshot on 03/03/2020 - 19:14
17-21 September
Singapore for the F1.
Yes & Family/Friends

Betting on it being full-blown epidemic like H1N1/ has a Vaccination created or it's Snuffed out.

Everything is booked Flexible other than the F1 ticket but they are refunded if it's cancelled.
chumlee on 03/03/2020 - 19:16

I'm going to heaven to get my 72 virgins. Hope they are female
- matt3 on 03/03/2020 - 19:26
  
  +1
  
  Mate didn't you read that the Pearly Gates were closed and locked last Friday until further notice? They couldn't get enough test kits.
  God Handing Out Hand Sanitizer
  
  Hell is still open. It's an ominous sign when you get COVID19 that you get a burning throat.
DrRalph on 03/03/2020 - 19:22

Yes and yes.
ProspectiveDarkness on 03/03/2020 - 19:57

Phuket, March 31st. Still tossing up, we'll see how the next few weeks go.
crozza on 03/03/2020 - 21:12

Stans, 23 May 3 weeks plus too and fro,
Paid deposit [refundable if impossible to get there or away or if declared a no-go area like wuhan]
Balance was due 9 March, they have extended this to 10 April.
I think is is fair. Cv not their fault,
no flights booked, so wait and see,
Via China is cheaper but riskier.
Via Dubai, more expensive, but maybe same risk by May 23

Staying home? is the risk much less?
Lockieasy on 03/03/2020 - 23:11

+1

17 April, 2020
Northern Italy
No. I'm cancelling and instead will go there later on after it's all blown over. So far I only had a (refundable) plane ticket purchased so I'll hopefully be able to refund it without too much hassle.
athk on 04/03/2020 - 07:51

I've got the Formula 1 in April, in Vietnam, were all still going.

As far as I'm concerned the recent events (stockpiling) is all fear mongering from the media they do exaggerate these things.

Sure it's real, it's deadly for older people or if you have an underlying illness / immune issue.

That doesn't mean we're not going to be cautious or not use protection (masks) it's real after all. My father is 72 and that's a worry of all of ours if he contracts it.
- sal78 on 14/03/2020 - 04:17
  
  +1
  
  yet you r taking the risk wow
  - athk on 14/03/2020 - 07:39
    
    +1
    
    Pointless now, the F1 has been postponed and more than likely will be cancelled. Things have progressed extremely quickly, we have reconsidered our travel plans.
    
    Vietnam is still one of the lowest infected countries, there's still an element of risk of course. However, statically you're more likely to contract it on the aeroplane to/fro.
    
    Just don't get caught up in all the media hype, get your information from multiple creditable source and don't believe everything you read (especially on Facebook).
Hamlet on 04/03/2020 - 08:25

+1

Going March 31 to Bali and then to Singapore Apr 10. Still unsure whether to cancel or not…
RefusdClassification on 04/03/2020 - 08:33

-2

Even if you are infected, only 2% chance of death from Co-vid 19. It's no worse than influenza.

Come on bargain hunters, definitely worth the risk unless are suffer from COPD.
- Hamlet on 04/03/2020 - 08:59
  
  +6
  
  Uh… actually, it is worse than influenza…
  
  "On average, seasonal flu strains kill about 0.1 percent of people who become infected…Early estimates of the coronavirus death rate from China, the epicenter of the outbreak, have been around 2 percent." (source: NYtimes)
  
  But that's not the full picture. In this BBC article, the death rate for younger people is significantly lower, down to 0.2 percent for under 30 year olds. That said, the concern isn't just about death; it's about the spread of the illness. You may be fine but if you spread it to your elderly parents/grandparents, that's worrying.
- sal78 on 14/03/2020 - 04:21
  
  +3
  
  A lot of us have elderly parents, relatives etc with respiratory chronic health conditions, diabetes etc I’m not worried about myself but I’d like to do my part in containment.
  
  Ppl out and about more likely to catch the virus than someone practising social distancing. With the rapid spreading, everyone travelling basically stand a chance or contributing to the spread of the virus.
  
  How the world will ever contain it.
raspudala on 04/03/2020 - 09:16

+1
Today 9:15 AM

Singapore then Vietnam

No, moved my trip to next year

Was still thinking going before S.Korea, Italy and Iran hit, then changed my mind that this can explode and not worth the risk, it's only holidays, will always be next time.
ozbaragan on 04/03/2020 - 10:32

+1

Planned trip: 20th of March to Singapore, 24th of March to Seoul. I have just changed the date to August 2020. Don't want to go through Self Quarantine 14days upon returning.
d86 on 04/03/2020 - 10:43

Summer 2020:
Russia
Sweden
Turkey
USA

Yes, I am going.
pogichinoy on 04/03/2020 - 13:48

Yes, not paranoid like some people.

Philippines
March to April

France, Holland
September
- [Deactivated] on 04/03/2020 - 20:22
  
  +4
  
  I bet you're the type who wouldn't follow quarantine orders when given them and then spread it around if you have it
  - pogichinoy on 05/03/2020 - 15:19
    
    Nope, but you know about people who make assumptions…..
mauricem on 04/03/2020 - 17:25

+4

The timing for this couldnt be worse for us. My partner had a health scare and decided 2020 was the year for bucket list trips. She's still not well and most likely has a compromised immune system from chemo and radiation.
We have booked Bali for a week (only cause we will be in Darwin after a trip on the Gahn from Adelaide).

Then a week after we get back are supposed to be on a cruise ship out of Sydney for about 30 days to Alaska with stops at various South Pacific Islands and Hawaii. Any sign of fever before boarding or at any of the ports along the way and you wont get back on the boat AFAIK. Then a few train trips across Canada/Alaska before flying out of Seattle.

We were going to come home via Sri Lanka to some sort of 5 star health retreat but have canned that.

Back home for a bit then the Tokyo Olympics (tickets and accom already paid;(), not my cup of tea at all but its the last year a close relative is competing and she's a good chance of a medal and my partner is dead keen.

So what could possibly go wrong?
- sal78 on 14/03/2020 - 04:22
  
  +2
  
  wow sounds like a nightmare but if u are still going 🙏🏻 that u have a safe trip!
  - mauricem on 14/03/2020 - 13:34
    
    Thanks, up until a couple of days ago it looked like we would push on but sanity has prevailed and everything but the Ghan is on hold. Still waiting to see what they will do before possibly cancelling that too.
    
    Considering fly to and self drive around Tas instead if the situation here doesn't get too much worse. Would drive the whole way but its a long trip from Sunny Coast!
[Deactivated] on 04/03/2020 - 20:23

+5

https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/tasmanian-ma…

Basically most people on this thread id imagine if they got it. No concern for others whatsoever
- bghunter on 04/03/2020 - 23:46
  
  +2
  
  Agree with you there, these people either dont realize or dont care that they can spread it.
  - lostn on 07/03/2020 - 01:52
    
    +3
    
    "self quarantine" which is not enforced is the reason we can't contain it.
    
    China's quarantines are not based on trusting the person will do as they're told. As a result their infection rate plateaud some weeks ago and is in decline now. But even if China's infections dropped to 0 and everyone there is recovered, we still won't contain the virus if other countries are not taking hard measures and are just relying on people to isolate themselves.
    
    I mean can you even do that? If the person being asked to self quarantine lives with other people in their home, do all the people in their home have to be quarantined too? If not, the person can spread the virus to housemates who are still free to leave the home and spread it to other people.
    
    It's going to require a joint effort from every country in the world if we're going to rid the world of this virus. But it's more or less impossible to get that level of cooperation. Our only hope is to wait for a vaccine because quarantine is failing. By the time a vaccine is available, there will be untold economic damage, and tens of thousands more people will have died.
    - sal78 on 14/03/2020 - 04:28
      
      and now they have self regulate app to monitor every single person in china. Even travellers must quarantine for 2 weeks n download app. Management and prevention.
      
      It is essentially a health tracking app. If your body temp spikes, the police will appear within minutes.
      
      green is safe
      yellow 1 week quarantine
      red 2 weeks quarantine
      
      your app may turn yellow because you have been identified as someone in close contact with a suspected case.
      
      if you breach quarantine they will know too.
      
      big brother watching all your moved lol
      
      the chinese ppl love it and they feel safe.
      
      here is would be human rights violation
      - lostn on 15/03/2020 - 18:00
        
        @sal78: what if you're an oldie who doesn't have a smartphone? Or if your "forget" to keep your phone charged and it runs out of juice? Or you just bring a second phone, leave the tracked phone in your hotel while you keep your real one on you.
        
        If I had to choose between the country clean of the virus or keep my human rights I'd be happy to give them up. The cost of the virus being around forever is a lot worse than being tracked.
Tiredman on 04/03/2020 - 20:45

+1

Nothing fancy. Trip from Melbourne to GC in May. Probably cancelling.
- lainey13 on 05/03/2020 - 16:24
  
  -5
  
  What for? Avoid Glen Waverley, Box Hill, Chinatown and any mosques and you'll be right..
  - CMH on 06/03/2020 - 06:25
    
    +1
    
    Trip from Melbourne to GC in May
    
    Just thought I'd highlight the relevant point.
lostn on 07/03/2020 - 00:54

24 Mar to 2 Apr to Japan via HK

I am still going as I can't get refunds.

Only way to get refund is if the US bans travel to Japan, or if Japan closes its borders. Both look unlikely. Japan will try to stay as open as possible to not cast doubt on the Tokyo Olympics mid year. The US being an ally of Japan will do their best to support Japan's goal of pulling off the olympics successfully.

If you're wondering why the US travel restrictions matter, it's because the tour company I booked with is US based and they will only refund me if the US puts travel restrictions on.

Getting a refund for the flight is harder. I did not book directly with the airline but Expedia. Expedia is very slow at responding to issues. Japan as of a few hours ago just put quarantine restrictions on anyone arriving from HK. This pretty much kills my holiday. But the airline won't deal with me because I didn't book direct, so I have to go through Expedia who are swamped right now. I've been on the line for 3 hours. I have made contact with them for 3 weeks now and they promise to deal with Cathay for me but still haven't got around to it. I don't know if they ever will. This is ridiculous.
- Bambini88 on 09/03/2020 - 02:08
  
  Hey do you know how the travel restrictions is going to affect you since your going via HK?
  - lostn on 09/03/2020 - 11:51
    
    Cathay have been silent. And not responding.
    - Bambini88 on 09/03/2020 - 12:30
      
      Keep us updated please! I’m in same boat as you. I’ll let you know if I get some updates from my end.
      - lostn on 09/03/2020 - 12:47
        
        +1
        
        @Bambini88: are you flying with Cathay also?
        
        They haven't even acknowledged the problem.
        
        I've had beef with them canceling my flight from HK to Osaka and putting me on the next flight with a 13 hour overnight connection. Originally it was a 3 hour connection.
        
        Because I didn't book direct with them, they wouldn't give me time of the day. They told me I had to go through Expedia. Expedia have been trying to contact them for 3 weeks unsuccessfully. What an appalling airline!
        
        I don't know what my options are now. It's very irresponsible for them to not answer the phone. I have to fly in 2 weeks and still don't have a workable ticket.
        
        I need a refund so I can book with a different airline, but if I wait too long they might sell out. A lot of airlines are canceling flights now.
        
        Bambini88 on 09/03/2020 - 12:53
        
        @lostn: I am flying with Cathay. Melb to Osaka via hk. Then Tokyo to melb. I called yesterday the dude was like transit is not affected but I call bullshit since it hasn’t been implemented yet (starts March 9) he told me to ask the Japanese embassy in Aus. Which I have emailed.
        
        Regarding your 13 hour layover. I originally had a 5 hour and then they cancelled that flight from hk to Osaka. But I managed to call them early and got it rescheduled to the 3 hour layover, otherwise I was automatically put on the next one after the 5 hour one which was 8 hours.
        
        What number did you call? I called 131 747 and got through pretty fast… but I booked direct with Cathay. Hmmm but since you booked with Expedia it might be different.
        
        lostn on 09/03/2020 - 13:02
        
        @Bambini88: expedia are the ones having trouble contacting them. Or maybe the contacted them but CP haven't responded or are "still deciding".
        
        If what they say is true (which I doubt) that transit is not affected, there will be a ton of cancelations from HKers and they might even cancel the flight altogether because it's not economical to fly a plane that's half full.
        
        But on the Japan side, how will they know if you're a transiter? Japan says all "arrivals" from HK will be quarantined. It did not HK "nationals". It said "arrivals", which to me implies everyone on board the plane.
        
        When are you flying?
        
        Bambini88 on 09/03/2020 - 13:04
        
        +1
        
        @lostn: I agree with you. That’s why I am panicking. I’m flying April 1 which is outside the quarantine period just but I wouldn’t be surprised if they extend it. So I’m looking at options atm.
        
        Bambini88 on 09/03/2020 - 16:23
        
        +1
        
        @Bambini88: Contacted Cathay again. This rep said I am entitled for full refund. Gonna book with JAL now then cancel. Good luck to you!
        
        lostn on 09/03/2020 - 22:39
        
        +1
        
        @Bambini88: Expedia just contacted me and said I will get a refund in 5-7 days.
        
        Now I'm deciding between going JAL or taking up the Singapore Airlines $1 stopover deal. But I was unable to figure out how to claim the deal and the deal poster didn't offer any instructions.
        
        Probably safer to go JAL since there's less risk of Singapore at some stage becoming high risk and leading to further complications which I don't need at this time. Although Singapore is on my bucket list…
        
        lostn on 10/03/2020 - 00:21
        
        @Bambini88: Hey, tell me about your JAL itinerery.
        
        Any flight from MEL to Osaka goes through Tokyo, but the catch is, you land in NRT, but must depart from HND. This is tricky. It takes upwards of 2 hours to get between air ports by train! This detail I almost missed, thinking with 3h 50m I can just switch planes at NRT. Not so. Japan makes you transfer between airports via road transport to make a connecting flight. That's insane.
        
        Bambini88 on 10/03/2020 - 07:58
        
        @lostn: JL0774 melb to Tokyo narita, JL6003 Tokyo Narita to Osaka.
        
        lostn on 10/03/2020 - 08:54
        
        @Bambini88: hmm, that's a good flight. All my JAL flights land in NRT but depart from HND.
        
        How much are you paying for it? And what time does it arrive in Osaka? Is it same day as departure from MEL, or same day +1?
        
        Your flight is not available on the days I'm traveling. So now I must decide if under 4 hours is enough time to collect my bags, go through immigration, find my way to the train station, buy a ticket, wait for the train, make the journey, check in at HND, go through security, find my gate, and board the plane. I like to have a buffer with connections in case my first flight gets delayed, I can still make the transfer. I can fly NRT to KIX if I switch to Jetstar Japan but it's an extra $225. Or I can just go via Singapore Air…
        
        Who are you touring with?
        
        Bambini88 on 10/03/2020 - 09:15
        
        @lostn: I leave 0:35 melbourne I think and arrive Osaka 1 pm. 3 hour Transit time, arrive on same day. The flight from Tokyo to Osaka is operated by jetstar I think?
        
        I’m paying 695 per tickets that’s 235 less than what I paid for with Cathay.
        
        What do you mean who am I touring with?
        
        lostn on 10/03/2020 - 10:09
        
        +1
        
        @Bambini88: that is very cheap. I can't find flights that cheap in March.
        
        the cheapest I can find via JAL is $920.
        
        I assumed you were going with a touring company, guess not.
        
        I have the option to switch to Jetstar for NRT to KIX but it's an extra $225. I'm probably going to go via SG at $890.
        
        lostn on 15/03/2020 - 17:59
        
        @Bambini88: Are you still going?
        
        I haven't rebooked my ticket yet. My family don't want me to go, but I can't get a refund unless travel restrictions happen that cause a cancellation. I'm waiting to see what happens.
        
        Bambini88 on 15/03/2020 - 18:11
        
        @lostn: 50/50… rebooked with JAL. Donno if can cancel. But since Aus implemented self isolation today, maybe can get refund or even credit. Think hotels and Airbnb can refund, if contact individually.
        
        I thought Cathay have refunded you?
        
        lostn on 15/03/2020 - 18:16
        
        @Bambini88: i got told I would be refunded. But I have not booked a new ticket, due to the difficulty of getting refunds. Going to wait and see how things develop. If I don't buy the ticket, then at worst I lose my tour payment but not the airfare.
        
        JAL is not suitable for the day I am traveling. If I traveled a day earlier or a day later, it would fit my needs. So I'm looking at connecting at SG, Malaysia or TW but travel restrictions between those countries and Japan can lead to more complications like it did with HK.
        
        I didn't read the news today. Did Scomo just order all of us to self quarantine?
        
        Bambini88 on 15/03/2020 - 18:17
        
        @lostn: Yep. Copying what NZ are doing. Any international flight arriving in Aus must self isolate, no time frame given yet but was told will review weekly?
        
        lostn on 15/03/2020 - 18:29
        
        @Bambini88: i don't think they will give you a refund based on self isolation when you return. You paid for a ticket that will get you to Japan and back. It will still do that (provided nothing else changes) so I can't see why they would refund you. If Japan puts you into quarantine upon arrival, I think you have a legit refund opportunity. However, JAL may decide to cancel all outbound flights to Aus anyway because Japanese tourists are not going to want to visit Aus anymore.
        
        In my case, I was always intending to self isolate upon return anyway, so that part wouldn't have deterred me.
        
        EDIT: It would appear that the SG flights I was looking at (there were a ton of them) have either been canceled or sold out. They aren't available now. Hmm. JAL's my only real option now, which means an airport transfer at Tokyo. That's not good.
        
        lostn on 18/03/2020 - 20:50
        
        @Bambini88: Bambini.. what now? After today's developments, are you still going?
        
        Bambini88 on 18/03/2020 - 20:52
        
        @lostn: Prob not fml
        
        lostn on 18/03/2020 - 22:55
        
        @Bambini88: i can't find any flights that will take me there anymore. Did you get another refund?
        
        Bambini88 on 19/03/2020 - 21:16
        
        @lostn: lol yeah i did. oh well ill go next year.
westzod on 09/03/2020 - 16:30

+1

Trip to the US soon but I'm getting kinda worried. I mean US doesn't seem to be hit as hard but will be optimally cautious. My only worry is that I have my parents coming with me so here's hoping their immune system holds up.
- lostn on 09/03/2020 - 22:40
  
  they have a few hundred cases but most of them are in Washington state. The rest are sprinkled about across a big country. Your odds of running into someone with it are statistically quite low.
  - westzod on 11/03/2020 - 13:35
    
    +1
    
    Yeah but leaning on cancelling now… since it's steadily picking up in numbers… not too much concern about getting it cause the chances are low but there might be a travel ban when we're there and don't want to get stuck lol.
    - bobbieb on 11/03/2020 - 15:34
      
      Just to put things in context… most bans so far have applied to foreigners.
      
      You may be forced to jump through a few hoops to get onto a plane, but the likelihood of an Australian not being allowed to return to Australia is extremely low.
      - westzod on 11/03/2020 - 15:37
        
        +1
        
        @bobbieb: Ah true thanks for that… but just general hassle of it all is putting us off at the moment. We're still almost a month away but yeah.
        
        lostn on 11/03/2020 - 19:03
        
        @westzod: if you can get a refund do it. You don't sound very confident or comfortable with travel right now. Probably would worry too much instead of enjoying your holiday anyway.
    - lostn on 11/03/2020 - 19:02
      
      i can't imagine all of USA going into lockdown.
      
      It's such a big country and so dependent on business travel, importing and exporting I would be shocked.
      
      If it did happen though, they would allow other countries to evacuate their citizens like they did in Wuhan.
      
      But if you don't want to risk the complications, fair enough.
      - sal78 on 14/03/2020 - 04:31
        
        +1
        
        @lostn: USA has a lot more cases than the figures show due to not testing.
        
        Just look at all the recent cases in Oz, most are from
        US.
        
        lostn on 14/03/2020 - 12:49
        
        @sal78: i don't doubt that. I'm just saying a total lockdown where you cannot leave is unlikely. Targeted restrictions against some countries I can imagine. Total lockdown would take the entire world being unsalvageable.
KenDiaMoi on 09/03/2020 - 18:13

+1

My partner and I are in Prague at the moment. We flew here from Melbourne on Friday night.

My partner was extremely paranoid about the coronavirus. She wanted to cancel.

Normally I try to stay pretty objective about this stuff too but I was getting a bit worried too.

But honestly once we got to the airport, it seriously seriously feels like it's been blown out of proportion.

Barely anyone was wearing masks, and the airport and flight staff weren't even wearing masks or doing anything out of the ordinary.

The air staff didn't seem to think it was an issue. They're the ones who get into contact with the most amount of people from all over the world, yet they're not worried, so why should we?

Me an my partner are having a blast, and are on the hunt for cheap tickets to take advantage of this paranoia.
- cdaddy on 09/03/2020 - 23:44
  
  +3
  
  Let’s us know in a week if you’re still kicking
  - KenDiaMoi on 10/03/2020 - 18:55
    
    +2
    
    I'm dead
    - lostn on 11/03/2020 - 19:04
      
      what's it like on the other side?
- TheMindsetTraveller on 10/03/2020 - 02:57
  
  Nice going!
  
  I am currently in Koh Phangan, where the famous Full Moon Party happens.
  
  The FMP was officially cancelled due to coronavirus but knowing the energy and spirit of everyone here, it turned out to be an amazing event. We were here 12 years ago, so can't remember if the numbers droped this year but it was still a large turnout.
  
  There is no panic here in Koh Phangan or Koh Samui - plenty of toilet paper in the local supermarkets. I have 50kgs checked luggage allowance on our return to Sydney and since I am hand-carry only, I am thinking of sending quite a bit of toilet paper home.
  - lostn on 10/03/2020 - 08:58
    
    you are carry-on only, bought brought a spare empty check-in suitcase just in case (no pun intended)?
    - TheMindsetTraveller on 10/03/2020 - 11:51
      
      @lostn
      
      Maybe like this?
      
      https://ibb.co/ByDg2z7
      - lostn on 10/03/2020 - 12:03
        
        -1
        
        @TheMindsetTraveller: that's going to get smashed in transit.
        
        All checked luggage experience a rough and bumpy ride, smashing into other luggage, getting smashed by other luggage. It's why you're advised not to put any expensive or fragile things in there.
        
        Those rolls will lose their shape. And it's kind of sad to see a person have to import something basic like toilet paper in person from another country.
Bargain80 on 10/03/2020 - 17:37

+2

for those who ignore or plan to ignore self isolation or quarantine process, remember that you likely know elderly people (parent or grand parrents) or someone who does.
You might survive corona virus if you're young and healthy, but you might pass the virus to elderly people who have high rate or mortality.
- TheMindsetTraveller on 11/03/2020 - 04:49
  
  That is true - however it will not stop me from living my best life.
  
  I have been called a variety of words including selfish, even by those close to me, because I am not concerned about the virus.
  
  I am Aware that it is around and spreading. I have Accepted the situation - it is what it is, shi7 happens, people are going bonkers etc. Some experts say it cannot be contained. And I am Acting - that is, living my own life to my best ability and will make every second that I am alive count. We don't know when our end is so it is best we live without fear or regret and be grateful that we are alive. Thousands of people wish to have an extra day of life but can't.
  
  Will I continue to practice good hygeine? Yes. Will I self isolate after returning from my trips? Yes. Am I concerned that my parents might get it? Hell yes. Will I feel responsible? Unlikely esp they could have got it anywhere like the shopping centre, on the train etc. Will I continue to monitor the situation / government warnings and advisories? Yes.
  - lostn on 11/03/2020 - 19:06
    
    as long as you take proper precautions and don't visit hot zones it's fine. I would refrain from visiting your elderly parents for a few weeks though.
    
    Just know that the virus has spread because people who thought they were fine actually were infecting people without knowing it. Be considerate and don't only trust how you're feeling.
kiwijunglist on 11/03/2020 - 07:43

Vietnam
Mid April - Early May (3 weeks)
Wife and 7mo old baby

Booked with amex platinum ccard and some ccard points from ASB true rewards.

Not sure if we will go yet. Also haven't checked the terms of the and insurance to see under what certain conditions I can refund my tickets.

I'm also a doctor and the district health board put out a statement that they will pay your wages of you have to self quarantine, however if you self quarantine after travel they won't pay your wages. However Vietnam isn't listed as a self quarantine destination, so it's a bit confusing.
- kiwijunglist on 11/03/2020 - 07:43
  
  Has anyone already done a thread or post on conditions required for insurance claim for amex and coronavirus?
  
  (We booked well before the Wuhan coronavirus was known)
  - tg786 on 12/03/2020 - 13:04
    
    Same as you, I'm sure medical is still covered but I really want to find out about cancellation costs.
- sal78 on 14/03/2020 - 04:33
  
  Just be careful on
  plane and at airports.
ldt on 11/03/2020 - 12:43

When I am going?
June to July
Where I am going?
UK then around Europe
Am I still going?
The flight is still booked, but I've not bothered to book anything else yet. I'll leave it close to the time. Italy was on the list!
Flyerone on 11/03/2020 - 13:31

Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary (Icefields Parkway) 14 Alaskan/Canadian cruise with wife and 88 y/o MIL. In my mind we're screwed and because we pondered on the insurance, we're shit out of luck. Worst Ozbargainer ever. I think it's going to be $13k down the drain.

At this stage, DW still thinks we are going, I've said if we go, she'll be burying her mother when we get back.
- lostn on 11/03/2020 - 19:09
  
  Insurance wouldn't have done anything for you anyway if it's CV related.
  
  You can still get a refund if the countries involved go into lockdown, or deny entry. Or if the cruising company suspends cruises.
  
  If you end up going, leave your MIL at home.
- sal78 on 14/03/2020 - 04:35
  
  funeral expenses too. maybe leave mum at home and self quarantine when u get back.
  
  will be a lot of americans on that cruise 😬
TightTerry on 11/03/2020 - 16:39

Trip to Japan in mid May
On the fence at the moment about cancelling - i have flights booked through Qantas. I know it depends on the type of flight you have booked etc but what are the chances of getting a refund?
- lostn on 11/03/2020 - 19:16
  
  quite possible.
  
  Did you book direct with Qantas or through a TA/OTA?
  
  There are a few scenarios in which a refund is possible:
  
  A) Japan denies entry from Australians (unlikely)
  B) Japan gets so infected that Scomo puts a lv 3 or 4 travel advisory on Japan (possible)
  C) Due to low demand for flights Qantas cancels some flights and yours happens to be one of them, rebooking you (quite possible)
  
  C is the most plausible scenario. Plenty of airlines are cutting flights due to low demand. Yours very much could be one of them. If they did that, they would rebook you on the next flight, but usually you get an option to accept the new flight or not. You could tell them no, this is unacceptable. You can say that your tour is expecting you at that time and will leave without you if you are a day late, making you forfeit your tour.
  
  If you're actually on a tour, then your refund options are going to come down to A and B.
  
  I don't think B is likely. JP are doing everything it can to not become a leper colony because they don't want to lose the Olympics that they have spent over $20B and 7 years preparing for. If they close their borders now, the olympics are all but done.
thydzik on 11/03/2020 - 18:03

Japan trip 5th April with kids,
can't cancel, probably go but stay out of tokyo and the north.
- lostn on 12/03/2020 - 00:56
  
  which part are you going to go to that you consider safe?
  
  I'm going there a week and a half before you. Was interested in your thoughts.
  - escusemay on 15/03/2020 - 17:54
    
    Just got back from Tokyo and Furano/Sapporo yesterday after spending 2 weeks there.
    
    There weren't many mainland Chinese (only sat next to a couple of guys on the subway in Tokyo, could tell from their accent when they spoke chinese).
    
    Furano was pretty quiet as expected with the Hokkaido region in lockdown. We went for the snow and there were mainly locals with only a handful of tourists so it was a great experience.
    
    Tokyo was life as usual, but a lot more people wearing masks (maybe 60%) compared to our trip last year where about 30% of people wore masks.
    
    Honestly felt safer and less risk in Japan since we're about to face a whole tidal wave of infections according to the news. People there are more considerate of others, there was toilet paper in most shops, minimal shortages and little to no panic buying (the only panic buying I saw was a bunch of girls crowding around a One Piece store to get some lottery thing that just came out).
s1n1ster on 13/03/2020 - 11:59

+1

Just cancelled my trip to Peru in April :(
$5k loss, but I certainly did not want to spread it to anyone there or back in Australia
- Archi on 13/03/2020 - 12:05
  
  +3
  
  why wouldn't you wait till a closer date to cancel if you were going to lose money anyway. travel restrictions and or anything may happen in the meantime that may allow you to get something back
  - TightTerry on 13/03/2020 - 13:15
    
    +2
    
    Was going to ask the same.
    
    Why are people cancelling and not getting anything back? Better to wait for airlines or the government to ban travel and have a better chance at getting something back that way
    - CMH on 13/03/2020 - 16:42
      
      That's what I'm doing.
      
      But I do have travel insurance and covered via 2 different clauses so I'm covered.
      - billyb67 on 15/03/2020 - 16:22
        
        @CMH: which clauses would they be ? every one i see doesnt cover pandemics or any cancellations related to one

Overseas Travel - Are You Booked & Are You Still Going?

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