Honeymoon Travel Plans for December - PCR Tests Making Travel Untenable?

A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 07:02
Last edited 19/11/2021 - 16:07 by 1 other user

My fiancé and I are planning our honeymoon (getting married in December). We are both fully vaxxed but she isn’t working at the moment (Uni student) so I’ve got to wear the brunt of financial costs (which is fine because I’ve been saving up this year for this exact reason).

Just wondering if there are any half decent travel options or should we postpone the honeymoon all together? We had a difficult year with the passing of a family member and had numerous delays to our wedding due to Covid but it appears all things are set for an early December wedding. Hoping to travel just before Xmas with a return just after or before New Years.

Tldr: Are there any decent international flights (Asia/Europe) that do not require double Covid tests?

Edit: Budget is ~$5-8k

Travel

Comments

  • coxjon on 19/11/2021 - 07:42
    +5

    If you’re getting married aren’t you BOTH wearing the financial costs?

    Just keep saving and travel later?

    • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 08:28

      Good point, she doesn't really have much savings as she has intensely focussing on her studies (masters level education in a health/medical related field).

      Keep on saving is a good idea however my leave has been approved and I've got an approx $5k budget to travel and was intent on travelling.

      If PCR tests and covid surcharges end up becoming too expensive, then, interstate/local travel is definitely on the cards and a viable option.

      Thanks for your input.

      • brendanm on 19/11/2021 - 11:32
        +5

        I've got an approx $5k budget to travel and was intent on travelling

        Wait.

  • mbck on 19/11/2021 - 07:44

    I remember reading India has said they don't require post arrival test, but you have to self monitor for 14 days.

    Entering back to Australia obviously means you still have to have the test;not sure how much india charges for that.

    Congrats in advanced!

    • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 08:30

      Thanks for your well wishes.

      India is a decent option however seems like a bit of a risky option as have heard from friends (who are from India) that their situation over there in regards to covid seems to be worsening again and is currently heavily under reported.

      Might try and avoid general south asia for now.

  • dtxau on 19/11/2021 - 08:31
    +3

    Congratulations! We got married last year and the honeymoon is not even a consideration until possibly mid next year. Why the rush to travel in December?

    • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 08:36

      Has been a very tough 2 years (as I am sure for most others as well) and have been consciously saving up to take these holidays (including negative accrual of annual leave - which got approved by my boss) and I fully expect to be extremely busy with work until late next year (including home renovations, work, and other commitments) so now is kinda the best time for us to go - covid/time/finance permitting.

      Although now reading others' comments and suggestions as well as discussing with friends and family, it might be wise to just take international travel off for now and maybe just focus on local/interstate options.

      I also have some 120,000 Qantas frequent flyer points and $450 Qantas travel credit (AmEx) sitting in my pocket as well which i am quite keen to utilise, although it does not expire until late next year (again, might be really difficult to take any decent /prolonged time off work in the near future).

  • pharkurnell on 19/11/2021 - 08:38
    +1

    should we postpone the honeymoon all together?

    Yes.

    • jv on 19/11/2021 - 09:35
      +13

      So why do you need a PCR 'test'?

      So they don't break the law and get fined…

      Does the 'vaccine' not work or something?

      It works really well, but there is still a small chance you make get the virus and get really sick.
      That chance though is significantly less compared to not being vaccinated…

      Here's an example of someone who believed the anti-vaxxers and didn't get vaccinated, then one of the anti-vaxxer protestors gave him the virus, and now he is dead and his family and young kids have to suffer the consequences.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lqXMSpJKU4

    • Fredfloresjr on 19/11/2021 - 09:38
      +1

      Can't see any brain in here on a Friday morning. I'l try again tomorrow.

    • Ponka on 19/11/2021 - 11:32
      +3

      clearly the vaccine is just a microchip developed by bill gates and the pcr tests are just software updates!

  • dasher86 on 19/11/2021 - 09:21
    +3

    Go for a mini vacation somewhere in Australia.
    Save the monies for a larger trip when things begin to open up more.

    • jv on 19/11/2021 - 09:29
      +2

      Go for a mini vacation somewhere in Australia.

      Like Perth ?

      • Ade99 on 20/11/2021 - 07:43
        +1

        Going to Perth is very close to International travel.

  • jv on 19/11/2021 - 09:29
    +7

    We are both fully vaxxed but she isn’t working at the moment (Uni student)

    Another option is just to marry somebody else, who has a job.
    That should make the honeymoon more affordable for you…

  • Brucet on 19/11/2021 - 09:33
    +1

    Not the right time for travel.

    • Hardlyworkin on 19/11/2021 - 10:19

      Or get in before everyone is travelling. Plenty of people are travelling right now, we just don't see it from our Australian bubble.

  • raptormesh on 19/11/2021 - 09:55
    +2

    5k won't get you that far. Maybe Singapore/Malaysia? Both with high vax rates atm and I think we have a travel lane with Singapore.

  • GG57 on 19/11/2021 - 10:15
    +1

    I wouldn't be going anywhere overseas.
    - Europe in general is seeing a 4th? wave, and lockdowns are starting again.
    - I think Asia is also a reasonably high risk still.
    - Your budget would be impacted by the additional COVID-related costs.

  • Hardlyworkin on 19/11/2021 - 10:22
    +3

    Enjoy a honeymoon now. Otherwise there will always be something that comes up and who knows when you will take one. We don't know what the future holds, sounds like you have already had to put life on hold enough.

    • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 10:47
      +1

      sage, fitting advice, especially coming from you @hardlyworkin - oddly fitting name. Thank you.

  • Lunarboogie on 19/11/2021 - 10:23
    +1

    When I got hitched in the 00s, we elected to honeymoon in Uluru rather than travel overseas. We have some of the world's most incredible spots. Make the most of it. Uluru was breathtaking and a more spiritual place you won't find. We shelled out and stayed in the Sails so treat yourself and stay home.

    • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 10:48

      Definitely considered Uluru but heard it is extremely hot and dry there during December - will definitely consider it if we elect to stay home!

      • Mechz on 19/11/2021 - 12:52

        Middle of the driest continent in the world is hot in the middle of summer, who would have thought!

        • bmxr on 20/11/2021 - 08:44
          +1

          Antarctica is the driest continent, but I get what you're saying!

      • morse on 19/11/2021 - 15:38

        Yep, don’t go to central Australia in summer it’s mighty hot with flies everywhere! (Actually the flies are there all year round but crazy in summer)

    • Crow K on 19/11/2021 - 13:15

      We did the same thing, staring down the barrel of 'only short timeframe available' - Uluru is magnificent.

      Australia as a whole has a lot going on, you can reliably pick any state or territory (except perhaps Canberra, unless you like art galleries maybe) to have a 'trip of a lifetime' experience.

  • Seraphin7 on 19/11/2021 - 10:25
    +1

    I would humbly suggest that PCR tests do not "make travel untenable".

    I 100% agree that this require is a total pain up the @rse and that I won't choose to travel anywhere that requires me to submit to these tests, but that's a personal preference.

    My understanding is that many jurisdictions require negative tests within some period prior to travel. If you really want (or need) to travel, then you do the test, you get a negative result, and off you go.

    If you are suggesting that the cost of these tests is the problem, then I wouldn't be chugging off overseas somewhere knowing that the risk of unforeseen costs is high (and that's even before you get to something going wrong). I assume you will have sufficient budget to pay for travel insurance for this overseas tour?

    • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 10:54

      yep, have factored in all extra costs associated with travel (insurances, flights, contingencies etc) but the PCR tests are the final stretch that make it a bit unbearable. I mean, i fully understand the purpose of these tests and respect it (just having a classic whinge online) however, factoring this additional cost (on top of the other, usual, expenses) it might just space us out of our budget honeymoon option.

      Based on a quick review of what the PCR test and honeymoon packages require (for say, a place like Fiji, for example), a negative PCR test is required BEFORE boarding departing flight from Sydney (where we are located), THEN, a separate PCR test is required once we land in Fiji, then, whilst quarantine is no longer required for fully vaccinated Australians from 1 December 2021 travelling to Fiji, apparently we are required to stay confined in our elected hotel for a period of 3 days (if I remember correctly?) prior to actually being able to partake in any tours/activities (i simply don't get how this works…. isn't this just quarantine with extra steps?)…

      Once our trip concludes (around 7-10 day trip max), we are then required to undertake another PCR test before departing Fiji and once again once we land in Australia…

      Based on the latest front page OzBargain PCR test deal (@$100 a pop), that would mean an additional $400 to our bill AND we may have to factor in 3 additional days to adhere to the above 'quarantine' method before we can actually partake in any activities.

      • Seraphin7 on 19/11/2021 - 12:07

        I don't disagree and for all of the reasons you've set out, I shan't be leaving NSW for the foreseeable future unless required to for work.

      • Seraphin7 on 22/11/2021 - 14:55

        This may change tomorrow or the next or the next day after that etc.

        Which is ultimately the problem. The fact that I may obey all requirements, etc., etc. only for them to all change on a moment's notice and then I'm stuck outside of my own country, or even my own state … or be forced into some sort of snap mandatory quarantine despite my own health status … is just laughable to anyone with the perspicacity to look through these things.

          • Seraphin7 on 22/11/2021 - 15:11

            @flyinghigher: I have no doubt the airlines (or is that airline?) have been doing what you say. These rules don't suit them at all.

            But of course the feds have no control over state borders and the constituents of Queensland and WA seem to overwhelmingly love a border closure and draconian quarantine arrangements.

            Blind Freddy can see what's being set up here … if Morrison restricts international travel, he'll be flogged by Federal Labor for denying Australians the right to travel … if he opens it up, he'll be flogged by WA and QLD Labor for "spreading the virus" (who surprise, surprise have appalling vaccination rates).

            I can't see Morrison getting rolled absent an election loss. The Liberals have no alternatives at the intersection of competent and likeable. Moreover, if you are an aspiring Liberal PM, there is simply no way you would take the leadership at this point in time … which is doubly ironic considering the absolute vandals who sit on the other side of the chamber.

  • AndyC1 on 19/11/2021 - 10:37

    There are OZbargain threads on PCR travel testing. Search for PCR and have a read.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 19/11/2021 - 10:53

    I have looked, Finland for example does not require a covid test to get in. In fact, if you are flying from Australia (you do not even have to be vaccinated) because Australia is a safe country. But Australians are not allowed to out without being vaccinated. Also you need to bear in mind which airlines you fly (they have their own rules), as well as any transiting countries have some rules. For example, flying via Singapore requires a negative test even though landing in Finland needs nothing.

    More info here.

    https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/entry-restrictions

    https://www.visitfinland.com/article/practical-travel-inform…

    • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 10:56

      Very helpful, thanks for sharing.

      I know another couple who are going to Europe for their honeymoon in December and have shared similar advice regarding the lack of PCR requirements for certain countries.

      • isthatallyougot on 19/11/2021 - 11:41
        +1

        Singapore Air now just requires an Antigen test before flying instead of a PCR test i.e. if you are transiting through Singapore..

  • aggregate on 19/11/2021 - 11:26
    +3

    I had a domestic roadtrip after getting married this year. There is a lot Australia can offer and staying domestically takes a lot of stress out of travelling in the current environment. You want to relax after the wedding, as the period leading up to the wedding and the wedding day itself can be pretty full on.

    • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 11:50

      Yeah, we are now steering more towards a domestic trip having taken on board all the advice we've received. Good idea.

  • Christown on 19/11/2021 - 12:03

    First of all, Congratulations!

    I am also getting married in December and will be heading off on a honeymoon.

    Because of all the hoops that you need to jump through, and pitfalls that could arise from international travel at this time, we have opted to do something in Australia instead.

    Things are still in a precarious state and once states do open up, who knows what's will happen. But we have booked it and I think it's worth taking the risk. Fingers crossed that things go to plan and it's smooth sailing.

  • tsunamisurfer on 19/11/2021 - 12:28

    $5k budget and wants to go to Europe.

  • Brucet on 19/11/2021 - 12:38

    Travel insurance may not cover for Corvid 19 !!!

    • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 12:44

      yep, separate covid 19 specific travel insurance is required to travel.

      • raptormesh on 19/11/2021 - 13:12
        +1

        FWIW I purchased airtickets recently and the airline (SIA) offered pretty cheap covid insurance.

    • miwahni on 20/11/2021 - 00:25

      Damn those crows

  • Shadowsfury on 19/11/2021 - 13:41

    I get married in a week, somehow dodged needing to move dates despite only picking early this year.

    Had QLD honeymoon booked but cancelled that thanks to their border situation.

    Looked into Fiji but also ruled out due to the increased complexity around testing, lack of insurance etc.

    Decided to just stay within VIC for just a couple of nights and look towards a bigger one next year.

  • morse on 19/11/2021 - 15:43
    +2

    $5k is probably not enough for overseas travel at the moment unless you go somewhere like Fiji for a week. Maybe just do a short nice holiday in Australia and save up for a bigger overseas trip later. Lord Howe island would be a nice honeymoon (bit expensive though).

    • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 16:07

      I should have mentioned the budget is actually between $5-8k, but your comment still makes sense

      • morse on 19/11/2021 - 16:14

        It’s a shame for you… but yeah I think you’d blow too much of your budget on airfares, insurance and tests. Even in Australia I can see state borders and tests being an issue. I have a family waiting to come from the US (NY) and they’d have to spend about $5-10k per person return in December. It’s looking far better in March onwards. Do something though for your honeymoon though, it’s a big celebration. You might find your guests gift you a lot of money too, even if you haven’t asked for it, which might help a bit.

        • A female dog on 19/11/2021 - 16:25

          Good point, morse.

          you're definitely right in that things look a little more optimistic (not to mention most airfare flight specials commence from March onwards) later next year.

          I think I might have to keep our honeymoon local and, perhaps, have a 'mini-moon' - not to say we can't have fun locally, but we've never been overseas before!

          I've always been working on my career and worked my way up quite a bit on the 'corporate ladder' and my fiancé has managed to land a HD average in her postgraduate degree all thanks to her hard work and effort so we wanted to celebrate on a more 'grand' scale by travelling overseas, together, for the first time.

          Oh well, there'll always be next time~

  • Myone888 on 20/11/2021 - 08:22

    Pcr test for international travel is about $150 per way. There are hidden cost if quarantine hotel is involved.

  • Brendoo on 20/11/2021 - 09:42

    How about Spain? Very high vax rate there. No PCR test required, just double-vaxed, no quarantine. Fair prices.
    I’m off to Europe in Dec, can’t wait!

    At Sydney airport the PCR test process is simple. Get the test done at T1, walk over to your checkin area, jump into the checkin queue and the test is ready and emailed to you by the time you get to the counter. It’s just part of the checkin process now. A little bit of a pain, but not too bad.
    The cost of a PCR tests is small compared to the rest of your budget.

    On the return trip I expect PCR testing is available at your departure airport. It was available at all the major airports I checked in Europe, but I didn’t check Spain specifically. I’m off to Italy (they require neg test 72 hours before though, so the Sydney airport test will cover both Sydney departure and Italy arrival, but no quarantine required for Aussies).

    A number of people I know are going to Europe in Dec.

    If you’re careful and wear a mask you’ll be fine. Go and enjoy yourselves! Sounds like you need it!

  • Nametab on 20/11/2021 - 10:10
    +1

    Go on a relaxing break domestically.. You could always splurge a bit more on something that has 'wow factor' like treetop hotel, beach/waterfront property, an experience like skydiving or whatever might be on your bucket list.

    Covid aside, that time of year would normally be expensive so after saving a bit more (and the landscape has hopefully settled a bit), you might be able to pick another time not as in demand.

    • A female dog on 20/11/2021 - 10:16

      I think you’re right. Might just hold off on international travel plans for a bit longer and keep it local. Just makes too much sense to stay in Australia right now.

      • Nametab on 20/11/2021 - 10:35

        I think my main suggestion is to try and have that memory or event around it, so you think of it as the mini-moon, not the 'trip we did when we couldn't travel'. Do some digging around and see what would best suit your interests.. Plenty of experiences like overnight stays at Dubbo Zoo, tiny houses, glamping, etc.

        • A female dog on 20/11/2021 - 11:27

          Yep, for sure. It’ll definitely be memorable, especially as we would deem it our ‘mini-moon’. I’ve alluded to this idea earlier in the comments as well!

          Definitely don’t want this period/time to be wasted so will make the most of it.

  • 2esc on 20/11/2021 - 11:34

    There is a lot to see in Australia and I dont mean the usual tourist haunts. Often people will tell me there going somewhere well known and I ask what else is in the area. Some of my families best experiences are not where you expect. On your honeymoon you also don't want stress you want to enjoy the time together.

  • zrmx on 20/11/2021 - 14:18

    New Zealand?

  • OzHunterNSW on 21/11/2021 - 12:07

    For love or money.
    People married for money, and if you had none, you would elope. This is where the term derives.
    Who is the honeymoon for? So you can brag to your friends about golden sands of Hawaii, how much you spent, bla bla. Did you get married to appease your parents. Are you in love, or a forced marriage?
    I ask bc it does not matter where you go… stop living for other people… it is now just you two.

    Or is it doomed from the start?

  • Eeples on 25/11/2021 - 11:26
    +1

    So, you are away for about a week. imo Europe is too far.

    Hawaii if you want to look around a bit. (Pearl Harbour, Shopping Outlets, Scenery, Trails, Volcanoes by Helicopter, Beaches, Bars etc). [Accommodation in hotels is expensive starting from $200AUD/night for something a bit decent).

    Fiji if you want to spend most of the time in your resort. (although I am sure there is plenty to do too although I can not speak to that).

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