Am I Crazy for Wanting to Travel to London Now?

noobphotographer on 10/01/2022 - 15:00
Last edited 12/01/2022 - 13:49 by 1 other user

After missing out on a chance to study abroad and not travel internationally these past 2 years, the itch to go overseas has never been stronger. I've recently graduated from university and have a job lined up in mid-February. Until then, I've got time off and I'm contemplating heading to London / UK for about 3 weeks.

I understand the COVID situation is not ideal, but London from what I can gather seems to be functioning and lockdowns don't seem to be on the cards anymore. I'm double vaccinated and recently tested positive and recovered from Omicron so I guess that puts me at a good level of immunity. My biggest concern is testing positive again (is this likely?) and having to isolate. That is why I would aim to fly back a week early before work commences to give me some leeway in case things go wrong.

This will be my only chance to travel before I go into full-time work. I have major FOMO from those who have travelled overseas and explored and I feel that I've missed out on this huge portion of my youth. I don't imagine I'll get a chance again until I get my paltry couple of weeks off towards the end of this year hence the urgency to go now.

Am I crazy, or should I say screw it and head out? Any advice would be appreciated as I constantly find myself oscillating between going and staying.

Edit: Thanks everyone for your thoughtful comments and responses - very helpful.

Travel

Comments

  • c64 on 10/01/2022 - 15:08
    +87

    yes

    • Kangal on 10/01/2022 - 23:15
      +12

      /thread

  • morse on 10/01/2022 - 15:14
    +25

    No, not crazy but maybe consider elsewhere in Europe as I think you’ll find a lot is closed in London and there’s not that much to do. I was reading an article recently that said you’re best to start in France or Switzerland to get the European vaccine passport https://www.traveller.com.au/how-to-get-a-vaccine-passport-i… (this isn’t the article b it a similar one).

    I’d probably get a booster as well. I think you need to wait 4weeks post infection though.

    Also maybe consider travelling to countries that have a reciprocal healthcare arrangement with Australia. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/about-reciprocal-health…

    Personally I find London dull, but it depends what you’re into. I really enjoyed Italy and Croatia.

    Only other thing to bear in mind is securing a flight home, but you should be okay.

    • noobphotographer on 10/01/2022 - 16:28
      +4

      Thanks for your advice, lots of great points here.

      • Kangal on 10/01/2022 - 23:19

        Can we ask… what did you study, and what type of job is lined up for you?

      • morse on 11/01/2022 - 14:46
        +6

        In my arm?

        • serpserpserp on 11/01/2022 - 15:16

          Yes right there

        • knk on 11/01/2022 - 16:48

          no in my arm

      • cydia9k on 12/01/2022 - 01:09
        +1

        Sir, you dropped these as you waddled away 👌🤡👌

    • Bargain4U on 11/01/2022 - 21:27
      -1

      I think you’ll find a lot is closed in London and there’s not that much to do

      That is rubbish. Everything is open currently.

      • morse on 11/01/2022 - 21:41

        Yeah you’re probably right. Maybe even more accessible since there are less crowds. I guess I’ve been talking to people who have been self isolating to an extent.

  • pjetson on 10/01/2022 - 15:16
    +17

    until I get my poultry couple of weeks off towards the end of this year

    Poultry? As in chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese?

    • noobphotographer on 10/01/2022 - 16:28
      +5

      Haha that's shocking by me. Thanks for the laugh.

      • sobriety22 on 12/01/2022 - 06:43
        +5

        Yes, what a fowl mistake to make!

  • Nutrino on 10/01/2022 - 15:16
    +11

    Good luck, happy trails, yolo. Got nothing else.

  • jjjaar on 10/01/2022 - 15:18
    +28

    Go for it. It’s no worse there than here. Try limit travel to countries that have reciprocal Medicare or free health care for all visitors so if you do get covid you will not be out of pocket.

    • noobphotographer on 10/01/2022 - 16:29
      +2

      I'd only be in the UK and they seem to have a reciprocal Medicare option. So in the event i'd need to be admitted because of COVID i'd be covered right?

      • jjjaar on 10/01/2022 - 16:31
        +1

        That would be my understanding, yes. You would get the same coverage in public hospitals there as you would here.

      • Purley23 on 12/01/2022 - 14:36

        unless you get sick on the flight and have to stop over (e.g. attempting to reboard after stopover and have a temp and refused on the flight). So travel insurance that covers it in whatever stopover country you go through still probably a good idea

    • Bren20 on 11/01/2022 - 08:00
      +1

      It’s no worse there than here

      Except that there's a high chance OP will get covid and not he able to come back. If I was their workplace I'd be pretty unimpressed

      • jjjaar on 11/01/2022 - 08:21

        Really depends on the circumstances.

        If the role is working from home at the moment, and OP can, in the worst case scenario, work from the UK during the Australian timezone work hours, then it shouldn’t actually be a big deal.

        We’ve had loads of people start new roles with my company in the last year who haven’t been based in our timezone. Had they not told us, we really wouldn’t have known.

        Now, if the role is face to face, then yes, this is a concern.

        • Bren20 on 11/01/2022 - 08:50

          There's tax implications if you work from a different country, if it's a large firm HR will know about this and it could cause issues.

          • macrocephalic on 11/01/2022 - 10:53
            -1

            @Bren20: I think that's only if you're a resident of another country. If you're an Australian resident working for an Australian company while you happen to be visiting another country then I don't see how that would be a problem.

            • Bren20 on 11/01/2022 - 11:14
              +1

              @macrocephalic: I think the real issue is that OP will have to be in Aus to be onboarded? How are they going to get a laptop?

              I really don't know if the tax is a problem, but it's something that could cause a headache for the new job on the first day.

              You could also be in violation of your visa conditions, so be careful of what you say to immigration.

              • ddhar on 11/01/2022 - 12:06
                +2

                @Bren20: My employer allows employees to work from their own laptops while the official work laptop is being shipped to employee address. This could be an option to OP.

                In practice however, OP would inform their employer that their start date needs to be moved back due to having to quarantine overseas. This is common nowadays and out of OP hand. A reasonable boss/manager will be understanding.

                • GG57 on 11/01/2022 - 13:25
                  +2

                  @ddhar:

                  This is common nowadays and out of OP hand.

                  With respect, this isn't out of OP's hands. OP would have made a conscious decision to accept the risks of travel and the implications that decision may bring. Yes, an employer may be understanding, or they may not.

        • Bren20 on 11/01/2022 - 11:15
          +1

          I'm not sure they are, i don't think OP is gong into a hospitality job…

  • dizzle on 10/01/2022 - 15:19
    +17

    This will be my only chance to travel before I go into full-time work

    Or you can get a couple of years in a job, get some money together and then take a holiday with more money to enjoy it. I tend to save up my leave to go on 3-4 week holidays every couple of years and had some great experiences.

    Or get some experience at work and try a working holiday so you can spend 12 months in the UK (with more time to explore other parts of Europe.

    It doesn't have to be now or never situation.

    • noobphotographer on 10/01/2022 - 16:30
      +3

      You're right, that provides some perspective. I guess because I haven't been able to travel these past 3 years, postponing any travel opportunities seems like a missed opportunity.

      • greatlamp on 10/01/2022 - 22:02
        -2

        Youth visa ends at 30, so don't wait too long

        • Bren20 on 11/01/2022 - 08:04
          +3

          Didn't the rules on this change with the free trade agreement?

          • GG57 on 11/01/2022 - 08:43
            +1

            @Bren20: The new FTA has been signed, but needs to be ratified by both the UK and Aust governments. With the Aust parliament barely sitting in the first half of this year, it could be another year before that is finalised.

  • RiseAndRuin on 10/01/2022 - 15:20
    +30

    IMHO not worth going anywhere for 3 weeks only given all the current hurdles, plus the fact that it's the middle of winter in London…

  • tre180 on 10/01/2022 - 15:30
    +22

    The weather in the UK can and probably will be absolutely miserable in late january, but if three weeks of cold pissy weather sounds like your cup of tea then go for it.

    • Hardlyworkin on 10/01/2022 - 16:41
      +1

      Always good weather in the pub… Until someone sneezes nowadays.

  • SF3 on 10/01/2022 - 15:31

    It's cold now and regularly rains there.

    If you like that and exponentially increase chance of getting covid, go for it :)

    • jjjaar on 10/01/2022 - 16:32
      +11

      More covid in Aus per capita than in UK right now.

      Unless OP is based in WA, they have just as much chance of getting it here.

      • gromit on 10/01/2022 - 18:00
        -2

        no there isn't. The UK has almost twice the active covid cases per capita compared to Australia.

        • jjjaar on 10/01/2022 - 18:28
          +8

          Active cases are not a good comparison as the UK and each Australian state defines active differently. I think in uk you’re active for 28 days but in parts of Aus it’s only 7 days, so very inconsistent data.

          However the last 7 days, the uk has had 1.2 million new cases. Of a 62.77 mil pop, that’s 1.78%.

          In Australia, we’ve had 550k new cases. Of a 25.6 mil pop, that’s 2.15%.

          • gromit on 10/01/2022 - 19:21
            -1

            @jjjaar: considering the much higher baseline the UK had prior to the last 7 days it is still almost certain the UK has a much higher number of active cases. Though if the current trend continues that will change in a week or 2.

            • jjjaar on 10/01/2022 - 22:36
              +1

              @gromit: Yeah true, but active cases should be isolating. It’s the new cases that may have been in the community that are the concern.

              And yeah it probably won’t be long before Australia has more active per capita anyway.

  • AndyC1 on 10/01/2022 - 15:36
    +1

    If you do catch covid then what happens with the job…. If you do get stuck and can;t get back then what about the job…. (people are still waiting to fly back).

    Saying that if you still want to go then there is nothing anyone can do. It will be an experience.

    MAKE sure your international covid passport is working and make sure you have ALL of the required paperwork as it does vary from country to country and also varies over time. I have family that have flown in and out of OZ three times in the last 12 months and they have spent allot of time making sure the paperwork is correct for every stop and every transit point between here and their overseas home.

    • noobphotographer on 10/01/2022 - 16:32
      +1

      Now that borders are back open, are there really people still waiting to fly back? There seems to be daily flights from London to Melbourne, so unless something out of the ordinary happens, I'd be pretty safe right?
      Will make sure paperwork is all sorted if I decide to go ahead. Thanks

      • gromit on 10/01/2022 - 18:02
        +1

        People have been stuck overseas because they test positive this year. even with borders open if you test positive you can get stuck.

      • Shadowsfury on 10/01/2022 - 19:34

        I got friends still stuck overseas so yes, there are.

        Would you consider somewhere closer to home? Singapore, Thailand etc?

      • drfuzzy on 10/01/2022 - 20:57
        +1

        Non-zero probability you get stuck and lose your job.
        But you are young so take a risk and have fun - nothing you can't repair with time.

      • samyall on 11/01/2022 - 09:39
        +2

        Worst case scenario is that you test positive the day you fly home. You will then need to isolate for 10-14 days before flying home. Travel insurance should pay for the accommodation and flight (just double-check the policy before buying it!) if you have a positivie PCR.

        The bigger question is how far back would you need to push your start date if that was the case? would the company mind?

        Personally, I think you should go have a holiday it sounds like a perfect opportunity. I would just plan it so that the worst-case scenario doesn't lose you your job.

        The other consideration is what happens if you test positive when you're there and have to isolate while on holiday. Are you okay with the possibility of spending $3k and 48h on a plane to sit in a room for a few weeks?

        I went to Fiji over the the Christmas break and loved it. The extra testing was really annoying and it took 3h to check into the flight due to all the paperwork, but on balance it was worth it. That said, a family in our resort tested positive on day 2 so their holiday involved them sitting in an unairconditioned Bure for 10 days looking at an ocean they couldn't swim in. They also won't get a refund for their flights or accomm.

  • tulip99 on 10/01/2022 - 15:39
    -1

    Make sure you can get back into Australia if you're only double jabbed and not triple jabbed.

  • chcse on 10/01/2022 - 15:44
    +9

    As others have mentioned, the only risk is if you can't make it back to Australia (if you test positive again, limited commercial flights etc) and if you have contingency plan for that such as buffer money, remote work with your new job.

    Otherwise, working full-time is not end of the world, you can try to not take leave for a year to take four weeks at once. Or when you quit a job, you can spend a month travelling before starting a new role etc. It was actually somewhat common in our office where if someone travelled to Europe, they would take a couple of weeks that they had been saving up so it doesn't have to only be like one week holiday here and there.

    PERSONALLY, I would not go due to the constantly changing rules the govt had been doing the past two years, but it looks to be more stable now.

    • noobphotographer on 10/01/2022 - 16:32

      Thanks for your advice.

      • nomadspartan on 10/01/2022 - 19:19
        -1

        Just work and save up your leave. Once the situation is more stable, then you should go on a holiday. Might as well work part-time in the interim before your full time job starts and starting saving some travel money, as travel in Europe can be expensive.

    • aimpacc on 10/01/2022 - 18:05
      +2

      U just need to be a certain tennis player then the minister will personally grant you an exemption to come in to Australia.

  • GG57 on 10/01/2022 - 15:51
    +10

    I would be reluctant:
    - Winter in the UK (not my favourite season)
    - Risk of not getting back for the new job (either testing positive, or flights cancelled, or something else arising)
    - Only planning for a 3-week jaunt; this can be easily achieved almost every year if you want to, so hardly life-changing.

  • trapper on 10/01/2022 - 15:51
    +6

    London isn't great in the middle of winter, not just cold, but dark.

    Loads of amazing winter destinations in Europe though, so maybe head there first, do some skiing and other winter adventures.

  • rmh876 on 10/01/2022 - 15:58
    +1

    Do it, you’ll have a blast. I spent 18 months there in my twenties and loved every minute.

  • Drakesy on 10/01/2022 - 16:11
    +2

    Why London when you have the rest of Europe to go to?
    Plus at this time of the year it'd be cold and dull mid february.

    I sandwiched in a month long euro-trip prior to starting full time work and it was the best thing ever.
    Just time it better though, July is far better.

    • HeadTheWall on 11/01/2022 - 12:50

      Yes, July which is just next month. That doesn't help the OP's time window which is now

  • tyarrhea on 10/01/2022 - 16:11
    +5

    Depends on what you want to do. Right now, the sun sets very early and gets dark around 3pm with sunset around 4pm. Contrast this with summer when there is light all the way up to 9pm. If you plan to visit the cultural sights like the museums, galleries and historic houses, this is the perfect time.

    • branners on 10/01/2022 - 16:22

      Second this.
      I have been to the UK many times, but the narrow window of daylight in Jan-early Feb can be a real eye-opener, especially in the south of the country.
      The pubs are great though, but atm I would be worried about Covid

    • noobphotographer on 10/01/2022 - 16:34

      Yeah, I've heard about the early sunset. I was hoping to lean more into the night life/museums / galleries etc like you've said. But definitely something to consider

    • Nebargains on 10/01/2022 - 20:43
      +1

      Things don't close early just because it gets dark?

      Been to London multiple times in winter and I didn't find the lack of daylight to be an issue.

  • hasselbladsnapper on 10/01/2022 - 16:18
    +3

    EX pom here, avoid UK due to climate now, head south to Spain, Portugal, Italy or Greece many Brits head there right now. Shame you only have 3 weeks, not enough will only give you a small taster!. Try to only visit 2 country's, select depending on :- medical, flights and desire. In the current covid mayhem, I would go to Italy or perhaps Spain depending on that medical situation. Have a great time, I love Australia, but Europe has so much history and culture.

  • raptormesh on 10/01/2022 - 16:20
    -1

    You're super young lol, there's going to be tons of chance for you to travel especially as an Australian since we love it and have so much spending money.

  • ddhar on 10/01/2022 - 16:30
    +12

    Just go.

    Chances are you will say "I'm glad I went" than utter "I'm glad I stayed home".

    • noobphotographer on 10/01/2022 - 16:35
      +3

      That's true. I've found I've regretted the things I didn't do more than things I've done.

  • Downvoter on 10/01/2022 - 16:41
    +2

    With a possible week for isolation and losing 2 days due to flying etc, how much actual “travelling” can you do in 12 days.

    It’s just a week and a half long holiday

    • ddhar on 10/01/2022 - 18:12

      I did Russia (Moscow and St Petersburg) in 7 days in 2019. It could have been longer but didn't feel insufficient either. We covered most tourist places in the cities, thoroughly enjoyed their cuisines, watched ballet, checked out their beautiful metro stations and walked the cities.

      I haven't been to London but I dare say with the right itinerary/planning, OP has more than enough time to cover many grounds.

  • Hardlyworkin on 10/01/2022 - 16:46
    +2

    Friends of mine just returned from the UK after visiting their family over Xmas. No issues.

    My FB feed is full of people in the northern hemisphere taking holidays in other countries / continents. As others have noted though, London in middle of winter isn't the best. In non Covid times I'd say plenty of indoor places to visit in crap weather.

  • Almost Banned on 10/01/2022 - 16:46
    +6

    My brother and sister-in-law just went.
    Both caught COVID over there and had to quarantine in London.
    Both came through it fine and are back in Australia now. They seemed to have a good time.

  • factor on 10/01/2022 - 17:04
    +8

    My best overseas trips have been organised only a week or two in advance and in the wrong season at the other end. Don't over-think it. Live!

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 10/01/2022 - 17:39
    +4

    I have spent close to the last 20 years travelling around the world, and the last two years have been quite challenging mentally; not because of the pandemic but because our government did not allow regular John and Jane Australians out of the country.

    My appetite for risk is higher than normal and I have no hesitation travelling in this current environment. In fact, I just returned to our hotel after spending the last 5 hours feeding and playing with elephants here in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

    Go wild, you live life once.

  • carlJack on 10/01/2022 - 17:58
    +3

    Go fot it… Covid is here to stay.

  • jimburns4u on 10/01/2022 - 18:10

    YOLO!

  • MoonlapseVertigo on 10/01/2022 - 18:13
    +2

    don't hesitate and don't die wondering. You could meet someone who will change your life. Sure, you could contract covid and get stuck but you'll live 99.94% of the time.

    Nothing to really lose from what you are saying.

    As someone else said, UK is freezing now. I'd change your strategy for somewhere warmer.

  • Hithere on 10/01/2022 - 18:21
    +2

    Going by the replies here and on your Whingepool thread Camille you should go for it.

    https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/thread/31mx0yy1?p=-1#bottom

  • R4 on 10/01/2022 - 18:34

    No

    Go for it

    The time for hiding is over

  • refizen on 10/01/2022 - 18:46
    +1

    Hi OP,

    That is why I would aim to fly back a week early before work commences to give me some leeway in case things go wrong.

    You need more time than this. Reason being is that Australia requires a PCR test, if you catch Covid, you will continue to test positive for weeks or months (YMMV). Plan a budget in case you need to extend your stay in the UK.

    I was stuck in Italy for 4 weeks, I was asymptomatic but continued to test positive for 3.5 weeks on PCR after my first positive result.

    Other than than, have fun!

    • stewy on 10/01/2022 - 19:23

      I thought Australia allows a positive PCR result if a doctor to gives you a letter of recovery 14 days after you first test positive if you have no other symptoms?

      The only catch though is not all Airlines will accept that and some insist on a negative PCR.

  • ModBot on 10/01/2022 - 18:55
    +1

    How did you know that you had Omicron? Didn't know they disclosed what type you have!

  • JJkx on 10/01/2022 - 18:57
    -4

    NO !!!! people just paranoid, nothing wrong with that !!!!!!!!

  • Windows98 on 10/01/2022 - 20:18
    -1

    If you're vaccinated and under 65 just go. Most probable worst case scenario is that you'll get flu like symptoms for a few days like the thousands of people your age in Australia right now.

    We've been waiting 2 years for the vaccines and covid treatments to reduce the severity and death level to influenza levels of danger, and we're finally here.

    don't stop yourself from following your life plans because you're afraid of catching a cold.

    • cashews on 11/01/2022 - 16:09
      +1

      2 years into a pandemic and you still don't know the difference between covid and a cold?

  • Nebargains on 10/01/2022 - 20:48
    +1

    Lots of people poo pooing London in winter, have done it a few times and honestly thought it was great. Sure it gets cold but not necessarily that much colder than winter here (in Melbourne at least), I also didn't encounter a whole lot of rain, the rain I did get was relatively light but that is mostly luck.

    It does start to get dark early but unless you are wanting to do something that needs daylight it's really a non issue, everything is just as busy as if it were daylight because the world doesn't stop just because it's 4pm.

    As for whether I'd go in your situation, maybe not, probably best to go when things are a bit more normal and you can properly plan it and enjoy it.

    • jjjaar on 10/01/2022 - 22:43

      Agree!! London and the rest of the UK is lovely in winter. Dark doesn’t scare me and I’d much rather travel in 5 degrees than 25 degrees.

  • Carmen Sandiego on 10/01/2022 - 20:53

    My (now ex [because he retired]) Manager went to the UK just prior to Christmas, and both he and his SO caught COVID. Luckily, they're both also from the UK so, they're staying with family until they get better. Plus, he has all the time in the world now so, no biggie.

    So, it depends on how much planning you've done, the amount of money saved (including your exit money), and how much you want to do this.

  • p1 ama on 10/01/2022 - 21:35
    +1

    Yes, but not because of COVID.

    Ultimately almost the entire world has converged on a more hands-off strategy with Omicron and the situation is no better here in Australia than it is in London. The simple truth is that you'll probably catch Omicron in London, but you'll also probably catch Omicron here. The fact that you've already caught Omicron and are vaccinated makes this much less likely.

    The issue is that now is just not a good time for "big city" tourism - much of what makes big cities fun as tourist places are simply not open or not operating in a normal capacity that makes them fully enjoyable. If you were planning on going into the woods and exploring nature, then that's a different story and I'd say go for it.

    My suggestion would be to not waste your time - it's a waste of your time to stay home, equally a waste of your time to go to a dead London. Take the time to go somewhere that's suitable with respect to the current conditions.

  • WreckTangle on 10/01/2022 - 21:40
    +1

    England in winter? No thanks.

  • blackorange on 10/01/2022 - 21:53
    -1

    I can't believe all the naysayers, you are only gonna have this uni - start work gap once in your whole life. Go for it! You can't spend your whole life analysing and trying to micro manage every minute detail, you only live once.. if you wanna do it, do it!

    • TrustNoBody on 11/01/2022 - 10:33

      spainian is that you !!!

  • furyou on 10/01/2022 - 22:47

    Go to UK? I ain't even crossing state borders.
    Tho to be fair at least a country will issue you a visa and has clear rules.

  • Bypass on 10/01/2022 - 22:55

    Do it! COVID is gonna be around for a while longer. Since you have protection from both the vaccine and recent past infection your immunity can't get much higher then it is right now.

  • cookie2 on 10/01/2022 - 23:19

    Go enjoy an adventure. You're right, go live a little and celebrate what you've achieved to get to where you are. Have fun :)

  • nephilim on 10/01/2022 - 23:21

    Honestly best way to see London and UK is by walking or getting a bike. you can literally ride a bike from Essex to chelsea, stop at a few museums and pubs, get a fake kfc meal for 4pound.
    Winter isnt too great to go aka snow

  • [Deactivated] on 10/01/2022 - 23:40
    +3

    Your reason is FOMO? Like London or aviation is just going to one day disappear?

  • KaTst3R on 11/01/2022 - 00:03
    +2

    There is really no point asking the crowd. You have already made your mind and you know you wanna go.

    And i never understood why people who just finished uni insist on going on a trip "it is do now or die" "YOLO" "we will never get such a chance" etc etc. There is always annual leave when you have a full time job! And you would have made moolah from your employment. I rather travel with some luxuary than live like a tight bag packer. 5 star hotels are nice.

    • Bren20 on 11/01/2022 - 08:43

      Yep, people don't realise it's actually not that hard to take time off, even longer periods

      OP, you will have the chance to travel later. For me, the risk profile isn't worth it for a short trip. Travel somewhere in Australia makes much more sense

      I've lived in London, and January is bleak. December is beautiful with Christmas but January is a slog

  • The Wololo Wombat on 11/01/2022 - 01:31
    -4

    Lol. Do it man, who cares what other people think. I went to 17 countries last year.

  • NotOnThePBS on 11/01/2022 - 01:36

    I would go, covid is not going anywhere. You're reasons for not going are never going to change and you'll eventually just say stuff it and go. Might as well do that now then later lol.

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