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Monday, 16 March 2020

Change of plans

Travel is a thing of the past for my husband and I. Once avid world travellers, it has been six years since we took out the passports to go abroad. That changed last week as we packed the old suitcases and with renewed passports, planned to travel with our daughter and the grandkids. Friday was the departure date. That was until Thursday night when closures and travel advisories changed our plans. The Covid 19 virus hit the travel industry.

Our flight and reservations were booked early last October. This virus wasn’t on anyone’s radar at that time. Our daughter decided she wouldn’t tell the kids about the trip until the morning we left. It would be a huge surprise. Suitcases were readied without their knowledge. I had prepared a scavenger hunt for them for Friday morning, with clues as to where we were going. Our daughter had everything in place Thursday night, ready for the kids. It was not to be.

It was fortunate they didn’t know about the trip because I wouldn’t want them to be one half as devastated as our daughter was. However, at the same time, my husband and I, both in our sixties, had the viral news foremost in our minds all along. It is hard to describe the mixed feelings we had about the prospect of travel at this time. Things worked out for the best obviously.

We managed to recoup the total cost of the trip. The hotel was not an issue. Air Canada gave us a refund instead of another flight because of a mistake they made with our booking. We were very fortunate. How could we plan another trip when it is impossible to know how long this virus will be a threat? 

We hope to survive the onslaught of the virus and travel with our family at a future date.



 

26 comments:

DJan said...

Everyone's lives are turned upside down. I am not traveling, but just wondering what is safe to visit right here in my own little town. I'm really glad you didn't go on the trip and then become unable to return. Did you see the pictures on TV of the airports in the US, trying to get home after travel? Yikes!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Disappointing, but you were very fortunate not to have lost any money due to cancellation! And wherever you were going, it will still be there when the coronavirus is gone!

Linda dev said...

Im glad it worked out as well as it could in these strange times. Stay well Marie.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

I am sorry your trip was canceled. It is good your were able to get a refund, some people lost their trip money when they canceled. I hope you and your family stay virus-free! Take care and have a great week!

Liz Hinds said...

I understand your sorrow at missing the trip mixed with relief. A lot of decisions are still being left to us. I almost wish the government would say, 'Stay in,' and we'd have to, instead of wondering if we should take a chance. That said i would go crazy after a couple of days!

Debbie said...

oh marie, how very sad but lucky at the same time. i am happy you did not travel to some far off land and get stuck there. you were so very lucky to get full refunds and in a timely manner!!

i am sure you are disappointed but you are young enough to reschedule the trip when traveling is safe. i do wonder where you were going!!

it is nice to see you today!!!

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

So difficult to have your plans scuppered like that at the last moment, though perhaps better than going away and having difficulties getting back home.

Celia said...

My niece was traveling from Colorado to Washington State to visit me and her mother was driving up from Oregon as well. All cancelled. She was crying when she called to tell me she wasn't coming. I was glad though, she's 22 and has asthma. My heart is with you, all of you stay well and meet again when this is over. Hugs.

Bill said...

Very disappointing but a blessing at the same time. It's better to be safe in these challenging times and who knows what obstacles you might have encountered on your way back.

Elephant's Child said...

I am sad and glad for you. Sad that your travel plans have been delayed, glad that you weren't 'stuck' somewhere.
I believe travel insurance is negated by a pandemic so I am very glad to hear that you were reimbursed.
Stay well, stay safe.

Anvilcloud said...

It was the right thing to do but how disappointing.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I would guess that you may have been spared unnecessary illness. I am very cautious about going anywhere right now.

Rhodesia said...

So sad for you and the family. We have a holiday booked in July in Italy. I am pretty sure it will not happen. Stay well. Diane

Catarina said...


This situation seems like a black swan event.
You were lucky all things considered…

Rose said...

I am sorry your travel was disrupted....but glad you got your money back. I almost left a comment last night to see if things were okay.

Joanne Noragon said...

Live to fight another day, my parents used to say. I wonder what that was all about.
Stay well.

At Home In New Zealand said...

What mixed feelings you must be having - disappointment that your trip is postponed, relief at getting a refund, happy that you are still at home and not left stranded somewhere. Hopefully you will all be able to get together when this strange time has passed and enjoy your travels then. Take care, Mxx

Marie Smith said...

The Padre commented

Thank You Air Canada!! Good On Them. And At Your Young Age, Thanx For Not Attempting Such An Adventure. Where Ever You Were Planing On Going, It Will Still Be There. Plus, Your Healthy Bodies Will Be Ready To Travel On. Keep The Faith.

Cheers
P.S. Love The Scavenger Hunt Aspect


P S. I deleted this comment somehow and had to copy and paste it. Marie

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I think there will be a lot of disappointed people Marie, but as Padre above said your travel destination will be there waiting for you. It really is astounding the effect the Coronavirus is having on the world in so many ways. Take care 💙

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

So disappointing, but much better than having gotten there and then having difficulties returning and much much much better than anyone getting sick! In "the fullness of time" you will plan for another vacation together...

Barb said...

Yes, plans are in a constant flux now. I was supposed to travel with girlfriends to AZ, but we are all over 65, so we decided last week to cancel. Best to stay somewhat isolated in this time of spread. Stay well.

Barbara said...

I'm glad you didn't get to go. You may have had a wonderful trip with no exposure but better to be save and keep that camera sharing lovely local adventures.

Angela said...

Oh Marie I'm sorry for the change of plans. It's too risky at the moment. We are thinking about cancelling a trip to Pennsylvania this June. It's like you said, we have no idea how long this virus will linger in this country. We are glad we live in a scarcely populate state. In the future we can plan better I suppose. I am glad you are safe and at home. Keep healthy!!

baili said...

this is sad story dear Marie

i can relate so well as though our booking was not done but we were mentally prepared for this summer vacation trip to my native village
i also can understand how bad must have your daughter felt

this viraus has brought wold upside down for everyone and my sorrow feels so small when i think about people who worked on daily vages

Down by the sea said...

What a great disappointment that must have been, thank goodness you didn't get stuck and had difficulties getting home. Sarah x

William Kendall said...

It's the right decision.