For our joint 60th birthday gift, our daughters treated us to a holiday in Sicily "a proper trip on a plane" they told us. This is the year in which we are 70 - so we decided to treat ourselves to another foreign holiday. This morning we were due to be driving to Stansted and catching a plane to southern France. We had a week booked in Perpignan in Languedoc. But here we are, still at Cornerstones...
We booked with Ryanair, and luggage was planned to an absolute minimum. I bought a tiny tube of toothpaste in Boots.
And a small wheeled cabin bag which fits into the airline specifications [as new, £4 in CS] We also bought Holiday Insurance from SAGA. It was not cheap, but as a proportion of the total expense, not unreasonable.
I am so glad we did. There is no way Bob could have managed the trip. The GP said that even if his pain meds worked, he probably wouldn't feel like doing too much, and wouldn't get the full enjoyment of the holiday. And there is no way I would leave him in the hotel and trot around medieval cathedrals by myself.
So once we realised last weekend that a plane to the South of France was not going to happen this month, we cancelled, and started the business of claiming on the insurance.
I am happy to report that Hertz repaid car hire in full, and Expedia refunded 50% of the hotel costs. SAGA are sorting out the rest for us [the GP said she would confirm the genuine medical grounds for not going]
Once Bob gets his treatment sorted, we will attempt to arrange another holiday. And we now have a quiet week ahead of us with nothing in the calendar. Lazy days and easy meals, and time together in Norfolk. [which is exactly what our holidays used to be like before we retired here] And next weekend, we the family are coming.
I absolutely hate flying anyway, so that is one experience I am happy to live without.
Oh dear. Sorry you are missing your "treat" holiday. I'm OK with flying but I loathe airports.
ReplyDeleteI quite enjoy airports - lots to see and to distract me from flight-anxiety
DeleteThat’s such a shame but being unable to enjoy a precious holiday due to pain or illness is no fun.
ReplyDeleteYou will enjoy it all the more once Bob is back to full speed.
Carcassonne is delightful, especially when it’s not heaving with people in the summer, but beware of thieves and pick pockets. My friend had her bag snatched in a busy street in full daylight, on the way back to the hotel after a lovely meal out.
When we DO get there, I shall bear that in mind. I have a small cross body bag rather than one over my shoulder or in my hand.
DeleteSorry Bob is in such discomfort and pain. Such a wise decision to cancel and make the most of home comforts. Jill x
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate, but better than struggling, and being unable to enjoy the holiday.
DeleteSo sorry you had to cancel the holiday - hope you can get away later and I really hope Bob's back pain can be sorted very soon.
ReplyDeleteI am sure that once his back is sorted, we will try again. Thank you for your kind words
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