I'm flying to Europe in July, to Scandinavia in fact. I've got family up that way and am really looking forward to returning to see them and spend some time with people I don't get to see a great deal of.
Obviously the world is in the grip of a virus situation which has caused restrictions on localised freedom-of-movement in certain countries and travel restrictions between others. The situation is broad-reaching, certainly when one considers the loss of revenue with transport, tourisim and the assorted peripheral operators linked to the those industries experiencing severe downturns in business. A quick glance at global stock markets will clearly demonstrate the impact.
Contrary to my click-bait title Australia has, so far, not placed a do not travel restriction on Europe however I decided to investigate my options in the advent that they did so.
I booked my flights to Scandinavia, via Singapore airport, on the 7th of January, prior to the emergence of the virus situation; On the same day I secured travel insurance for the flight and trip in general.
I spoke to my insurer a couple days ago and they have advised that should the Australian Government, or government in the countries I am travelling to, restrict or ban flights I would be in a position to recoup my money through the insurer. Considering it is a sum of several thousand dollars that's heartwarming.
Naturally, if the airline cancelled they would refund my money, however if I choose to cancel? You guessed it; No refund, no insurance cover. I'd lose my money, in full.
I'm one of the lucky ones though; I booked prior to the outbreak, and have insurance.
One of the Directors at the company I work at has booked flights, (September 2019) to Spain and Italy for (July 2020) however has not arranged travel insurance. No matter what happens he will not recoup his funds. He either goes, or simply cancels and loses his (first-class tickets) and the significant amount of money they cost him. Many are in the same position.
With the world trying to combat or contain the virus situation it bears some contemplation from my part. Whilst I'm a healthy 50 year old dude overall, I also have type 2 diabetes; Well managed and under control, but still, I have a reduced-function immune system and so I'm more at risk.
I'm not too concerned to be honest as I'm really quite healthy and tough AF, but I'm concerned that I'll not get to see my family and that is a pain in the ass because I miss them.
Whatever happens will happen though and rather than panic we're going about our lives as usual, albeit with some increased awareness to the virus threat. I'm not one to buy-into panic and propaganda, however I'm also the sort who maintains a high level of preparedness, and so that's what I'm doing...My biggest issue is the threat to my vacation and the fact it may be vetoed. Still, it's in July, we might be all good by then huh?
I've seen plenty of posts about toilet paper flying off the shelves at the supermarket, but I'm interested to hear if peoples travel plans have been affected. Have you changed plans, decided not to travel or taken any precautions so far? How is the global pandemic affecting your movements?
Tomorrow isn't promised - Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default
An original post written by a human
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