Overseas Travel - Are You Booked & Are You Still Going?

Hello =)

We have seen a dozen or so threads about upcoming booked travel and what should I do in light of this virus that is going around the world? We all have read, seen, or heard the news - multiple times per day - and have an idea what the coronavirus is, and then we reflect on how it could impact those who are travelling (or not). We could debate and argue this 'until the cows come home' and still have no resolution in what is still a dynamic virus situation.

The direction of this thread (well I hope anyway) is to see, in factual data, of who are booked, when and where are you going and IF you are still going? [prefer not to debate pros/cons of this virus]

Hopefully, we can use this format

  1. When I am going?
  2. Where I am going?
  3. Am I still going?

I'll start off with my situation:-

4 to 18 March
Thailand (Koh Samui / Koh Phangan)
Yes + wife

8-21 April
Thailand (Bangkok), Cambodia (Phnom Penh) and Singapore
Yes + wife

14-19 May
Melbourne
Yes

11 July - 3 August
France (Paris) and TBD european cities.
Yes + wife, however my parents may cancel if situation gets worse.

3 to 18 August
Singapore and Japan
Yes + wife

Comments

    • +2

      0-9 yo - 0 deaths to date. 20-30 yo 0.2%. You’re more likely to get Bali Belly.

    • -1

      I wouldn't buy into the mass hysteria too much. Just looking at the mortality it is not much higher than the annual flu. As MITM said, getting food poisoning is probably more likely.

  • +15

    The ozbargain humble brag at its finest!

      • Old wise man baby yoda says: ozbargain thread posters need thick skin. ignore the smart ass comments.

        If you were a level pro troll, you would have mentioned rocking up in your amg and doing the valet airport parking too. But u didnt. Which indicates…? profit.

        • +1

          AMG and valet parking? Unfortunately not me, I prefer to be driven.

          Happy to brag further if you want - have lots of brag worthy experiences - but my original comment has three trips, which some on OzB / here do quite regularly - and if you consider that bragging, I am sorry you interpreted it that way.

          Ps. I don't rely on thick skin. I just don't take criticism from someone who I would never take advice from.

  • -1

    NYC then transatlantic cruise, two weeks in the med then making our way up to Copenhagen for Baltic followed by Norwegian cruise, Mid April to mid June. Still going

  • +1

    Have booked Japan in July.

    Air ticket and all accommodations are cancelled.

    If you look at SARS rampaged Asia for 8 months with less spread. This coronavirus probably going to last a lot longer. Or turn into Swine flu like and become seasonal. I am not going anywhere without vaccine.

    • +1

      Did you cancel voluntarily? Any cancellation costs etc incurred?

      • Cancelled voluntarily. Not taking family and kids to Japan guessing this saga won’t be finished by then. I didn’t lose much money due to Booking.com allow full refund on hotels till 2-3 weeks prior checkin.

        Air ticket is a bit of a pain but we will get some money back.

        Travel insurance won’t cover us but we can refund the travel insurance and also didn’t lose a lot.

  • Going August
    Going business Class with Air New Zealand
    Vegas 4 days
    Phoenix Arizona 4 days to see my D'Backs play the Rockies 4 game header.
    Orange county 5 days- Friends and Disneyland
    1 week in Mexico
    Still going. hopefully, the virus is all gone by then?

    Then Thailand for a couple of weeks in November.

    • +9

      Im sure coronoa virus doesnt affect business class passengers, thanks for letting us know.

      • +3

        business class are affected, but im in first class and we are okay

    • Sounds like a good trip, but I personally don't think the virus will be gone by then, more likely it's going to be a pandemic now.

      I would avoid Asia entirely.

  • ZQN - Aug-Sep 9 days skiing. For sure.

    • Queenstown and New Zealand is slightly pushing the description of "overseas travel". I mean technically: yeah, but really: nah. You should be fine.

  • +1

    Booked Hokkaido for July, still going unless the government issues a travel ban or my airline cancels.

  • We are going to France and Spain in few weeks. We are bit concerned, BUT going ahead with the trip. We have to be careful in public areas, specially in Airports.

    • When are you going and are you still going?

      • Yes, Still planning to go. I'm leaving in two weeks. Hopefully, the flights don't get canceled. I spoke to my Airbnb host in Paris and according to him, everything is normal in Paris. However, some Museums are closed and big events are cancelled to minimise the mass gatherings.
        I already told my manager that I will have to quarantine myself upon my return for an additional 14 days.

      • Lol, after seven days the situation has escalated now. Now I'm trying to cancel my Holiday, hopefully I can get refunds. Note my comment on 11/03/2020. The situation was normal 7 days ago. It has gone from that to a full-blown lockdown in 7 days with Macron declaring "We are at war".

  • +2

    The missus left last week for Japan. We didn't have the option to cancel as we're going though an adoption process and at least one of us had to be present for the hearing. If it wasn't for the COVID-19, the whole family would have flown over.

    • Weird question but could I ask if you are adopting a newborn baby or an older child from Japan? And if you're happy to share which company/route you're adopting through? Feel free to ignore if you're uncomfortable answering though! (PS Congrats on the potential spawn!)

      • +1

        Not a baby. She's school-aged.

        • +1

          Cool, how exciting! Do you guys speak Japanese? (Or are you expecting her to have a good level of English?)

          • +3

            @dust: Very exciting, indeed! :D Nihongo-ga shaberemasen or rather, watashi wa nihongo ga sukoshi shika hanasemasen :) My eldest is fluent and she is billingual.

            • @[Deactivated]: How many grammatical mistakes did I just make? 🤔

  • this whole virus is a joke…. media is over hyping it way too much… i think people should be picking up bargain prices for travelling instead of cancelling their trips….

    • Except you can't go anywhere now

  • -7

    Ive just come back from a holiday in Japan skiing and visiting Tokyo for a few days.

    I walked around the busy streets, shibuya crossing, trains and stayed in hostels etc coming into contact with plenty of people. I was usually the only person around without a mask and so far I'm fine. I think its just all media hype.

  • Booked to leave mid-April to Italy, other European countries and fly out of Spain. Meant to be in Venice and travel through Milan to get into Swiss. Will be going as long as our flights are not cancelled.

  • +2

    Thanks to everyone who sacrificed a few measly thousand dollars or in some cases got refunds and not risk the health and safety of the country and those around them . The virus is NOT just media hype. Look at people who came back from Iran with it, now they have it and possible infected others. And screw airlines for encouraging travelling.
    To OP I'm glad there's no Japan-Australia at the end there.

  • Booked for a August-September tour trip through Europe, around 2 weeks ago when the virus was a relatively minor thing in Wuhan.

    Now it's blown up and affected one of the countries I was going through(Itlay)- guess will be monitoring world news and Aus smart travel advice to see if to cancel or not…

  • +3

    Yes. I’ve cancelled all my international travel for work, mostly SE Asia. Just not worth the risk of being quarantined or stuck in some shitty place as I’ve got 2 small kids at home. The situation is changing so rapidly.

  • +1

    Is there a directory/list of travel advisories for arrivals to countries, where they're coming from and any restrictions/quarantines in place? I am looking for basically the equivalent of the below advisory that I have found for Kazakhstan for other countries. Personally I am looking for other Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan but also Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Belarus, etc. but I think it would be a good resource for everyone for any country.
    http://mfa.gov.kz/en/london/content-view/for-the-attention-o…
    For example, as you see above currently me as an Australian arriving in Kazakhstan;
    If you travel to Kazakhstan from any of the Category Three countries or areas, you will be subject to a remote health monitoring process for the duration of 24 days from the date of your arrival. Medical officers will conduct daily check-ups with you over the phone for 24 days since the date of your arrival.
    Category Three currently includes Malaysia, Vietnam, Germany, Australia, USA, UAE, Canada, and Italy.
    Something that needs to be factored in as we plan travels for their coming summer.
    Cheers

  • Cancelled Japan trip - 29/3 -10/4. Got refund for the accommodations but I’m doubtful about the Jetstar flights which cost us $2,050.

  • +1

    Booked for Mid-April for Euro trip. Will be visiting most European countries including Italy. I am hoping infections will plateau and settle down a bit in 2 weeks (a lot can happen) but am prepared to delay my trip IF infection rates in Europe spike up considerably by mid-March.

    The media has just make it sound like the end times (and hence why certain simpletons of the community are panic buying atm). I would say that it's serious but until we have rapid, rampant community spread (that means hundreds of infections/day) across most countries, I'd say be cautious, maintain good hand hygiene and live life as normal.

    • +2

      'until we have rapid, rampant community spread'

      I'm sorry but I'd rather take precautions and prevent this from happening than react when it does.

      • -2

        LOL Ok Boomer

        • All I'm saying is, don't put others at risk just cause you want to have fun

  • Does anyone know if I can get JR Rail Pass refunded if I purchased via Klook? Travel in April.

    • +1

      Have you checked t&c with Klook?

      • Asking a question with a seller? Don't be absurd. /s

    • +1

      You can if it’s still on exchange order format. They’ll charge 10% fee and you need to send the Pass back to them on your expense.

  • +3

    I won't book any holidays until the situation gets better. I don't worry too much about getting sick myself but would rather not be the carrier to pass the virus to colleagues and family members.

    But a road trip would be safe as we won't go to crowed areas.

    • Definitely avoid crowed areas. You don't want to become a feast for crows.

  • +1

    Cruise in April
    4 to 9 April
    Singapore,Thailand and Malaysia

    Still going unless Royal Caribbean cancel

  • +1

    1 month trip to South America from end of May to end of June fully booked and paid for in November 2019.

    Still have full intentions of going, but I'm guessing the airlines may cancel the flight, which will affect my booked tours, accommodation, etc.

    Thankfully I purchased my travel insurance for this trip in November as well, so I should be fully covered.

  • -1

    with mortality rate of 2% - less than the regular flu, car accidents, suicides - I'm terrified !

    not.

    England booked for April-May - no plans to change that

    • +5

      I'm not sure why people are fixated on the mortality rate….

      What you should be considering is the thinking is that 20% of people are falling into the moderate & severe ranges.

      Assuming you're a citizen, even if your travel insurance doesn't wriggle out of paying out, and your policy limits don't fall short of an extended stay in isolation and/or ICU, do you really wanna risk being stuck in and English public hospital?

  • +1

    I've just come back from nearly 2 months in Asia-

    Singapore
    Vietnam
    Korea
    Japan (3 days)
    Korea

    We booked the trip a while ago and the outbreak was very much in its infancy when we left. Apart from temperature checks at airports there was no real impact on our travel until the outbreak in Daegu.

    If anyone is planning on going to Korea keep in mind that a lot of businesses like gyms, bathhouses, etc have closed due to perceived risk. Department stores, museums and other attractions may refuse entry if you're not wearing a mask.

    My impression was that the risk to us was not significant but the general piblic are being very very cautious.

    With regard to cancellations we were pretty lucky with timing and left just before the number of cases spiked, but if that had not been the case we probably would have come home early, more due to the fact that we weren't able to do a lot of the things we wanted rather than any real concern.

    • Are you currently in quarantine?

  • +1

    I still don't understand why this is even a question. If you booked to a high risk area you should cancel. The risk to YOU may be low but you can infect others and lead to OTHER PEOPLE'S deaths. It's so selfish, everyone here is just me me me

    • -1

      Yeah just like you

      • That hurt

  • Japan 12th of March to 29th of March = still going ahead.

  • When I am going? May 2020

    Where I am going? Singapore, UK, France, Switzerland

    Am I still going? Yes

    My only hesitation is getting denied entry to the UK after arriving from Singapore. Or being quarantined when I get home.

  • Jakarta - Easter for 10 days. Still going at this point but suspect it may all go to shit by then. So a bit hesitant to book my internal flight, train ticket and tours. Husband is very wary and questioning we still go. I said like hell we are cancelling but might not be up to us… By then Garuda might cancel flights, Aus gov might impose quarantine… The uncertainty is killing me!
    But in good news the internal flight price has dropped so I'm just going to book it. Luckily we got travel insurance before the outbreak.

  • Got a US trip coming up. Will be in LA from May 2nd.

    It'll be okay right guys? Guys?

    • If your insurance doesn't cover you and you end up needing treatment it could be a very very expensive holiday. Still it is two months away. We'll know more over the next few days. Lots of cases are going to pop up now that they are actually testing for it.

    • It will be late-Spring and hopefully, LA will have warmer weather. Flu viruses tend to die out/hibernate during warmer seasons. Hopefully, you will be ok. Stay clear of crowded places.

  • When I am going- Easter (Mid April)
    Where I am going?- Phuket
    Am I still going?- Am I still going!

    Just wondering if my Commbank CC travel insurance would cover if I cancelled.

    Welcoming comments from anyone wit similar experience.

    • Just wondering if my Commbank CC travel insurance would cover if I cancelled.

      It would appear not… their butts are well and truly covered.

      We will not pay for:
      22. claims directly or indirectly arising from
      d. you did not take appropriate action to avoid or minimise any potential claim under your policy (including delay of travel to the country or part of the country referred to in the relevant advice(s), warning(s) and/or mass media statement(s)).Circumstances, in this case include, but are not limited to, strike, riot, weather event, civil protest or contagious disease (including an epidemic or pandemic), or

      32. claims caused by, or claims arising from, an epidemic, pandemic or outbreak of a contagious disease or any derivative or mutation of such viruses, or the threat or perceived threat of any of these. Refer to who.int and smartraveller.gov.au for further information on epidemics and pandemics

      Edit: Forgot the linkage.

    • The issue with this complimentary travel insurance is when the bank acknowledged the "purchase" of the policy. Is it when the requirement is met (eg. you meet the minimum spending criteria etc) or when the policy holder gets out from the country.

      If it is a normal travel insurance and you bought the policy way before the coronavirus became known/categorised as pandemic, you might still be covered.

      • I haven't bothered with card insurance policies in ages, but from memory, you've gotta deliberately activate their travel insurance for it even to apply.

  • Undecided if I should proceed with a 10-day trip to New Zealand over the Easter break. Thoughts?

    • +1

      Do it. There'll be no crowds and the locals will be extra friendly for your business.

    • +1

      great time to avoid the busloads of chinese tourists!

  • Pulled out of boys trip to Thailand, departing in 2 days time :( AirBnB won't put Thailand under their extenuating circumstances and the booking polict was Strict! FFS… So took a hit on that front for half of the costs!

  • +4

    If you are traveling outside of Australia, please be prepared to quarantine yourself and your family for a minimum of 14 days upon your return. You will be sitting in an aircraft for a long period and walking through airports, terminal train stations etc. These places are hotbeds for germs and the likelihood of you catching COVID-19 in these places is quite high.

    • +1

      True, but then again, give it a few weeks and there's a reasonable chance that we'll be saying exactly the same thing about your local cinema, daycare, supermarkets, …

      • I know, it is little bit too late now. But if people are bit more considerate and take necessary precautions we can minimise further infections.

  • Booked Greece, Germany and England for a month from April 7th.

    Still going at this stage but monitoring closely…

  • As the OP, and living in NSW, I am keeping tabs on what advice is being provided;

    https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/corona…

    I have a holiday / work trip. Should I cancel my trip?
    The Australian Government provides up-to-date information and advice for safe travel overseas. If you are heading overseas to destinations which may have been affected, check the advice on Smart Traveller.

    I have travelled overseas and have symptoms. What should I do?
    The risk of exposure to COVID-19 in people travelling to countries other than mainland China is thought to be low. The following list of countries was developed based on the volume of travel between those countries, Australia and China and/or the current COVID-19 situation:

    Cambodia
    Hong Kong
    Indonesia
    Italy
    Iran
    Japan
    Thailand
    Singapore
    South Korea
    If you have travelled to (excluding transit) any of the countries of interest in the 14 days before your symptoms started, and you have a fever or respiratory symptoms, please call your doctor, or your local Emergency Department or healthdirect on 1800 022 222. Tell the person when you call that you have been where you have travelled.

    I have travelled to a country of interest recently – do I need to self-isolate for 14 days at home?
    If you have travelled in one of the countries of interest, you do not need to self-isolate for 14 days…

    As best practice, I will self quarantine (even with or without symptoms) upon return including working from home for min. 14 days.

  • +8

    It's astonishing how ignorant and selfish people are. An entire city with 11million population has been completely sealed off for more than a month and people think the media is overstating the virus. People are not allowed to go outside their apartment, only one person from the entire household is allowed to go outside and buy groceries once a week.

    If you have already paid for your tickets and accommodation and the money means a lot, fair enough. Please take precautions overseas and quarantine yourself and your family for 14days when you are back.I can't believe people are saying their biggest worry is getting quarantined…If you get the disease and spread to 10 other people, they can spread to 10 more each and so on. In the end many people might die because of YOU. Your negligent will actually cost lives and destroy families.

    For others who have only planned and not yet paid for the trips, please cancel your trips till this whole thing is over.

    • Thus far the government has only blocked incoming travellers from China. If the whole world was a virus ridden hole and Australia was the only safe place then there would be millions of people incoming to escape the horrors out there.

      Sure don't visit China but no need to cancel all your plans, just take extra precaution and heed the advice of Australian government which for most of the places people say they are going to is exercise a high degree of caution.

    • I was concerned, but I'm basically dismissed by people as if I have some kind of mental illness when I ask what precautions and preparations they are the taking.

      So I'm choosing not to worry about it anymore.

      I'm healthy and will survive the virus.

      I'll just go about my life and not change a damn thing.

  • Going to Indonesia early to mid April (Jakarta and Yogyakarta). No plans to cancel at this stage unless the airline itself (Garuda) cancels.

    • I haven't booked tours yet… I'll be seeing u there around the same time! Yogy, bandung then jakarta
      Any recs let me know..

    • With the global travel ban in place, I have cancelled the April tickets. Interestingly the airline (Garuda Indonesia) has waived all cancellation & change fees as well as any fare differences as long as I fly again by 31 Dec. Hello cheap Christmas flight.

  • Yes I'm off to Mexico in 2 weeks :)

  • +1

    Me too poor to go overseas.. but I guess now's a good time to score some cheap holidays.

  • i'm going to the USA in october (la, vegas, ny & alaska)
    not cancelling at this stage but if it spreads there i might reconsider

  • +1
    1. April
    2. Finland, Sweden and Estonia
    3. Yep, still going!
  • September - NZ South

    Still going at this stage unless society collapses before then. If flights are stopped between here and there in 6 months I think losing out on the cost of flight will be the least of my worries

  • +1

    When I am going?

    29 April until 14 May

    Where I am going?

    Japan

    Am I still going?

    At this stage , yes as flights have been booked and paid

    • +1

      I'm going pretty much same dates as you, flying ANA to Tokyo.
      Not cancelling unless the government stops me getting on the plane

      • We're flying Japan airlines int Tokyo as well and I didn't realise that I had booked it during Golden week. I guess at this stage golden week is the least of our concerns. I am hoping that all is good by the time we fly over.
        Same or the airline cancel our flights.

  • +2

    I rescheduled my family trip Melb-Gold Coast from March to October. Lost $600 in flights. No way am i taking my 2yo and 5yo through two airports and on two planes. They basically lick and touch everything.

    At 40 odds are i’ll be ok but we live with my 68yo mother. Will do what i can to minmise our exposure.

  • Booked flights to China, South Korea and Japan for 6 weeks in June - July.

    At this point I still plan on going, provided that in a few months the Smart Traveller website relaxes it's recommendation to not travel. If in May the recommendations still say not to travel I'll probably cancel. Until then I'll take advantage of the panic and book cheaper accommodation via websites offering free cancellations.

  • +1

    11 May - 25 May
    Japan

    Currently just in wait and see mode, Booked with Japan Airlines and they've recently said they will refund flights under these conditions "Tickets issued by Japan Airlines starting with '131' with following conditions:

    All flights to / from Japan
    Tickets issued on/before February 28, 2020 (Friday) inclusive of above eligible flights.
    Departure date:
    From February 28, 2020 (Friday) to March 19, 2020 (Thursday)"
    https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/info/2020/inter/200127_02/index.…

    Hopefully they change the coverage dates to further in the future but a good sign refund wise nonetheless

    Also booked accommodation through Booking.com and have only booked places that offer full refunds up to 48 hours before.

  • +1

    Denmark, Norway and Sweden - 20 days in August to September.

    Yeah, still going, it'll all have blown over by then, and if not, the countries have great healthcare, and I have travel insurance.

    • Travel insurance will not help

  • Just cancelled a trip to the US for 5 March :(

    Spewing, had tickets to 4 NBA games as well (including Clippers vs Lakers this weekend!). On the plus side, looks like I can make a little bit of a profit selling them on stubhub.

    Would 100% go if wasn't travelling with my 7 Month old.

    • Who's your team?

      And also, I thought it was mainly 80+ who were at risk. (Babies seem to be okay.)

      • Yeah pretty much. No reported fatalities in 0-9 age group. Majority data is from Chinese government though if that means anything.

        But even so, didn't want to rely on expensive health system in the US if we even got mild symptoms. My travel insurance confirmed they wouldn't cover me.

        At the moment been mainly following the sixers. Was going to see them in Philly against the Raptors

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