What an absolutely spot-on story for how I feel right now. Was to be in Aus on 9th Dec and attending a wake for a 49 yo friend on 10th, which is awful enough. Then on 11th was heading up the coast with my mother for a non-refundable break. Now will be spending that time in quarantine (my fourth this year), even though I am boostered. Now wondering if that will extend to two weeks - and also come with another quarantine on my return to Singapore. And that is not even mentioning the cost of PCR, the wads of paperwork and the logistics of loading our Sing vax details into mygov when my medicare card is expired! Good luck and safe travels Lee - hope you make it there and back without 14 days in lockdown x
You've had such a rough time, Gaynor - the most quarantined person I know. Singapore is particularly onerous for paperwork. Luckily, so far, Europe isn't so bad. But, honestly, I'm waiting for the bad news. No wonder people are hesitant to travel!
I would just go and hope for the best. there's a bit of hysteria about Covid now and I think we are all suffering from Pandemic fatigue and how great to have a break. I haven't been able to travel for over three years as I live in Bali and it's very strict here. I would absolutely adore to be getting on a plane or a boat just to feel like I'm living again.
Oh my gosh Lee, what a conundrum! Dubai would concern me more than France i think, not much room for movement over there if they suddenly change the rules. The risk of quarantine in a facility on arriving back would also be a concern for me, at home, not so much, although it could certainly spoil any Christmas plans depending on your dates. Best of luck, because i think it will be luck rather than good management, I’ll be interested to see how you go. Xx
Yes, the less countries you transit the better. So far so good. It looks like the slight hysteria over Omicron has subsided a bit internationally. But who knows what will happen tomorrow? I can't get complacent!
Oh Lee, such a crazy time. From what I have heard here in UK via BBC, the new Omi variant is possibly more contagious but the symptoms are low impact, ie just some muscle ache...Just today UK has gone back to compulsory masks in all shops, public transport etc. I think I would go for it if I were you. Christmas looming always has a blow torch affect on everything. Pack plenty of masks and my goodness doesn't Marlena's apartment look wonderful. Enjoy. B
We’re off to Brazil in three weeks (she says, confidently/naively/optimistically)! Watching with interest to see if the hysteria subsides and, inevitably, the paperwork. If there’s a nation that could rival the French in bureaucratic madness, it is Brazil….!
I think you're brave to go, especially if you're keen on being home for Christmas. But I also admire you for having the energy to jump through all the hoops. Good luck. I hope it all works out.
I do hope you get to go, and that it doesn’t get anymore onerous! Was interested in your comment re free travel insurance with Emirates tickets, which I booked a few weeks ago - I didn’t know.
Thanks for documenting this all for us, although as you said, it changes every day!
Check with Emirates. It has to be an Emirates ticket. The insurer AIG will also send you a proper insurance certificate if you request it. Unfortunately the offer is over after today, although they'll still do COVID insurance I believe.
Glad it's you Lee and not me. So overwhelming but I am gunning for you to get there - and home.
Thank you Sarah. The situation is still evolving. I think I'll only know when they close the doors on the plane!
What an absolutely spot-on story for how I feel right now. Was to be in Aus on 9th Dec and attending a wake for a 49 yo friend on 10th, which is awful enough. Then on 11th was heading up the coast with my mother for a non-refundable break. Now will be spending that time in quarantine (my fourth this year), even though I am boostered. Now wondering if that will extend to two weeks - and also come with another quarantine on my return to Singapore. And that is not even mentioning the cost of PCR, the wads of paperwork and the logistics of loading our Sing vax details into mygov when my medicare card is expired! Good luck and safe travels Lee - hope you make it there and back without 14 days in lockdown x
You've had such a rough time, Gaynor - the most quarantined person I know. Singapore is particularly onerous for paperwork. Luckily, so far, Europe isn't so bad. But, honestly, I'm waiting for the bad news. No wonder people are hesitant to travel!
I would just go and hope for the best. there's a bit of hysteria about Covid now and I think we are all suffering from Pandemic fatigue and how great to have a break. I haven't been able to travel for over three years as I live in Bali and it's very strict here. I would absolutely adore to be getting on a plane or a boat just to feel like I'm living again.
It must be very difficult to be in Bali - although hopefully things will open up soon and you'll get to travel again.
Oh my gosh Lee, what a conundrum! Dubai would concern me more than France i think, not much room for movement over there if they suddenly change the rules. The risk of quarantine in a facility on arriving back would also be a concern for me, at home, not so much, although it could certainly spoil any Christmas plans depending on your dates. Best of luck, because i think it will be luck rather than good management, I’ll be interested to see how you go. Xx
Yes, the less countries you transit the better. So far so good. It looks like the slight hysteria over Omicron has subsided a bit internationally. But who knows what will happen tomorrow? I can't get complacent!
Thanks Lee, this is great. Can you do an experimental trip to Italy soon? I’m (hopefully) heading there in February.
So useful. You are our envoy, Bon Voyage.
Good luck, Lee! Keep us posted x
Thanks, Dan. I'll be sure to do that.
Oh Lee, such a crazy time. From what I have heard here in UK via BBC, the new Omi variant is possibly more contagious but the symptoms are low impact, ie just some muscle ache...Just today UK has gone back to compulsory masks in all shops, public transport etc. I think I would go for it if I were you. Christmas looming always has a blow torch affect on everything. Pack plenty of masks and my goodness doesn't Marlena's apartment look wonderful. Enjoy. B
It's looking positive. After the initial reaction, most countries have calmed down about the variant.
Just when you thought it was safe ... waiting with open arms for you here in Paris!
I will be there!
We’re off to Brazil in three weeks (she says, confidently/naively/optimistically)! Watching with interest to see if the hysteria subsides and, inevitably, the paperwork. If there’s a nation that could rival the French in bureaucratic madness, it is Brazil….!
I don't envy you that. But it will be wonderful to be in Brazil and for John to meet his family.
Bon chance, ma chere. (Like you, I would have at least five toes pointed in the direction of the airport.)
The wind will blow me that way.
I think you're brave to go, especially if you're keen on being home for Christmas. But I also admire you for having the energy to jump through all the hoops. Good luck. I hope it all works out.
Maybe I'm crazy. But it's looking more optimistic today.
I do hope you get to go, and that it doesn’t get anymore onerous! Was interested in your comment re free travel insurance with Emirates tickets, which I booked a few weeks ago - I didn’t know.
Thanks for documenting this all for us, although as you said, it changes every day!
Check with Emirates. It has to be an Emirates ticket. The insurer AIG will also send you a proper insurance certificate if you request it. Unfortunately the offer is over after today, although they'll still do COVID insurance I believe.
Thank you, Lee.