Just wondering how people feel about foreign travel. I’m dreaming of a holiday in Portugal but trapped in an over thinking loop about Covid! I’m wondering how I would negotiate accessing anti virals should I catch it whilst away. Even stressing about how would I get a test abroad. I’m very confident about other aspects because it’s obvious travel insurance companies have got things in place in case the need to isolate extended beyond the holiday dates etc…I am sure I’m being overly cautious but I’ve had the stuffing knocked out of me somewhat by the pandemic and find it difficult to make decisions. Would welcome and tips/thoughts
Bon x
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Bon1
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Hi there! I used to go to Italy every year until covid hit, and I'm missing it like mad. I really want to go this year, but can't make my mind up about it, even though I've had my vaccinations. I'm very concerned that the situation may still change quickly. I was listening to a travel agent on the radio the other day and he was saying that they've seen an increase in people booking package holidays rather than booking components independently, as some tour operators are offering good protection. I think ultimately the decision will be made for me.I haven't mentioned it to my husband yet, but I know he will say no. Although part of me thinks we can't keep postponing it, waiting for the 'ideal' time.
I think if you are unsure about making arrangements for any health problems abroad……..you should firstly talk to whoever you buy your travel insurance from…having made a list of all your Q’s….like where & when to get any jabs necessary before you return home etc.Don’t just rely on ticking boxes on line.
Also…..take what is considered a “Package Holiday”……that has the highest grade of protection,…. & the company you travel with would have a representative in the area you were staying….to help with anything from language problems to whichever hospital would be covered by your travel insurance.
One of the most distressing things about being taken to hospital abroad is that most insurance policies only cover State Hospitals, they don’t cover private hospitals and it’s not that easy in some places to find out which is which….if you somehow end up in a private hospital it could become very expensive….a local rep could avoid that happening.
Unfortunately I don’t think we would have access to the antibody treatment or antivirals whilst visiting Europe on holiday. I’m probably going to have to go to Spain soon as my father in-law is very ill, the idea of sitting on a plane with others, even if masked makes me slightly anxious. My in-laws haven’t heard of these treatments being offered to anyone in Spain. I would imagine you would need to purchase any PCR kit, although you could take a few LFTs out with you, just to check yourself if you get symptoms
If you register on the Gov.U.K. Website for travel to Spain….there are email addresses to a lot of Spanish information sites.But I surmise you are right…but once again….I suggest you speak to the company who you buy your travel insurance from….they should be able to advise you.
I have never been a foreign holiday type of person but just to say that I've heard that both Portugal and Spain feel much more Covid-secure than here with more mask-wearing etc so once you've negotiated the actual traveling bit you may well feel safer.
That may be true….but I have friends recently returned from the Canaries…& they have advised me not to go…..apparently recently infection rates are rising. They were in Gran Canaria…but they think all the islands are the same.So my Tenerife trip is on the back burner for now,….dammit!
Yep, we went last November/Dec after no trips since covid began, and despite concerns were pleased and relieved at the airline, hotel and taxi precautions. We left before Christmas influx and were proved right as rates have risen throughout the islands esp T'rife, sadly. Hopefully things will improve soonish altho' we are not summer holidayers. I think you were wise to postpone, AC, but can empathise with your frustrations. Best 2u. x
I am in Gran Canaria just now and have been for 2 months my son lives here and I hadn’t seen him in 2 years my doctor said it would be the best thing for me after shielding and she is right just remember your hygiene procedures and wear your mask I’ve not had any issues in fact I am feeling great
Same dilemma! I've booked a hotel in Vienna for my birthday in September because I can cancel without charge near to date of travel. But am worried about restrictions imposed in Austria, or if the situation changes whilst I'm there plus any other number of worries!! Will fly as it's only 2.5 hours but a lot can happen between now and September🤷🏼♀️ If you go, a 'package' holiday is maybe your best bet as the Travel Agent can sort out most of your concerns I'd hope.
Nope. We had planned drive over to mainland Spain next month but have decided against it. Our friends were keeping an eye locally on the updates for the festival we hoped to be there for but it’s changing often so it's just not worth it. We could have just gone to see them but we may go later in the year instead.
A friend with a house in Spain went there last year. They used the ferry to Santander because they were taking their very old dog, she said entry was straightforward because Spain was very clued up.The nightmare started with getting covid tests to come home - I said gosh it must have been worse with the dog and she said the dog was the easy part of the whole experience!
They drove home through France with an overnight hotel stop and she said dealing with the French was very difficult. They haven’t been back since.
It's good to hear others' experience, thanks F&N. We’ve been driving it since 1995 as before we lived there my in laws had a house. Our 2 dogs come too & we go by Eurotunnel, so through France, 2 stops, Coquelles & then either Orange or Bollenne then on to Valencia. I wouldn’t let on to our friends but if I'm really honest I'm not overly bothered, they wanted us there for the festival more than we wanted to be there really… it's a bun fight at the best of times. H is increasingly bad with crowds & I’d prefer not to be in that situation either plus worrying about him, & both of us needing to step away if you understand. I'd also rather wait & see how things improve travel/testing-wise etc & make the trip a safer pleasure later in the year.
Know how you feel, sometimes if you’re not bothered about doing something like that it’s good to have an excuse not to bother. No one can really argue with you. I’m not sure why my friend decided to sail this time because they normally drive down through France - we used to go to France a lot in our camper and we loved to compare routes. Not surprised your H doesn’t like crowds, I’ve never liked them but I’m really off them now.
Valencia is somewhere I’ve not been but it was on one of those house buying programmes and it looked to be an amazing place. They were looking at flats and most of them were huge and gorgeous.
I’ve got a friend whose son is married to a Spanish girl, they’ve lived there for about 20 years, they both teach there, my friend used to go often but hasn’t been since covid and they haven’t been here either, she says it really is as lovely as it looks. 😊
I'm glad I’m not alone! Driving through France, when it's not your destination it's too easy to just keep on the motorway & why we divert for stops so at least we see a bit more each time even if it's not too far off the route.
Valencia is a lovely city to visit. The Turia river was rerouted & new buildings in the green zone, which was the old river bed, contrast with the old. Oddly enough before he retired our friend was a teacher, taught English to Spanish students. He's a school friend of my h, one of our ushers & has lived over there since he finished Uni so nearly 40 years. He married a lovely Spanish girl & transferred from Murcia city to a school in Valencia & for a long time lived in a beautiful city centre apartment. When we used to go & spend weekends with them we always came home needing sleep… city dwellers we could not be! They say they're all grown up now as they bought a house out of the city. Still close though, near Montserrat, so these days we have usually more leisurely visits, lovely countryside all around.
Just arrived home from skiing in Austria. I had covid in January, I wasnt very ill, and that made me more relaxed about going and made it much easier to enjoy myself. I had a fabulous time and would go again. But, I was in far more contact with people than I have been for the last two years. Masks were compulsory on the plane, but not if eating and drinking. The two guys next to me ordered beer and whisky so didn't wear a mask for the whole flight. If that bothers you it is something you need to think about. In Austria they wear masks everywhere and check your covid pass in all shops and cafes, but in reality people social distanced differently than in Britain. They stood closer in queues, shop assistants stood closer and people shook your hand. Things are not the same as in the UK. It is harder to keep yourself apart, especially if you need you eat in cafes or a hotel restaurant. The paperwork for Austria was minimal, triple jabbed and you are in! The NHS app was easy to install and use. A paper copy is also worth having incase your phone dies. The passenger locator form needs to be completed 48 hours before returning, this is easier to do on a computer than a phone. For me, I was already ready to move on and want to live life more normally. In the UK I go to the pub and meet friends. It was fabulous to be back skiing (thanks adalimumab!), I would happily go again as I am ready to get back to living and not just existing.
That’s good to know. We’re (hopefully!!) skiing in France next week. I must admit to feeling a bit nervous about it but the rest of the family are desperate to go and I don’t want to be left behind. Having said that I won’t be skiing as I’m only 8 weeks post foot surgery and still in a boot! We are all vaccinated as much as possible and I’ll wear a mask wherever possible.
In Austria it is FFP2 masks on all lifts and lift queues. You can take them off when you ski but with helmets on it is a faff. I sewed buttons onto the sides of my ski goggles to put the mask onto then used it like a snood. Much easier on the ears.
That’s a good idea. I saw some clips on Amazon which clip to the helmet straps and then you hook your mask round them but I might steal your button idea.
We've bitten the bullet and booked flights to Turkey. We could wonder for years to come if it's safe to go and might never take another holiday, I'm getting my 4th jab next week and the other half is fully vaccinated so it's time to get back out there. Whether it's the right decision only time will tell 🤷♀️
We have a wee holiday home in Turkey, we went in October, we ate outside and stayed away from busy places, you had to wear a mask even walking about, they were strict over there. Most of my freinds had had 4 VACINATIONS,, the hospitality industry all got theirs first. I felt very safe, airports were a bit of a nightmare with all the paperwork but hopefully that will have eased a bit. They wanted proof of everything on paper rather than your phone, it took ages to get through the checkout. We wore masks the whole time apart from eating. I’m looking forward to getting out in may again, we have a lot of friends who live there and apart from the prices going through the roof they all feel safe. Best wishes
I've got several friends that live in the Algarve. It's pretty safe as they seem to be good with precautions etc...You may find some places are still closed though.
Antivirals might be a stretch. It would depend on your insurance and where you travel to.
Tests are readily available in Portugal. Try to go not thinking the worst though otherwise it will colour your trip. I love Portugal.
Hi, we always drive to this Italian Lakes, through France, Germany and Switzerland before reaching lake Como. We have decided once again this year it’s too complicated passing through so many boarders with the ever changing rules so we’re driving the north coast Scottish highlands instead.Neither of us are CEV but even if boarders and testing were not an issue we don’t feel it’s worth the risk at the moment even though we are triple jabbed.
And when I say WE DRIVE,i mean hubby drives and I navigate so there’s no telling where we could end up 🤣🤣I hate maps!
We did France & Spain by satnav for the first time 4 years ago &, whilst we know the main route were a bit ooooeeerr as we try & stop at different places each trip for coffee, lunch etc to change it up & see more than just motorway so did need to rely on it at times but it was brill. I hate maps too so it was win win for me!
Hubby’s a retired traffic cop snd driving is his passion and he’s so precise about it all, timings of stops, location of next fuel stop, cost of tolls etc etc with itinerary for each day! 😝😝😝
I don't believe it! We did exactly the same the first couple of times we drove to Spain! We took a different route the second time & compared the two. I've still got the little red notebook with toll fees & where it was, when & where we filled with petrol & cost, how long each stop was & where. How funny! 😂
I think this is more common than we imagine. I used to go to Spain five times a year; go up London etc etc. After two years of pandemic etc I can’t go anywhere. We ve cancelled several trips and I can’t even get up to going to see family or friends. It feels easier to stay home. The pub and shop in my own area is as far as I seem to get.
It’s like an anxiety feeling I get - as you say: what do I do if I get COVID abroad. Hopefully this mental legacy will improve as we al get closer to normal.
I know what you mean x. I really want to go away but can’t afford it currently and two not sure I want to go on a plane etc. I’m just getting back into actually going to work and that was a massive nerve wracking step x. I’m just gonna have some days out and maybe a couple of over night stays in uk at some
How funny, I’ve just booked to come back to the UK for a visit but am slightly concerned as seems all the social rules are being ignored, and healthcare in the UK seems a distant memory. So wondering if I should stay “abroad” 😂🤣
Omicron is very transmissible so there are cases everywhere, so I reckon I’m just as much at risk on the local bus as a long distance train. (I don’t fly places - since we’re retired we’re in no rush).
And yes we have anti-virals in France, and I am eligible for them. And if I need a test they are available everywhere - even for visitors. I don’t wish to be rude, but the health service in most European countries is in a much better state than the UK! If I’m going to catch it I know which country I would prefer to be in.. Apart from the first couple of months my healthcare has been completely normal, and exemplary. What so many of you have had to deal with makes me weep at the sorry state of my beloved NHS.
That’s an eye opener to me, for some reason (maybe instilled by parents during the 70s) one imagines the rest of Europe to be worse off when clearly it isn’t. I’m very pleased to hear it though.
If it wasn’t for aged parents that need me I’d like to move to Italy. I’d miss my two grown up sons though and then there’s my darling grandchildren.........
I only really know about Italy… I never hear my friends there complaining.With hip replacements available as soon as needed,& physiotherapists making house calls….it is seems to be worth every Penny.
I hurt my shoulder there…..& the treatment I had is not available on the NHS.
My physio in UK told me it had been trialled here….& altho clinical staff all agreed it should be adopted…., it wasn’t ….because it took longer per treatment than the usual treatment still used here, so more people could be treated but without much success.
Errr, no!! I have a rheumy that I can book my own appointments when I want them (within reason obviously) and if I leave a message she phones or emails back with 24 hours. She has ultrasound in her office, so checks joints herself. I can see my GP with a day or two’s notice. If I need to a nurse will come to the house to take my blood and I get the results in my in-box the same day. X-rays, MRIs and other scans usually a couple of weeks wait. Hands on physio when I need it (usually a few weeks wait if not urgent), annual dermatology and cardiology appointments. I could go on! That is what care for a chronic disease should look like.
However, not all wonderful as it does involve travelling and I can’t get an appointment with a dental hygienist. And few opticians and dentists in my area.
In October 2020 I ruptured some calf muscles very badly and was told not to attend casualty unless it was an emergency, I decided it was not. So I called the walk in centre who told me there was a 5 hour wait outside well as it was very cold, I could not walk let alone stand and had no transport I did not go. I called 111 who said GP would call and he did call the next day and told me to call hospital and tell them it was an emergency. When I arrived the told me to go home and phone GP. GP refused face to face appointment. 17 months later I am still limping, in pain and have had two physio appointments one in November 21 and one this month. I as made redundant during covid but this injury means I’d struggle to do a key part of my role anyway.Needless to say I’m rather disillusioned with my local NHS treatment, can I come and stay with you 🤣
It makes me so sad that the standard of care has become so patchy. Same here in that you can have a dreadful time but it is the exception, whereas in the UK these days it seems it’s the exception to get good care. My niece is an A&E doctor as she works her butt off, but despairs about the lack of resources to go round. Very sorry that you had this experience.
Unfortunately until people in the U.K. accept that to have a health service that is fit for purpose in the 21st century…it will take a lot of planning & we will be expected to contribute more money, the NHS will continue to struggle, & with absolutely everything in every sector set to rise in price…,it won’t happen any time soon. ……so we just have to soldier on & hope we stay Covid free.Although it does seem as if the anti viral treatment is quickly available to those who become symptomatic…..so it’s not all gloom & doom!
Absolutely….but in the U.K. people still can only quote the “from cradle to grave” as a mantra to the NHS. ln 1947 it was apparently possible …..to run a health service on the % people paid.But over the years it has been taken as a personal affront to ask us to pay more.
Up to that point people paid One Shilling …5Pence….to see their GP….& he…it usually was a He in those days….made up his patient’s prescription in his surgery annexe…so to see him for “free” was seen as wonderful.
Whenever it was suggested we should pay more…politicians of all persuasions vowed they could provide the same service with no increase.
And here we are….even with no pandemic….we haven’t paid enough for years …so we’ve got what we’ve got!
Why don’t you do a bit of research on the hotel and area . I went to turkey in October stayed at a fabulous hotel called Barut Kemer.Their covid measures were excellent . Socially distanced sunbeds , restaurant tables . Tables at the bars / all waiter service . If one of us became I’ll they had blocked off a floor of the hotel for isolating . Temperature checks before coming into the hotel and before you go into the restaurants . Felt so safe . They organised private transfers as well .
Hi Bon1I am on methotrexate and folic acid and also Humira.
Have just come back from Alicante.
All I can say is that it really felt a lot safer there than it does in the UK.
Everyone was wearing masks inside and outside. Sanitiser everywhere and also temperature checks in restaurants and museums.
We did not need any further pic or lfts but just had to show covid pass/vaccination details and also had to complete a health questionnaire before going. I printed this off. Also had to do one online before returning to the UK. Everyone was wearing masks in the plane and a lot of warnings re this. We were thinking of going to Portugal. I have a feeling you do not need to do a test before entering there anymore. Xxxx
It is obviously a personal choice. I am not ready to make that jump yet especially as on Ritux and no immunity. We are renting a cottage in UK this year, so at least it will feel like a holiday away from our own 4 walls.
Yes if I were in ritux I would be more cautious. Stay safe.
Morning. I am not going abroad yet. I have booked several holidays this year however, and am going to new places or revisiting ones I really loved. Do whatever feels right for you though.
Because their measures are better I am going to Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man!!
I’m going on a cruise in April, Bilbao on June, Arctic Circle in August and 10 weeks around South America and Antarctica in Jan 2023. I’ve decided I’m going to live life, as with RA, who knows if some of these trips will even be possible in a few years. I refuse to live with regrets.
Covid is likely to be with us long-term, so for me, it’s now if not now when.
I am actually going to my nieces wedding in June .She is getting married in Turkey. her silly husband hasn’t been vaccinated and was at deaths door with Covid last year so who knows what will happen.The flight were booked by my sister and was hoping that would be delayed but she didn’t want to miss getting them for everyone.Worried it is not a package holiday so less secure by rep help etc.I hear in Turkey you have to wear a mask outside in streets too and they are more strict but I still don’t feel comfortable .I have testing kit here in case get positive so can get anti viral medication but there you are whisked away .Guiltily hoping things will change so it’s cancelled.Been told holiday will still go ahead if wedding doesn’t thou
Friends have just returned from mainland Spain. The authorities are enforcing mask wearing rules. They saw woman stopped in the street for not wearing a mask. Her retort was "I'm English and on holiday I'll do what I like". She was taken away in the back of a police car!! Failure to follow self-isolation results in a 5000 fine.
The journey there and back probably present the greatest risk.
I went to spain in January and off to Tenerife in March. I found everything really good abroad and no problems at the airport u just show ur covid travel certificate. Can’t wait to feel a bit of sun again, the joints definitely prefer the warmer weather 🏖
Both myself and wife would love to go abroad on holiday this year, as it’s 3 years since we have ( somewhere like the Greek islands or Turkey ). We went to the Scottish islands last September, to do some reconnaissance as our son is moving there shortly, and where so surprised how busy it was.
On a cautionary note, my son and his partner drove to Oban in January to deliver some stuff to a container they have there, and both got covid on returning. Also our next door neighbours have just emigrated to Tasmania ( they have children there ) and both caught covid after the long plane journeys. So be prepared!
Hi. Last year I took the plunge and went to spain twice, July and October. But I went because everyone on the plane then had to have a PCR test or be vaccinated. I felt very safe on Spain (Balearics). Everyone had masks and it was enforced, police driving around constantly. Re the plane I was concerned before going but was fine once on the plane. I just kept my mask on, wiped every hard surface down with antibacterial wipes and used hand gel often. When I used the loo I used tissues to open the door lock the door, turn tap on and off etc. and washed hands thoroughly.This year we’re booked for menorca in may. Ive decided I’m not going to stop my life anymore. I do worry some days am I doing the right thing but then again who knows what can happen between now and may. We may get there we may not. I’ve booked a package, we usually book everything separate but I like the thought of a company to look after us should anything happen. Im 63, have not long been diagnosed with RA, been extremely scared the past 9 months and am starting to think ‘what will be will be’. My mum always said when you’re born you have a sell by date, when it’s up it’s up, nothing you can do about it. So I’m trying hard to think like the great wise lady my mum was. X
One of the problems is that areas vary so much! Even in this country the attitude of local people seems to be different. Just to illustrate - in Monmouthshire most people are wearing masks, keeping their distance and being cautious with low rates of infection. In the nearby valleys, people are casual, hugging each other as usual, not wearing masks (and rates of infection are higher). This is likely to be due to the attitude of people locally and will similarly vary within other countries. So you have to decide personally how much risk you want to take.
After contracting COVID on a short stay in Northumberland last August after we recovered we decided seeing as hopefully we had plenty of antibodies we took the chance to go to our holiday home in Cyprus. The flight was probably the worst part especially as the young group of girls in the row in front of us hardly wore masks & sat with drinks throughout sipping every time stewardesses went past. Once there we felt so much safer than here. Masks were compulsory everywhere & covid passes required to enter any shop/ supermarket etc being checked at the door. Even needed to go into local bakery. We already have several flights booked for this year but aware it’s very different going to your own property than in a hotel.
Regarding anti virals I’ve given up even trying to get a test kit here let alone abroad. I’ve tried repeatedly with no joy from either GP or Rheumy so nothing more I can do. It’s a tough decision to make that’s for sure x
We cancelled our Italian holiday last year because of Covid and have booked again this year. All being well we’re driving down from Scotland and across Europe and staying for 6 weeks in Umbria. I don’t think there is more risk there than here. (I hope).
After waiting for 2 years we took the plunge and holidayed around the Canary Islands and Madeira over new year. The Spanish we’re really on the ball asking for Covid passports in cafes and police were enforcing mask wearing everywhere …. Not the case in Madeira 🤷♀️. The psychological benefit of being away on holiday was immense and despite feeling nervous about going we had a terrific time. So much so, that we have booked two weeks on our favourite small Greek island (Kefalonia) in July. In normal times we would visit Kefalonia most years and have many friends on the island but this time we have chosen to book a package holiday for all the reasons being given by others on this thread. Having a holiday rep on hand in case of issues being the main reason and if we change our mind due to rising Covid cases we can postpone for a small fee. 🤞🤞🤞Keep safe everyone but don’t stop living xx
We're wanting to go back to East Malaysia this Winter, so plenty to check methinks. Airport regulations, airline care, country regulations letting you in, etc etc .
Problem is how others will behave during the traveling, most are pretty good but always an exception numpty.
Hi there,Currently on a Canary Islands Cruise. Dependi g on the island, they are either on Alert level 3 or 4. Yet there are less caees per 100,000 than the UK.
One of the criteria is you have to be vaccinated and if its more than 270 days since the second dose, you have to have received the booster at least 14 days before you have travelled.
We also had to take a test the night before our flight. This generates a certificate which we had to show a couple of times.
Most passengers wore masks on the flight. I wore my ffp2 mask. If it was a longer flight, I'm not sure how I'd feel!
You have to wear masks around the ship unless eating or drinking. There are sanitiser stations everywhere and we are required to have our temp checked every day before 6pm.
I dont think its fail proof but I wanted to get away and dip my toe in the water. I don't think I'm at more risk here than in the UK where restrictions are all but over and I'm out and about for work and travelling on public transport.
Yet, I understand everyone is at different stages and you need to dip your foot in the water when it feels right for you. I wish you all the best with your decision.
I'm gonna try and enjoy the break but my hands and arms are not playing ball at all!!!
I feel very much as you do Bon1. I really miss our holidays in Lanzarote. We keep changing our rather expensive flight dates and fortunately have had accomdation booked which allowed free changes...just done that for the third time, so my husband's 80th Birthday won't be celebrated in the sunshine. Booked for November/December in the hope that we can celebrate our 58th Wedding Anniversary in the warmth. Our honeymoon was not a wise choice....I ask you, Weston Super Mare in December! It had been great in the summer. These days we try to make up for that! 😀
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Newly diagnosed with RA and have a holiday planned abroad next month, any tips?
Going on holiday to Skegness
Healthcare at Home issues- anyone else having a bad experience with these people
Anyone else have no support or help at home? 
