Although the winter in New York has been extremely mild this year, it’s always nice to jump-start spring with a getaway to a warmer climate. About three months ago, I booked a short escape to Florida’s east coast scheduled for next week. My wife and I were really looking forward to spending a few days relaxing on a beachfront resort. Like most people who live in the colder climates, the thought of palm trees and walks along the beach makes winter much more tolerable.
It was early January when the coronavirus started making international news. Most of us assumed that this virus would either fizzle out or be contained in China–certainly not impact the world as it is doing now. The past couple of weeks really shed some light on how dire the situation is for almost every continent. Unfortunately, things will get worse, much worse, before get better.
At the current moment in my particular region of New York, things aren’t too bad. Other than a few school closures, out of an abundance of caution, things are fairly normal. Grocery stores are fully stocked, restaurants have patrons, and it’s business as usual for the most part.
However, each day brings more bad news. The virus is spreading, the death toll is rising, and more and more people are being quarantined. So my wife and I decided to cancel our trip. Here are the reasons why.
Vacations Are Supposed to Be Happy
These are not good times. Who knows how bad this pandemic will ultimately get? Right now we are waking up every morning to news reports of the updated death tally and the additional outbreak locations. The world economy is in a tailspin and people are panicking. It doesn’t really seem like a good time to drink piña coladas and get a suntan. Yes, beach vacations are meant as an escape–to forget about work and the stress of daily life. But, it just doesn’t seem right with all that is going on.
Airline Status
As of right now my flights are scheduled to operate as normal. Although, all of the major airlines are announcing changes to their routes on a daily basis. It is likely that my outgoing flight will not be affected, but I have little confidence about my flight home. As the virus spreads and people choose not to fly, airlines react accordingly. If things get really bad, which it might, we may even see major airports temporarily shut down. I don’t want to be stranded with no way home.
Getting Sick While Away
My wife and I feel fine now. Neither one of us are over 60 or have an underlying health condition. If we should get the coronavirus, it is highly likely we have mild symptoms and fully recover. However, there are too many variables should we get sick while on vacation. To be fair to the rest of the general population we wouldn’t board an aircraft and expose everyone to the virus.
This poses many questions. Would we be able to quarantine ourselves in our resort for two weeks? Would they kick us out? If they do let us extend our stay, what would the additional 14 days cost? If they ask us to leave, would another hotel accept a person infected with the coronavirus? After the two weeks of self quarantine, what would the airline situation be like then? Who needs this aggravation for what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation?!
Bottom Line
My upcoming vacation just wouldn’t be a vacation at all. This coronavirus has become a real problem for the entire world, and my time away just isn’t a priority. It shouldn’t be. I’m scheduled to fly Delta, and fortunately, Delta is working with their passengers during this turbulent time. I’ll reschedule this getaway during happier times. I’m annoyed, but I’ll get over it.
Has the coronavirus caused you to cancel your vacation?
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