Holiday Phobia

That's scary, Ellanvannin. My cousin is a doctor in New Zealand and has had to deal with heart attacks and pregnancy complications during several flights across the globe. Some airlines are really good and give him first class seats and food after he has dealt with the emergency! Others barely a thank you.
His wife keeps telling him not to respond to the announcement, " is there a doctor onboard?"

I can see this phobia is quite common in our age group, even if we don't worry too much about actual risks like terrorism. I don't because at my age it wouldn't really matter too much. But it's just a weird feeling that you rather be home. I do love all the planning and looking through brochures too, but as soon as I book I start having doubts and second thoughts. I don't know why I've never been like this, perhaps subconsciously we know it could be quite feasible that one or the other could be taken ill while abroad...

We once went away for Christmas, and drove back home on Christmas Eve, just didn’t feel right!

I remember flying back from Oz on " their Christmas Eve " 12hrs ahead. I was due to stay over Christmas having been there since September, but I couldn't hack it----Christmas away from home. I arrived in the UK on the morning of Christmas Eve here amid snow and frost and it was magic.

I did manage Christmas in Oz one year just to prove to myself that I could make it. I even cooked the dinner in 40 degree temperatures as well.

In a way, it's a relief to realise that we're not alone in being/feeling " odd " while everyone else is scurrying off somewhere. It's become like a safety thing being at home in familiar surrounds. Though after never having been like this it's become a bit of a mystery too.

Ellan

That makes me feel a whole lot better, our friends and family still manage to have a laugh at our expense every Christmas

My neighbour has told me that she is taking herself off to the outer Hebrides for a couple of weeks but she doesn't really want to go. I think she feels under pressure to go back every year because she and her deceased DH used to do it every year.

I've never had any interest in going on holiday although in the past we have gone away both home and abroad. The last time was 4 years ago when we went to NZ to see family. It will be our Golden Wedding in 18 months and my husband is planning for us to go back but I can't get enthusiastic about it at all although I haven't told him that. We have some friends who go on holiday several times a year - no sooner have they come back than they're booking another. I just find it all very boring

I loved holidays when I was young (although I've always been very claustrophobic and travel sick). I went sometimes as an adult (for the kids' sake really) and spent the first day 'recovering' but now they'd just be an ordeal. I find any journey painful (back injury) so what used to be a pleasure is now more of a challenge. I have no great wish to go anywhere lately!

Willow

I work with someone who seems to live from holiday to holiday, they go several times a year, to different destinations, but always to all inclusive resorts, they could be anywhere!

Sounds like my kind of hell!

What's really sad is that my friend goes because it's expected and 'What you do' in retirement! She always longs to come home and doesn't enjoy herself.

The way I see it is holidays used to be a break - away from school, study or work. Now I'm on permanent 'holiday' why bother?

Sara65, a colleague had a countdown 'clock' of days until her next break. She too, did all inclusive in the most artificial, boring resorts - and spent her days reading by the pool. I'd ask her what she'd seen, where she went - but no, she stayed in the resort or hotel!

When we were younger and in work we planned to travel the world once retired. Now that we are and could do it, I just can't get enthusiastic about it. In fact it's added stress. And yet in my last botched holiday there were people way older than us, one couple must have been in their 90's and had walking difficulties and yet they were there sight seeing with the rest of us! This makes me feel embarrassed!

I have never travelled much, however there are places I would really like to see, such as Paris, but do not like going on my own. I'm sure there are other widows here who don't like to travel on their own. I have tried it but found the evenings awful.

As someone who travels a lot I can honestly say it is not what it used to be - especially the ''favourite airline'' - and I don't mean the strike!

Our best holidays were camping in France with the DC. I have never been an adventurer and I suppose we went away because it is expected in retirement.
Recently, as I have been diagnosed with cancer, we have not been able to go away so we are spending the money on making our home more comfortable. I have always wondered why people exchange their comfortable home for a cold hotel room or cottage when there is so much to see within an hours drive from home.

In view of my early morning blip today ( as in the good morning thread ) I certainly won't be going anywhere !! As it seems/looks like it's brought on by stress.

I have the opposite problem, I absolutely love going on holiday but start to get upset and anxious when I have to come home!
A few days or a week away doesn't cut it for me, I want at least a month or its not worth the effort. OH is always trying to get me away on mini-breaks but I don't see the point of that at all.

Dragonfly

I know what you mean, I am happy at home, it’s not perfect, but it suits us very well, and we’re an easy drive from lots of lovely places.

I dislike hotels because
A, I’m a bit weird about who slept in the bed/sat on the loo, before me

B, they can never make a decent cup of tea

C, I miss my own shower

D, there are never enough coat hangers

E, they’re incredibly expensive just for the privilege of sleeping in a strange bed, and having your breakfast cooked

Okay, so I know I’m a miserable cow!

Oh EllanVannin! There you are you have just reinforced my belief about being abroad and something happens! Glad they were able to sort you out.