Help, may have to cancel holiday three weeks before!

[hacarya]

Hi
My F-i-L had a mild heart attack last wek and they are doing an bypass on him this week. Him and mother in law were due to have the kids for us for 5 days when we go to new york. This holiday is 16 months in the planning and I am heartbroken we may have to cancel.
There is no one else to have the kids and though he may be okay and recovering at home I feel awful leaving the kids.
We go in 3 weeks and my mother in law insists not to cancel the holiday but I dont know if we can risk it.

the holiday cost £1200 and is paid in full. How much would we lose?
Would we be able to add the kids on and take them or not?
Would be be able to change to another city break say Barcelona. I am really upset but trying not to show it for hubbys sake.

thanks
Sarah

[disneyx5]

Sorry to hear the sad news. We went to New York in February and would have been gutted if we had to cancel. Sorry I can't help with any of your questions. Good luck with your decision.

[speedwayfan]

I think if I were in your situation I'd be ringing the insurance company to see if you can claim any refund just in case you can't go. I think if your children are very young it may be a but much for them - but only you know the situation.

Whatever happens I wish your FIL a speedy recovery.

[loadsapixiedust]

What awful news, hope your FIL is OK and recovers well from his bypass surgery.

What you can do depends on how and where you booked. A TA may be able to transfer your booking to a later date or destination or add the kids if you wish. You really need to speak to whoever you booked with and look at your options. Presumably insurance will cover the cost if you do need to cancel.

[paulac]

I wish your FIL a speedy recovery. Could the holiday be postponed, would the travel company change it to another date with a small charge?

I had to cancel a holiday in 2004 the day before we flew. It was a very upsetting time, I was ill and felt dreadful for my children, but my son put it in perspective when he said 'it doesn't matter, nobody has died, we can go another time' I just cried all the more. :cry: We were obviously able to claim which you may not be able to do, so as you say maybe you could change it for a break to include the children, I would look into this. You could still do New York another time when you FIL is feeling better.

Paula

[loopy linda]

So sorry for your bad news.Hope your FIL makes a speedy recovery

[janeprice]

Check your insuracne. If, however, your FIL had a history of heart problems and you did not let your insurance company know this when you booked, a claim to take these circumstances into account may not be accepted by them if you decide to cancel.

It is also important to note that, heaven forbid, should he be taken ill again or becomes worse whilst you are away, your insurance would not cover any additional expenses in the event you needed to return suddenly. If you do go, you should also let them know of his present condition before you go as this is a relevant change of circumstances that they require you to make them aware of.

It might be best to try and re-arange the dates when things are a little more settled.

Sorry not to be able to offer advice of a more up-beat nature.

[BevS97]

I would see if you can take the kids with you, or postpone it. It may depend on how you have booked it, have you booked flights independently, or a package with a travel agent? If you have booked your own flights, then they are unlikely to let you change them but if you've booked with a travel agent then you may have more luck (although this close to travel I don't know)