Just got the email that our July 3rd trip to Japan has been canceled.

[helenk]

We figured it would be canceled but I am still sad about it. My daughter and I were going on this trip together but she starts her Masters program in the Fall and she may be doing her internship next year. I may go by myself next year but it won't be the same.

 

[sayhello]

I'm *so* sorry to hear this! I know how much you've been looking forward to it.

Sayhello

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Such a bummer. So sorry to hear about that, but yes, definitely not surprising given the travel situation with Japan. I'm more surprised they waited this long. Hugs!

 

[AquaDame]

I'm so sorry to hear... hopefully things somehow work out for both the internship AND for you to have a traveling companion!

 

[anonymousegirl]

Go solo next year! We made a great new friend when she was a solo on the Peru adventure. The families tended to hang out together, so my husband and I (no kids) made sure Renee never ate alone unless she wanted to. When I hurt my leg, it was my husband and Renee that climbed to the top of Machu Picchu! We're going on the Japan departure May 15 2022, so come along!!!

 

[Mathmagicland]

Go solo next year! We made a great new friend when she was a solo on the Peru adventure. The families tended to hang out together, so my husband and I (no kids) made sure Renee never ate alone unless she wanted to. When I hurt my leg, it was my husband and Renee that climbed to the top of Machu Picchu! We're going on the Japan departure May 15 2022, so come along!!!

Great suggestion but might not be fully possible if “travel pods” are still in effect in 2022. From the AbD website, current travel health and safety protocols -

Travel Pods
Prior to the trip, our team will work with Guests to determine the composition of their travel party, as known as your “travel pod.” Members within a travel pod may interact with each other normally, but must remain physically distanced from other travel pods. A pod may be large—made up of multiple families—or as small as one person or a few solo travelers that have requested to be placed together prior to departure. Once a trip begins, travel pods cannot be changed or be placed together in activities, vehicles or restaurants. Activities, meals, lodging and transportation will be arranged in a manner that incorporates physical distancing and reduces direct contact with others outside of your travel pod.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Great suggestion but might not be fully possible if “travel pods” are still in effect in 2022. From the AbD website, current travel health and safety protocols -

Travel Pods
Prior to the trip, our team will work with Guests to determine the composition of their travel party, as known as your “travel pod.” Members within a travel pod may interact with each other normally, but must remain physically distanced from other travel pods. A pod may be large—made up of multiple families—or as small as one person or a few solo travelers that have requested to be placed together prior to departure. Once a trip begins, travel pods cannot be changed or be placed together in activities, vehicles or restaurants. Activities, meals, lodging and transportation will be arranged in a manner that incorporates physical distancing and reduces direct contact with others outside of your travel pod.

Wow, not sure how I missed these. I haven't been paying much attention to the regular trips as we are signed up for one of the River Cruises. That seems like a big negative as one of the best things about these trips is meeting other families. Hopefully the pods won't be in place for long.

 

[sayhello]

Wow, not sure how I missed these. I haven't been paying much attention to the regular trips as we are signed up for one of the River Cruises. That seems like a big negative as one of the best things about these trips is meeting other families. Hopefully the pods won't be in place for long.

Yes, it really sort of turned me off to the idea of doing an ABD solo until the pods thing is gone.

Sayhello

 

[helenk]

Interesting about the travel pods. Well I am going to wait until next summer to go and I will wait until after this summer is over to even consider booking. My granddaughter who will be 14 next year told me she would go with me so I may have a travel buddy. But hopefully travel may be back to somewhat normal by next year.

 

[hilarys]

Yes, it really sort of turned me off to the idea of doing an ABD solo until the pods thing is gone.

Sayhello

Yes, we have the same thoughts for my family. We won't do a regular ABD until the pods concept is gone unless we are travelling with a group of friends (plan for our re-booked river cruise next summer). Hanging out with new friends and the guides is one of the best parts of the trips for my family. I told my teens about the new rules and they said no way. I can't imagine having to tell the kids they couldn't sit together on the bus.

 

[buk110]

Yes, it really sort of turned me off to the idea of doing an ABD solo until the pods thing is gone.

Sayhello

I'm curious how much the pod thing will impact ABD as a whole. For people that have been on a trip before know that part of the fun is meeting new people, and making friends.

 

[sayhello]

I'm curious how much the pod thing will impact ABD as a whole. For people that have been on a trip before know that part of the fun is meeting new people, and making friends.

Exactly. And personally, I have no desire to eat each and every meal by myself at my own table. I was talking with @Rapunzellover about maybe forming a solo pod so we'd at least have each other, which is better than nothing (no offense intended, Rapunzellover!!!), but it still wouldn't be the same.

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