TRAVELER'S CURVE BALLS

Once in a while life throws a curveball at travelers' plans. I had two in a row this year that cancelled two major trips. My husband's health has been poor since we were in Iceland last fall and he had to have surgery. It was successful but his heart didn't like it.

First to go was my trip to the Travel Media Association of Canada's 2015 conference followed by a cruise to Georgian Bay and two days in Montebello Quebec. Second was our Pacific Northwest road trip. These were complicated itineraries to cancel. But in neither case did we lose any money, thanks to travel insurance, credit card policies, and knowing the cancellation dates of all the accommodations.

I have never had to actually cancel big trips before and was very glad that we always keep a list of the "Last date to cancel." Also my precaution of never booking anything that does not have a clearly-stated cancellation policy and having good travel insurance paid off handsomely.

It's was a big disappointment, but it was the right action to take, especially as in both cases we would have been in some remote areas far from good hospitals.

I partially made up for the loss by attending the British Columbia Highland Games in June — I love all things Scottish, but especially the pipes. I spent a happy day with Bella, my Nikon, and several more afterwards editing the results. We are also planning to take two or three day getaways close to home.

Highland dancer practising
for the competition

The Vancouver Police Pipe Band

IMAGES: © Photos by Pharos 2015. All rights reserved

WHEN MY MIDDLE EAST TRIP GOT CANCELLED

The ancient city of Petra.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I had been excitedly planning and researching my trip to Israel and Jordan for months when it had to be unexpectedly cancelled three weeks before departure. The decision was unavoidable due to a serious illness in the family and disappointing as, for me, it was to be a trip of a lifetime. But Israel and Petra will patiently wait as they have done for thousands of years until my husband and I can reschedule the visit.

This circumstance set me thinking:

• The whole process of cancellation was easy - none of our flights or hotels had policies that meant we were out of pocket (yes, we had travel insurance too, but didn't need it). We avoid booking anything with difficult cancellation terms.
• I can continue my research, which can now be more in depth given my assignments. 
• My magazine editors were completely understanding of my situation and very kind, despite having already slotted my articles into their editorial calendars. Why? Because I'd informed them immediately, even before I called the airlines. The worst thing a freelance writer can do is fail to keep their editors in the loop.

© Julie H. Ferguson
(Photos by Pharos)

The other interesting outcome of the loss has been a radical revision of my bucket list. The more I travel, the more places get added. The first visit to a new country or region is more like a reconnaissance for me; I need a second trip to get to see what I didn't know about the first time or to go back to places or events for a more in-depth visit. So my bucket list now is a list of countries with sub-headings and sub-sub-headings. Will I ever complete it? Probably not!

The top of my list this week? A camel safari in the Negev Desert.

What's yours?