Help Needed! Where to instead of South Africa?
 

Family of 5 adults, 2 tweens, a toddler and an infant.

We used 2 x GGL redemptions plus various companion vouchers for 8 x CW flights to CPT across the two flights. Obviously they will come back on a FTV but getting away this Christmas looks pretty hopeless. We have a fairly wide window from 15/12 - 7/1 and can split across two flights. I don't even mind paying cash for some of the tickets. But I'm struggling to find availability to any way hot and a little bit luxurious during that window.

All suggestions greatly appreciated.

Sorry to hear that. Not being flippant but I'd just stay wherever home is and enjoy Christmas. I'm sure the kids will love it. :tu:

Riyadh...going there on Saturday myself...

Unusual destination, a great deal to see if you enjoy 4X4 rides in the desert and archaeological stuff with rock carvings that rival Petra...

Beaches down in Jeddah

Worked there for several years...

Chris

Have the same issue, now that flights are banned will BA provide refunds?

if flights are cancelled then yes you would be entitled to a full refund.

Thanks looks like the ban is only until hotel quarantine is ready. I wonder what happens to those of us who will transit LHR later in dec. Probably better to look at alternatives as well. Saudi Arabia sounds fun.

previously arrivals from red list could transit, but I am sure we will get a definitive answer soon.

I appreciate it's controversial and I don't know how I'd feel about it but given your position or it how it might affect your travel insurance but what about still heading to ZA via Mauritius (Comair fly MRU-JNB) then heading back to Mauritius on the way back for 10 days R&R before flying back to the UK? This is assuming Mauritius is still welcoming ZA arrivals given the latest developments. I think the main problem you're going to face regardless to wherever you look at going is getting enough seats for such a large party over peak season at such short notice. Try returning before new year and you might just get lucky - the flights are pretty much zeroed out for returning from anywhere "hot and sunny" after 01JAN for about 10 days. 1-2 seats here or there maybe but for 8 seats, forget it.

Hong Kong could be nice at this time of year😀

Slightly off topic (apologies OP) but wanted to see if anyone could help me with the following!

Currently in SA and the return leg of a 2-4-1 flight in CW has been cancelled. Wanted to see what I should do in terms of the cancelled flight? Can you get half a companion voucher credited? Or should I just rebook for a random date in the future?

Fingers crossed new travel plans mean I get back to the UK eventually. Although not looking forward to potential (hotel) quarantine…

Maybe Florida? The weather is great this time of year, nice beaches and similar extremes in wealth among the local population compared to ZA . :D :(

my worry as well… we are transiting through LHR on the 23rd of Dec

I immediately adjusted to Buenos Aires for my christmas trip.

I fear the popularity of Mauritius with South Africans puts it at risk of being added to the red list. I’m due to fly there next week and thinking about changing plans (BA Holidays booking) - don’t fancy risking an additional 2 weeks in Slough on my return…

I had to scrub a similar family trip to Japan after their 8 November changes turned out to be more restrictive when documented than expected.

I considered Phuket, Florida, Jordan and Mexico but in the end decided t o stay in UK with a mini trip for some of us to Florida for food and sun.