With the COVID-19 virus sweeping the globe, and the edict from my employer that all company-related travel is postponed until 4/30/2020… this effectively put a hold on my May vacation plans.  If my work was back online May 1st, I could not in good conscience go on vacation May 7-16.  That would not be good for my career, and that has to come first.  

Having just come back from vacation on March 12th, I thought it would be a good idea to postpone the next trip to a later date – like August.  But, that timing didn’t work with other work priorities.  So, it was looking more likely to just cancel the trip for now.  With everything planned out to the T, it was heartbreaking to cancel each hotel reservation.  I will wait to see if United will extend their cancellation policy (it is, as of right now, only through 4/30.)  I assume it will be extended so I can at least use my ticket for a future date.  

As I canceled each hotel the sadness set in: when will this get back to ‘normal’?  Is there a new normal?  What about my other trip in September/October?  My dog trips?  My (gasp) airline and hotel statuses?  Granted people are dying so I should not be worried about trivial matters like these.  Trips are easily canceled, for the most part.  Statuses will likely be extended since this is so far-reaching.  But people’s lives is something we cannot get back.  

Not sure when I will get on a plane in the future — as the cancellations of all things March and April continue, I know this will trickle into May cancellations as well.  For now, I will stay home, work from home, and enjoy the company of my 4 wonderful dogs who are undoubtedly grateful for their extended time with me.  Stay safe everyone.