Did you ever get THIS close to departing for your European adventure to find that you might not be able to go?
 

Whine, Whine, Whine ~ I may need to have some wine. ((D))

My wonderful darling DH, is in a meeting right now that will decide our destiny, lol.

Ok, it's nothing quite that dramatic, lol, but we are 43 days outside of our departure date, and we may not be leaving. DH has been offered an excellent opportunity for a new position, huge security for us and increase in pay. They have given us the 'no problem' in way of our already planned & booked vacation to Italy, but my responsible, loyal and dedicated DH thinks that it might not be the best time to leave (He would start the new position Jan 2, and we are scheduled to leave Jan, 25th.)

I agree with him, I don't want his start there is be painful and leaving just as you have begun may not be prudent. We discussed it last night and I fully support his decision if we can't go. I mean this IS a great opportunity professionally speaking, and I told him, "If we can't go, we can't go, no worries, baby, I just want this transition to be as smooth as possible for you."

Oooooooooooooooooooooh but we were so close! LOL.

We'll see what comes of this final meeting today, he is in it right now, Oh my!

Has this ever happened to you? If so, man oh man, I feel for ya!

With my fingers crossed, Tiff

Oh, Tiff...what great, yet disheartening news. My fingers are crossed that something gets worked out so that you can still go on your trip, as planned, and your hubby will fall right in line with his new position.

Congrats to him! :)

Keep us posted.

No, this hasn't happened to me, but I have had to cancel trips because of deaths and other unpleasant events, so look on the bright side and appreciate that if this trip is canceled it will at least be for positive reasons.

Good luck - sounds as though either way you have something to look forward to!

Twice, Tiff. In 2002, when DH was hospitalized for a few days two weeks before our departure for a six weeks European holiday. We did go as scheduled, just took it easy the first few days.

And then last year, a week before another long European holiday, Mom had major surgery. She pulled through and thanks for other siblings, we were able to go as planned. However, we purchased a pay-as-you go cell phone so that we are within reach at all times.

I hope you get to go.

Or you could just ask him what he'd like you to bring back. ;)

I am in the same boat right now, except ours is passport problems. We leave the 16th, and kids' passports are still in the system. We have had no end of problems getting them, even though we applied in plenty of time. It has been a little tense! Hope yours works out well, I am with the last person, ask him what you can bring him back! :-)

I would encourage you to still go on the vacation since the new company is willing!! I think it sets a good precident when people honor their obligations made prior to accepting the new employment (especially an obligation as important as a trip to Italy).

That was harsh, Christina. No call for rudeness.


Tiff, I am getting close to possibly experiencing the same thing so I can ALMOST relate!

I have a 23 day trip planned for Thailand in Feb. At the same time I have an 80% chance to become a project manager and trainer for a company I worked for 5 years ago. If this does all come together they will need me the first week of Jan. They know that I am going to Thailand but I don't think they realize it is for most of Feb.

It is a tough predicament to be in, especially when all flights and accomodations are paid for.

I feel for you! :-)

Hi Tiff,

My sympathies. However, Europe will be there in Jan, 2007.

((I))

Hi fiesty1,

>We leave the 16th, and kids' passports are still in the system. We have had no end of problems getting them, even though we applied in plenty of time. <

Call your Member of Congress. 2006 is an election year.

((I))

I was once on the plane to London, buckled in, with the plane still at the gate. A stewardess came over and informed me that my work called and that my trip had to be delayed and possibly canceled.

I was able to go the next afternoon, but boy was I bummed that first day.

If I were in your husband's shoes, I would base my decision on whether the company pursued me, or I pursued the company for employment. If the company initially pursued your husband, and since your husband disclosed that a vacation was planned in advance of the offer, and so soon into his new position, then if I were in his shoes, I would take the vacation, especially since it will be early on into his employment. The company has agreed to this, and it is part of the negotiation process. You also may have non-refundable deposits and airfare, or penalties for cancellations that can be expensive.

Could your husband delay his start date until after you return from your vacation?

Taking a vacation would be a great way to celebrate your husband's new endeavors. He would also be starting a job refreshed and without any stress or responsibilities for projects, etc. that he is involved with.

If, however, your husband pursued this company for employment, then if I were in his shoes, I might consider postponing the vacation, but, it wouldn't hold me back from taking the planned vacation since the vacation was already disclosed during the interview process.

First of all congratulations to your dear DH, but I dont see why you can't go by yourself and have a great time.

If you have a good relationship your DH would be happy about your going and perhaps, deep in his heart, it would not feel guilty about cancelling the trip and not giving you an opportunity to enjoy your great European adventure.

Tiff, congratulations on your DH's new job. I hope you both get to Italy soon.

This past June, <i>three</i> days before we were supposed to fly to London to select housing for our July relocation, my husband got offered his dream job at another firm. It was a crazy couple of weeks but everything worked out for the best as I'm sure it will for you too.

Coincidentally, we had a trip to Paris booked for late June to celebrate my 40th birthday which we still took.

Tiff, I feel your pain! My mom and I had planned and booked a mother-daughter weekend in St. Augustine, FL (Not Europe but still a trip!) this past September. Unfortunately my grandmother (my mom's mother) because very ill and passed away so we had to cancel the trip. Needless to say neither of us were in the mood to vacation.

On the bright side, I called travelocity.com to cancel. I had non-refundable tickets and I didn't expect a refund of any kind (I booked a air + hotel package) so imagine my surprise when, about a month later, my mom and I both received vouchers for a future flight on AA. We are now planning on going somewhere in the spring.

I wish you the best of luck! Hopefully congrats will be in store for your husband AND you will be able to celebrate in Italy!

Christina, the rudeness was quite unnecessary. If you are as concerned about others dying perhaps your down time could be put to better use than posting on a travel board and accusing others of not caring.

Tracy

People negotiate preplanned vacations all the time! Of course your husband knows best, but maybe he's being too consciencious.

Oh my Alan ~ I can't believe you were actually buckeled in and had to stop the trip, what a drag!

StCirc &amp; baby2, I am so sorry you loved ones pass away &amp; illnesses that prevented you from your journey. You have my heart on that one.

Kismetchimera ~ You so very right, I could still go and it is with sincere good wishes that he would still want me to go, but we planned this trip together, we had a personal loss, and wanted to be away sometime around the holidays, I don't know I guess planning something special helped us look ahead. I have no desire to go without my him, even though I know he would support it. I have been to Italy once before so I would rather wait until we may enjoy her together. Italy will be there to greet us when we're ready again! :)

Fiesty &amp; Eurotraveller, I so hope everything works out for you, too!

Ira ~ You are very right, in fact, when I reacted so pleasantly, my DH said, if we have to cancel, we can plan the trip for a longer duration the next time if I want to. Lol, many key upsides to being a supportive spouse, ha.

Tcreath ~ I am glad you received such good news after such a difficult time, I am sorry for the loss of your grandmother. Now you both can go and enjoy yourselves, good for American, I love a happy ending! Let us know how your trip goes, and you are right, a trip is still a trip, no matter the destination. :)

Good tips all! Although it indeed a job change, it is still within the same industry and yes, Leslie, he was pursued, so they did agree when this all began, etc. I'll let him decide, like i said above, whichever way it falls, I support him.

Mvor ~ Wow, very similar circumstances! I am glad it worked out well for you!

There is absolutely nothing more delicious than a good cat fight!

I would go on vacation if I were your husband. Your employer didn't say that you can't say (and, in fact, it sounds like they fully support your decision to go on vacation).

It actually seems to me like he's creating an artificial problem.

If he's taking this job so seriously, nothing is better than taking a vacation now. If he doesn't take it now, I'm not sure when he'll have the chance to take another one. It sounds like a demanding position if he's concerned about vacations.

The good news is that if you postpone for awhile the Italians will have more time to replenish the wine supply from our last trip. There wasn't much left.

Do you have to go in January each year? Maybe you could reschedule for the Fall when it's warmer anyway or even next Spring. In any event and whenever you go, I am sure you will both have a wonderful time. Congrats to your husband on the new position.
((H)).

October 2002 I had a trip planned to Rome, Florence, Venice &amp; Paris and cancelled out at the last minute, with absolutely no regrets. My mother's health took a turn for the worse and just couldn't leave her. She ended up passing away during what would have been the second week of my vacation. Italy and Paris would always be there but not my mother.

Sorry -- I typed that too quickly:

&quot;Your employer didn't say that you can't say&quot;

should have been

&quot;His employer didn't say that you can't go&quot;

Hi dear Tiff, I know how much both of you have been looking forward to this trip to Italy.

Whine, whine, whine...my goodness dear one that is what my friends and I say &quot;have some wine with our whines&quot; LOL. It sure doesn't mean that our whines are world tragedies but it does seem life gets in the way of fun from time to time.

My best wishes that your DH gets this new position and that you both also can take this long planned trip to Italy. Cyberhugs!

Well bless his heart, my DH just called as his final meeting just ended, and the trip is ON !

LOL.

He felt like he wanted to offer up that if the trip was going to not be the prudent thing to do at this juncture, we could and would postpone, but they wouldn't hear of it and so I hope MaiTaiTom saved some vino, cause baby, game on!

And actually Leslie doll, you hit it on the head! The said, &quot;No, we pursued you and you had this booked already, we'll cover for you while your gone. Go and enjoy!&quot;

Sounds like the kind of company that you want to work for, we feel very lucky, very lucky indeed.

Madison ~ I am sorry sweetie, for the loss of your Mom. I would not have wanted to leave either. I hope you are able to plan again soon, and your dear Mother will be in your heart for the journey.

MaiTai ~ January is usually our travel time as this is the slowest time of year for my DH's business and the best time to be away...

I was going to Scotland for a week of golf with a buddy of mine. My wife's buddy dropped him off at DFW and then had to leave before our flight departed to pick up a friend of hers from Love Field who was going to be staying with her while we were gone. We got our boarding passes and were standing in line to get on the plane and his cell phone rang and it was his wife and she'd had a wreck and was hysterical.

She broke an arm, we missed the flight.

Congrats on going...sounds like you have a great company to work for. Have fun, and hopefully me and mine will get there too! We now are only missing one passport...and it is &quot;in the mail&quot; Preparing to travel is so fun! ;-)

Tiff, the vacation and the new employment opportunity are coming together. Now, your husband will have rested and a clear head when he begins his new career. Also, he is going on vacation without any obligations to his prior employer. This will make the vacation more enjoyable, as it is also a celebration.

This employer is really interested in your husband, thus making the effort to accomodate your vacation plans. Just remember this when your husband begins to work long nights, weekends, and has unexpected business trips that put a damper on your future plans.

Have a great vacation, and I hope you and your husband enjoy his new opportunity.

Yes, on September 12th, 2001.
Went the following year instead.

Fiesty ~ Post back will you, even on this thread so we know if you got the final passport, ok!?!

Leslie ~ Good advice, I will, I promise, he already warned me that there may be some long days ahead, but I am fine with that, we are VERY supportive of one another. You give some really good advice! Sounds like you've been down this road before. Thanks again!

LoveItaly ~ You are such a love and even your whining would be quickly forgotten!

TomBoy ~ I am glad you were not traveling the day before. May we never forget all of them.

Twenty-three years ago, my Dad and Mother planned a 4 week trip to India and Nepal - a trip of a lifetime. The length of the trip was approved by the president of the corporation. At the time, my Dad was a senior vice president for a Fortune 100 company, and had been employed by the company for over 20 years. He was responsible for a division that employed well over 5000 people, and had numerous competent vice presidents working for him. Also, my Dad travelled approximately 20 weeks a year for business. Sometimes, he would tie those business trips into vacations with my Mother, and his brood of 3 when we were not in school. At the time, my Dad was entitled to take 6 weeks vacation per year, but, I don't recall him ever taking more than 9 or 10 days at a time (including weekends and holidays).

He and my Mother went on that vacation, and enjoyed themselves immensely. The only people that had their itinerary were the three children. During the second week of the vacation, the chairman of the board called my dad's office and inquired why he did not attend a corporate officer's meeting (a vice president was their as a substitute). The answer from his secretary was that he was on vacation. The chairman of the board asked for contact information, and was told that it was not available. Even the children were not allowed to divulge the particulars of the vacation plans.

By the time my parents returned from their vacation, the corporate by laws were changed, and all executives at the level of assistant vice president and above were only allowed to take one week of vacation at a time, with no less than 3 weeks of work time between vacations. This new policy did not sit well with my Dad. Within a month he informed the corporation that he would be retiring 18 months later, which was a very early retirement, but on the 25th anniversary of his initial employment. The chairman of the board and president never took my Dad's resignation seriously. They had 18 months to find a successor who would be up to speed when my Dad retired. My Dad happily retired, and a successor filled the position 6 months after my Dad's retirement.

My Dad and Mother now travel about 10 months out of the year. Very little postpones their vacations.

Tiff,

I just called the powers that be, and they have assured me there will be plenty of vino for you both. Don't forget to try a Singing Gondolier (Sgroppino) after dinner one night in Venice. Have a great time!

((H))

Oops, I have just read the updated news, and I'm glad it's good. So I shall edit what I've just written.

That looks like a martini glass in your original post, not a wine glass, by the way. Tell me, do you like it shaken, not stirred, a la James Bond? :)

Hey, Tiff, good for you!!! =D&gt;

To everybody who's trips were/are/being/will be cancelled:
cyber &gt;:D&lt;

To everybody who's &quot;expecting&quot; a trip - let our hopes materialize! :X

C*O*N*G*R*A*T*U*L*A*T*I*O*N*S

Is that Champagne--or Prosecco--corks I hear popping? Enjoy!

Dear Tiff,

So glad to hear you are going. (I'm still hoping you make it to Torino :) ).
Congratulations for your DH!

Oops. I mean Torcello. Forgot to take my brain out of park.

Cheer up! Last year 60 of us were going to Snatorini for my son's wedding, and then he was back door drafted and sent to Iraq. He did get married before he left and after 7 months of patrolling the airport road and the neighborhoods around that road, he is now home. A promotion is a piece of cake.

I glad for you, Tiff - the corporation really got this one right! I'm the HR Manager for a small manufacturing company (400 people, 2 states) and I just wanted to reassure you that many companies DO honor the commitments that employees have made before they were hired.

We've postponed start dates, or given almost-immediate time off for a variety of situations - 50th anniversaries (the employee's parents of course, not the employee LOL), weddings, planned vacations, etc.

We actually understand that people do have lives outside of work! Also, I always factor in this thought: So, if the vacation (or whatever) is important and this person doesn't accept the offer because we won't budge on that, how long will it take me to find stellar candidate number 2? Probably longer than the vacation or absence....

As I see it, honoring those commitments is &quot;win-win&quot; for the employer and the employee.

Just thought I'd throw in an employer's perspective...

Gayle

I maybe, at that point, it's been a bad month first the heating and plumbing and stove problems then on Nov. 25th , I took J. out for his birthday and the next morning couldn't stand and so I've been homebound ever since. Not seeing a doctor yet because it may be a lateral ligment behind the knee that I pulled after trying to remove my fleece-lined
shoe but I'm going through extensive dental problems and all this is costly. They would not give me a refund when I tried to cancel my trip, but it's OK , I went to Europe in a cast before. It's the financial part I worry about. But at 72, I'm still determined to go and overcome everything. I've sold clothes I can no longer fit in. Books that have value, a few stocks I have because Life, and travel are important.

Congratulations to you and your DH, both on his new position and getting to take your trip!