29 October 2020

TRAVELLING TO BARBADOS – 26 October 2020 Travel is so different now, but it is possible and here is a report from my Son and his Girlfriend who are currently in Barbados - about exactly what it's like to travel to this beautiful Caribbean Island. THE 1st COVID TEST – PRIOR TO TRAVEL As per the Barbados protocols we were required to have negative Covid-PCR test results taken within 3 days of travelling. This test must be done at an accredited clinic. Our first test was on Friday 23Oct at Medwyn Occupational Health clinic in Dorking and cost £125pp. This is by far the cheapest clinic offering I could find and feel pretty confident this is one of the best options for the Surrey area. https://medwynoh.co.uk/pcr-swab/ Results are returned within 48hrs but we were warned that some had been returned later than that, although so far no one had missed their flights due to late results. Our results were returned early afternoon the next day - in the form of a cover letter/fit to fly doctors’ certificate and lab results. It is the LAB RESULTS they are interested in - not so much the certificate - as they need to see the date the sample was taken. AT THE AIRPORT/FLIGHT We flew from Gatwick with BA and were required to show our lab results at check-in (failure to produce the appropriate report will result in refusal of boarding.) The Airport was very quiet, and we went through security quickly, and shops were open. Boarding was apx 45mins before take-off and done in groups – first class, followed by the back of the plane passengers, working forward. The plane was 25% full and we were able to move seats after take-off. However, everyone is required to wear a mask at all times - except when eating and drinking - but it was a pleasant flight with no health/safety concerns. ARRIVING AT GRANTLEY ADAMS AIRPORT, BARBADOS Disembarkation was gradual and we were required to stay in our seat until called, which does take a little longer than normal. On leaving the plane - and before entering the airport - there were signs indicating which way we needed to go if we did/did not, have a Covid tests result. Joining the appropriate queue, once our results were ‘validated’ we went into the Airport, where we had to write our details and sign a waiver to say that we understood the quarantine rules. We were then given a wristband showing where we were staying and another wristband indicating our risk category. (Red is high risk for UK.) We had already completed our Customs immigrations forms on-line (but these can also be done at one of the kiosks). https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020 After Passport Control, we joined the final health check queue. We were asked if we had booked our second test, and we explained we were planning on getting a free test at a polyclinic. We were then given sheets to record our temperatures twice a day (remember to take a thermometer with you) and informed we had to WhatsApp a picture of our temperatures to the Ministry of Health once a day. After baggage collection we were directed out of the airport to our taxi straight to the hotel. THE 2nd COVID TEST - IN BARBADOS We are restricted in Barbados until we have had a second negative test, but in the meantime, we can use all our hotel facilities including the pool, but as all beaches in Barbados are public, this is out of bounds for the time being. There does seem to be some conflicting information and experiences on the second test. Our hotel receptionist told us she was unable to help us book the free test but would be able to organize the private test at a cost of USD $200pp (apx £155pp). We had been told that the Ministry of Health would contact us with a test appointment, but we didn’t hear from anyone for over 24hrs. We tried to call the testing hotline, as per option 1 of the protocol guidelines, several times but no answer. In the end we called clinics direct and managed to book at the Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic. The hotel organized a taxi which took us to the clinic, and then waited to take us back to the hotel again. The taxi cost $100 Barbados (apx £38), and we were in the clinic for 45mins-1hr. Our second test came back negative the next day. GENERAL ADVICE - Be as flexible as possible and try not to have too rigid a plan. It’s helpful to know/understand all options available to you. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelbb/ This is a helpful Facebook group, but again, take others’ experiences with a pinch of salt, as everyone seems to have different experiences and guests seem to be told different info depending on who they speak to. Barbados protocols are updated regularly. https://www.visitbarbados.org/covid-19-travel-guidelines-2020

19 August 2018

What are we doing now mum? Mark Warner Holidays certainly has that question covered! I spent a week exploring San Lucianu Beach Resort in Corsica and Perdepera Beach Resort in Sardinia and I can certainly say there is definitely something for everyone. We travelled from London on direct British Airways flights and were met by welcoming Mark Warner staff before being transferred to the Resorts. ACCOMMODATION Both resorts are on the edge of a beach and offer totally different styles of accommodations and ambience. San Lucianu in Corsica has a homely but sociable feel with large spacious sea or mountain facing rooms. Perdepera in Sardinia on the other hand has single storey villas which are tucked amongst lush flower gardens, giving it a more laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere. Both properties have great opportunities for families with spacious as well as interconnecting rooms. However, groups of adults, couples and solo-travellers are well catered for too. TOP QUALITY SPORTING ACTIVITIES Mark Warner prides itself on offering a range of top quality sporting activities such as sailing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, scuba, kayaking, road cycling, mountain biking and tennis, as well as a full fitness programme. Expert coaches are on hand to guide or teach depending on your needs; or of course, you can spend your days lazing on the beach or around the pool with a great book. Sardinia’s beach is protected by a headland and it provided ideal conditions for beginners like me to make the most of the free water tuition. I tried windsurfing – but I’m better off on land, so will be sticking to tennis. In fact, this trip reignited my enjoyment for the game and I still continue to play regularly. FOOD The food in both locations was amazing! Wholesome, hearty, fresh, locally sourced produce made for some truly memorable dining experiences. CHILDCARE Mark Warner offer fantastic childcare and kids clubs from as young as 4months in some properties - up to 17yrs. In answer to the initial question above… anything you want to do!

22 June 2018

There are many factors to think about when planning a holiday, as we all want it to be perfect and I am here to help you. One of the most important thoughts though is about the weather and I do get asked often about the conditions in certain countries at different time of the year. So I have put together this blog and I hope you find it useful, but please do feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Australia Such a vast country with a wide range of climates whenever you travel. Northern states are typically warm year-round, whereas southern states have cooler winters. Summer is December to February, Autumn is March to May, Winter is June to August and Spring is September to November. Bali With lashings of sunshine throughout the year, the wettest months are December-March. California California is a year-round destination with much of the state attracting a pleasant Mediterranean climate with warm sunny summers and cooler wet winters with temperatures rarely dipping below 20 degrees. Canary Island You can expect plenty of warm sunshine, no matter when you visit – with warm summers and mild winters. Cape Town Cape Town has hot summers during our winter months and warm rainy winters. Caribbean The drier, slightly cooler, less humid time is December to April and September to October the most prolific for hurricanes with rains starting in June. Cyprus Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate with long warm and dry summers from mid-May to mid-October. The winters are mild and sometimes rainy – lasting from December to February. Short autumn and spring seasons fall in-between – making this an island for all seasons. Dubai Dubai only experiences two seasons – hot and hotter! Europe/Mediterranean The best time to visit Europe and the Med is during our summer months of May-October Fiji A tropical oceanic climate with plenty of ‘liquid sunshine’ – short intense burst of rain interspersed with periods of brilliant sunshine. Highest humidity and rainfall between November and April. Hawaii Temperatures are high throughout the year. The rainy season is from December to March. Maldives With year-round high temperatures and humidity, there is substantial rainfall during the southwest monsoon between May and November. Mauritius During May to November the weather is dry and sunny with the wetter months being December-April. Miami/Florida The best time to visit Florida is during November-May with a lower chance of rain and slightly cooler temperatures. July to October can be very hot and humid with a chance of hurricanes and tropical storms. New Zealand North of the North Island in Auckland enjoys mild winters and warm humid summers with rain throughout the whole year. Whereas Wellington to the south temperatures are slightly lower and winters can be frosty. The South Island is cooler than the North in the winter months. Philippines With more than 7000 islands the best time to visit is during the dry winter months of November-February. Seychelles Rain is moderate to heavy all year particularly between October-March. Despite all the rain the climate is delightfully sunny with high temperatures. Sri Lanka A consistently warm and sunny island but expect rainfall at any time of the year. Rainfall mainly in the afternoons, is most intense in the southwest from April-June and October-November. Driest conditions are in the northeast which has one main rainy season October-January.