25 July 2021

Recently I was lucky to escape to Majorca for a short break. I have a lot of clients enquiring about the COVID related travel requirements and what it feels like to travel this summer so here is a rundown of my trip… COVID Requirements COVID health requirements do need to be met before travelling and these differ depending upon individual circumstances. As we are living in a time of frequent changes as your Travel Counsellor I can help you meet the requirements that are relevant to you and your family. At the time of our trip, being fully vaccinated in early June there is currently no need for a negative test to enter Majorca, we were however required to complete the Spanish health form which includes details of COVID vaccinations. I did this 48 hours before departure and immediately received a QR for entry. I also ordered Day 2 PCR tests to be delivered for our return date in line with the current UK government guidelines. The Journey We travelled from Newcastle airport on an early morning flight. The airport was quiet with no queues at security, having hand luggage only we went straight to departures. Restaurants, shops and Duty Free were open. At the gate before boarding airline staff checked our vaccination status and Spanish health form. The flight was around half full with masks to be worn at all times unless eating or drinking. After a short two hour flight we landed in Palma to beautiful sunshine! The aircraft was disembarked by row to avoid congestion. After a short walk through the airport, with masks on we were able to use the passport e gates for entry. The health forms were checked, no requirement for additional checks on vaccination certificates as the information is uploaded on to the form pre departure. We had a private transfer booked from the airport to the hotel which took around 15 mins as we stayed in the nearby resort of Playa de Palma. From landing to the hotel took less than an hour, ideal! The Hotel Staying at the Iberostar LLaut Palma, contactless check was very quick and easy. Masks are currently required in public areas of the hotel and when walking around the resort but not whilst sunbathing, swimming or eating and drinking. We were lucky to be upgraded to a beautiful sea view room, minimalist in style with a large balcony and lots of space to relax. Cabanas and Balinese beds are available around the pool, there is also a separate kid’s pool and Spa, the beds are well spaced out and the pool bar has great range of cocktails and snacks. Dining We decided on the all inclusive option as just wanted to relax in the sun. This included breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinks were limited to three per person with lunch and dinner as per the current rules in resort and the local wine was extremely good. Dining times were allocated in the restaurant to avoid overcrowding. Freshly grilled seafood, fish and meat are always available along with fantastic salads, pastas, pizzas and deserts. The Resort Playa de Palma has a wonderful beach 5 minutes walk from the hotel. Restaurants and bars were open, great to enjoy tapas and cocktails in the sun. If you want to venture further afield there is bike and moped hire or a long promenade linking to nearby S'Arenal and Can Pastilla. The test in resort that is currently required before flying home was easily organised through the hotel at a local clinic and the result was through within 15 minutes. Some hotels do offer this service on site so it is worth checking with the reception when you arrive, the test needs to be carried out no more than 36 hours before your return to the UK. Palma City After a couple of days relaxing we ventured into Palma city. There is a local bus pick up out side the hotel but we decided to go for a taxi which took around 20 minutes to Palma centre. As it was a Sunday when we visited the city was quiet with a few of the larger shops opening in late morning. Palma, with its compact centre is ideal to explore on foot. We started at the beautiful cathedral and wandered through the quiet streets down to the marina via the museum of modern art. A seafood lunch on the Marina with a glass of Sangria topped off our visit. Returning Home Following a negative test in resort we completed the UK Passenger Locator Form including reference numbers for our required Day 2 PCR test on return. A quick transfer to the airport, documents checked before boarding and again a relaxed flight home. There were no queues at the airport when we arrived, passport checks only as other entry checks had been done in Palma. All in all a very smooth journey and a great break away in the sun, so if you are thinking about a trip this summer please give me a call.

06 September 2019

It may not be the first destination that springs to mind for a short break, but the Italian Riviera is ideally placed if you only have a few days to get away. Flights are available from a number of UK airports, we flew from Manchester to Genoa, with a flight time of around two hours. There is an airport bus which will take you to the city centre for 6 euros, the journey time is around half an hour. I have visited Italy many times having worked in Rome as an au pair in my teens which I thoroughly enjoyed. When I have returned it has been to revisit Rome, I also love Milan and spent a summer in Tuscany. Having never been to the Italian Riviera, which stretches from the French border down to Tuscany, I was keen to explore a new part of Italy. The Riviera has well known resorts such as San Remo and Portofino but also smaller towns and villages that are quieter and typically Italian. Unlike the French Riviera this part of the Italian coast is predominantly rocky with towns and villages built into the hill sides. The area is popular for walking holidays, particularly around the area known as Cinque Terre, five villages that are built into cliffs between Porto Venere and La Spezia. If you don't have your hiking boots they are also a spectacular sight from the sea, with plenty of boat trips from Santa Margherita and Rapallo which allow you to experience each village. Having four nights to spend on the Riviera we decided to stay the first night in Genoa and explore the city before moving further south. Genoa is a coastal city built into the mountains, it is known for being the birth place of Christopher Columbus and is a famous port city and Italian financial centre. If you only have a short time to spend in the city, must sees include Piazza de Ferrari with its impressive fountain, conveniently positioned at the end of the main shopping street Via XX Settembre. The Porta Soprano towers can be seen from most of the city as they are high on the old city walls and are worth the climb for the views of the city and coastline below. San Lorenzo Cathedral is a peaceful spot amidst the bustle of the city, and the harbour area, developed by architect Renzo Piano for the 1992 Expo has an aquarium, restaurants and shopping areas. Genoa, like all Italian cities has numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants which provide a welcome opportunity for a break from sightseeing and shopping. Enjoy a simple gnocchi with the locally made pesto, ice cream or espresso. The bakeries are filled with delicious cakes and pastries and warm focaccia bread straight from the oven. For the next part of our journey we decided to travel by train. Italy has a great rail network and it is an easy and inexpensive way to get around if you want to visit a number of cities and resorts on your trip. We travelled down the coast from Genoa to Santa Margherita Ligure, two tickets cost around 10 euros and the journey time is half an hour to an hour depending on which train you catch. The trains run frequently and are also great for day trips down the coast if you decide to base yourself in Genoa city. There are some beautiful hotels in Portofino which is a popular, if expensive spot on the coast around an hour south of Genoa. If you are looking for luxury The Belmond Hotel is nestled in the hills overlooking the harbour and will provide you with a private yacht for trips up and down the coast, there are also some more reasonably priced hotels, particularly if you are visiting in the spring or late summer. We stayed in Santa Margherita, a beautiful little town which is 20 minutes away from Portofino and has a range of hotels to suit all budgets. It has a promenade stretching the length of it's coastline, taking in pebble beaches, restaurants and cafes and a marina where in summer yachts drop anchor to visit the resort. The town is typically Italian and attracts local tourists from cities such as nearby Genoa and Milan. Particularly in August the resort is busy with Italians taking their summer break, outside of summer it is quieter and generally less busy. The climate is typically Mediterranean, although temperatures can be high during the day in July and August it is still cool enough in the evening to dine outside comfortably. Following a walk along the promenade enjoy a coffee or a spritz, an Italian favourite made with bitter orange liqueur, prosecco and soda, while having a break to people watch. There is a beautiful church in the centre of town surrounded by winding streets full of shops and cafes. If you enjoy shopping the best time is early evening when the temperature is cooler, many shops stay open until late evening having closed for a couple of hours in the afternoon for lunch as is traditional in Italy. The local ferries are a great way to experience different resorts in the area. They run frequently up and down the coast and cost from around 6 euros return. Portofino is only a short distance from Santa Margherita by either ferry or bus. Explore the winding streets with both designer and traditional shops, Castello Brown, a castle and museum built in the 16th century, and the beautiful Chiesa de San Martino. Then take a break for lunch in Piazza Martiri Dell’Olivetta the main square overlooking the harbour. Picturesque San Fruttuoso with its Abbey in the bay is also a must see, as is Rappallo a town further down the coast. Here you will find wider selection of hotels and Lidos providing access to kids’ facilities, swimming pools and private beaches for around 15 euros per day. Back in Santa Margherita there are plenty of restaurants to choose from for dinner, serving everything from pizza to locally caught fish and seafood and fine dining options. The local wine is excellent and is served in the early evening with antipasti, locally called ‘aperitivos’, ice cream shops are also open late into the evening and are a popular family meeting place. Having enjoyed a relaxing few days exploring the coast we caught the train back to Genoa and the airport bus from the station, again an easy journey taking no time at all. So, if for your next trip you a looking to do a little more than the usual city break and don’t want to travel too far this could be just the place for you.

03 September 2018

It was great to escape for a long weekend in Portugal during May this year. Spring is a great time to visit before the heat of the summer arrives. It's also a lot less crowded on the beaches and an ideal time to drive along the coast and check out the little fishing villages and beach coves. We stayed in Quinta de Lago at the fabulous Conrad Algarve Resort which is just a short walk from the centre. There are plenty of shops in the Quinta shopping mall with a mix of designer brands and local labels along with a plentiful choice of restaurants and bars. If you feel like exploring further, Vilamoura is a short drive away. It’s a great place to people watch at one of the marina's outdoor cafes or bars. If you are a golfer, the courses of Vale de Lobo are also within easy reach. Further along the coast is the main tourist area of Albufueira, a great place if you are looking for lively nightlife but also with a great beach which is ideal for families. One of my favourite resorts is Carvoeiro, a beautiful town built on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It has a fabulous beach and spectacular views over the sea, you can also take a boat trip to explore the nearby caves. The Algarve is a great destination for summer sun but also has loads to do and see at any time of the year.