What is like travelling abroad now?

Laura Bolt on 06 August 2020
Like many others who had to either cancel, postpone, or change their summer holiday this year, I was faced with cancelling our family holiday to Mallorca to avoid a 14-day quarantine when returning home, or change destination.

Thoughts going through my mind at the time……

• Would it be the same experience when we were there? • Would we feel safe? • Are we risking being told halfway through the holiday that we need to isolate? • Could the children cope with having a face mask on the flight? Actually, could I even cope with a mask on for that long! • What happens if one of us shows symptoms whilst away? • Would we be insured?

The list is almost endless, but I listened to my gut feeling, used my knowledge of the travel industry, and picked a last minute all – inclusive option to Turkey. I can assure you it was SO worth it!

The airport experience was probably the best I’ve ever had (and I’ve spent a lot of time in airports having spent 15 years as cabin crew in my former life!) It was so quiet, hand sanitizer everywhere we turned with clear instructions and guidance to maintain social distancing. Going through security was smooth and felt no different to normal.

The flight was full, which to be honest took me my surprise but everyone respected wearing a mask. You could remove your mask to eat and drink and the service felt very normal. My full praise to @Jet2 and their cabin crew who did a fantastic job offering their usual great service. On another positive note, the mask acted as a great preventative to the kids asking are we nearly there yet, I’m bored what can I do…..

We stayed at the @Barut Hemera in Side. Once we arrived at our hotel, we were greeted to a quick temperature check, and our luggage was sprayed with a disinfecting spray - all very friendly and relaxed. We didn’t have to wear a mask in the resort, but we felt very safe as everything was set up to social distancing guidelines. Again, there were hand sanitizers everywhere, cutlery was in prepacked sanitised bags and the buffet was served by the staff. As the hotel was only at 1/3 of its full capacity, it really felt very relaxed and it came with a number of benefits such as easy to get sun loungers, and easy to book into the a la carte restaurants most nights. We spent 5 of our 7 nights in the restaurants which really added to the experience, the food was amazing!

I can highly recommend the @Barut Hemera in Side. Understated luxury with modern sophisticated décor. There are great choices of rooms, some of which have a swim up pool looking onto the adults only area. Our family room was spacious, with a separate room for the children. All the staff worked so hard, under what must be tough conditions all wearing masks throughout the day which must be incredible hot in 35 + degree heat.

We had a great experience, if you are thinking about going away but feel a little bit nervous about it, my advice is just go for it!

• Making sure you have adequate travel insurance when you book is key. • Consider which destination is right for you in terms of whether you will need to isolate when you return. • Book a holiday with flexibility and minimal cancellation fees. • Avoid booking each component separately online.

Using an agent offers a lot of benefits. (I’m your girl!) But seriously, booking with someone you trust, who you know will ensure you have the best package to offer flexibility, will look after you at any time of the day and protect your hard earned cash is more important than ever and that’s the best advice I can give. Most holidays won’t feel any different with the ‘new norm’ but you need to ensure your money is protected and that you have options to change if things don’t go to plan.