Traveling in the new normal.

I tried not to get too excited about our trip to turkey with the ever-changing travel advice as I wasn’t sure that it would go ahead, which for anyone who knows me is very unlike me. Having already had a cruise cancelled and the foreign office advice suddenly changing meaning we had to cancel Tenerife, Turkey was deemed to be on the safe list next for us to try.

The day finally arrived, suitcases all packed and off we went to the airport. The airport experience was actually quite pleasant. We parked onsite at Stansted and although we got drenched in a crazy rain and thunderstorm, we walked the few minutes to the terminal. So much less stressful than having to wait for the bus I recommend booking the onsite car park and it was only a few pounds difference. Wearing our masks on entry to the building which applies to all those over 11, checking our bags in was all very civilised. They told us which desk to go to and all we were socially distanced accordingly. You cannot have anything with a rechargeable battery in your hold luggage so out came the electric toothbrushes!

Airport security was empty. We went straight to the X ray machines and breezed through. No queue whatsoever. Most of the shops were open with a choice of a couple of restaurants and sandwich places to choose from so we had a nice relaxing breakfast before heading to the departure lounge.

Boarding the plane was ok. Not particularly socially distanced but again masks are to be worn by anyone over 6 unless you are eating or drinking. My daughter of 7 did well for most of the flight considering. I recommend getting a mask that is comfortable as possible I found it did get a bit sore on my ears, I have so much respect for the NHS and those who have to wear them daily, but we all have to make changes to the way we travel if we are to do it in a safe a way as possible. On the plus side of wearing a face covering is if you have a nap no one can see you sleeping with your mouth open! The flight was almost full and other than everyone wearing masks was pretty normal. Drinks and food service came by for the obligatory snack pack of Pringles! There was a NO QUEUE policy for the toilet so don’t leave it till the last minute or go before you board!

On arrival at Turkey, again it was all very civilised. There were thermal cameras for you to walk through as a temperature check. I did get the nervous feeling of walking through customs even though I haven’t got anything! Reassuringly our travel insurance with Rush who partner with Travel Counsellors covers us if we are denied entry because of Covid. Once through the cameras onto passport control for the stamp in the passport. You don’t usually get stamps for Europe, so the kids were really excited they got their first stamps in their new passports. For Turkey you need to have your passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have a blank page for the stamp and they are currently waiving the visa fee which saves you around $25 per person.

Collecting our baggage there were bollards to try to keep everyone social distanced from each other at the luggage belt. Off on the transfer coach, which again everyone had to wear masks, for the short journey to the hotel. On arrival at our hotel the concierge took our bags and as an added Covid precaution disinfected them before bringing to our room and we were temperature checked before checking in. Finally on holiday, it feels a bit surreal that we have been able to get here given the last few months, now it’s time to relax, have fun, and make memories with the family.