Summer holidays 2020
Discussion
craig1912 said:
You should be OK unless you are going to an island with FCO essential travel only (eg Zante, Crete, Mykonos etc) then you would need something like Battleface Insurance
Ah yeah that's a good point - it's on the Greek mainland so no quarantine on return etc as it standsWife and I had booked a short break in Greece (Xylokostro) next week. Flying out Monday, back Friday, via LHR and ATH. We have decided not to make the trip, mostly because of uncertainties in the UK and what may be announced in terms of quarantine in Greece and/or UK next week. Why take a risk for a short break of four nights?
Called BA this morning to seek a refund. I was told no refund available due to the class of tickets we have; no surprise there. I was then advised to take no action now and wait until Sunday to see if BA cancel the flight and if they do I can get a refund. If they don't I can use BA's website to get a voucher.
R.
Called BA this morning to seek a refund. I was told no refund available due to the class of tickets we have; no surprise there. I was then advised to take no action now and wait until Sunday to see if BA cancel the flight and if they do I can get a refund. If they don't I can use BA's website to get a voucher.
R.
Just had a week in Italy. Easyjet flights to Pisa, half empty on the way out but completely full on the way home as it was the last one of the route. 2 nights in Pisa - bit of a waste of time as beyond the leaning tower there is pretty much nothing and much of the city is quite horrible. Then onto 5 nights in a Tuscan villa, our booked Fiat Panda hire car was 'upgraded' to a Lancia Ypsilon, so pretty much the same car. Most hilariously gutless car I've ever driven especially around the Tuscan hills, but was so bad it ended up being quite funny and I was almost sad to give it back in. Bit of a panic when reading reviews of our car hire company when it was too late to cancel, but had no issues with them. Just awaiting any possible speeding tickets, as some of the limits out there are ridiculous and not sure if I missed any slightly better hidden cameras...
As others have said about Italy, mask rules compliance was 95-100%, lots of temperature checks around although a bit more a blase attitude to social distancing probably, even based on their 1 metre difference. Florence was absolutely packed with Italians but you did notice the lack of big groups of Chinese and American tourists. Really glad we got to go away.
As others have said about Italy, mask rules compliance was 95-100%, lots of temperature checks around although a bit more a blase attitude to social distancing probably, even based on their 1 metre difference. Florence was absolutely packed with Italians but you did notice the lack of big groups of Chinese and American tourists. Really glad we got to go away.
Hobnobgti said:
2 nights in Pisa - bit of a waste of time as beyond the leaning tower there is pretty much nothing and much of the city is quite horrible.
Florence was absolutely packed with Italians but you did notice the lack of big groups of Chinese and American tourists. Really glad we got to go away.
Well, you must not looked far in Pisa! Sure, there's the Piazza del Duomo, but there's also so many excellent other cultural places to see and explore. Several years ago ago wife and I were there for I think 5 days and that was about right. I guess others will think Pisa is no more than a one-day town.Florence was absolutely packed with Italians but you did notice the lack of big groups of Chinese and American tourists. Really glad we got to go away.
Being at Florence when it's mostly Italians and few tourists must be super. Wife and I love Florence but it is simply over run with visitors most of the year, as is Venice.
R.
I was in Cyprus last week for 5 days. We stopped in Protaras which was lovely, temps were ~35.
It was quite empty which suites me and my better half. A lot of restaurants/bars/shops etc had obviously gone under recently and the country feels like it's running at about 30% tourist capacity.
We visited Aiya Napa for a day/evening and it was the same story but even more pronounced there. There's still plenty of places to go and lots open but it's apparent there has been many casualties of Corvid.
Overall we had a fantastic time but getting there initially was very difficult and we had to book new flights to get inside the 72 hour negative corvid test window.
It was quite empty which suites me and my better half. A lot of restaurants/bars/shops etc had obviously gone under recently and the country feels like it's running at about 30% tourist capacity.
We visited Aiya Napa for a day/evening and it was the same story but even more pronounced there. There's still plenty of places to go and lots open but it's apparent there has been many casualties of Corvid.
Overall we had a fantastic time but getting there initially was very difficult and we had to book new flights to get inside the 72 hour negative corvid test window.
Edited by Scobblelotcher on Thursday 1st October 23:27
We are booked for Lanzarote in November which I just cannot see happening so it looks like a toss up between Madeira and Cyprus's.
Madeira is most likely as they will test you at the airport for free unlike Cyprus where you need to pay for the test and have it done before going.
Any recommendations for Madeira guys?
Madeira is most likely as they will test you at the airport for free unlike Cyprus where you need to pay for the test and have it done before going.
Any recommendations for Madeira guys?
The Leaper said:
Well, you must not looked far in Pisa! Sure, there's the Piazza del Duomo, but there's also so many excellent other cultural places to see and explore. Several years ago ago wife and I were there for I think 5 days and that was about right. I guess others will think Pisa is no more than a one-day town.
Being at Florence when it's mostly Italians and few tourists must be super. Wife and I love Florence but it is simply over run with visitors most of the year, as is Venice.
R.
No idea how you managed to fill 5 days in Pisa, we started a weeks trip of the area a few years ago there and half a day was enough Being at Florence when it's mostly Italians and few tourists must be super. Wife and I love Florence but it is simply over run with visitors most of the year, as is Venice.
R.
Florence, Bologna, and Verona were a lot prettier. and of course Modena for obvious reasons, hope to go back to Bologna when all this has blown over as we went in August and the smaller museums/factories were shut.
But this time next week, fingers crossed we'll be waking up in Rome.
blue_haddock said:
We are booked for Lanzarote in November which I just cannot see happening so it looks like a toss up between Madeira and Cyprus's.
Madeira is most likely as they will test you at the airport for free unlike Cyprus where you need to pay for the test and have it done before going.
Any recommendations for Madeira guys?
https://mingle2.com/online-dating/madeira/funchal-madeira/single-menMadeira is most likely as they will test you at the airport for free unlike Cyprus where you need to pay for the test and have it done before going.
Any recommendations for Madeira guys?
Adenauer said:
blue_haddock said:
We are booked for Lanzarote in November which I just cannot see happening so it looks like a toss up between Madeira and Cyprus's.
Madeira is most likely as they will test you at the airport for free unlike Cyprus where you need to pay for the test and have it done before going.
Any recommendations for Madeira guys?
https://mingle2.com/online-dating/madeira/funchal-madeira/single-menMadeira is most likely as they will test you at the airport for free unlike Cyprus where you need to pay for the test and have it done before going.
Any recommendations for Madeira guys?
blue_haddock said:
We are booked for Lanzarote in November which I just cannot see happening so it looks like a toss up between Madeira and Cyprus's.
Madeira is most likely as they will test you at the airport for free unlike Cyprus where you need to pay for the test and have it done before going.
Any recommendations for Madeira guys?
We were out in the Canaries a couple of weeks ago and I'd have to say, get yerself out there it's brilliant at the mo.Madeira is most likely as they will test you at the airport for free unlike Cyprus where you need to pay for the test and have it done before going.
Any recommendations for Madeira guys?
40 people on a 200 seat plane both ways. Empty airports, 40 people in a normally 400 capacity hotel. Beaches to yourself, pool to yourself. Only downside is a few of the restaurants are closed but funnily enough the good ones are still open. It's only the crap tourist ones that are shut.
Pick yourself and area that is pretty much Covid free and there's a darn sight less risk than staying at home. With the hotel so empty the broadband is fantastic so working there is a piece of cake. With the wind and rain back here I'm wondering why I came back.
Harry H said:
We were out in the Canaries a couple of weeks ago and I'd have to say, get yerself out there it's brilliant at the mo.
40 people on a 200 seat plane both ways. Empty airports, 40 people in a normally 400 capacity hotel. Beaches to yourself, pool to yourself. Only downside is a few of the restaurants are closed but funnily enough the good ones are still open. It's only the crap tourist ones that are shut.
Pick yourself and area that is pretty much Covid free and there's a darn sight less risk than staying at home. With the hotel so empty the broadband is fantastic so working there is a piece of cake. With the wind and rain back here I'm wondering why I came back.
Aren't the islands on the quarantine list?40 people on a 200 seat plane both ways. Empty airports, 40 people in a normally 400 capacity hotel. Beaches to yourself, pool to yourself. Only downside is a few of the restaurants are closed but funnily enough the good ones are still open. It's only the crap tourist ones that are shut.
Pick yourself and area that is pretty much Covid free and there's a darn sight less risk than staying at home. With the hotel so empty the broadband is fantastic so working there is a piece of cake. With the wind and rain back here I'm wondering why I came back.
Shnozz said:
Harry H said:
We were out in the Canaries a couple of weeks ago and I'd have to say, get yerself out there it's brilliant at the mo.
40 people on a 200 seat plane both ways. Empty airports, 40 people in a normally 400 capacity hotel. Beaches to yourself, pool to yourself. Only downside is a few of the restaurants are closed but funnily enough the good ones are still open. It's only the crap tourist ones that are shut.
Pick yourself and area that is pretty much Covid free and there's a darn sight less risk than staying at home. With the hotel so empty the broadband is fantastic so working there is a piece of cake. With the wind and rain back here I'm wondering why I came back.
Aren't the islands on the quarantine list?40 people on a 200 seat plane both ways. Empty airports, 40 people in a normally 400 capacity hotel. Beaches to yourself, pool to yourself. Only downside is a few of the restaurants are closed but funnily enough the good ones are still open. It's only the crap tourist ones that are shut.
Pick yourself and area that is pretty much Covid free and there's a darn sight less risk than staying at home. With the hotel so empty the broadband is fantastic so working there is a piece of cake. With the wind and rain back here I'm wondering why I came back.
Shnozz said:
Aren't the islands on the quarantine list?
Yes, but if you're mainly working from home, what's the problem with that if you haven't got kids? We were in the south of Fuerteventura. Apart from the capital (50 miles away) which we didn't go anywhere near there's virtually no Covid cases. And they're taking the whole Covid thing a darn sight more seriously that we do. ie if you can't keep 2m then wear a mask which is hardly difficult as there's no one there and plenty of hand sanitisation. Can't think of a safer place to be to be honest.
There's pretty much zippo reason the Canaries or the Balearics are on the quarantine list from a Covid point of view unless you're negotiating a Brexit deal and Spain aren't playing ball.
Most civilised break we've had in years and the deals are fantastic. Just can't understand why more people aren't doing it to be honest unless of course they're frightened to come out from behind the sofa.
Woman behind us on the plane (even then she was 3 rows back) paid £19 for her flight.
[quote]
We were in the south of Fuerteventura. Apart from the capital (50 miles away) which we didn't go anywhere near there's virtually no Covid cases. And they're taking the whole Covid thing a darn sight more seriously that we do. ie if you can't keep 2m then wear a mask which is hardly difficult as there's no one there and plenty of hand sanitisation. Can't think of a safer place to be to be honest.
There's pretty much zippo reason the Canaries or the Balearics are on the quarantine list from a Covid point of view unless you're negotiating a Brexit deal and Spain aren't playing ball.
Most civilised break we've had in years and the deals are fantastic. Just can't understand why more people aren't doing it to be honest unless of course they're frightened to come out from behind the sofa.
[/quote]
I'm booked for the end of October but the reason people aren't doing it is the fear if lockdown. I'm praying they lift my county's lockdown in a week or so but Mr Drakeford is lockdown crazy, at present.
Not having been in contact with anyone for weeks, even considering running the lockdown involves 3 counties. Sledgehammer approach is not helping people who pose no risk.
We were in the south of Fuerteventura. Apart from the capital (50 miles away) which we didn't go anywhere near there's virtually no Covid cases. And they're taking the whole Covid thing a darn sight more seriously that we do. ie if you can't keep 2m then wear a mask which is hardly difficult as there's no one there and plenty of hand sanitisation. Can't think of a safer place to be to be honest.
There's pretty much zippo reason the Canaries or the Balearics are on the quarantine list from a Covid point of view unless you're negotiating a Brexit deal and Spain aren't playing ball.
Most civilised break we've had in years and the deals are fantastic. Just can't understand why more people aren't doing it to be honest unless of course they're frightened to come out from behind the sofa.
[/quote]
I'm booked for the end of October but the reason people aren't doing it is the fear if lockdown. I'm praying they lift my county's lockdown in a week or so but Mr Drakeford is lockdown crazy, at present.
Not having been in contact with anyone for weeks, even considering running the lockdown involves 3 counties. Sledgehammer approach is not helping people who pose no risk.
Trouble is what is/isn't on the quarantine list is a load of rubbish in terms of safety at the moment.
Personally I'd feel a darn sight safer going to a near deserted Canary island that going to a packed Greece because the flock are told it's OK.
Admittedly quarantine is a bit of a pain but hardly the end of the world if you're working from home.
If I thought there was any chance I had Covid I wouldn't go within 100 yards of another living sole but come on, the chances of catching it out there are far less than here and 90% of people have symptoms in the first 5 days so 14 days is again completely over the top. I wouldn't right now go to Barcelona for instance but as a mature adult I'm more than capable of making my own judgement on what's safe and what isn't.
No different to doing 85 on a deserted motorway really.
Personally I'd feel a darn sight safer going to a near deserted Canary island that going to a packed Greece because the flock are told it's OK.
Admittedly quarantine is a bit of a pain but hardly the end of the world if you're working from home.
If I thought there was any chance I had Covid I wouldn't go within 100 yards of another living sole but come on, the chances of catching it out there are far less than here and 90% of people have symptoms in the first 5 days so 14 days is again completely over the top. I wouldn't right now go to Barcelona for instance but as a mature adult I'm more than capable of making my own judgement on what's safe and what isn't.
No different to doing 85 on a deserted motorway really.
Harry H said:
Just can't understand why more people aren't doing it to be honest unless of course they're frightened to come out from behind the sofa.
Unfortunately 2 weeks at home on SSP for those of us having to go to the office every day is a bit inconvenient, and a bit of a 'screw you' to the boss to go somewhere knowing you have to take an extra 2 weeks off work when you get back, if things change while you are out there that's unfortunate, but to go knowing you will be off 'sick' for 2 weeks more than your holiday wouldn't go down well. 
raceboy said:
Unfortunately 2 weeks at home on SSP for those of us having to go to the office every day is a bit inconvenient, and a bit of a 'screw you' to the boss to go somewhere knowing you have to take an extra 2 weeks off work when you get back, if things change while you are out there that's unfortunate, but to go knowing you will be off 'sick' for 2 weeks more than your holiday wouldn't go down well.
Completely agree, but as I said, not an issue for the millions of us that can work from home at the moment. To be honest I could pop over there and providing all my calls came via VIOP and not on the mobile network (different ring tone) no one from work would need to know I'm there. Hotels being empty broadband is excellent. Wouldn't even need to put it down as leave. The Mrs might get a bit pissed off having to stop for work all the time though and it wouldn't be a proper holiday. Having said that holiday or not I'm always available for stuff that can't wait.
My home office is superb but nothing I couldn't do from a sun lounger on a temporary basis. I'm am lucky that I'm not closely monitored on a daily basis though. As long as the work gets done and the decisions are correct then everyone is happy.
Edited by Harry H on Friday 2nd October 12:37
Harry H said:
Shnozz said:
Aren't the islands on the quarantine list?
Yes, but if you're mainly working from home, what's the problem with that if you haven't got kids? We were in the south of Fuerteventura. Apart from the capital (50 miles away) which we didn't go anywhere near there's virtually no Covid cases. And they're taking the whole Covid thing a darn sight more seriously that we do. ie if you can't keep 2m then wear a mask which is hardly difficult as there's no one there and plenty of hand sanitisation. Can't think of a safer place to be to be honest.
There's pretty much zippo reason the Canaries or the Balearics are on the quarantine list from a Covid point of view unless you're negotiating a Brexit deal and Spain aren't playing ball.
Most civilised break we've had in years and the deals are fantastic. Just can't understand why more people aren't doing it to be honest unless of course they're frightened to come out from behind the sofa.
Woman behind us on the plane (even then she was 3 rows back) paid £19 for her flight.
Nothing to do with sofas or any nonsense like that, but for many a fortnight quarantine just doesn't work, especially not for "only" a holiday of equivalent length or less. I can appreciate that.
We have used Denmark as a quarantine free location to see out the 14 days away from Spain before heading back to the UK but that too is now on the quarantine list. We are looking elsewhere therefore to see where we can see out the 14 days requirement away from here in freedom before we then fly back to the UK. Seems pointless to me if you still have some (nice climate) countries without quarantine to select one on the quarantine list.
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