We will be updating this article with more experiences of different types of travel into Europe during the coming days
Where did you travel to?
‘To Finca Cortesin in Andalucia, Spain. I flew business class with British Airways to guarantee a middle seat space. The price, which had doubled overnight from the time of looking to the time of booking, was £850. I flew from Heathrow T5 to Málaga.’
Did you do anything differently to prepare for the journey?
‘I packed masks, gloves and hand gel. Apart from that, all was normal.’
What was it like at the airport?
‘The terminal was very quiet. We waited in line for check-in at a safe distance, during which time staff took our temperatures via a device pointed close to the forehead. All airport staff were wearing masks and seating was blocked off to ensure people could not sit next to each other. In the BA lounge, the buffet has gone and you download a menu via the QR app on your phone instead. Staff then deliver your food to your seat. There are also glass partitions between the seats in the lounge now. Passengers board the aircraft by row numbers: 1-5, 5-10 etc, regardless of which class they have booked.’
What was the flight like?
‘The plane was spotless and smelled of antiseptic, like a hospital corridor. Everyone was in masks, including the cabin crew. Antiseptic wipes were provided, with small bags to dispose of rubbish in. Special boxed meals are provided in business, with biscuits and crisps in economy. The staff were efficient and the flight was on time.’
Arriving at your destination, did you have to do anything differently?
‘Spain now insists all visitors fill out a Spanish Travel Health form detailing where you will be staying, how your health has been recently, your seat number and so on. It is a long form, so it’s best to download it and fill it in online. You are then sent a QR code to show the authorities at the arrival airport. After passport control, you go through health screening where they just ask for your completed form or code. You also disembark the plane by rows, which seems a better system than beforehand.’
How did you get to your hotel once you arrived, and was it easy to social-distance when you got there?
‘I was picked up by a hotel car. The driver was wearing a mask, as were all the staff at Finca Cortesin. Social distancing seems natural and easy as the hotel has wide, open spaces. And there’s hand gel everywhere.
Overall, how was your holiday affected by Covid-19?
‘I was anxious after 100+ days in lockdown but very quickly adapted and relaxed to the new normal. Guests were able to remove their masks, but staff did not. Everyone is trying hard to be sensible and adopt safe practices. For me, it was worth the effort to travel again, to regain that sense of adventure and freedom.’
Like this? Now read:
Where can Brits travel this summer?
When can we holiday in the UK again?
%20-%20Heiko%20Prigge.jpg?w=145&resize=145,100&ssl=1 "Buzzy, beautiful, and under £200 – these are the loveliest affordable hotels in Europe right now according to our editors")