Like many, I really needed a break but was so worried about all the procedures and regulations.
A friend had already booked and advised I used Abbotts Travel.
If it wasn’t for Julian, there is no way I would have gone. He did everything he could, talking me through everything, including what he couldn’t do and what I needed to.
I must have driven him nuts with questions and worrying, and he was always patient and understanding.
Usually, we go to Turkey, so it was exciting to be heading to a different resort and experience, The Apollonion Asterias Resort and Spa in Lixouri, Kefalonia.
Pre-travel, Julian advised I use Randox for our tests and talked me through the ordering and filling in the necessary paperwork, reassuring me that the tests would come back in time. They did but he also had a plan B should we have had any issues.
The adults in our group had all been vaccinated and we didn’t need to quarantine on return, subject to a negative PCR test 72 hours before leaving Greece.
I was a little apprehensive but was reassured by having everything in place and being aware of what to expect.
The airport was fine, quite busy but relatively the same as always, other than not much being open shops-wise.
Entry was straightforward and getting to the resort was a breeze, courtesy of the very worthwhile and lovely private transfer that Abbotts had organised in advance.
The hotel was lovely, fairly quiet for the first few days and did get busier but nowhere near its maximum capacity.
As I hadn’t travelled in a while and had been so desperate for a holiday, I was just happy to be there.
We had to wear masks inside the reception, moving around the hotel and while getting food to and from tables but not outside - and everything felt safe and clean.
We went on a fabulous boat trip and my friend hired a car and everything felt normal really except for compulsory masks in shops.
The island was beautiful, everywhere clean and well sanitised, and the locals were clearly pleased to have tourists starting to return.
The Covid testing locally for our return was simple and only 20 euros, the Passenger Locator Form was easy to fill in and Stansted on our return felt the same as always with only passports requested to be shown.
Despite my initial apprehension, I am so pleased we made the decision to go. We had an amazing holiday with lovely friends and would most definitely encourage others to travel.
Julian is an absolute star. We will be discussing going to Barbados with him shortly and I have already recommended others to use Abbotts Travel.
