A family holiday during a Global Pandemic
We expected that travelling abroad during the Covid-19 pandemic would be a different experience, but we agreed that it would be worth it.
To enter Cyprus, we needed to take a PCR test within 72 hours of our departure. This appeared at first to be a daunting prospect, but I located a testing centre just a 10 min drive from our house who guaranteed results within the required timeframe, and who could offer flexible appointment times. We were booked in first thing on a Sunday morning and flying the following Wednesday morning. The kids didn’t need to have the test due to their age. The testing process was quick and efficient, and we received our negative test results on the Monday evening which was within the agreed timeframe. I uploaded the negative results and completed the online Cyprus flight pass. We were then cleared for travel!
On the day of departure, we made our way to Manchester Airport ready for our flight just after 9am. Face masks were worn at all times and hand sanitiser was readily available. Most of the bars, shops and restaurants were open and we had our usual Airport breakfast. When the time came for us to board our flight, they were boarding people in rows at a time to reduce queues and crowds. All crew and passengers were required to keep their face masks on at all times during the flight (except when eating or drinking) and movement around the cabin was kept to a minimum, although we were still offered refreshment services throughout.
Upon landing, the passengers disembarked one row at a time – this meant a little bit of a wait for passengers at the back of the plane, but it was a far more civilised and safe way than everyone jumping up and grabbing their bags as usual. It also meant that the queue through airport security flowed more easily. Once inside Paphos airport, you had to show evidence of your negative Covid test before going through passport control. We then took our coach transfer to the resort. All in all – a quick and seamless airport experience.
We were not disappointed with our choice of hotel, a lovely 5* hotel located in Coral Bay that was relatively new; the Atlantica Mare. It was an impressive looking resort and the check-in process was friendly and efficient. Our suitcases were left outside whilst they sanitised them before taking them to our room ready for us, whilst we checked in at reception with a glass of bubbly. We were given an excellent modern and very large room with plenty space for the four of us. Masks, gloves and hand gel was also supplied in the room.
All staff at the hotel wore masks at all times, and guests were required to wear masks when entering the restaurants and indoors. We would sanitise our hands on entering the restaurants and plastic gloves were provided each time we entered the buffet restaurant which we were asked to use when getting our own food. Our rooms were cleaned every other day and fresh towels were provided each day.
The resort was surprisingly quite busy, but we felt comfortable in the knowledge that all of the guests had to be in receipt of a negative Covid-19 test in order to enter Cyprus. This coupled with the health and safety procedures in place meant we were able to fully relax and enjoy a week of excellent weather, food, drinks and entertainment.
Mid way through our holiday, we received notification that the Cypriot Government had implemented new Government measures, this included wearing masks both indoor and outdoor and bars and restaurants to close at 10:30pm. This was a little disappointing to hear but we certainly didn’t let it impact on our holiday. If anything, we just went out earlier in the evening!
Our journey home to Manchester from Cyprus was just as smooth as our journey out, and it was agreed that travelling during the pandemic was an easy, safe and generally positive experience. We are so glad that we had the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic family holiday with no need for quarantining on return.
If you have any questions at all about travelling during the pandemic, then do get in touch and I will happily help.
