One of our clients has just finished travelling to Greece post COVID-19 lockdown. He was going to Kefalonia. Unfortunately, the hotel had closed early for the season. Subsequently, as his travel agents we rebooked him on a holiday to Rhodes. This was his experience:
Flying from Gatwick
“The airport was quieter than usual, but not quiet. We arrived at 0530am for our flight at 0730am flight.
Check in was no different from ‘normal’.
Hand sanitisers everywhere but “social distancing” between people not strictly practiced by everyone”
We Flew with Easyjet
Airport Security
“Did not feel any different from normal”
Easyjet’s COVID-19 Safety Measures
“Prior to the flight, hand sanitisers were available and verbal instructions to stay 2 metres apart were given. Nobody appeared to follow this rule when boarding. Constant in cabin reminders to keep masks on. Passengers followed this instruction. People were sat in the middle seats as the flight was busy. This applied to both outward and return flights. However, Rhodes airport is far smaller than Gatwick. Therefore, more people in a smaller space.
I feel that now is the time for every airline to make one loo for ladies and the other for gents. ”
Arrival in Rhodes
“Greece require you to fill out an online PLF form. Security did check that you had completed this.”
(PLF forms can be filled out on line and must be completed no less than 24 hours prior to travel)
Lindos Colosseum
Getting from the Airport to the Hotel
“We travelled with Cyplon Holidays. Like Eton Travel, they are members of AITO Above all, they have similar values to Eton Travel and I was not disappointed. The driver was excellent. He was visible when leaving arrivals hall. The transfer taxi was ready and waiting. The driver wore a mask. We all did.”
Special Measures at the Hotel
“All staff wore face masks, some even visors. All around the hotel were hand sanitisers. On the tables, as well as in the beach area.
Meals were a hot and cold buffet. Waiters served you rather than you helping yourself. They gave you cutlery in small sanitised paper bags.
Evening dinner was excellent and, similar to breakfast. Terrific choice. The kitchens closed at 9.30pm. However, they allowed us to remain at our table for some time afterwards. Therefore, we were able to finish our meal in a civilised manner.”
There was plenty of Hand Santizer
The Hotel Room
“Staff cleaned our room every other day. Unless we requested more. Cleaners wore forensic “space suits” when cleaning our room.
Overall the hotel’s Covid precautions were first class”
Rhodes in Regards to COVID-19 safety
“We never went to Rhodes town itself. However, the hotel staff said it was very quiet. We visited Lindos. Although busy, there were no crowds. Travelling to Greece post COVID-19 lockdown meant you had to wear a mask in shops. Furthermore, when you are walking around.
Apparently, 45 hotels on the Island had not opened at all for the summer. ”
The Return Journey
“Rhodes Airport was busy.
On arrival at Gatwick, everything appeared ‘normal’. Security checked our UK PLF forms.
Our Forms were Checked on Arrival into Gatwick
Happy to Have Gone?
“Very much so. We felt incredibly safe. Also, we were glad that we had booked through a travel agent. More importantly, we enjoy visiting the agency in Eton. Furthermore, the travel consultant rebooked our trip with ease. Therefore, relieving our stress. In hindsight, it was fortunate that we didn’t go to Kefalonia. The freak cyclone they had would have hit during the second week.”
In Conclusion
Unfortunately, the team at Eton Travel, cannot control the weather but we can certainly help when things go wrong.
Our client stayed at The Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort and Villas. A family friendly, beach resort hotel. Moreover, it has 5 stars and a spa. Contact Eton Travel for further details.
