Whilst we all adjust to recent changes to the way we live and travel, it’s important to know that people are still able to see the world safely. At Kenwood Travel, we’ve been in touch with a number of our customers to get a feel for their experiences whilst travelling abroad in the current climate. This week, we’re sharing an interview with Michelle, who has only just returned from a family holiday to Barbados. We spoke about her journey from departure to arrival, and all the stellar service, beautiful beaches, and wonderful wildlife in-between. Read on to find out exactly what an escape to the Caribbean with the kids in tow looks like at the moment.
Firstly, please introduce yourself!
Hi, I’m Michelle. I’m 42 years of age with 4 children (aged 22, 19, 12, and 10). I love to travel and discover different destinations and different cultures. I love beach holidays but hubby doesn’t, so we are always looking for a destination with something extra – whether it be a historic character town or a marina, for example.
Where did you travel and when? Who did you travel with?
We went for a 10 night holiday to Barbados with British Airways and Kenwood Travel departing on 25th August. We had made the booking in April and it was sadly cancelled, so as soon as the flights were operating we decided to go straight away. After lockdown, and the children being out of school for 7 months with myself and my husband working full time, we wanted some family fun. I wasn’t nervous at all as I trusted that if flights were operating, then it would be safe to fly.
How was your journey?
We found the service at Gatwick friendly and informative and the airport was extremely quiet with face masks compulsory at all times. We were pleased to see that duty free and restaurants were still open and generally thought check-in was quick and easy.
We felt safe and looked after on the flight. There was a good choice of in-flight entertainment and USB charging points, which came in handy. Food and drinks were offered on both flights and masks had to be worn throughout the flight apart from when we were eating or drinking.
What was your impression on arriving in Barbados?
Enhanced health checks on arrival at the airport in Barbados naturally mean longer queues, so we used Suntours Fast Track, which we would highly recommend. They were simply fantastic helping all the customers upload their immigration forms. Within the fast track arrival hall there is a clinic that has been set up for people that hadn’t been able to have a test prior to arrival – this was busy with locals inter-flying and arrivals wanting to be tested for free.
Where in Barbados did you stay?
We first stayed at the Crane Resort, Barbados, which is located in Diamond Valley, right on a pink-sand beach. The hotel was really quiet and peaceful when we arrived and the kids were allowed to use the pool even though it was dark. The room had self-catering facilities and was only 10 minutes from airport. The location was stunning and there were extremely large grounds with a lift taking you up and down from the beach. Other than the beach, there was the ‘village’ area with bars and shops all in the colonial style.
We also stayed at Waves Hotel & Spa by Elegant Hotels, where we were upgraded to an Ocean Split Level Room. The room was just lovely – it even smelled lovely and it had been pre mozzy sprayed. The staff that are working there are fantastic – working really hard and always ensuring you have what you need, even when there is a high room occupancy.
Our favourite part was the stunning beach, which was totally outstanding. What a way to wake up each morning – watching your children snorkel for hours. Of course the 30 degree heat and all-inclusive package was also fantastic, but most of the welcoming staff won us over.
How were the hotels set up to ensure you felt safe?
All the staff in both hotels were wearing masks, there was anti-bacterial hand gel available everywhere, and there were temperature checks upon entering the hotel. In fact, in all honesty it felt even safer than in the UK.
On a daily basis you need to submit morning and afternoon temperatures to the Ministry of Health via whatsapp. If you don’t send over your temperatures, they will call the hotel you’re staying at and then arrive there to meet you to ensure that you’ve been doing your checks every day.
Did your children adapt well to the ‘new normal’ of travel?
They had an amazing time and it felt completely natural for them to wear a mask when in public areas – they didn’t moan at all!
What was the best memory from your holiday?
We went on an island tour and visited loads of special locations so there are plenty of great memories to choose from, but one of our best experiences would have to be feeding the wild monkeys and watching baby turtles hatch and enter the water for the first time. Truly magical.
Would you recommend a trip to Barbados?
Overall and all things considered, we had a great holiday in Barbados. We didn’t feel restricted at any time in what we could do as all the shops, activities, and restaurants were open, giving us everything we needed to relax and enjoy ourselves. Barbados is very proud of sticking to the new protective protocols and all the locals are adhering.
For anyone thinking about travelling at the moment: go! It’s safe and you will have an amazing time. This is actually a great time to travel as holiday prices are low and not all flights are at full capacity. Don’t hesitate – just book.
The Kenwood Travel Promise
We’ve launched the Kenwood Travel Promise to ensure that our customers can book with confidence. Booking has never been so easy with flexible arrangements for payment, travel amendments, and even the option to cancel your booking if you need to – putting your deposit into credit status. We’re also proud to say that when you book with us, you’ll have the direct contact details of a personal travel specialist – so if you have questions or concerns, you’ll always have someone to talk to. Also enjoy instalment options and low deposits starting from just £99 per person.
Booking your holiday with Kenwood Travel
As Michelle mentioned, now is a great time to book your holiday and especially with Kenwood Travel. The Travel Is Back On Sale continues until the end of September, offering unmissable offers for Barbados holidays and beyond. Enjoy discounts up to 65%, exclusive extras, and so much more, whether you’re seeking an island escape in the Caribbean or Indian Ocean, a family-friendly adventure in the US, or a short haul getaway to Europe. To snap up one of our sale deals, visit the Kenwood Travel website or call 020 7749 9220 to speak to a specialist directly.
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