Abbie is a very good friend of my daughter's. She wanted to be in Europe with her boyfriend for her 30th birthday but was nervous about travelling and the risks, at that time, of a destination being moved into the UK’s red travel list and having to quarantine on return.
I suggested we considered solely green destinations, which would limit impact on travellers returning to the UK and provided her the reassurance that I would help with all the necessary requirements.
We settled on Makarska in Croatia...
After being unable to travel for the last couple of years, I was desperate to get away to celebrate my 30th birthday.
Amanda was so helpful in advising which countries would be the safest and provided the best options for fully vaccinated travellers, clearly explaining the extra measures that had been put in place due to the pandemic.
We were excited to opt for Croatia and although a little apprehensive, we trusted Amanda’s judgment implicitly.
Our lateral flow tests were completed from home within 48 hours of departing, results uploaded digitally, passenger locator form completed, and the certificate duly arrived. Amanda helped with everything, sending us links, and checking in to confirm all was in hand for us to fly!
Gatwick Airport was relatively quiet, reassuringly covid-secure and I felt totally comfortable being there. Once on the EasyJet flight, the air hostesses were efficient in ensuring passengers kept their masks on properly.
Split airport was small and easy to navigate. Our vaccine status and negative test results were checked at passport control and we quickly found our private transfer. The comfortable vehicle was extremely clean, and the driver wore her mask throughout the journey. Amanda knew when we had arrived and made contact to check that everything was okay.
The Hotel Park Makarska was lovely, incredibly clean, and welcoming.
Located on a beautiful part of the Adriatic coast, with two prominent and picturesque bays, the views were amazing with mountains on one side and a gorgeous sea view the other.
The holiday experience was fantastic after so long without it and although masks were compulsory in the hotel restaurant and in any vehicles, this felt pretty natural as we are now so used to wearing them.
We did everything that we would normally do, from relaxing around the pool, to exploring the narrow local streets and natural surroundings.
We also spent time exploring Split and our highlight, charming Dubrovnik, where we wished had spent more time and will return one day.
We found Croatia stunning and would highly recommend it. The food was super yummy, lots of fresh fish and homemade ice-cream; we totally made the right decision to come.
A further lateral flow test had to be completed 48 hours before returning to the UK, which we were able to do from the comfort of the hotel and an additional form completed showing that we had booked a PCR test within two days of landing. Gatwick was very quiet, with no hold up at passport control at all.
The experience far outweighed the hassle of having to complete forms and do covid tests and was totally worth it - I just wish we could have stayed longer.
Thank you, Amanda, for booking an unforgettable birthday trip, taking the stress out of the whole process and communicating with us before, during and after our trip.
Five-star service.
Abbie Bieny
