Our first holiday during the pandemic - The Travel experience
Part 1
On 27th December my husband and I embarked on our first holiday of 2020, thanks to the Coronavirus spoiling all of our previous plans. We had booked before the restrictions came into our lives. And whilst all year I had hoped it would go ahead, I couldn’t be sure even until the last evening before we travelled. This is because travelling to Seychelles from Dubai during this period meant being able to submit a negative covid 19 certificate and then a completed declaration. I can’t help deny the 48 hours before departure I did have a little bit of anxiety. For no other reason than I didn’t want anything to get in the way of me and the perfect white sandy beaches of Seychelles! Fortunately for us, our approval was granted, and we were heading on holiday. Whilst it was a nerve-wracking few hours, I am very glad to have completed the process for myself now, so I can advise you from experience when it comes to getting your approval.
So, on to the airport. I wasn’t too sure what to expect from the check-in and boarding experience. I had already chatted to plenty of friends and customers about their own experiences which varied dramatically. For us, it was good. The perspex screens at the check-in desk didn’t negatively impact the interaction and in general, throughout the airport customers were physically distancing. There was a lot of cleaning going on all around us including the luggage belts and trays at security. Most retail and F&B outlets in the airport were open with the noticeable exception of non-airline lounges. Boarding was in zone order and did seem a bit less frantic than it can be. I was a little surprised by the appearance of the crew wearing full PPE. I knew it was going to happen, but it wasn’t the usual welcoming sight I was used to. But otherwise, the team did as they always do, which is their best to ensure everyone was happy. We had to wear our masks all through the flight unless earing/drinking, which I wasn’t looking forward to. But, since we weren’t moving around or exerting any energy, I hardly noticed it.
On landing, in Mahe we found that we would be disembarking in small groups of 30, so as not to crowd the arrivals hall. This did mean it was slower than normal. But once in the arrivals hall, the procedure was efficient and smooth with everyone having the temperature checked before we got to immigration. I’d booked a VIP meet and greet service. Whilst this didn’t save us a vast amount of time, it was nice to have a welcoming face and a queue jump. I’d recommend it. I’d also recommend our mode of transport if you choose to head to one of the islands. We had booked the private helicopter transfer to our hotel on Praslin. This was a real treat. Our VIP transfer handed us over to the Heli operator who swiftly got us in the car transfer to the helipad. Our pilot was ready and waiting, despite a 2-hour delay, and within 15minutes we were in the air headed to our hotel.
The return was equally as smooth, Back to the airport where the process was efficient. The flight was good and we landed back in Dubai on time. In Seychelles, we had a PCR test to be able to leave, but we didn’t pay for the certificate which is much more expensive than many other places. So this meant we needed another test on arrival. And I am happy to say this process was quick and straight forward too. Just before immigration those of us without the certificates were directed to a test area. There was only a couple of people in front of us and the whole process too under 10minutes. A bit of a queue for immigration as the e-gates remain closed at this time, but we had retrieved our bags and arrived home within 45 minutes of the plane landing. If this is travel during a pandemic – I like it!