Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Holidaymakers excited to be heading for the sun
EXCITED holidaymakers from the West who jetted off to Majorca yesterday said they couldn’t wait to hit the island’s sunny beaches.
Last week, ministers confirmed a host of new destinations sun-seekers can travel to without having to quarantine including the Balearic islands, Barbados, Bermuda, Madeira and Malta.
And yesterday travellers made their way to Majorca on Jet2’s first flight from Bristol Airport.
Healthcare assistant Lily Meecham was among those first travellers.
The 20-year-old, who works at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital’s respiratory ward, said: “There has been a decrease in Covid patients and, since March, it has got a lot better.
“But the past year has been very intense and I am very tired.
“It has been tough and I am just looking forward to a bit of freedom, the beach and a bit of sun.
“I am very happy. It will be nice to go away and relax.”
Ms Meecham is going to the Balearic island with her parents Tanya and Kevin Meecham.
The family, from the Forest of Dean, booked the flights last weekend after the Government announcement.
Their last holiday was 18 months ago, Mr Meecham said, while normally they travel abroad three or four times a year.
Mr Meecham said: “My daughter works in healthcare so it is very important for us to go somewhere that is safe. We didn’t want to go somewhere you had to quarantine for.
“We have been double vaccinated and the Government says it is a green list country so we just wanted to get going and go back to normal with travelling.”
Mrs Meecham said they have been to Majorca three times before, adding this time it was different as they had to research all the rules and requirements in place because of coronavirus.
Mr Meecham said the Covid test packs had cost them £80 each, adding they were expecting it to be more.
They were originally due to go on holiday to New York this summer, Mr Meecham continued, but haven’t been able to as the USA is not on the green list.
“We cannot wait for our holiday. We are all ready to go,” Mrs Meecham continued. “It has been a long, hard slog.”
Katie McGivern, from Exeter, was also on the plane with her husband Adam and two daughters Molly and Daisy.
The family’s last holiday abroad was two years ago and Mrs McGivern said it had been a bit tricky to work out all the requirements for travelling.
She said: “We have been to Majorca once before and we are just looking forward to something a bit different, rather than being at home. Molly is so excited.”
Sara and Mike Quinn, from Downend, Bristol, were due to go on holiday to Jamaica but, as they weren’t able to in the end, decided to book the trip to Majorca instead.
Mrs Quinn said they also booked the holiday last Thursday, adding they had found the process very straightforward.
“We are looking forward to getting away, sunshine and a bit of normality,” she continued. “Neither of us could quarantine because of work commitments so hopefully they don’t change the rules while we are there.”
Jet2 said its arrival at Bristol Airport has resulted in significant investment for the region, with more than 200 new jobs being created.
CEO Steve Heapy said: “This is an incredibly exciting day for Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.
“We have been ready to get going for some time now, and last week’s announcement from the Government means that customers can finally enjoy real package holidays and our award-winning customer service from Bristol Airport.
“We continue to urge the Government to reopen international travel properly, rather than adding just a few destinations and hoping everyone will be happy with that.”