Louise is a busy professional who was after an autumn family break. She hadn’t previously booked with me but due to the pandemic wanted some reassurance. I was happy to help…
We really wanted to get away from it all, get some sun and be somewhere that our three boys had lots to do; ideally with a pool and beach, and with good food.
Having never used a travel agent before this time, it felt important to have the right advice and it was a great decision.
With a family of five things aren’t always straightforward but after an initial chat, Gillian immediately sent us some amazing choices.
October holidays were so in demand that our first choice sold out whilst we considered but Gillian was quickly able to offer alternatives along with a knowledgeable and honest view of what places were like and we settled on the Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek in Turkey.
The travel experience was easier than expected and has given us massive confidence to travel again. Gillian advised what was needed and every time there was a rule change, she immediately updated us, providing the confidence we had everything in place. Her input saved us so much stress.
Our youngest didn't need tests but the older two required a PCR before travelling. Gillian sent us details of local testing centres and it was all straightforward other than it being a bit nerve wracking waiting for the results.
We have never travelled with so much paperwork, which we had to show checking in, but the airport staff were all brilliant. After passing through security, we found the lounge where Gillian had kindly arranged us complimentary passes - we all loved that.
Phil and I had a glass of bubbly and the kids helped themselves to the buffet. Not only had Gillian been so thoughtful sorting the passes, but she had also pre-booked us a table and it was an amazing way to start the holiday.
The flight was straightforward with everyone wearing masks and because we arrived near midnight, Gillian had booked us a private airport transfer, so we got straight off the plane, through passport control and onto our own minibus.
The hotel itself is huge, but surprisingly we never felt that there were too many people. There were more than enough sunbeds and plenty of space for everyone, and once in resort it was easy to forget about Covid.
The weather was great, so it was pleasurable to eat meals outside and although the hotel must have been busy, there were so many lovely places to eat and it never felt crowded. I had read several reviews advising as much and found that quite hard to believe, but they were spot on.
We had a favourite pool and spent most days there with the odd venture to the lovely beach. The water slides were a particular hit and to the boy’s surprise even I got on them!
The food was great throughout and the kids loved the fact they could go and get ice cream at any time.
The evening entertainment noise was a little invasive at times, but the hotel staff were super accommodating and would have moved us had we felt it necessary.
Coming home was similarly smooth. We spent roughly 20 minutes filling in forms online and that was it. Our transfer was easy, and we all slept most of the way back.
It was a great break, batteries were recharged, we felt the sun on our faces, made memories that will last a lifetime and I read no less than five books! I would go back to Turkey, probably staying at a different hotel but only because of a desire to try new places - the hotel was great.
If contemplating a break, my advice is to just go for it. Booking with Gillian has opened my eyes to using a trusted travel agent - it made things so much easier, and I felt like we were offered a shortlist of the best holidays available. Most of all though it gave us the confidence we needed to make it happen.
Thank you so much to Gillian and all at Holidaysplease.