Anyone been to / going to Greek islands?

[Twobigsapphires]

Due to holiday on Greek Island in 2 weeks. Really anxiety inducing, anyone in the area boat or can offer reassurance?

Unless there is another holiday with them that we can switch to instead we'll go for the refund - we've only paid a deposit so far anyway. We were booked to go to the same accommodation last year and it got cancelled due to the pandemic. Feels as though the gods don't want us to go! I just want to relax somewhere warmer than home for a bit.

@BabyYoda9 yes! Scared the living daylights out of me. Also new restrictions being introduced in Zakynthos and part of Crete as of tomorrow (curfew and no music in bars etc)

@BabyYoda9

Anyone else get an emergency broadcast re: fires through on their phone? Never knew I could get emergency alerts, nearly had a heart attack when the klaxon blared out...

Yes! All four of us got it at supper last night. Last really hot day here today, drops from 37 to 31-32 from tomorrow.

Finally daring to believe we might make it to Crete on the 18th. Thank you eveyone for keeping me going when it felt like it would never happen and that I was a terrible person for daring to want to go on holiday during a pandemic .
I've just started looking at tests, Chronomics for the pre-departure and Randox for day 2. Maybe this is just me being a moron but I had assumed that for the home tests someone watched you take the test via video link but looking at the details on their websites it doesn't seem that way. How do they know it's actually you that has taken the test? Am I missing something?

I was confused about that as well @RichInBunlyGoodness but I’ve ordered ours and that’s what the instructions say, you do the test yourself and upload the photo to the website.

Just a heads up re video tests and uploading - here on Crete it's power cut central this week and we were chatting with a couple who were having real difficulties uploading pictures and videos because the wifi kept dropping out with the power cuts.

We are doing in person tests which I will arrange here - they are more expensive but quicker and less hassle.

Glad it’s not just me @FizzyPink

That’s useful @ArabellaPilkington might need to allow extra time for potential internet problems. I did consider in person tests but we’re self catering away from main resorts so wasn’t sure how easy that would be. Also DD gets v anxious about anything even remotely medical so thought that at home might be less stressful for her (and hence us).

Am I right in thinking that only adults are selected for random testing at the airport? Just want to prepare DC (8 and 11) if they might also have to test at airport.

Going to Crete in October so this is a very useful thread. How much does all the testing cost?

@plumpcushion how are you finding Lefkada? We fly into Preveza on Sunday (pending teens test being negative) hoping the temperature is slightly more manageable as we’ve not exactly had a chance to acclimatise in the UK! 😂

@FullMoonInsomnia it depends how many of you are fully vaccinated or under 12. Tui seem to do some competitive deals. I wouldn’t be surprised if the UK gov change the rules again before Oct so might be worth holding off ordering anything for a bit?

@FullMoonInsomnia we’re both double jabbed and booked through TUI so it was £20 each for a test to fly home plus a Day 2. Much cheaper than I was expecting to be honest

Can anyone confirm what type of LFT the ones you book through Tui for fit to fly are? Are they up the nose and down the throat jobbies or nose only?

@GrealishHairband the instructions on their website are for up the nose only on the fit to fly antigen but throat as well for Day 2

Sorry if this has been done before but as a refresher for myself and anyone else.

Am I right that you only need one PLF per family? Not a separate one for each person? It gave me the option to add other family members so I figure that is fine, but I only have one QR code and only gave details of my vaccine type / date - not my husbands.

I have already received an email with one QR code - is this correct please.

Many thanks.

Hiya, really good thread. But so much info!

Can someone update:

Greece- double vaccinated- 70 year old
PLF form completed and printed
COVID vaccine pass downloaded printed

Book tests from a clinic when out there?

Do I need to order the day 2 test now before I leave? And where to order from?

Anything else I need to do?

Thanks @FizzyPink that’s useful.

I’ve ordered our tests now. Starting to believe it might actually happen. Does it matter how early you fill out your PLF? I know it has to be done by midnight the night before you fly.

@Adelphia1977 you need to have booked your day 2 test before you fill out your PLF to come home as it asks for the reference number. So either book now or while you’re out there. You can fill it in up to 48 hours before arriving in the U.K.. The test to come home can be done 3 days beforehand so if you’re due to fly on Friday, you can do your test on or after Tuesday.

The PLF for Greece is per family. It’s a bit confusing as you only need the vaccine status for the lead passenger but this is correct.

We are a party of 8 going to kos on the 19th. Tests ordered, plf done, Covid documentation done. I'm holding off packing as I'm terrified of it being cancelled. It's been booked and crashed so many times already

I'm not booking any return tests until a few days before in case it changes again!! It's very easy to book in resort here - they do them at the hotel. And I'll be booking a PCR at Gatwick for when we land as we are all v busy w work etc Day 1 & Day 2.

Yes it's more expensive than the TUI package etc but suits us better.

Just saw this on a Zante Facebook group. It says Rhodes but applies to all of Greece.

Very helpful thank you to all.

I'm assuming this also applies to other Amber list countries like France?

@Adelphia1977 I’m not sure about France specifically but some amber countries also require tests if you’re fully vaccinated so best to check individual country pages

Off to Greece but not until next year. The testing required really put me off

@Stircrazyschoolmum the temperature has dropped today- thankfully. To be honest the last week has been absolutely scorching but the first few days were very pleasant and a nice follow on from the uk’s heatwave. We leave on Monday and I’m hoping the weekend temperatures drop a bit. You know it’s hot when even the shade and evening don’t bring much relief! (pushing 40 degrees) However, I’m guessing you’ll have some opportunities to cool off in the sea or pool. It’s too hot to do much else - unless you get a day like today . The wind whipped up and a storm threatened- made a lovely change. You’ll have a lovely time I’m sure but a few degrees lower would be lovely. Fingers crossed for you!

@PlumpCushion it has rained every day in London for over a week.. so keen for some sun! We are heading to the Vounaki Neilson resort so hoping for some watersports. Teen got his neg test today so it finally feels like we might go!!