Preparing for your holiday

We know that your holiday is precious time for you, your family and friends, and that’s why we want to make it as hassle free and safe as possible. We’ve created a list of things to consider before you arrive, whilst you are at the property and before you leave to come home.

Before You Go

Are you and the rest of your party fit to travel?

Please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus to review the latest government information regarding Covid-19. If you or any of your party develop or have any symptoms of Covid-19 within 14 days of your holiday or receive a test and trace alert you must inform us straight away or at least 48 hours before you go. Please also inform us if this occurs within the last 48 hours before departing for your holiday. You will need to check your travel insurance regarding their cancellation guidelines.

Your car

Chances are your car has been sat on your driveway or limited to short journeys over the past few weeks. A full check of tyres, water, oil etc. would be advisable before setting off on any long journeys. If you don’t already have roadside assistance this is another worthwhile consideration.

Essential items to take with you

There are a few items that in the past wouldn’t have made your holiday essentials list, but it would be wise for you to consider packing the following items alongside your sun cream and beach towels:

Face masks - useful if you are visiting any popular tourist attractions, where the volume of people might make it difficult to social distance. Fabric masks should be washed each day so you may need to think about packing a few if you are planning regular days out.
Disposable gloves - if you need to top the car up with fuel or use an electric vehicle charger en-route.
Hand sanitiser - for when out and about, where it may not be possible to wash your hands.
Handwash
Disinfectant wipes
First aid kit - including Paracetamol and a thermometer.
Picnic blanket
Wind break or markers - if you are concerned about social distancing at the beach or in the park, then a wind break or similar may help guide small children to a ‘safe’ zone.
Tickets / advance bookings - if you are planning to visit a local attraction, you may need to book in advance while entrance numbers are reduced, to allow social distancing. Please check before you leave and if possible book your slot in advance.
Card and board games, DVDs, books, scavenger hunts and more - you may want to think about a few games to enjoy at your holiday home. If you have visited the property previously and there have been games, DVDs and books, these may have been removed for your safety.
Oven gloves
Towels - you may want to consider bringing your own towels and tea towels.
Pillows and pillow cases - you may want to consider bringing your own pillow and pillowcases (these will still be provided but you may prefer to use your own.)
Clothes detergent - you may want to wash items such as your face masks frequently whilst away.
Food - if your local shops are currently busy, then the ones in smaller towns and tourist destinations are likely to be even busier. Many of the big supermarkets have more delivery slots opening up, particularly if you order in advance. When arranging key collection, you could ask the owner about local farm shops, which may be offering deliveries too.
Bin bags - although the property owner will leave you bin bags, they will not necessarily know how much rubbish you will accumulate during your stay, so best to be on the safe side.
Pets - if the holiday home is pet friendly and you are bringing your dog along, please remember to bring the bed, blankets and towels as well as their food and water bowls. You may want to consider bringing throws for the furniture.

Check-in times

With the additional cleaning requirements that our owners are undertaking, your check-in and check-out times may have changed - please check your latest communications from us for the most up to date times.

While You Are Away

If you, or any of your party become ill or display any symptoms of Covid-19 or receive a test and trace alert while you are at the property, you should call us straight away. This will allow us to liaise with the property owner or housekeeper.

The dishwasher
Where practical and possible use the dishwasher on an appropriate temperature setting.

Cushions and soft furnishings
Items such as cushions and soft furnishings that would normally be available at the property may have been removed for your safety.

Waste and bins
Ensure all rubbish and waste is disposed of properly in secured bags and left in the location advised by the owner.

Returning to the property after a day out
Wash your hands for 20 seconds – every time you come back to the property.

Guests
You are not permitted to invite additional guests back to the property.

Before You Depart

Please ensure that the property is left in the same condition that you found it.

Please remove all food from the cupboards and fridge before you leave.

Please ensure all dishes are washed and put away. If possible put the dishwasher (where appropriate) on the night before and empty.

On the day of departure, please take all linen from the beds, including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers and mattress protectors. Please leave all linen and towels in the laundry bin or bag if provided or in a pile in the bathroom.

Return keys to the key safe or place specified by the owner.

We hope you enjoy your holiday. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.