The HfP chat thread – Thursday 8th July

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Mark says:

8 Jul8 July 13:09

Thoughts on Greek islands vs Naples/Capri?
- Anna says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 13:17
  
  Well, Greek islands won’t make you quarantine for 5 days if travelling from the UK!
- Richie says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 13:25
  
  So much choice of places in Greece, it’s amazing where the ferry network can get you too.
  - Rimmingtown says:
    
    8 Jul8 July 14:29
    
    I agree, I went island hopping with friend, we were amazed and the variety and sizes of the ferry’s, we were able to shoot straight from Athens to Santorini and then caught a big old ferry to Mykonos for a week before climbing aboard a small one back to Piraeus.
- David says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 14:32
  
  Capri is mega money – if you don’t look good in Gucci/Prada don’t go.
  - HBommie says:
    
    8 Jul8 July 15:20
    
    Thanks for the tip, booking my trip to the Tiberio Palace as I look fabulous in Gucci!
    - David says:
      
      8 Jul8 July 16:15
      
      Stay at luxury villa excelsior paro or JK place then and watch the Gucci trainers on the pathways
      - HBommie says:
        
        8 Jul8 July 17:38
        
        JK Place is at the marina? Tiberio is in a nice spot, just off the hustle bustle. Loved the style and service a couple of years ago.
      - HBommie says:
        
        8 Jul8 July 17:40
        
        The gardens look nice
jac says:

8 Jul8 July 13:16

What would be the rule for children under 11 of UK residents fully vaccinated but not through the NHS? As a frequent traveller abroad I already dont need to isolate but I understand I would still need to do the day 8 test. Does the new rule mean my 7 year old wont be able to skip quarantine if travelling with me as I cant proof my vaccination status in the NHS app or can a separate PLF be filled for a child that will just ask parents vaccination status?
- TGLoyalty says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 13:22
  
  All under 18’s will be exempt from isolation after Jul 19th from Amber countires.
  
  Doesn’t matter about the parent vaccination status.
  - TGLoyalty says:
    
    8 Jul8 July 13:25
    
    Shapps adds that children under the age of 18 returning from amber-list countries will not have to isolate on their return nor take a coronavirus test on day eight.
    
    children between the ages of five and 10 will only have to take a day two test, and as before, children aged four and under are to be exempt from all testing and isolation requirements.
    - Sean says:
      
      8 Jul8 July 13:30
      
      I thought he said the 11 to 17 year old non-quarantine was only when travelling with fully vaccinated parents – I could of course have mis-heard.
      - TGLoyalty says:
        
        8 Jul8 July 18:43
        
        You did mis hear
Yorkshire Rich says:

8 Jul8 July 13:24

Gone on the UEFA portal and it’s just saying “access code”. Does that mean some lucky people have tickets?

I’m wondering if I can do better than the Wimbledon queue the other day where I was 114,000 + one point
- BSI1978 says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 14:21
  
  Yes, eligible ticket holders, of which I am one, have an access code to go and choose tickets however I have been trying to access it since midday with no joy….
  - BSI1978 says:
    
    8 Jul8 July 14:24
    
    However having now shut everything down and tried to access again, I am getting the message that tickets are not currently on sale; which makes a mockery of the valid code I was sent earlier…..!
Simon says:

8 Jul8 July 13:49

Any experiences on changing which supplementary cardholder receives the Platinum (business) benefits? I assume I’ll ultimately have to ring Amex but would it be smart to apply for a supplementary card for the new person first to bag the points and then ring to change over the platinum benefits from one supp to the other?
LessCleverAndrew says:

8 Jul8 July 13:51

Testingforall: 79GBP for a flexible PCR test (i.e. a pre-departure test) and 55GBP for a day two test. How is price disparity possible considering both are once-only PCR tests?

Its still financial exploitation given that these approved companies have a captive audience
- bafan says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 14:26
  
  Day 2 test has to be genome sequenced to check the variant.
  - meta says:
    
    8 Jul8 July 14:32
    
    And day 2 test is less expensive than the pre-departure PCR test. There is absolutely no logic. They just set it as they see fit for their bottom line.
    - Super Secret Stuff says:
      
      8 Jul8 July 18:24
      
      It’s to do with the certificate that has to be issued, automatic link to goverment system reduces admin etc. At least that’s what they’re hoping you believe, reality is pricing it slightly lower per test for arrivals means more potential profit overall
      - TGLoyalty says:
        
        8 Jul8 July 20:42
        
        Certificate that is fully automated with the data you provide and the test result?
        
        Just a scam.
Rupert says:

8 Jul8 July 13:58

Can anyone confirm that I do not need to take a test to go to Corfu if I have had both jabs over two weeks ago?
If not and need either a PCR test or rapid antigen test which is better / cheaper and any good providers? I am in central London so should be plenty of options

Arrivals from the UK must provide either: proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, undertaken within the 72 hour period before arrival into Greece; proof of a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test from an authorised laboratory, undertaken within the 48 hour period before the scheduled flight; or proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations completed at least 14 days before travel (see Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status). Travellers with proof of either are exempted from the need to self-isolate on arrival to Greece.
- Simon says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 14:24
  
  That final paragraph seems very clear no ? ?
  - Rupert says:
    
    8 Jul8 July 14:38
    
    It does however wanted to confirm that I’m not being completely stupid…
    - Simon says:
      
      8 Jul8 July 14:52
      
      Rupes. Besides a slight double negative in your second sentence, I think you have NAILED this. Go and have a great time, you are jabbed so dont need a test to get there. Just the usual nonsense to get back to the UK…..
The Streets says:

8 Jul8 July 14:09

Interesting post by Curve today on their Instagram page teasing out the Amex question. I wonder if there is going to be some news
- Sean says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 14:55
  
  They’re going to need something or else turnover is going to plummet next month onwards.
  - BP says:
    
    8 Jul8 July 15:11
    
    Beardy is not the only use.
  - Andy says:
    
    8 Jul8 July 15:15
    
    Are they definitely stopping MS with solihull etc? Might still be ways around it
- KBuffett says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 19:31
  
  Is all BS by Curve. Do you remember their threat of legal action against AmEx?
  They keep using AmEx on social media to attract attention, perhaps to try and pressure AmEX, but I don’t see it happening.
memesweeper says:

8 Jul8 July 15:09

Heading for the Douro Valley Six Senses? Helpful guide to the nicer way to get there from Porto

https://www.seat61.com/places-of-interest/douro-valley-by-train.htm
- BP says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 15:12
  
  Interesting. I’m planning a few days in Porto then to hire a car from Avis in the city and drive there. Drop the car at the airport on the return.
- Sandra says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 15:17
  
  This sounds lovely memesweeper, I am saving for future reference, thank you.
  - meta says:
    
    8 Jul8 July 16:02
    
    You could also return by boat to Porto. I also recommend going to the other vineyards (quintas) around SS DV. Most of them have tasting tours.
    - Memesweeper says:
      
      8 Jul8 July 16:41
      
      That sounds amazing… just wish I’d got in quick on the SS DV when others did…
- Rui N. says:
  
  8 Jul8 July 18:30
  
  If anyone does this (and it’s a fantastic train ride, so you should!) please exit the train at Régua (which is very close to the hotel anyway). A lot of the other stations in the line are in very small villages, and you’d have a lot of trouble finding a taxi (if you call for one, it would probably come from Régua!)