Simon Calder's Travel Q&A: From Menorca to Moldova
Travel expert Simon Calder has responded to a range of pressing questions from readers, covering topics from ideal family holiday destinations to navigating complex travel regulations and flight issues. His advice provides valuable insights for travellers planning their next getaway.
Is Menorca Suitable for a Young Family Holiday?
A reader with a four-year-old and a six-month-old inquired about Menorca as a destination for early summer travel, hoping to avoid school holiday crowds. Calder enthusiastically recommended the island, describing it as the smallest, quietest, and arguably prettiest of the main Balearic islands, making it ideal for young families.
He highlighted that Menorca is comparable in size to Anglesey and one-fifth the size of Mallorca, with a well-organised airport near the capital, Mao (Mahon). Visitors can easily rent a car or take a bus to their accommodation. Most tourists stay in the south, which features lovely coves with restrained developments. In May, travellers are likely to encounter only similar families, ensuring an uncrowded experience, provided they avoid the half-term holiday at the month's end.
Calder noted that distances are short yet filled with interest. Mao offers a picturesque harbour and cityscape, best viewed from an hour-long boat trip, while the city centre boasts old lanes, modern shops, bars, and restaurants. He suggested trying mayonnaise, which originated there. At the western end, Ciutadella is even more attractive, with ancient streets, a 14th-century cathedral, and waterside bars. The interior and coastal fishing villages add to the gentle scenery, making it an excellent choice before school holiday price increases.
Adventure and Booking Stress in Moldova
Another reader planning a trip to Chisinau, Moldova, for a wedding in May described an adventurous journey involving an overnight train from Bucharest with bogie changes due to different rail gauges. However, booking flights proved stressful. They booked outward Wizz Air flights through lastminute.com, only to face a £250 price increase upon payment. For the return trip, booked directly with Wizz Air in Moldovan lei, their credit card's poor exchange rate added extra costs.
Calder expressed sympathy but advised against using online travel agents like lastminute.com, noting they often take commission without adding value. He explained that without screenshots of the booking process, seeking redress is difficult due to fluctuating prices. For future trips, he recommended obtaining a credit or debit card that allows payments in foreign currency without overseas transaction fees, such as the Halifax Clarity or First Direct Mastercard.
He also praised Chisinau as affordable and fascinating, suggesting a "free" walking tour with a tip of €5-€10 for the guide to better understand the former Soviet republic.
Dubai Delay and Compensation Queries
A traveller flying from Harare to Birmingham via Emirates experienced a 20-minute delay in Dubai, causing them to miss their connection and wait seven hours for the next flight. Due to aircraft configuration changes, they did not receive the seating they paid for and inquired about compensation.
Calder acknowledged the frustration, noting the long journey with a stop in Lusaka, Zambia. He explained that compensation is not mandatory under air passenger rights rules since the flight involved a non-EU airline and airport. However, if they paid for assigned seats and did not receive them, they could claim a refund or request a chargeback from their credit card provider.
He also suggested using long layovers to explore, recommending the Dubai Metro for easy access to the city centre, turning a delay into an opportunity for sightseeing.
Dual National Passport Confusion
A reader asked about friends caught in the dual citizenship fiasco, lacking valid British passports for a UK trip. Calder clarified that British citizens, including dual nationals, must prove their right to enter the UK with a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement (CoE), as stated by immigration minister Mike Tapp. This has affected many in the diaspora who previously travelled on foreign passports.
The Home Office has since allowed airlines to accept an expired British passport issued since 1989 alongside a valid foreign passport, provided biographic details match exactly. However, airlines like British Airways, easyJet, and Virgin Atlantic may permit this, while others require consultation with the Home Office Carrier Support Hub.
Calder noted there is no central database of airline policies or a register of British citizens, leading to confusion. He advised travellers to follow border regulations but speculated that some might apply for Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) speculatively to ease entry.
