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IBIZA TRAVEL
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As I have been based in the UK, there is a little more information on travelling from the UK to Ibiza than elsewhere.
If you are setting off from outside of Europe, travelling via the UK or Berlin, Germany may be the easiest way to Ibiza, when the Spanish National Carriers are full.
For those of you who haven't yet been, 'before you go' travel information is detailed below:
The average direct flying time is two to three hours from most of northern Europe, unless you board the wrong plane.
Ibiza Airport/Harbour
Insurance
Getting to the airport
Lounge access
Ibiza Airport
Ibiza airport is located at the far side of the salt flats in the south-west corner of the island.
Tourists are decanted by a very hot and overcrowded bus from the plane to the terminal, the bus on occasion will travel a grand total of around 20 meters (and that is when it goes the long way around to make the journey appear necessary). TUI and the rest appear to think they are doing us all a favour... Scheduled flight passengers are occasionally allowed to walk into the terminal.
Baggage handling is reasonably quick, (thirty minutes maximum) but if your luggage does not turn up, or is damaged, report it to the baggage window before you go through the security doors.
Although there are 'no smoking' signs all over the airport, they appear to be there to comply with the rules on smoking in public places, but hardly any one ever pays any attention, or attempts to enforce them. So if you need to 'light up' while waiting for baggage, don't feel too guilty, the last time a member of airport staff approached me while I was cheerily sneeking a quick one, was to ask for a light. I know it must stop - smoking is filthy and disgusting...
All of the car hire desk's windows open up into the baggage hall, so if you have booked a car, go complete the paper work and pick up your keys while waiting for your luggage.
If you arrive early or late season, you could be forgiven for thinking the island is deserted. Ibiza airport providing no clue as to the potential or reputation of the iIbiza. Arriving in the middle of the season, the arrivals area can be chaotic. (The arrivals area has been the same size for many years, but the baggage hall has doubled in size.)
You will probably, be greeted by dozens of smiling 'club 18-30' reps, acting like they own the Island, (in repping terms they have 'made the big time' and 'you' have probably only come to the island to go drinking with them). Unless you are travelling with them, just ignore them, before they snub you. - Having said that the lady who is now the head Thomson rep has previously been amazingly helpful when my wallet was stolen on the plane into Ibiza - so smile and say hello.
Find your gay holiday rep (if traveling with a gay package company) or pick up your car, or wait for the bus (runs 7.30am to 10.30pm Click for the timetable), or queue for a taxi. Either way it is only about three minutes to Ibiza town, (We have just tried it on the new road (which is actually a bloody huge great enormous mororway).
If you are travelling independently, remember to book a taxi back to the airport for your return flight, otherwise you could, and I have, missed the homeward flight. (If your accommodation has no reception, ask the reception in the nearest hotel to book one.)
The Airport provides duty Free shopping, currency exchange, money machines, a health center, a chapel and car hire. The tourist information desk is great, it is open May to September, 9am to 9pm (but closes 2pm to 4pm and all Sunday afternoons) etc....Because obviously no one uses the airport during these hours...
The Harbour/PORT
The Ferries arrive in Ibiza Harbour (don't take one to San Ann) and you are right in the center of everything when you arrive. Taxis pull will take you to the Harbour terminal (the main tourist office is opposite), but you wil have to walk to the nearest taxi rank on arrival. Buses are available on the Av. d'Isidor Macavich (See the Bus and Taxi page.)
Note in 2005, the passenger terminal area was closed off to non passengers, the area denoted by the concrete blocks separating the road from the harbour, and the filthy glass panels stuck unceremoniously on top of them. Not the most sensitive solution to any possible security problems, but it does, with absolutely no finess, manage to destroy a huge part of the harbours charm.
Insurance
Two main points about insurance:
- Don't travel without it.
- Make sure it covers your valuables.
Health cover is in reality the most important element of cover and you should make sure it is comprehensive. Luckily for most, the main use of holiday insurance is to cover you for cancellation or missed flights and lost or stolen baggage.
In the UK, baggage cover tends to be minimal on a standard policy, up to £1500 for personal possessions and £200 maximum per item is generally inadequate. A rough check on the value of your luggage will soon have you looking for better insurance.
Ask for extended cover if you need it. It may cost more, but if you lose your phone, camera, watch, etc., it will be worth it.
Most holiday companies/agents/airlines will sell you 'per trip' insurance when you book your holiday, but if you intend travelling more than twice per year, take out an annual policy. It will save you money, and you never have to think about it once it is paid for.
An annual policy can cost as little as the premium for two individual weeks.
You are 'obliged' to declare any pre-existing medical conditions to the insurance company before you travel. In reality, there may be many reasons why you may not wish to at any particular time. Check the 'health' page for further information on traveling with HIV & medication.
If you do not know you are HIV+ you are not discriminated against.
To find a company that provide HIV holiday cover just type 'HIV holiday insurance' in any search engine. There are enough, that change so often, I can not keep them up to date here.
Most holiday reps can not help but appear to be sanctimonious should you need to claim on insurance that was not bought from their own holiday company. (i.e. 'it would have been easier if...') It can make you feel pretty pissed off at a time when you don't need it. Remember it is their job to help you with problems that arise on your holiday and you are free to choose insurance from wherever you choose.
Getting to the airport
The most obvious thing in the world, but it can be unnecessarily expensive, the more of you traveling.
If more than two of you are traveling, it will probably be cheaper and more convenient to drive to the airport and park the car for a week. If you are staying for two weeks or more, then the savings may be reduced, and the benefit may only be the convenience.
To save money 'driving and parking', you must usually pre-book by ringing the airport in advance.
If you are traveling out early morning, and there are only one or two of you, you may wish to start your holiday the day before, and take advantage of an airport hotel for the night (many offer gyms, saunas, etc.). The price of the hotel can be offset by free (or reduced price) parking for the duration of your holiday at the hotel.
Check out any hotel, ring the airport itself, or any travel agent, who have contract prices for many airport hotels. Book early.
On your return home, DO NOT expect to find a taxi in the street in Ibiza. BOOK ONE IN ADVANCE - even if it is from the reception of the nearest hotel to your apartment.
Lounge access
If you want to keep away from 'family' hell before you board, ring the airport info desk to see if there is a business/executive lounge.
Most airports now have at least one lounge, the larger have three or four. In the UK, one or more lounges WILL let you pay per visit, approximately £14.00 (you can stock up on ¼ bottles of wine to make this back - discreetly of course - if you happen to be a cheap as me on occasion).
If a holiday company will offer to arrange lounge access for you, book it direct and save up to about twice to three times the price. Check with the airport before you go.
If you do travel frequently, join 'Priority Pass' executive lounge programme. Apply on line. For access to lounges in most airports worldwide
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