just returned

[Marian Young]

Hi - my friend and I have just returned from a week's stay at Rex Turtle. Fortunately there were no 'hooligans or defecators' staying there to ruin the holiday. Our fellow guests were very mellow and courteous! The Rex is okay as a base & a bed. We had room only, and had a few breakfasts which were very wholesome, but expensive at nearly £9 each. The one evening meal we had (The barbecue at £18) was very poor. Guests we spoke to who were all inclusive did not rate the food generally. There were so many staff, some friendly - but mostly the reaction we found was indifference to personal needs - but a trained eye to keep tabs on 'paying guests' - and signing appropriate forms. There are many different coloured wrist bands people have to wear-Fortunately we were not branded with one! We found this indifference and a certain lassitude was prevalent throughout the island - either in shops or eating places, especially with the females. On the other hand - the males were all too friendly - (my friend is very attractive!) However - we found that this friendliness was often based on ulterior motives, ie ' to sell something' - if only themselves sometimes! This harassment did not bother us unduly. Firmness is essential! It would be nice though to think that the opening gambit is based on an honest exchange of cultures - but I'm not so sure. On the whole - we had a lovely holiday. This was my first trip to the Caribbean - and I chose Tobago as it read as more uncommercialised than others. And certainly - there are places, particularly beaches where you can be alone and feel free of the trappings of tourism. Long may it continue! Apparently a hotel chain is trying to push for the 'no man's land' near Buccoo reef - but, according to the lovely 'Idris' (Rex Turtle taxi lady) the government are so far opposing the scheme. We hired a car from Sheppy's for 5 days prior to the trip. (Essential for room only guests.) The car, a little Nissan automatic was there following morning - and we got to see a lot of the island. Beyond the Argyll falls and Roxborough area (Atlantic side) the road twists and turns drunkenly - slow going to Speyside. Highlights of our trip were - a very good meal at 'Jemma's tree house' (Speyside), Arnos Vale - spotting for turtle heads popping out of the water from the beach, and the bird feeding at 4pm. at the lovely located hotel there. A rare treat - to see so many varieties of exotic birds together. (They were eating off our plate of leftover cakes.) A boat trip from Buccoo bay to the reef and the nylon pool, at only £9. For a non-snorkeller such as myself, it was a delight to look at the reef from a glass-bottom boat. Pigeon point - well it's cheap enough just to experience the 'Caribbean white sanded photogenic dream' at £1.80 entrance. However - you can experience that white sand and aqua water without paying, by parking near the entrance and walking onto the beach 'round the back' so to speak. The 'bits of beach' you walk along are virtually deserted, and it's easy to find a tiny bit to yourself, with a bit of a tree for shade - as long as you don't mind your feet getting wet in the sea as you sit, and don't mind not having a sun lounger! I would not recommend going to Store Bay and environs - very commercial. Also - I would not recommend the Goat Roti from one of the eating places there- Even though the 'Rough guide' does!! Our flights with Excel were delayed both going and return by 1 - 2 hours (with no explanation.) I would not recommend the service - but we are home safe! Be warned on arriving - it's very hot and steamy! quite a shock to the system! Like a sauna when you arrive, and you sweat throughout.....the pool at the Rex was a dream for that! and of course the sea...wherever! I took all the mosqui deet stuff - but fortunately they, and the sand flies did not like me. Only in the last two days was I bit...but no itching...Whoever goes soon - hope you have a good holiday, we did! and thanks to this site for the very valuable pre-holiday information - but experience it for yourself, because we are all different, and so are our needs....Marian.

[Alan Cb]

Hi Marian

Started reading your excellent report, but I'm afraid had to give up half-way through, defeated by the absence of paragraphing.

Please re-post a paragraphed version.

Alan CB

[Marian Young]

Alan - forgive me for lack of paragraphs - I didn't realise just how much I had written, till I re-read it! I was very jet-lagged after a sleepless night flight and an immediate drive from Brighton to Dorset that it just came pouring out in a 'stream of consciousness'.....(or semi!)

Instead of repeating the garble, I'd just like to further expound on some of my very recent holiday experiences there:- With regards to the 'indifference and lassitude' towards the tourists - I was aware that the inhabitants were an extremely happy and friendly people amongst themselves generally. I may be wrong, but I tend to believe that the low pay they experience, coupled with the constant presence of comparatively wealthy Europeans on such a small island, may be contributory to this perceived attitude. I live in a beautiful part of West Dorset near the sea, and the holidaymakers during the summer can be irritating when trying to drive to work or shop. However - this only tends to last for a six week duration! Towards the end of our stay, and as our faces became more familiar with the staff at the hotel - so their reserve lessened & it was good to be acknowledged with one of their beautiful smiles!

To iterate further on 'highlights':- Pigeon point - highly photogenic beach epitomising the quintessential 'Caribbean paradise'. White powder sands and milky azure sea (unless after a storm.) We visited twice. Once to pay, just to see why it merited the small cost. We simply lay on our towels under a tree to sunbathe, and took many photos openly. No-one objected to this. (I had no idea photos were frowned on!) Our 'free' visit - to the small strip of beach in front of the enclosure was far more enjoyable in that it was totally secluded and unspoilt. But, you are virtually sitting in the sea itself & have to hang your bags, etc. on branches!

The birds of Tobago are a delight. It's worth going there for that reason alone. I didn't take any, but I think binoculars would be an essential travel item. The varieties are numerous - from tiny iridescent Humming birds - to swarms of huge Pelicans over the sea. At Arnos Vale hotel you can see multitudes feeding. The short walk to Argyll falls is also a good 'spotting' area. However, they are to be seen all over the island. Likewise the varieties of beautiful fish viewed from a glass bottomed boat over Buccoo reef - the beauties of nature making for a memorable holiday.

There are numerous bays and beaches - far too many to see in a week! We liked Castara, Mount Irvine, Pigeon point - but even on our 'own' beach - Turtle - could you find seclusion if you walked a little way from the hotel. Some friends we met loved 'Back bay' (the locals call it Paradise bay.) which is near Turtle beach but difficult to locate. However, according to the 'Rough guide' there have been reports of robberies there, and a sign warns you of seclusion risk. The only beach I did not favour was Store bay.

If in 'Room only' at the Rex Turtle - Car hire is essential. There are no eating places in walking distance, (even the nearest shop is a hike, and in the heat we experienced - unthinkable!) Also - it's necessary for exploring the island - else you have to pay exorbitant tour prices - most of which were £40 - 60 each for either boat or jeep trips. (The independant tour operators touting at the hotel were the biggest hassle!) I would not rate the hotel food - and it's highly expensive. (The 'Barbecue' meal we had in my previous report should have read £18 - instead of the 'cool emoticon' I could not edit!) At 'Jemma's tree house' we had a delicious lunch of Shrimps in a sauce with lots of salad, local cooked vegetables & stir fried rice, with drinks for £9.00. The Goat Roti I had was inedible, likewise the Crab & dumplings my friend tried!

I did not like the humidity in Tobago - maybe it's not constant, but for our trip it was! Right now I'm freezing - with my heating going full blast & I could do with a bit more of that scorching sun! Take hats and plenty of factor 25 at least!

To sum up - we had a really good holiday on a very naturally beautiful island. (Long may that 'natural' quality continue!) It was also a very cheap one (£450 each for room only and flight for 7 days.) Consequently my expectations of both hotel and flight were met. If I had been able to afford more - then naturally I would have chosen somewhere like Arnos Vale to stay & perhaps BA to fly. I would certainly consider returning to Tobago - a week is not long enough to see all. However, I heard many good reports of Antigua from visitors there, and now that I have experienced the Caribbean - there's lots more islands to see!

much love - Marian

[Marc Jones]

Thanks Marian, great report. I enjoyed reading it.

[Marian Young]

Thanks Marc, and apologies to Alan for lack of paras. I did post another report, being careful to include them - but can't seem to see it here! Absolutely agree with your comments Marc re. 'what you wear' Anyways - it appears you are going out there again soon - so have a wonderful holiday. Did you get to sample the Pina Coladas at the hotel? To die for....they became our staple diet in the evenings! Marian

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Marian

Thanks for those lovely reports. Your other post hasn't 'gone missing' - you posted it in this sub-forum, but as another thread/topic, entitled "P.S.Just returned!" - you can see it at http://mytobago.info/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8008#8008

[Marc Jones]

Did you get to sample the Pina Coladas at the hotel? To die for....they became our staple diet in the evenings! Marian

Yeah. Many times

[Alan Cb]

Hi Marion

Thank you very much for the repost. No need to apologise. What a difference the paragraphing makes. A real pleasure to read.

Should have kept the original subject title, "just returned", though, so that it would appear in the same thread.

Perhaps you could ask Steve Wooler to transfer it to the "just returned" thread.

Regards

Alan CB

[Alan Cb]

Hi Marian

Just realised that I mispelled your name in my last post.
Sorry.

Regards

Alan CB

[Rachel Jones]

Hi Marian,
Glad you had a good time and thought the report was very informative.

Can you possibly shed some light on Excel for me please?
We are going for Christmas and I've read most reports on here about the airline. I'm dreading the flight!
As a recent traveller can you tell me - is it really so bad? I know about the delays and such but the question is ....Is it safe??!!!!!

Thanks

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Rachel

There is absolutely NO reason to question the safety of Excel flights that I am aware of.

Yes, there's some evidence that Excel timekeeping leaves something to be desired (although every flight I've travelled on has been on time). Yes, their entertainment systems are naff (but due to be replaced in just a couple of weeks by a newer aircraft considerably unpgraded).

I do confess that I tire of people who bellyache about the service. There's plenty of information here and elsewhere, so there's no excuse for not knowing what you will be getting. Why use Excel if you're then only going to bellyache about it? If you want the extra inch of legroom and latest gizmos, then fork up. You pays your money and takes your choice. Just accept that you can pay double and fly with one of the scheduled service, or with respect, stop winging. Honestly, I get so frustrated by people who insist on doing it on the cheap and still do nothing but complain.

Anyway, the good news for you Rachel, is that the newer aircraft promised by Excel should be in service by the time you go. The other thing to consider, is upgrading to Premium Economy or Excel One. Either way, the flights are totally safe, airline food is always rubbish, but the Excel stuff is no better or worse, their cabin service has always be excellent. All I can say is that I'm putting my money where my mouth is and flying Excel when I go out in January.

[Rachel Jones]

Thanks Steve,

Forgot to add before that I'm a nervous flyer!

Anyway, thanks for all your information, I know that some people bellyache when they have chosen the cheaper option, however, I shall remain positive and report back when we get home.
I understand what you mean by saying you get what you pay for. Excel is a bargain and we wouldn't be able to go if it wasn't for Excel's prices.

Good news, though, that they are upgrading planes!!

We've been used to being cramped before flying to the Dom. Rep. so that's not an issue but we've booked 2 seats together by the window so I can hold hubbie's hand on take-off.

Regards

[Marian Young]

Dear Rachael
I endorse everything that Steve said in his reply to you regarding Excel - however, I hope he was not referring to myself as a 'bellyacher' of the airline. If you read my report, it says quite clearly that 'my expectations were met' as regards the money I paid for the trip. If I could have afforded more - then I would have paid more. In the end - 'you gets what you pay for'. All that I experienced with Excel was delays both ways - and no explanation as to why, which would have been helpful, as travel by any airline is wearing.

The food was edible, the seat room was okay, the interior looked a bit old - but - what the heck.......in any flight, safety is paramount, and again, like I said - we arrived and returned safely and that is the most important issue. A 9-10 hour flight will always be boring - but the staff were very pleasant & the interruptions of trolley service were welcome disruptions to alleviate the monotony and boredom.

I don't know anyone that actively enjoys flying long distance - it's merely a means of getting someplace nice-where you are going. I do know a lot of people who are nervous of flying, myself included when I hear 'strange noises' - but the statistics prove that it's safer than car travel - and 'those noises' really mean nothing to the passenger!

Just look forward to the wonderful destination - and likewise the homecoming - and just 'let the time go on the flight' - it's an inevitable process. Have a wonderful holiday - Marian.

[Terence H]

Hi Rachel.

I am one of the bellyachers and whingers that Mr Wooler is referring to.

I do not believe I indicated the flight was unsafe.
My apologies if this was the impression I gave.

At no time did I feel unsafe during the flight.
I am unaware of any safety problems experienced by Excel.
I sincerely hope this reassures you.
As far as I know the equipment failure I mentioned did not put the aircraft in danger.


I do find that being insulted as a whinger and bellyacher by Mr Wooler just by commenting on the problems I and my friends and family experienced somewhat out of order.
In my opinion the cost of the fare indicates a basic service , however in my opinion we were not given even this.
One problem I forgot to mention was that the air conditioning was not working while we waited for an hour at Crown Point. Conditions were somewhat overheated. But perhaps we should expect this when we fly economy along with delays, poor food, broken seats, inability to access entertainment screen, either by headset not working or being too far away.(the time goes quicker if you have something to watch)

Incidently an Excel flight leaving Tobago this week was delayed 24 hours.
In which case it doesnt matter whether you are economy, premium or excel one.
I pay my money and take my choice, but I dont believe that is any reason to tolerate a poor service which does not meet even basic requirements.

[Rachel Jones]

Hi all,
Thanks for all your helpful advice!

I shall take heed of your comments re: Excel and I am now assured that the flight will be safe.

I am not too bothered by delays (especially on the way home!) or naff food, as long as the plane's structure is safe - but I know they wouldn't let it fly if it wasn't.

The worst for me is taking off - 3 times in 20 hours (newcastle, gatwick and Grenada!), but I'm taking the Rescue Remedy so hopefully I shouldn't be too bad.

nearly 8 weeks to go!
I send the report when we get back.

Regards

[Marian Young]

Glad you feel more reassured Rachel. I think we all have our 'pet hates' with flying! Unlike you I find take off exhilirating - but am very wary of landing! I feel like I'd like some dummy brakes in front of me!!

And Terence - we were probably on same flight? Thursday 841? Yes - the heat was dreadful, and what I couldn't understand was why we were all put on it for an hour - would have been far more comfortable waiting in the lounge for that time! Oh well - good to be home though, but I have had the heating full blast since the holiday!

Marian.

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Terence

I wasn't specifically referring to your report. I certainly don’t condone bad service of the type you experienced. Having said that, I have encountered bad communication and shocking service with many scheduled airlines (and BA in particular). I was more referring to those who complain about the lack of space and entertainment facilities on the budget Excel flights.

[Terence H]

And Terence - we were probably on same flight? Thursday 841? Yes - the heat was dreadful, and what I couldn't understand was why we were all put on it for an hour - would have been far more comfortable waiting in the lounge for that time! Oh well - good to be home though, but I have had the heating full blast since the holiday!

Marian.

Hi Marian,

Yep that was the one.
Pretty awful wasnt it.

I was lucky my son had put the heating on already and the house was warm on returning!

Heres hoping Excel improve their service.

[Paul Makin]

"Incidently an Excel flight leaving Tobago this week was delayed 24 hours."

hehehe, cant quite see the problem there myself


paul

[Marco]

I've only flown with Exel to the Red Sea which at 5 1/2 hours was not too bad. I don't know if longer flights are different, but I'd recommend to either bring a fleece with you or to ask for a blanket early on. The flight to Egypt was freezing (probably saving money by not heating the air enough as it comes in).

Have a great time. I'm lucky and am using up a load of air miles so I'm flying scheduled - less than 3 weeks to go!!!!