Wanting to gain an insight into a visitors experience of their holiday to Benidorm, I booked myself onto an ABAS Costa Blanca shuttle yesterday, en-route back to Alicante airport. My lovely coach driver was called Enrique and I met him at the depot a little after 10am, ready for the first pick up which was at the Regente hotel in the Rincon. We then went on and had a further four pick ups before heading onto the N332 and airport bound.

I had thought of a list of 12 questions which I would ask the passengers - but not before reassuring them that I was not offering them a scratch card or the opportunity of winning a so called free weeks holiday accommodation... most laughed at that, apart from a few hungover passengers who were catching up on some missed sleep from the night before. If anyone approaches you on the street offering you a scratch card with the promise of future free accommodation on payment of an admin fee, walk away - it is all a con, they are on a par with the notorious peamen!

My most shocking and disturbing find was that of a coach load of passengers only ONE had a European Health Insurance Card (Blue EHIC) on them - unbelievably many had never even heard about its existence! I explained what it was, how to use it and that it was free and suggested that as soon as they get back to apply for one as it is valid for a number of years (I couldn´t remember if it was 3 or 5 years). All of the passengers had booked independent packages and I really feel that perhaps the airline websites should have a tab to remind anyone travelling to Europe to check that they have a valid EHIC before their journey.

All Inclusive buffet

Virtually all of those questioned had been to Benidorm before - for one chap it was his twelfth time so he obviously likes it here! All said that they would return again with many already having booked. I would say that the vast majority stayed at hotels (as opposed to a self catering apartment) and many were All Inclusive - however, this was an area of dissatisfaction. Despite having already paid for their meals many still ate out as they complained that the food either lacked choice or all tasted the same each night, which is one of the downsides of going AI - maybe their days are numbered? You may think that at least you will get all your drinks but if you are going out in the evening for a meal then on somewhere else you are not utilising it, therefore a false economy! With so many value places to eat and free entertainment at most bars and clubs it´s a shame to restrict yourself to one hotel.

Shuttle buses all lined up at Alicante airport

All of the passengers I spoke to always use a shuttle bus to get from the airport to the resort, saying a private taxi was far too expensive. They accepted that it took longer but the "abas"coach I was on was very quick - the passengers were all there waiting for the pick up. However, I made one very important observation on my return journey as we hit Benidorm over the lunch period. Numerous times the coach was unable to pass through the streets as car drivers had double parked - a Spanish passion! One time in the Old Town the driver was at the ATM and despite the driver honking he just raised his hand in acknowledgement and continued..... this obviously causes delays and knock on effects for subsequent drop offs - something which you need to bear in mind if your coach pick up appears to be running late. It probably isn´t the drivers fault!

Cobbled streets of Altea

Unfortunately none had ventured outside of Benidorm, which is a shame as there are so many beautiful places on the outskirts such as Altea, which you can get to on the number 10 bus and also slightly further afield, Guadalest and Font d´Algar waterfalls - both have a Llorente public bus which serves them. Most were just happy to chill by the pool or on the beach - which is what its all about I suppose. Every one of them said that they would definitely come back which is great and encouraging to hear and none had personally experienced any crime. A passenger did tell me that one lady at her hotel had her bag taken from around the pool area. However, she couldn´t understand why on earth she had taken her passport, purse and valuables down as it was an AI then left her bag under the sunbed when she went in to eat and was surprised and upset when she came back to find it gone! Please do not carry your passport about with you - it really is a nightmare, and very costly having to get an emergency replacement one from the Consulate in Alicante.

Asked about any negatives the response was unanimous, but to me not surprising - mobility scooters! They all complained that the resort was overrun with out of control users clogging up the pavements - one man told me that he even witnessed two youngish lads drunk on one. The sooner they clamp down on them the better - but obviously those genuinely needing one should not be penalised. We´ll see how this proposed new by-law works when it comes into force....

I must say it was my very first experience of a shuttle bus but do you know what, I honestly think that the next time I need to go to the airport I will seriously consider using one.

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