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Any knowledgeable travel agent / travel guru type people around??

2 replies

Baffy · 30/01/2020 14:55

Not sure if there is a definite answer to this, and many moving parts and uncertainties...

But we are trying to book our honeymoon for next summer (August 2021). In a nutshell, is it too early to book?

It's going to be a holiday of a lifetime for us and our 5 kids, but given that there are 7 of us it's never straight forward to book a holiday or find the right acommodation! We also want to do at least 3 or 4 places (West Cost of America) and it's all a bit daunting.

Virgin have given us a quote which is eye watering, but takes all of the stress out of the planning and means we can just plan our days and the fun parts.

Trailfinders and other travel agents won't quote as flights and hotels not actually out for next summer yet. (They did us a quote for this summer as a comparison, and it was £3-4k cheaper, but with stop-overs on both journeys... so 4 flights instead of 2 - which would be tough and extra tiring with 5 kids!)

It just feels like a minefield. And a huge amount of money. And I have no idea whether we just go with the quote as it's exactly what we want. Or do we take a chance and wait until we can actually do a comparison via other companies...?

Is there an optimum time to book a holiday?

Hope that makes sense!!

OP posts:
lilmisstoldyouso · 30/01/2020 17:38

You need an i dependent travel adviser/agent. Lots on line, I have used the same lady for years now.

Try GoCruise or Travelbag. Basically you go to their site and pick an agent from the list, they're all fully ABTA and ATOL bonded, fully licenced and all legit.

Staff agents who just work for the big companies like TUI, Virgin, Hayes can only see and quote for their own product. The independent agents have access to all products and can negotiate bespoke deals for you. This is something staff agents cannot do.

And if I have any issues with anything while away I just Watsapp my "travel guru" and she sorts it. She does my car hire, excursions, amendments, try calling TUI if you have a problem while you're on holiday, you won't be able to speak with anybody. The i dependent ones WILL answer you and help sort you out.

Find one of the independent online agents/advisors, give them a call and they will help where the big companies won't.

Baffy · 03/02/2020 13:18

That's great advice - thank you Smile

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