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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed travel agents keep saying that I'm going away 'Too Long'?

20 replies

cocolepew · 15/08/2008 14:30

I'm going to NY next Year wih my Mum and DDs, staying about 10 nights.

The last couple of days we have been in travel agents to get an approximate price.

Every single one has said that 10 nights is too long/NY is only for short breaks/we need to do a 2 centre holiday.

So AIBU to just expect them to give me the details that I want?

OP posts:
CountessDracula · 15/08/2008 14:32

why bother with them?
Just book flights and accomodation on the web, you can have whatever you want then!

CountessDracula · 15/08/2008 14:32

i have never used a travel agent

squeaver · 15/08/2008 14:32

Why not book it yourself? You sould be able to get some good flights and hotel deals if you're booking so far in advance. The travel agents will be trying to put you in a "package".

This is why all travel agents will one day go out of business.

Original poster
cocolepew · 15/08/2008 14:34

I was just trying to find out if their prices were different. Only one airline flies from Belfast, so I wanted to know the prices from Dublin and London. I have been looking online but I am not very well at the moment and my concentration keeps wandering!

OP posts:
Portofino · 15/08/2008 14:35

Agree with CD that you're better off doing it yourself. I think 10 days will be fab! We went for 3 last year and it was nowhere near enough - barely scratched the surface. There is soooo much to do and if you have kids you don't want to be rushing about all day everyday.

CountessDracula · 15/08/2008 14:35

oh poor you
give me dates and I will look for you

Portofino · 15/08/2008 14:36

PS I have a copy of Frommers NYC with Kids - found it really useful.

Portofino · 15/08/2008 14:39

Meant to say too that it has a big family friendly accommodation section so more than happy to supply some info if you want - or some of it is available on line.

www.frommers.com/destinations/newyorkcity/0021026921.html

Original poster
cocolepew · 15/08/2008 14:46

Aww thanks guys . We do have loads of time to book it. I'm waiting for results from the Drs so my mood isn't great. I was just a bit ticked off. The woman in Thomas Cook yesterday said "Oh that's long, it'll cost you!" while eyeing us up and down .

It's my 40th birthday treat and we wanted to spend a decent amount of time as we'll be using 2 days to travel and don't want to rush around when we get there. My mum has been twice so knows her way around pretty well.

OP posts:
hanaflower · 15/08/2008 14:46

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

tiredemma · 15/08/2008 14:47

I was a travel agent ( for T cooks) for about 6 years. Even I wouldnt use a travel agent to book my holiday.

Original poster
cocolepew · 15/08/2008 14:52

I probably will just book it online, I was just a bit surprised at their attitude. The direct flight from Belfast was never very good, no individual screens etc, and we were trying to find out if they had improved. The cost of flights is .

OP posts:
CountessDracula · 15/08/2008 14:53

Could you fly to LHR and then on to NY?
Might work out cheaper

LippyGobshite · 15/08/2008 14:54

I imagine a two centre holiday will make them more commission, hence pushing the sale.

I find a withering look, a sigh and "Weeeeell, if you can't manage to help me at all I'm sure someone else will. Bye!" It's immensely satisfying.

Original poster
cocolepew · 15/08/2008 14:56

It does work out cheaper,but adds over 4 hours travelling. I'm going to have a good hunt online at the weekend.

OP posts:
Original poster
cocolepew · 15/08/2008 15:00

The woman in TC says to wait until September and then it might be cheaper

When she tried to give me her card she got a curt 'no thanks if you aren't interested in helping now, why would we come back?'

Then me and my Mum both marched out of the shop.

Then slunk back in to get the DDs who were groaning under ther weight of hundreds of travel brochures.

OP posts:
kerryk · 15/08/2008 15:00

trainfinders are fab.

they put up with my mum who is a complete nightmare. (not in general, just when booking hols)

AbbaFan · 15/08/2008 15:13

Don't listen to them (agents that is, not lovely MN'ers).

I been to NY twice because I loved it so much. You will find plenty to do for 10 days, especially is you like shopping

I booked all the stuff myself and it's really easy. Have a look when you feeling more in the mood.

notcitrus · 15/08/2008 17:59

Just to comment that BA and lots of other airlines always have a new year sale to the US, so if you can wait a while (I think the ads start Oct/Nov) it will be a lot cheaper - I could have saved £150 going to NY last year, even having to go on exact dates.
Newark airport tends to be cheaper than JFK too, and less crowded.

Agents just want to sell the holidays they have. Trailfinders are good because they tailor stuff to you, but they've often told me 'if you can book that flight for £x, do it - that's a better price than we can do!'

mumeeee · 15/08/2008 18:03

We always use the internet.

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