Lots of folk as about travel here on mn and wanted to post this, hope it is helpful to some of you.
On the www.moneysavingexpert.com, GMTV money-saving expert Martin Lewis has set up a new section on his website to put potential customers in touch with agents.
This is a trial new feature, and at first don't expect too many replies, however there's publicity going out to travel agents and it should quickly take off.
He is allowing agents to use his site to offer specific deals in a section In TRAVEL called Beat That Quote - here www.moneysavingexpert.com.
Agents (will have to register) using the site will be allowed to offer a quote directly to a potential customer only via a 'private message' once the customer has posted their holiday requests on a forum.
The website will be spot-checked regularly to ensure no agents are breaking the rules. Any that are will be barred from using it.
NOTE: Unlike DIY travel, tour operators selling package holidays should have ATOL protection (always check), which means if the holiday company fails, either you'll be given a refund or if you're away, can complete your trip. With DIY holidays if one of the components fail, you're unlikely to get your money back. Ask if it is a Package Holiday and if covered with financial protection, (2 or more elements booked at the same time by the same agent/operator).
Check ATOLs against travel operators names/numbers on the caa website www.caa.co.uk
An airlines ATOL does NOT cover a HOLIDAY PACKAGE so if and agent/operator only gives you the airlines ATOL and say your Holiday is covered by that - be warned - this is NOT possible!
A new £1 levy (to give customer protection) suggested by the CAA is being considerd by the Government, but is NOT in force at the present time (due Summer 2008).
I have given this information to the best of my knowledege and it is correct at the time of posting. I am not and expert in travel.
Happy hunting.