Live webchat with Luke Gaskins, First Choice Family Travel Expert, Thurs 29th Jan 1 - 2pm

[CatherineMumsnet]

Luke's career in the travel industry began during university summer holidays when he was an activity instructor for school groups in France. He then spent 2 years with leading adventure tour operator, Explore Worldwide, before joining First Choice Holidays, where he undertook a number of roles, including the management of all Family Holiday concepts. He'll be available to answer any questions on family holidays such as where to go, what to do and how to get there.
As ever if you can't join in on Thurs then post your questions in advance.

I'm interested in your background - it must have been very different going from a 'niche' holiday company to a big 'package' one like first choice. Do you find the knowledge you got from explore worldwide is useful with a package holiday company?
I would love my kids to really experience the world as opposed to just lie on a beach - do you think you can achieve that on a first choice holiday?? (given that they seem mostly geared up for a beach holiday)
Thanks

Peachy -not quite the same as your query- I found Portugal very child friendly, and reasonably tolerant of tantrumming kids in restaurants etc.

We're taking the children to Borneo on holiday this year, from your explore days do you have any tips or special recommendations?

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what recommendations would you have for a holiday for specail neneds children?

how easy would it be to get dietary issues taken into account (for example gluten and dairy free options)?

how experienced would any of the children's workers (not necessarily in the clubs, but people who help with any children's activities) be with dealing with special needs?

Oh no, have to race out to work now but funnily enough was just looking at the First Choice website yesterday. Would like to know out of the Holiday Villages which one has the best pool for a 7yo? Would like one with lots of different bits, depths, knee high pool, sprinklers, etc. TIA.

Hi Luke,
I have 2 DS's with quite a large age gap (18 months & 7). Where can I go that has things for them both to do?

Hi all,
Thanks to those to who have already posted questions. We'd like to welcome Luke to the thread...

Welcome to the madhouse Luke!

Hi Wizard of Oz and Mum had enough,

Yes there are rooms that take 3 children, but admittedly sometimes hard to find due to space in most hotel rooms. Some of the "kids dens" can take an extra bed, so it's worth checking with your travel agent.

Many companies offer interconnecting rooms, which, although more expensive, allow everyone enough space to spread out, but also allow you to be in close contact.

Thanks
Luke

He's on his way - just preparing some answers

Hi Stripey....

Holiday Village Algarve has two splash parks, one with the traditional spray features from leading supplier ARC and a new splash park with slides/flumes and other fun activities. Plus the hotel also boasts one of the largest pools in the Algarve for swimming, an indoor pool and kids? pools too.

Having siad that - Turkey and Costa Del Sol are fantastic as well!

Luke

Soooooooo, plans for anymore HV's?

Hi Herbietea,

Sorry to hear that you feel our brochure descriptions haven?t always been accurate ?we go to great lengths to try and ensure our information is as accurate as possible, but I will make a point of flagging this to the appropriate teams to ensure they are spot on in future. Regarding the airport experience, last year we spent some time at London Gatwick and Cyrpus experiencing the airport as a customer and seeing where we need to improve the service. We?ve some suggestions to take on board so hopefully this will improve the experience for everyone. I know what you mean about Palma airport ? it can be quite hectic in summer, however our staff should have offered assistance, so I?ll pass this on to the overseas team.

We do have a dedicated helpline for passengers who need special assistance. A quick call to them is a great way to fact check hotels, numbers of steps, size of doorways for wheelchairs etc.

With regards to prices, we operate in a very competitive market and different companies will have different promotions on at different times.

I'm looking for a destination that offers good excursions, as well as beach and poolside fun. I'd like my kids to actually learn about a place. Anywhere you can suggest that ticks those boxes?

Luke, I have another.

I read a rumour that FC are planning on replacing the E3 entertainment team from middle of Feb this year, is this true? If so, what are the plans for replacing them.

I don't know what my son will do without "Crowsfeet Island" lol. [Grin]

Thanks

Hi WingsTHEangel

Prices are determined by a variety of market factors. Tour operators have to pay their suppliers and if their costs vary throughout the year, then holiday prices have to reflect this. Plus the rest of Europe is on holiday at the same time and there are only a certain number of hotel beds and flight seats to go round.

However, to get the best prices I?d recommend you book early to get the best deals, there really are some fantastic, genuine offers around, and tour operators are offering lots of free child places this year. Pop into you local travel agent, I?m sure they would be able to find you some deals.

There are other ways in which you can save money during school holidays, for example:

• Being flexible with your UK departure airport (consider travelling a little further to get a better deal), day of travel (travelling mid week is cheaper than at the weekend) and flight times (later flight times are cheaper).
• Booking early to get the best child discount offers. All Inclusive hotels help you to budget better and if you?re staying at a self catering apartment, a non-Euro zone will make your hard earned pounds go further (just check there?s a decent supermarket close by though). We also offer Kids Eat Free cards, which also help your holiday money to go further ? they are available to pre-book for Florida, Lanzarote, Majorca and Costa Dorada. They are £10 each and each child can eat for free with a full paying adult at participating restaurants. . . and you can use it as many times as you like!
• Shop around for your holiday currency. ?Which?? provides a good guide www.which.co.uk/advice/how-to-cut-the-cost-of-your-holiday/exchanging-currency/index.jsp
• B ook your airport car parking or rail tickets in advance and save lots on money on gate/ticket office prices.

Other money-saving tips ?

• Visit www.bebebel.com or www.tinytotsaway.com/tuitraveluk to claim your 10% discount on baby packs (nappies, formula, wipes, etc) that are sent to your hotel for your arrival (you?ll need a valid First Choice booking reference number to qualify). (available now)
• Visit www.animalsathome.co.uk/tui for an exclusive 10% discount on pet sitting services for Fido or Felix while you?re away. Again, you?ll need a valid First Choice booking reference number. (available in February)

Hope that helps!
Luke

Hi Mum had enough

Yes E3 will not provide entertainment at HV's this summer, and First Choice have instead opted for a combination of the UK's best entertainment teams. This year the teams will offer ents all day long and the Crowsfeet Island show is reoplaced by Bob the Builder live shows and " Kids Village Time" a mixture of fun interactive games and dances ....all designed to improve the programme to add variety..

Luke

Hi again Mum Had Enough,

Well with three new ones for Summer 2008 we?ve got a grand total of 9 and that has kept us very busy so far, but rest assured we have a few more up our sleeves. Look out for our new Summer 2010 brochures later this year for further details, can?t give too much away yet but we?re sure you?ll be pleased with the planned additions to the programme.

Luke

I'm interested if you do anything specific to cater for large groups? My extended family and I are thinking of doing something together this year, do you do any deals for large bookings?

Hi Wannabesurkchick,

Egypt is proving really popular for families this year, and we?d really recommend visiting Sharm El Sheikh which has excellent beaches, and for more educational purposes, then why not fly up to Cairo to visit the pyramids, or you can go on a Nile Cruise.

Alternatively, the Greek Island of Skiathos (think Mama Mia) has beautiful beaches and you can also take a day trip on the hydra-foil out to Athens to explore ancient sites for the day.

Turkey is another option for lots of sightseeing.

Luke

Awww thats a shame, they've always been very well received. Don't know what my nearly 7 year old will make of Bob the Builder mind you . I'm sure, as always though, he'll be adequately entertainment.

Thanks. Are you still not telling me if you have other hv plans? I think you have a secret!

entertainment entertained!

Thanks Luke, that's really helpful - Egypt sounds like the kind of thing I was looking for.

I'll let you know what the HV is like out there wannabesurfchick. I'm going out a week today