Ask TUI’s Travel Expert all of your Travel questions - £200 voucher to be won

[EllieSmumsnet]

Do you have questions on Travelling? Going on holiday can be stressful, from getting the best deals on hotels and flights, to getting your kids through the airport without any tantrums. TUI’s Travel Expert is here to answer any questions you might have about travelling, helping you to Live Happy on your next holiday.

• Everyone who shares a questions on the thread below by 04/09 will be entered into a prize draw
• One lucky Mumsnet user will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice
• Answers will be collated and shared via informative content guide

About TUI Travel Expert:
“Hello I am Hannah, I am a mum of 2 young lively children aged 2 and 4. I have worked for TUI for 19 years. I am currently a deputy retail manager in the TUI Westwood store - one of our busiest stores. As a mum I understand the importance of seamless family travel.

I have been lucky enough to experience all that TUI has to offer on my own holidays, from partying in Ibiza, to grown-up holidays with pure luxury. However, times have changed and I now choose from all of TUI’s amazing family friendly hotels.

Travelling with young children can be stressful, but I know with TUI hotels that all boxes are ticked. From an endless children's buffet which caters for my forever hungry 4-year-old, to the safe haven of the creche for my little one. When the creche and kids club grant me a blissful 2-hour window, you'll find me lost in the pages of a good book (which is the only time I get to pick up a book, we all know how busy life is with children!)

I am looking forward to answering all of your questions.”

Here’s what TUI has to say:
"When it comes to booking a holiday, we know everyone likes something different - from great value all inclusive deals with TUI Magic Life where kids can go free at selected hotels to our action packed Holiday Village options and our TUI BLUE for families hotels which cater for everyone and are handpicked just for your family.

Our holiday portfolio ticks off everything from beach holidays and city breaks through to lake and mountain getaways. We also offer tours that let you experience exotic places like Costa Rica, South Africa and Japan in a brand new way, and multi-destination trips with over 5,000 combinations to choose from. As one of the biggest UK holiday companies, we're here whenever you need us - via our stores, website or 24/7 Holidayline. Book your TUI holiday today for a £0 deposit when you pay via direct debit."

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

I want the freedom of an all inclusive - but not the chaos of children wandering around with plates full of pasta and chips - do any of the hotels have restaurant times for children with additional needs, or sensory issues (which both mine have - one ASD and the other only eats beige food) Self catering is a solution - but it's not a holiday - if you see what I mean - I can cook pasta at home - we need a change

Is there anywhere short-haul from the UK that is consistently warm and sunny but not blazingly hot in August?

Just back from Mallorca, and I, as a dedicated sun-worshipper, loved the constant sun and 30 degrees plus temperatures, but DH and the DC really struggled. Anywhere still sunny and warm, but maybe closer to 22-25 degrees? Northern France is out as I really do need guaranteed sun!

My daughter is student in kings college London in business second year and she is looking internship and business degree, preferably in London
thanks

Is there an easy way to search for holidays for a family of 6? I end up having to check hotel by hotel, destination by destination to try to find somewhere with accommodation that fits us, and the reps I’ve spoken to over the phone seemed to do the same (I only rang because I thought they’d have insider knowledge)…. I end up giving up and booking a non package holiday, so uninsured.

Question 2: when is the cheapest time to book (ie how far in advance?) when booking for school holidays (October, summer or Easter)

Is there still last minute getaways for a discount - if you want to go abroad - but don't mind where - I used to get some bargains - back in the day - is this still 'a thing'

The lack of response is not exactly selling TUI’s customer service to me!

Where do you recommend staying that has larger rooms for families of 5? I always struggle to find something with a decent price when searching for this.

I second this. Got back this month after a glorious holiday.

Is it better to book a year away from your holiday date or nearer the time? Can I pay off my holiday balance in chunks and are there any restrictions on this?

What is the best way for a backpacker to carry currency? Is there a preloaded card that can cover several countries?

Yes, Revolut.

Thanks.

No worries, @Theimpossiblegirl - I thought someone on this thread should start giving responses, as TUI appear unable / unwilling to do so :)

@EllieSmumsnet - please could you let us know what, if anything, TUI are doing to support their current customers who are stuck abroad as a result of the NATS chaos?

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for all of your questions. Just to keep you all updated, TUI are currently working on answering a selection of your questions. The answers will be collated and provided within an informative content guide. Once this goes live I will be back to let you know and share a link to the page.

Thanks,
EllieSmumsnet - MNHQ

Thanks for the update.
Interesting that the original post stated, "TUI’s Travel Expert is here to answer any questions you might have about travelling, helping you to Live Happy on your next holiday." But the update suggests that only selected questions will be answered? Anyone want to take bets on which questions will be shunted to the "too difficult" pile? My bet is anything to do with fires, NATS or disability access will get the swerve. Happy to be proved wrong, though!

Well, my question about Italian buses was always a long shot but as you said, @Zimunya, they did say 'any'. I've sorted it for myself now but I'd have been deeply impressed if TUI had done the research & gave me an answer.

@EmpressaurusOfCats - love your username! All credit to you for working it out by yourself.

What is Tui policy for sitting under 5s away from parents? The online system says under 12s will be in the vicinity of a parent row infront or row behind. Is the same true for a under 5 if seat not booked???

Can reps help to put pressure on hotels to stop the antisocial practice of putting towels on sunbeds when they're not being used? Bad enough at big resorts but was at a tiny self catering place in Greece last week, literally one sunbed for each person there but even still some arseholes draped their towels over the sunny spots and buggered off for a day at the beach - it's so rude!

How up to date are TUI's emergency plans for repatriation, and the staff training and awareness of such plans ? For incidents such as the air traffic failure and the volcanic ash of a few years ago ?

I’m just hoping to win the £200 voucher but
tips for family holidays abroad on a budget please?

How can I find an all inclusive in Europe with access to waterskiing ?

It's so difficult to see summer holiday prices jump for the school holidays - is there anyway Tui can make it more affordable for families - we can no longer get a free child place. Are there any tips for booking early to get family deals ?

Where would you travel in October half term with two children 8 and 5? Where would be the best places, ideally within 3/4 hour flight - looking at all inclusive, pool, waterslides etc.. I would be grateful for a few suggestions with warm temperatures. Thank you!