Organising travel for trips

[Rathkelter]

Does anyone know if it's cheaper to do all the travel organisation yourself or use an agency? Looking at travelling from London to western Germany with up to 20 kids. Thinking Eurostar & train from Brussels as I don't want to take a coach all the way and pay the driver for a week when we won't need him. But can agencies bag better package deals?

Generally specialist companies will have the best rates. Also check that you are allowed to organise this yourself. A number of our local authorities insist you travel with a travel company so there is a backup network in place if there is a problem,

I would say that it depends on how many activities you wish to whilst you're there and where you want to stay. I run ski trips every year and looked in to organising it independently. It worked out more expensive and much more hassle than using a company. A colleague has recently run a trip to London (from Devon) independently and did so at a lower price. If you use a company then get quotes from a few and play them off against each other. It's amazing how often they suddenly manage to undercut the opposition after telling you they couldn't possibly go cheaper.