| Going on holiday can be expensive, which is | | | | if the airline fails while you're away, |
| why many people prefer to shop around for the | | | | alternative arrangements to get you home can |
| best deals, and book everything themselves as | | | | be made. Every tour operator and agent that |
| opposed to using a travel agent. But while | | | | offers flights should have an ATOL licence. |
| this may be the cheaper option, is it really | | | | If you decide to book directly with a tour |
| the best? | | | | operator, ensure they are a member of ABTA, |
| | | | which is the Association of British Travel |
| It partially depends on your individual | | | | Agents. ABTA covers everything non-flight |
| needs. A tour operator will sell a travel | | | | related such as the hotel closing down or the |
| agent a block of rooms in a hotel, which the | | | | travel agent going bust. |
| agent then has to sell to the customer. | | | | |
| Sometimes, a customer will require a type of | | | | Cheap holidays are still possible if booked |
| room which the agent has not bought, in which | | | | far enough in advance, or last minute. Keep |
| case they may try and sell two rooms to cover | | | | your eye out for deals in high street travel |
| the family's needs. This is where it can work | | | | agency windows. Often this is where the best |
| out more expensive. Booking a room direct | | | | prices are, but you usually need to be ready |
| with the tour operator, or even the hotel, | | | | to leave at a moments notice. If booking more |
| can sometimes work out better, both in terms | | | | than 2 weeks in advance, prepare to haggle to |
| of cost and getting your exact requirements. | | | | get a good price. Don't go too far with your |
| | | | haggling though, it's been known for people |
| For example; a double guest room at the | | | | to lose out on a perfectly reasonable price |
| Hilton Cairns hotel in Queensland, Australia | | | | due to haggling over as little as £10. |
| is £438.67 for a 5 night stay at the end | | | | |
| of January. The same room, for the same stay | | | | Ski holidays are usually best arranged |
| is £362 when booked directly with the | | | | through a travel agent, at least if you're |
| hotel. It's worth checking directly with the | | | | new to skiing. A ski package can include all |
| hotel if you prefer to book the holiday | | | | the little extras such as ski hire, tuition |
| yourself. | | | | and even clothing hire, which the beginner |
| | | | skier may not think of. Specialist winter |
| If you prefer your holidays to be | | | | travel agents exist and can find you some |
| stress-free, then approach a travel agent | | | | great ski holidays whatever your level of |
| about a package deal. They will take your | | | | experience. |
| requirements and find flight, hotel, and | | | | |
| possibly airport transfer and car hire for | | | | The internet is a great tool to find good |
| you. You may end up paying a little extra for | | | | holiday deals, as you can view lots of |
| this, but it could be worth it just for the | | | | different agents at once, that you may not be |
| luxury of having someone do all the hard work | | | | able to physically visit. And remember to |
| for you. You also get added security when | | | | research your chosen destination thoroughly |
| booking through an agent in case the hotel | | | | so you know what to expect. |
| closes or the airline goes bust. With ATOL, | | | | |