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