Beat My Quote! Travel Agents Thread

[MSE Martin]

What’s this about?

This is a special thread where you can ask all the Travel Agents and MoneySavers who frequent this board to beat a holiday quote you have and get personalised replies.

The idea is to see if someone can beat a quote for a specific holiday; not just a general price. So you need an exact quote. E.g.

"I've been quoted £507 per person, all-in for 2 people to Hotel Martino, half-board in the Dominican Republic leaving Gatwick on 3rd of the month returning on the 17th with Tour Operator Airtours.

Can anyone beat it?"

If you haven’t got a quote, then first go to the Package Holidays: Undercut the cheapest prices and Cheap Flight and Hotel Finding article.

IMPORTANT. To protect you, the rules are very strict

Please read this in detail before making a request.

Why does this exist?

Many travel agents regularly add information in this Travel Board, and MoneySavers often request their help. Yet the Forum has strict rules against advertising/posting for commercial gain, so this thread has been designed to allow MoneySavers to ask for the Travel Agents help without breaking the rules; so both the agents who help and the MoneySavers can benefit. As part of this Travel agents have been given a Travel Agents Code of Conduct.

STEP 1 Find the best quote before you post.

As you need to start with a quote before it can be beaten, first head to either the Cheap Flight and Hotel Finding or Cheap Packages: Haggle 15% off the cost articles. Once you’ve been through that and have a decent price, then you’re ready for this thread.

STEP 2. Post your quote here to see if it can be beaten

Click reply to this post (you must be registered to do this, it’s totally free, and is only necessary to stop spammers) and then post the best quote you have received so far, but don’t include your e-mail or any personal details (other than holiday details).
Include the following:

• The Quote itself:
• Who the quote is from:
• Is there a booking fee:
• The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel:
• The departure Airport/Post:
• The Holiday Dates:
• The number of people travelling (inc kids ages):
• The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival):
• The Board (self catering/half board etc):
• Any specific requirements:
• Is an in-flight meal included:

STEP 3: Now Travel Agents/MoneySavers will PM you

Travel agents and any other MoneySavers who want to help; will then send you a private message with their best possible deal in it if they can beat your current quote (this may take hours or days or you may not get any replies, keep checking).

When you have messages, you will see this noted in the personal message note at the top of the page; though you need to be logged in to see it.

Never include your e-mail or any personal details until you are sure it is the deal you want; and then always check the legitimacy of the agent before continuing.


STEP 4: Responding to the Private Messages

If someone has sent you a decent quote, simply reply to the private message and start the communication. If anyone sends you an inappropriate Private Message (PM) or one that breaks the rules, please report it to abuse@moneysavingexpert.com


STEP 5: Always check out who you’re dealing with before sending money

This thread is here for your convenience, MoneySavingExpert has no connection with any of the travel agents that post and cannot vouch for the legitimacy of quotes. Many non-travel agent MoneySavers who know the travel market may also send you their suggestions.

Remember, MoneySavingExpert does not check the legitimacy of those saying they’re travel agents, that’s a check you must make yourself - you book and pay at your own risk.

STEP 6: Once you’ve got the holiday you want

If you find a deal or no longer require the quote, please go back to your post and click “edit” and then add “Holiday now booked” to it. If you don’t then it’s unfair on those who are doing work to find you the best deal.

If you can add how much you paid in the end and whether this system worked or not, that’d be great. However please do not mention the name or any details about which individual travel agent/poster was cheapest as that would break the site's advertising rules.

Rules for Travel Agents responding to this thread

• Please reply by PM. Very strictly do not reply in this thread.
• You must have the Travel Agents Code of Conduct signature if you are going to respond in this thread.
• Do not send your phone number or e-mail in the initial PM, only do it if it is requested in successive PMs.
• Only respond with an actual quote of a real holiday or deal. Responses such as “I can often do prices for around £xxx” is not acceptable, it must be an actual holiday quote.
• If the details are not sufficient it is permitted to ask any clarification questions such as “can you confirm what board level you want?” but bear in mind rule 4. above for such matters. Also please do suggest that the person alters their post if there an obvious omission in the details.
• It is hoped this system will allow helpful travel agents to earn money by providing the very lowest prices, but to ensure no one is trying to dupe MoneySavers; MoneySavingExpert will blind test this on a regular basis – any agents breaking these rules will be permanently barred from using the Forums.

Rules for Non-Travel Agents responding to this thread

Providing you have no commercial link to any of the companies you are suggesting, then the rules are much less strict. If you just have a good idea of what people can do and want to share it – feel free to PM them; but do inform them you are not a travel agent and are just trying to help.

Martin

[laserdisc]

price quoted £1487 thats without using quidco

no inflight meals
2 ADULTS 1 CHILD AGE 16 TOUR OPERATOR THOMSON
RESORT PORTINATX IBIZA
TRAVEL FROM MANCHESTER 23/7/08 FLIGHT 06-45 FOR 14 NIGHTS
HALF BOARD
HOTEL PRESIDENTE
INC1 ROOM UPGRADE SEA VIEW £56
1 LATE CHECKOUT £23

my local lunn poly will match the website price i am getting 292 off the web price is their any further leverage on this price
thanks for you inputs

[brande]

The Quote itself: Been given quotes between £1200 - £1300
Who the quote is from: Internet
Is there a booking fee: No
The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel: Any
The departure Airport/Post: Humberside
Holiday Destination : Fuerteventura
The Holiday Dates: 26th Sept for 7 nights.
The number of people travelling (inc kids ages): 2 adults + 1 child (2.5 years old)
The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival): Hotel Barcelo Fuerteventura - Costa CaletaT
he Board (self catering/half board etc): All inclusive
Is an in-flight meal included: No

Looking to book this week and are interested in anybody that can beat this quote

Thank you

[jeffkenny]

The Quote itself: £698
Who the quote is from: Holiday Hypermarket - Internet
Is there a booking fee: No
The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel: Not Sure
The departure Airport/Post: Gatwick
Holiday Destination : Golden Sands, Bulgaria
The Holiday Dates: 2nd Aug for 7 nights.
The number of people travelling (inc kids ages): 2 adults + 1 infant (23 months old)
The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival): Helios Spa Hotel OR Kristal Hotel
The Board (self catering/half board etc): B&B (But any will do!)
Is an in-flight meal included: No

I want to travel to Golden Sands in Bulgaria from Gatwick on 2nd Aug - 9th Aug, staying at either the Helios Spa hotel or the Kristal hotel at any board. This is for 2 adults and a 1 year old infant. My best quote is £698 with Holiday Hypermarket, can anyone beat my quote?

How do I know when I receive a PM?
Thanks!

[benwinston]

London to Delhi flights with BA - £383.10

Departing 27th Sept 2007
Return 20th March 2008

£50 to change return date - this flexibility will be needed.

No accommodation or insurance required.

[KentBoy]

The Quote itself: £1242
Who the quote is from: Going Places
Is there a booking fee: No
The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel: Holiday Village Turkey (Sarigerme)
The departure Airport/Post: London Gatwick
The Holiday Dates: Depart Mon 3/9 09.40 Return 10/9
The number of people travelling (inc kids ages): 2 Adults, 1 Child (4 yrs), 1 Infant
The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival): See above, Holiday Village Turkey
The Board (self catering/half board etc): All Inclusive
Any specific requirements: Kids Den (Room Type), Sittingn together on flight
Is an in-flight meal included: Yes

[Mykz]

Agent: Thefirstresort
Quote price: £339.00pp (based on 2 sharing, incl. tax, fuel transfers)
Destination: Sarigerme, Turkey
Hotel: Iberostar Hotel Tropical
Departure Airport: London Gatwick
Holiday Date: 03rd September 2007 - 11th September 2007
Travellers: 2 Adults
Board Basis: AI
In flight meal included: No

Hoping to book by this Friday.

Can anyone beat this price???

[MSE Martin]

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Sorry but I have had to delete some of the requests as they were not for specific holidays with an actual quote. Please read the introductory post before putting your request in. Generalised holiday quote requests just clog up the thread and are very unlikely to receive a response.

Martin

[schmikes99]

* The Quote itself:1116 pounds
* Who the quote is from:co-op
* Is there a booking fee: nO
* The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel:OLYMPIC/NIKOS APTS KAVOS
* The departure Airport/Post:MAN
* The Holiday Dates:10/08/07 +/- 1
* The number of people travelling (inc kids ages): 4 ADULTS
* The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival):NIKOS APTS 2*
* The Board (self catering/half board etc): B/B
* Any specific requirements: OPEN TO OTHER ACCOM BUT MUST BE IN KAVOS
* Is an in-flight meal included:YES

[consuela72]

Can anyone beat my Quote ?

I have been quoted 1584.60 for two weeks on the 2nd july 2008. Staying in Pefkos, Rhodes, Matina Apartments.
This is with 3 adults and 1 child aged 15 on return of travel.
Quote from Direct Holidays - Departing from Cardiff airport in flight meal and transfers included.

Dont think anyone will be able to bead this as direct holidays seem to be the cheapest.
I challange the best travel advisor to find me a better deal. Am ready to book asap

Regards

Maria

P.S Good Luck

[pash]

• The Quote itself: £329. pp
  
• Who the quote is from: planet travel direct
  
• Is there a booking fee: yes
  
• The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel: dont know, dont know, turbo club
  
• The departure Airport/Post:Manchester
• The Holiday Dates:27 aug 7 nights
  
• The number of people travelling (inc kids ages):2 adults
  
• The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival): 3 star
  
• The Board (self catering/half board etc):all inclusive
  
• Any specific requirements:
• Is an in-flight meal included:no

[pash]

• The Quote itself: £361 each
  
• Who the quote is from: last min.com
  
• Is there a booking fee:no
• The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel:soreda hotel, malta
  
• The departure Airport/Post:manchester
• The Holiday Dates:14th aug 7 nights
  
• The number of people travelling (inc kids ages):2 adults
  
• The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival):4star
• The Board (self catering/half board etc):half board
  
• Any specific requirements: just usual nice no smoking room with a view!
  
• Is an in-flight meal included: no not needed thanks, unless its included!!
  

we can be flexible on dates in aug after 11th, fly from manch, doncaster, leeds/bradford, want 7 days, at least 4 star and at least half board, dont like spain or turkey, anywhere else considered so long as its not too lively! like to RELAX on holiday, usually pay around £300 - £350. all offers/ideas gratefully received!!!!!!

[c0sm1k]

The Quote itself: £1290 (£50 extra discount off web price)
Who the quote is from: Thomson
Is there a booking fee: No
The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel: Thomson/Island Hotel Fortuna
The departure Airport/Post: Birmingham International
The Holiday Dates: 28/8/07 - 11/9/07
The number of people travelling (inc kids ages): 2 Adults
The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival): Island Hotel Fortuna
The Board (self catering/half board etc): Half Board
Any specific requirements: Sea View
Is an in-flight meal included: No

[Chaufeurse1956]

AA have quoted £418 for a return flight from Newcastle to Fort Myers (via Heathrow and Miami) departing on Tuesday 28 August at 0655 hours and arriving in Fort Myers at 6pm. Returning on the 26 September, leaving Fort Myers at 1555 hours via Chicago, then back to Heathrow and up to Newcastle.

Just the one ticket required. As you can see direct flights are not an option but I don't want to have an overnight on my way to Fort Myers or have to sit around for hours and hours between flights.

Thanks,

Christine

[gisbert]

Quote: Firstchoice 9th Sept from Newcastle for 7nights £452pp ( 2 adults) Staying at Electra village Protaras CYPRUS

[sharonholt]

I have been quoted £265.72 total for a 2 night trip to Paris via Eurostar from Ashford staying at the Comfort Inn Sacre Coeur. Dates are 20th August - 22nd August (I am flexible by a day either way) I am willing to pay a little higher for leisure select on the Eurostar. We want to stay in the Sacre Coeur area but are flexible on the hotel. Please help me beat this price.

[OliveOyl]

I need to go for 8 separate one week trips in the next 2 years, I'm fairly flexible about dates, but I'd like the trips evenly spaced.

For 16/11/07 - 24/11/07 I have been quoted £522.10 with one stopover flying with Emirates.
(quote from the internet)

[DavidWebb]

In the end we decided to go it alone and booked the flights and the hotel separately. We spent a bit more than our budget, and even the Thomas Cook quote but we got a very nice hotel right on the beach.

• The Quote itself: £560
  
• Who the quote is from: Thomas Cook
  
• Is there a booking fee: No
  
• The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel: Thomas Cook Square Dealz
  
• The departure Airport/Post: Gatwick
  
• The Holiday Dates: 25/09/2007 - 02/10/2007
  
• The number of people travelling (inc kids ages): 2 Adults
  
• The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival): 2*
  
• The Board (self catering/half board etc): Self Catering
  
• Any specific requirements: None
  
• Is an in-flight meal included: No
  

The package would either be in Perissia or Kamari.

Doing it myself on the web I can get

Flights: First Choice Gatwick to Santorini (25/09/07-02/10/07) £184pp
Hotel: The Birds Villa, Perissa. Apt 525euro (~ £352) Room 301euro (~ £202)
Total: Apt £720
Room £570

The Birds Villa http://www.santorini.gr-santorini.co...s/birds-villa/ Looks very nice, much nicer than most of the hotels you see in the brochures but its the flights that are killing me.

We were hoping to do this for sub £250 a person which would mean if we went for the Apt at Birds we need flights for less than £80 a person or if we went for the room we've got £150 (per person) for flights.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

So can you beat either of these quotes? Can you find us a nice hotel in a good package deal? or a cheap flight that would go with the Birds Villa?

Thanks in advance

David.

[tev_1]

Please please please can someone offer us a better quote than this? I am looking to book our honeymoon next year - we get married on 19th April and would like to fly between 20th and 22nd (preferably 21st or 22nd). Our first choice airport would be Manchester but we could also fly from London if this led to a better quote.

• The Quote itself: £3690
• Who the quote is from: Two adults
• Is there a booking fee: No
• The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel: Thomson / Thomsonfly / Hotel Aventura Spa Palace (Riviera Maya, Mexico)
• The departure Airport/Post: Manchester
• The Holiday Dates: 14 nights, departing 22nd April 2008
• The number of people travelling (inc kids ages): 2
• The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival): Aventura Spa Palace, Riviera Maya
• The Board (self catering/half board etc): All inclusive
• Any specific requirements: Free honeymooners package
• Is an in-flight meal included: No (but we would appreciate one being an 11hr flight!)

Thank you!

[kel1001]

Please can anyone offer me a quote to sharm el sheikh-the hotel we looked at was the Hilton Sahrks bay but would like something similar in Naama bay, that beats this.........
The Quote itself: £653
Who the quote is from: dreamegypt.co.uk
Is there a booking fee: No
The Tour Operator/Airline/Hotel: British Airways
The departure Airport/Post: Gatwick
The Holiday Dates: 02/09/2007 - 16/09/2007
The number of people travelling (inc kids ages): 2 Adults
The Hotel (or * if it’s allocate on arrival): 4*
The Board (self catering/half board etc): All inclusive
Any specific requirements: None
Is an in-flight meal included: No