Any holiday companies offering low deposits?

hock79

Thinking ahead to next year we'd like to go the Italy, maybe Lake Garda in September 2011. I'd really like to get it booked early and get deposit paid but I'd rather not pay too much now just incase things change. I'm sure I've heard of companies before offering low deposit schemes, has anyone heard of any travel agents offering this kind of thing at the moment? Ideally would only want to pay up to £100pp

richardw

Low deposit doesn't mean you get out of paying the full deposit if things change.

HXDave

Richardw, absolutely correct there. a low deposit entails entering into an agreement where you actually pay a 'part' deposit, and then agree to pay the remaining deposit at an agreed date. in the interim, if you decide to cancel, you will have agreed to pay the 'balance' of the normal deposit.

Not sure about the lake garda area, but companies like Olympic Holidays, Cosmos & Jet2holidays tend to have lower deposits than the likes of TC, Thomsons etc......

An then most of the online agencies that use low cost carriers will all vary, as usually the minimum they will take is the full cost of the flight (together with all the extras likes baggage rtc) and then a deposit for the hotel.

hock79

Thanks guys, I didn't realise that, so I don't need a low deposit scheme I just need an actual low deposit! HXDave I'll check out those companies, Thomas Cook is coming up at about a 30% deposit.

HXDave

Most holiday companies, where it is a 'package' holiday they are selling, normally charge a fixed fee, irrespective of holiday cost (ie £200pp deposit on a £500pp holiday & £200pp deposit on a £2000pp holiday). there are, of course, some natural exceptions.

StuieUK34

Crikey, i thought that if you paid a deposit, when you approached the final payment date, i thought if you cancel by then, you just lose your deposit and arn't liable for the remaining amount, as we all know that nothing is even booked by your agent......
Guess that hotel i got booked in Vegas which is on deposit and balance not due until March means i could'nt get out of it even if i wanted to ?

delwynshd

If you pay a low deposit with a travel agent or tour operator you usually still have to pay the actual deposit still upon cancelling

So lets say the travel agent offers you a £50 per person deposit but the actual deposit is £150, you will be liable for the £150 if you were to cancel

If you have paid the correct deposit and wish to cancel you would lose this money

Del

StuieUK34

ah.... understood!
in my case, should be OK good info, cheers