On the beach/travel republic

Aunty_Vi

Hi

Just wondered if anyone had booked holidays online with On the Beach or Travel Republic and what your opinion of them was. I am trying to shop around for a cheap week away at the end of May (hopefully Greek Island) but have quite a tight budget. These sites seem to offer really good deals - but are they too good to be true?

Any advice is welcome.

many thanks

bagand96

Not too good to be true, although one or two things to bear in mind.

When you book with them you are not booking a package holiday. You are booking a flight booking (generally with a low cost/charter airline), and a hotel booking. However these are two separate bookings, as if you booked with the airline directly, and thenarranged accomodation yourself. Transfers are also separate, booked through a transfer company. They are just agents who will book these things through the convenience of one site.

Now, there is nothing wrong with this at all, as long you you apprciate it is not a traditional package where everything is rolled into one. If for example, your flighairline went bust you would probably get a refund of your flights, however your hotel and transfer bookings would still stand and you may not get a refund of that. Whereas if you booked a package holiday and the airline went under, you would either get a full refund of the entire holiday, or the tour operator would have to provide you with alternative flights.

Like i said, nothing wrong with the sites and booking this way, just appreciate what you are booking and don't expect the protection of a package holiday if things do change (althougn booking for May flights and things shouldn't changed as programmes will be finalised).

One thing, Travel Republic get far better reviews. On The Beach seem to get very poor reviews, mainly regarding the fact their booking process does not appear to be live, and quite often after booking people get phonecalls saying the price has gone up! Never had this problem with TR the times I have used them (never used OTB personally).

[Deleted User]

We have used Travel Republic several times for hotel only and had no problems at all. The other post has alot of good points to have in mind.

busiscoming2

Agree with the above, have used TR several times and find them helpful and honest. I wouldn't use OTB purely because of the bad reports they always seem to get.

Nikkita

I used travel republic last year and we had no problems with them at all.

Brick_Breaker

If you use Travel Republic for hotel only you can not go wrong used 3 times so far and going to Turkey me and 2 kids end of may for 1 week all inclusive £239 (for all of us) , (my kids does eat more than me)

Lady_S

I have used travel republic several times and had no problems whatsoever.

Off to Lanzagrotty tomorrow and using them again.

shellsuit

We booked with Travel Republic last week and I've just logged into my account now, so I can see the booking and the balance to be paid and when, which I really like. They have really good reviews too.

We booked with onthebeach last year and cancelled 24 hours later. Lots of problems with the site and booking, then when we telephoned for help we were told that we had to pay £'s extra for things which weren't even options when booking, like baggage. Would never used them again.

Another to try is alpharooms, we've booked flights and hotels with them quite a few times and have never had any problems. We would have booked with alpharooms this time around but the deposit was cheaper with travel republic.

[Deleted User]

busiscoming2 wrote: »

Agree with the above, have used TR several times and find them helpful and honest. I wouldn't use OTB purely because of the bad reports they always seem to get.

Couldn't agree more.

I'm flying off to Portugal soon. Booked 5 nights in a hotel with TravelRepublic. I've used them for years without any problems..

Bronnie

How much is your cheap week coming out at?

Olympic have numerous holidays at aorund £200-£220 at end of May, (depending on airport/dates etc). have a look on their site. I find their cheapies are easier to find through travelsupermarket
http://www.travelsupermarket.com/holidays/

http://www.olympicholidays.com/default.asp#axzz1Hhsg2UeY



Double check for yourself, but usually Olympic include the cost of transfers, so factor that into your calculations too! They are also classed as a package holiday.

Always check out accom reviews on TA before booking too!

mutley74

i check my holiday and flights with TR online. Then i book a lowcost travel agent to do a full booking and sometimes i can save a few £ compared to online agent and ensure i get everything i need such as meals, luggage allowance etc.

I used verycheapholidays.co.uk