Package Holidays

FirstTimer4Me

MasterPoo wrote: »

First what is it exactly that you need handholding for?

Don't need handholding per se, didn't realise the difference was DIY, this will be our 1st DIY, just have to decide now whether a package is worth the "Comfort zone"

Blue264

FirstTimer4Me wrote: »

Don't need handholding per se, didn't realise the difference was DIY, this will be our 1st DIY, just have to decide now whether a package is worth the "Comfort zone"

Where are you thinking of going to and is it just for two adults?

FirstTimer4Me

Blue264 wrote: »

Where are you thinking of going to and is it just for two adults?

Goa, yes 2 adults

MasterPoo

FirstTimer4Me wrote: »

Don't need handholding per se, didn't realise the difference was DIY, this will be our 1st DIY, just have to decide now whether a package is worth the "Comfort zone"

I hope that didn't come across as having a go, not my intention....am just trying to find out what you need help with........You WILL be able to do it on your own.

Why do you write a LIST, ticking off everything as you organise it? I usually have a mental list. I start with flights for the required dates, assuming all passports are in date and you can get the holiday if you're employed etc.?

I think it's more fun and I get to learn a lot about the chosen destination........

FirstTimer4Me

MasterPoo wrote: »

I hope that didn't come across as having a go, not my intention....am just trying to find out what you need help with........You WILL be able to do it on your own.

Why do you write a LIST, ticking off everything as you organise it? I usually have a mental list. I start with flights for the required dates, assuming all passports are in date and you can get the holiday if you're employed etc.?

I think it's more fun and I get to learn a lot about the chosen destination........

Poo, your comment didn't offend me.


Travel republic / Expedia etc., etc., appear to have a good reputation, being our 1st DIY, I was just worried about things going t*** up.

Blue264

FirstTimer4Me wrote: »

Goa, yes 2 adults

Ah!

For a trip like this, I'd definitely start with reading travel articles on Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, The Independent, and other travel pages of the major newspapers.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/goa

http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/india/goa/

You need to work out the time of year and what the weather will be like, particularly the humidity. I considered this trip last month, and was advised my Goan colleague to stick to the North in March because the South can be too humid.

I'd strongly advise that you avoid Air India and look at the fares with Jet Airways. They're a much better airline.

pandora205

and try Tripadvisor forums as they are a mine of information. I tend to post questions such as what's the best way to get from A to B on a certain date, what can I do in the resort if I arrive early or should I take an internal flight or ferry? There are experts and other ordinary travelers who are happy to share their experiences. And don't forget to check hotels out on TA too.

Pollycat

FirstTimer4Me wrote: »

Goa, yes 2 adults

When we go to Goa we book flights and accommodation separately then pick up a taxi when we arrive at Dabolim airport.

Thomas Cook flights to Goa arrive around midnight and depart around 2am.

What you will probably find is that with a package, you will probably be out of your hotel at midday and be kicking your heels until you go to the airport around 10 - 10:30pm.

This also applies to booking a dynamic package on say, Travel Republic.

If you opt to book flights + hotel on TR (dynamic package), when you enter your dates it will give you x number of nights.
You will be expected to check out at midday the day before your 2am flight.

What we do is book flight and accommodation separately and add an extra day which means that our room is available to us at 2am on the day we arrive and we can keep it on until we leave for the airport as we don't have to check out until midday the following day - by which time we will be almost home.

First time to Goa?
Check out the Tripadvisor forum.

stephb34

Don't forget you need a visa for Goa and also check what jabs or tablets you may need. When are you thinking of going have you left enough time to process these things.

bagand96

lindajcampbell84 wrote: »

So then i had nearly completed the transaction when he said he had to add on £20 per person for the atol certificate?! Ive booked package hols before and never had to pay extra for this i thought it was included in the price? I told him this and he said no you had to pay. At this stage i was just getting so frustrated with him and i wanted it all booked so i said fine. I was happy with the price i got for the whole package but feel as if ive been ripped off a bit by all these hidden costs. Is it normal to pay extra for an atol certificate??

Thanks in advance for any help!

Linda

The ATOL bond is £2.50 per passenger. Some tour operators include this in the price, some itemise it as extra. The ATOL Certificate is a PDF document sent by email. Where they got £20 from I've no idea.

To be honest with discounting by £50, then all the nonsense over the double room, and adding £20 for ATOL, it sounds like they were making it up as they go along.