Gobsmacked!

zappomatic

I'm a fan of booking through BA Holidays - you build your own package DIY-style, often make a good saving over tour operators and booking separately, and get ATOL protection and bonus Avios to boot! They've also been flexible regarding deposits - got to the point where the balance was due but circumstances meant that it wouldn't be possible to go on that holiday but they let us put the deposit towards another holiday at a later date.

Yolina

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

So, can anybody justify paying £1,100 for the benefit of a tour company rep on the end of the phone for a week?

Nope
I've never booked a holiday with a tour company and seem to have managed just fine

PeacefulWaters

hollydays wrote: »

I'd just say do loads more research-you'll probably find it even cheaper.
It may now occur to you you've been being charged top rates for years

I can't get the flights any cheaper without a change of airline in Madrid and by the time I re-add hold luggage I suspect the price will be more. Not worth the risk of missed connection.

The hotel won't get cheaper. There will be cheaper alternative accommodation.

In fairness to the package company, I did get a very competitive week out of them two years ago. But I know where my low point is.

For the record, Mrs PW has backed down. It's all booked.

duchy

Have you transferred the grand she has allowed you to save into her holiday shopping account yet ?

jackyann

Until a few years ago we had never had a "package holiday" as we always camped, and if there was enough money, took a ferry somewhere in Europe.
I had my EHIC (E111 as was) and a basic annual travel insurance to cover extra problems.
We then decided (first holiday without kids!) to go to a Greek Island and the cheapest way to do that was to take a package holiday.

This was when I realised the "differences" which began with them getting very upset as I didn't want to buy their insurance, and they insisted on me sending them my insurance details.
I didn't really know what a "rep" did and went along to the first evening meeting with no idea of what to expect. I was astonished at how ill -prepared everyone else seemed to be - and even the rep - as I ended up lending her my guide book and my maps!
During the holiday I gathered what she did (she did buy her own book & map & returned ours) but I had dealt with lost passports, thefts, car breakdowns and minor medical problems all over Europe, and ended up advising her!
I also realised that there was a cosy "private" relationship with a local doctor, and told her that if we had any problems I'd have to be heading for the nearest local clinic as I needed to deal with anything on the EHIC!
I've not done a package holiday since, but it seems to me that across most of Europe that "reps" are unnecessary, unless one has a particular problem.