COVID Tests

Jack_bauer24

emmajones1976 said:

Jack_bauer24 said:

emmajones1976 said:

The travel agent is the middle man. They may or may not be taking a cut.

Have you checked to see if its any cheaper doing it yourself online?

Oh right, well I have looked and this is how much is it, do you think Althams can get any cheaper then that? : https://www.jet2holidays.com/beach/spain/costa-blanca/benidorm/hotel-sol-pelicanos-ocas?holiday=38&duration=14&airport=3&date=06-06-2022&occupancy=r1c&board=1&iflight=891779&oflight=891774&rooms=18446&gtmsearchtype=Beach Search Results

I have no idea, I thought you had been in and priced it up and were paying a deposit a week tomorrow? You tell us.

No, I just phoned up and enquired about how much I need to pay deposit and how much is full holiday payment that's all we discussed till I come in next week as we will go through it all then. 

Jack_bauer24

eskbanker said:

Jack_bauer24 said:

emmajones1976 said:

The travel agent is the middle man. They may or may not be taking a cut.

Have you checked to see if its any cheaper doing it yourself online?

Oh right, well I have looked and this is how much is it, do you think Althams can get any cheaper then that? : https://www.jet2holidays.com/beach/spain/costa-blanca/benidorm/hotel-sol-pelicanos-ocas?holiday=38&duration=14&airport=3&date=06-06-2022&occupancy=r1c&board=1&iflight=891779&oflight=891774&rooms=18446&gtmsearchtype=Beach Search Results

That's very much a question to ask them!

Yes, that is why I said I rather go to the travel agent and let them do it to see if they can find me a better deal. 

emmajones1976

OK, well go in, get a price, and then go online and see how much the same holiday is direct through the Jet2 website. Easy.

jimi_man

Also be aware that if you have to cancel for any reason, or change the dates, the options are far far better if you’ve done it yourself as opposed to doing it through a travel agent. Decent airlines (BA for example) allow you to change/cancel/go somewhere else if things change. Same with things like booking.com. 

We seem to see countless threads where people have booked through a travel agent and then can’t change it or end up losing money. I wouldn’t use a travel agent - definitely not at the moment and tbh, their days are numbered. 

Jack_bauer24

jimi_man said:

Also be aware that if you have to cancel for any reason, or change the dates, the options are far far better if you’ve done it yourself as opposed to doing it through a travel agent. Decent airlines (BA for example) allow you to change/cancel/go somewhere else if things change. Same with things like booking.com. 

We seem to see countless threads where people have booked through a travel agent and then can’t change it or end up losing money. I wouldn’t use a travel agent - definitely not at the moment and tbh, their days are numbered. 

Oh really? thanks for that advice, much appreciated. 

Westin

jimi_man said:

Also be aware that if you have to cancel for any reason, or change the dates, the options are far far better if you’ve done it yourself as opposed to doing it through a travel agent. Decent airlines (BA for example) allow you to change/cancel/go somewhere else if things change. Same with things like booking.com. 

We seem to see countless threads where people have booked through a travel agent and then can’t change it or end up losing money. I wouldn’t use a travel agent - definitely not at the moment and tbh, their days are numbered. 

In defence of travel agents (and I am not one) I think most of those reported problems are from what are self named ‘online travel agents’ and often those based outside the U.K.  They are not really travel agents, just ticket sellers with online tech.  Most seem to offer no customer support or after booking service so buyer-beware if travel plans need changing.

zagfles

Why book it so far in advance if you're concerned about the COVID situation? You're going at an off peak time, holidays usually get cheaper nearer the time especially at off peak times, and you'll have a much better idea what COVID rules you're up against, not only for entry and return but also what restrictions there are at the destination which may make travel not worth it depending what you want to do, eg possibilities like nightclubs closed, swimming pools closed, masks required on the beach etc.

Since the pandemic the furthest in advance we've booked was 9 days, and even that was taking a risk! And got some excellent deals.

Jack_bauer24

zagfles said:

Why book it so far in advance if you're concerned about the COVID situation? You're going at an off peak time, holidays usually get cheaper nearer the time especially at off peak times, and you'll have a much better idea what COVID rules you're up against, not only for entry and return but also what restrictions there are at the destination which may make travel not worth it depending what you want to do, eg possibilities like nightclubs closed, swimming pools closed, masks required on the beach etc.

Since the pandemic the furthest in advance we've booked was 9 days, and even that was taking a risk! And got some excellent deals.

I have been doing a lot of thinking today, I am going to hold off booking it until the nearer the time because who knows? my holiday might get cancelled and we could be in lockdown again and also it might be cheaper like you said. I agree, it's pointless booking it yet as I am not going till June, I will probably book it around April or May time.  

In the meantime, I am going to get everything ready like copies of my passport, buy some summer clothing like shorts and t-shirts and also I have started saving up for my spending money while I am in Spain. 

I am going to take copies of my passport next week, just get everything prepared.