small heads up re summer holidays

[carolfoy]

just to warn those of you who may be looking for last minute cheap breaks in the sun, theres serious problems amongst several operators at the moment.
mundi color has gone who were a spanish specialist, also Libra holidays for egypt, greece and turkey are having major problems, there have been a lot of 'contractual difficulties' over hotels (ie bills aren't being paid), this also affects jeltlife florida and argo.
this is just a warning if you were looking at any of these companies and thinking the prices are really good, theres a reason for that!

 

[Goofysmate]

Thanks for that Carol

 

[Goofysmate]

Ment to ay also cheapest not always the best at times

 

[carolfoy]

its true Jill, I know that allbury (the owners of libra, argo etc) also own priceright flights and Sky holidays, not sure how these have been affected as they are teletext type holidays but I know I won't be putting any money of mine into their pockets

 

[Goofysmate]

Carol do Mundi do travel insurance

 

[carolfoy]

they supply it as part of their package service but don't do 'stand alone' insurance

 

[Deedee]

Thanks for that Carol we have always used Libra when we go to Greece.

 

[Goofysmate]

they supply it as part of their package service but don't do 'stand alone' insurance

When we booked with Virgin and did the insurance that was offered i think it was with Mundi .
I did the insurance for Dh but had to get a different insurance company for myself because of pre exsiting conditions for myself .
If this is the case i think i might be wise to get cover for Dh else where just incase.

Thanks again Carol

 

[carolfoy]

no mundi color are a tour operator, whatever insurance virgin did for you wouldn't be underwritten by anothet tour op, if his policy says mundi its an entirely different company

 

[natalielongstaff]

Thanks for the info Carol

 

[Goofysmate]

no mundi color are a tour operator, whatever insurance virgin did for you wouldn't be underwritten by anothet tour op, if his policy says mundi its an entirely different company

Panic over it's Mondial that he's with

 

[Chilly]

Thanks for that Carol. We were looking at Egypt although not that company. Any tips on cheap holidays this year?

 

[carolfoy]

yes Claire, there aren't any!
no seriously I've never yet known a year where there just aren't any bargains around at all, greece and turkey are as always the cheapest but taxes and fuel surcharges are pushing up all the time, I just quoted a round the world itinerary where the tax is an astronomical £650 on top of the ticket price even as little as two years ago I'd estimate that itinerary tax as around £150.
basically if you see something you like at a price you think is fair book it now but please be wary of companies with no ATOL bonding, we are hearing rumours every week of companies getting into difficulties

 

[PoppyAnna]

Thanks for all the info Carol.
We're going to be looking for a week away for the first week of Sept? Any idea when and where we should look?

 

[Chilly]

yes Claire, there aren't any!
no seriously I've never yet known a year where there just aren't any bargains around at all, greece and turkey are as always the cheapest but taxes and fuel surcharges are pushing up all the time, I just quoted a round the world itinerary where the tax is an astronomical £650 on top of the ticket price even as little as two years ago I'd estimate that itinerary tax as around £150.
basically if you see something you like at a price you think is fair book it now but please be wary of companies with no ATOL bonding, we are hearing rumours every week of companies getting into difficulties

I was looking via Travelsupermarket at Thompson/MyTravel/Cosmos for Egypt and a week for two people in 5* hotel was around £700 and Mike said he saw all inclusive Cuba for £620 each for two weeks.

Carol what are your thoughts on booking the day before you fly?

 

[mandymouse]

Thanks for the heads up Carol

 

[carolfoy]

I was looking via Travelsupermarket at Thompson/MyTravel/Cosmos for Egypt and a week for two people in 5* hotel was around £700 and Mike said he saw all inclusive Cuba for £620 each for two weeks.

Carol what are your thoughts on booking the day before you fly?

If you're not stuck to specific time off work then I don't see any reason not to, remember not every destination flies on every day of the week, even from gatwick so theres no point in booking a week off from a saturday to a saturday and aiming to go to a certain place only to find out the flights only go on wednesdays.

Also be aware that booking last minute may not always be cheaper, if you go allocated on arrival you could end up in really good accomodation but you may also end up with the crap no one else wants!

 

[carolfoy]

also just adding that cuba was probably so much cheaper because its considered 'off season' so watch out for hurricanes! egypt is continually good value and cheap in resort too. guaranteed weather, but you will need a tourist visa (£15 at the airport)

 

[natalielongstaff]

Im glad we went for turkey again this year ! it was cheaper and the Euro is so low that the lira seems a better option

 

[carolfoy]

Im glad we went for turkey again this year ! it was cheaper and the Euro is so low that the lira seems a better option

yes good point, although the euro, dollar and canadian dollar are dropping other currencies are still quite strong so going for those may work out more economic