All inclusive holidays
#16
Re: All inclusive holidays
Sure, prices vary, but to say they 'go up each month drastically' is not only a figment of your imagination, but completely wrong!
We like to cruise and I've seen offers change on a monthly basis. As you can cancel without penalty up to 90 days before you sail, I've seen prices increase and decrease in 24 hours, let alone by the month. In fact, in January last year, we were able to book a suite on Norwegian with free specialty dining, a free drinks package and $150 on-board credit for less than $1000 each. The brochure price was $2500!
So, if you're going to invent 'facts', at lease make them ones that won't be shot down in flames in an instant!
#17
Re: All inclusive holidays
So... You save your money... in someone else's account?
Why would you do that?
Why would you do that?
#19
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,848
Re: All inclusive holidays
The only travel company I can think of offering packages is:
Http://www.applevacations.com
If you have an American Express card I think they also offer some package holidays, but I imagine that they are likely to be expensive. Come to think of it, are you a member of Costco? I've often spotted their travel promotions in their warehouses but I guess you can also see them online.
Http://www.applevacations.com
If you have an American Express card I think they also offer some package holidays, but I imagine that they are likely to be expensive. Come to think of it, are you a member of Costco? I've often spotted their travel promotions in their warehouses but I guess you can also see them online.
#20
Re: All inclusive holidays
In the UK you have millions of people living on an island or two, all within easy reach of a specific airport. The holidaymakers can group together, board a flight, and get flown to a hotel in Spain, with a 1-1/2 hour flight. Quite easy for travel agents to organize.
In the US, their market of holidaymakers would be hundreds or thousand of miles away from each other. Airports are spread all over the country. There isn't Spain, Italy, Portugal just 1-1/2 hours away. There just isn't the density of people all living close to one another, that all want to go to the same resort, from the same airport.
Most people aren't chasing the sun in summer, as they are in the UK - they live mostly in sunny weather. Many people have swimming pools in their back yard, and don't need a hotel to swim. You can plan a trip to the beach, and not wonder if it's going to be freezing cold and raining for two weeks.
I believe if you book a cruise, you can make a down payment, and pay in installments, if you book early enough.
In the US, their market of holidaymakers would be hundreds or thousand of miles away from each other. Airports are spread all over the country. There isn't Spain, Italy, Portugal just 1-1/2 hours away. There just isn't the density of people all living close to one another, that all want to go to the same resort, from the same airport.
Most people aren't chasing the sun in summer, as they are in the UK - they live mostly in sunny weather. Many people have swimming pools in their back yard, and don't need a hotel to swim. You can plan a trip to the beach, and not wonder if it's going to be freezing cold and raining for two weeks.
I believe if you book a cruise, you can make a down payment, and pay in installments, if you book early enough.
#21
Re: All inclusive holidays
I haven't used a travel agent in years but I know a lot of family back home still do. Our recent vacation, we booked and paid for our flights way in advance, put down a deposit on a vrbo rental, booked all the other bits and pieces as we got closer to the date.
If we had waited until the last minute we would have paid a lot more for flights, 3 x the amount for car hire and wouldn't have had the choice available for rental properties. I certainly understand why you would want to put down a deposit and pay it up.
If we had waited until the last minute we would have paid a lot more for flights, 3 x the amount for car hire and wouldn't have had the choice available for rental properties. I certainly understand why you would want to put down a deposit and pay it up.
#22
Re: All inclusive holidays
I used Costco Travel a few years ago for a trip to Maui, and it was fantastic! Highly recommend Costco.
Rene
Rene
#23
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: bute
Posts: 9,740
Re: All inclusive holidays
Travel agents are slowly disappearing in the UK too.
#25
Re: All inclusive holidays
We like to cruise and I've seen offers change on a monthly basis. As you can cancel without penalty up to 90 days before you sail, I've seen prices increase and decrease in 24 hours, let alone by the month. In fact, in January last year, we were able to book a suite on Norwegian with free specialty dining, a free drinks package and $150 on-board credit for less than $1000 each. The brochure price was $2500!
#26
Re: All inclusive holidays
That's what I do too - tbh I don't think 90% of the UK population will use travel agents, I don't know a single person that's used one for years! I always book my own holiday independently, and tend to do flights, accommodation etc separately.
I'd imagine that those using travel agents are in the minority these days, their prices seem much more expensive to me than those I can book myself.
I'd imagine that those using travel agents are in the minority these days, their prices seem much more expensive to me than those I can book myself.
Expedia, Kayak, vacationstogo etc etc the list is endless on the web.
#27
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 0
Re: All inclusive holidays
Hi all
I moved to Texas 2 months ago but I've been struggling to find travel agents similar to Thomas Cook, First choice etc where you can book your holiday with a deposit and then just pay it off. Is anyone aware of anything like this in the states? I love planning vacations in advance and paying them off monthly rather than having to pay all at once.
I moved to Texas 2 months ago but I've been struggling to find travel agents similar to Thomas Cook, First choice etc where you can book your holiday with a deposit and then just pay it off. Is anyone aware of anything like this in the states? I love planning vacations in advance and paying them off monthly rather than having to pay all at once.
You're in Texas so why do you need to go somewhere else on vacation?
Spoiler:
#28
Re: All inclusive holidays
I think in the UK there may be some consumer protection benefit in having a package holiday. Similar to that of booking a flight straight through with one airline compare to booking the legs separately. If one part of the deal fails, the tour company is responsible for the cost of finding a new hotel, new flight etc.
#29
Heading for Poppyland
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: North Norfolk and northern New York State
Posts: 14,540
Re: All inclusive holidays
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#30
Re: All inclusive holidays
Hi all
I moved to Texas 2 months ago but I've been struggling to find travel agents similar to Thomas Cook, First choice etc where you can book your holiday with a deposit and then just pay it off. Is anyone aware of anything like this in the states? I love planning vacations in advance and paying them off monthly rather than having to pay all at once.
I moved to Texas 2 months ago but I've been struggling to find travel agents similar to Thomas Cook, First choice etc where you can book your holiday with a deposit and then just pay it off. Is anyone aware of anything like this in the states? I love planning vacations in advance and paying them off monthly rather than having to pay all at once.
There are lots of benefits of booking with a travel agent.