Big Company or Small Company? Who to book with?

[trundlecat]

I’m about to book a holiday for September but the holiday’s offered by Cosmos, Thomas Cook & numerous independent operators (ABTA).

Cosmos is the cheapest but I’ve read some terrible stories about them & considered paying the extra few quid to go with Thomas Cook….. then I read similar bad things about them & having had a holiday nightmare a few years ago courtesy of Sunset (a Thomas Cook company) I’m torn.

My question is, if I book through a smaller firm (e.g. otbeach.com) are they just selling a Cosmos or Thomas Cook holiday or will I get a bit more of a personal service?

My head’s spinning with all this. We usually just throw some clothes in a case & head off last minute but because we’ve got 2 toddlers this time I really want to make sure things run as smoothly as possible.

Thanks,
TC

[heidi1]

Hi,

You need to be sure that the website you are dealing with is an operator, not an agent. They should have an ATOL number if they are an operator, ABTA is for agents.

An agent will book with Major ops, such as COSMOS and Thomas Cook, and any other ops that deal with a certain property.

I for one am a Travel Consultant, for an Independent Agency (based at home), being independent mean I listen to you, and what you want, not what the company that owns me says I should sell!!

If you want me to look into this for you and give you advice properly, (ie: let you know all the ops that do your holiday) then I will gladly do this for you. I am not after your business, though if you want to give it to me then I wont say no!! lol, just thought I could help you. I know what its like travelling with a toddler, I have one my-self! e-mail me on my private e-mail (not business) at EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED - MOD NOTE - IT IS ADVISABLE TO SEND INFORMATION VIA PM IF NECESSARY, NOT ON A PUBLIC FORUM.

Just tell me where the prop is, what ist called. thats all I need to know at this stage!!

Heidi

[trundlecat]

Thanks Heidi

Have PM'd you.