REALISING VALUEchairman's message
In the jungle of travel pricing one can be forgiven for overlooking elements of cost. I would like to suggest a few things to bear in mind.
The surcharging of credit cards is one obvious factor to take into account.
As I write this there is a Qantas offer to Sydney in place which TF are advertising at £599 fully inclusive, whereas competitors are advertising a come-on price of £589. What they don't tell you is that a 2% credit card surcharge immediately brings that up to £600.78 and some further extras may be added such as airline failure insurance, typically another £5, and other stealth add-ons. The price you see at TF is the price you pay.
Value is not about price alone. You must expect that a 3* hotel will not give as good an experience as a 5* resort.
Something often overlooked on hotel pricing is whether it includes breakfast, half or full board and transfers, which can make a huge difference if not compared accurately. Breakfast alone can easily be £15 and more per person. That alone adds up to £120 for 2 people over a 4 night stay.
Bloomfield Lodge - Beautifully Remote is an extreme example where the per person price of £599 for a 4 night stay includes all meals and transfers which would cost an extra £415 if charged separately.
Don't overlook the huge savings that can be made when hotels, tours or car hire are booked together as a package.
For example - as I write you can book a direct flight to Hong Kong on the internet for £478. The same £478 spent with Trailfinders includes the flights AND three nights in a 3* hotel! TF also offer these packaged savings throughout Asia, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, the Middle East and the USA.
Not only that but you have the comfort of knowing TF will take full responsibility for it all being fulfilled as you would expect and what's more the reservation process will be a great deal quicker and more pleasant. Who wants to be hunched over a keyboard for hours only to book something more expensive, where you alone are accountable if any part does not work out?
Then there is the vital matter of the quality of the booking service itself. To experience the highest standards in terms of speed, convenience, sound advice and a pleasant booking process adds very significant value. I believe TF delivers that agreeable experience better than anyone and we are always there for you if things go awry. In addition, while we cannot change the rules, we do our best to accommodate amendments - don't try this at home on a keyboard!
TF don't leave a stone unturned to deliver, by every means, the best possible value.
Mike Gooley CBE,
Chairman Trailfinders
