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Location: Homeworkers
Wanted: A couple plan to go on holiday with their toddler for the first time and would like to go to the Canaries in October. They are looking for a child-friendly hotel.
Budget: £5,000
Hays Travel
haystravel.co.uk
91%
I was able to find information on a suitable holiday on the website and my call was answered after two rings by a friendly agent.
I was recommended an 11-night package with Thomas Cook for £2,590 for all of us, staying full-board at the Sheraton Fuerteventura.
After discussing several possibilities, I felt certain this holiday would be ideal. The agent was knowledgeable and made suggestions without having to look things up.
I wasn’t offered any additional products and there was some loud talking in the background, but I appreciated touches such as the agent reassuring me that travelling with a toddler wasn’t daunting, and telling me it was a quiet destination.
Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors
co-operativetravel.co.uk/personal-travel-advisors
78%
The homepage was informative and my call was answered after three rings.
The agent didn’t make any suggestions, opting to come back to me after researching my criteria.
I was recommended seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Rocca Nivaria for £3,097, as well as a stay at the Bahia Del Duque for £4,091.
I felt this service was less personal than the other agents’, as the information was sent by email.
Kwik Travel
kwiktravel.co.uk
TIME OUT
The website was colourful and upbeat, and the information I found was good.
However, I had to wait 22 minutes for my call to be answered.
The agent was eager to help and suggested seven nights’ self catering at the Elba Carlota Beach Resort in Fuerteventura for £1,846.
The agent took careful account of my needs and gave personal recommendations.I felt like a valued customer, but the wait-time was too long.
Verdict: All of the agents made good recommendations, but the winner’s knowledge was particularly impressive.
Winning Agent
Lynn King, personal travel consultant
“I have worked for Hays Travel for 11 years, and have been in travel for 15 years. I love my job and get a buzz from finding customers their perfect holiday. I enjoy travelling myself, which really helps me to source the best holidays for customers based on my own experience, whether it is long-haul, cruise, ski or short-haul.”