The Quote Checker
This is the Energy Travel guide to what to look out for when looking at tour operator price quotations. Remember, most operators offer a ‘bespoke’ service so they should prepare a proposal exactly in line with what you request. Either way, we would advise that you look for the best value option, not the cheapest. If you can look for certain key factors in the quotation, then you will see whether you are getting a good deal or not.
Check the exclusions as well as the inclusions – it could make all the difference!
- Flights – they can be the largest single cost within your package so make sure thee routes and times are close to what you want. Scheduled airlines allow seats to be held whilst Low-Cost carriers do not and operate on a ‘live’ price system.
- Has Air Passenger Duty (APD) been included for Over 16s including adults? If not, it will be £13.00 extra per person for European flights and £80 per person extra to travel out of Europe.
- Has the flight budget been listed?
- Are flights being held for your group? If so, what is the deadline.
- Is the likely route noted in the proposal?
- UK Airport Transfers – are these included? They aren’t always, mainly because your school may have an existing relationship with a local coach company. If you want them included, make sure you ask in the first call.
- Going abroad by coach?
- Does it say how many drivers are included in the price? Only one driver on a long tour could impact on your coach use whilst away.
- Does your price include toll costs, parking costs and any gratuities? The latter in the USA can often be an expensive non-inclusion, so ask.
- Does it say whether you are crossing the channel by Ferry or Eurotunnel? Do you have a preference?
- Hotel Board Basis
- On a ski trip, you should be accommodated on a full board basis but make sure that you are due to have a hot lunch, indoors. The days of eating squashed sandwiches out in the cold are long gone!
- On a sports tour, the board basis can vary. If you receive a quote for half board then the price to upgrade to full board should be noted on the quote or in the supporting email.
- The other hotel question regards pools, gyms and other facilities. It’s all well and good saying the hotel has a pool so long as there isn't a huge supplement to pay to use it or hire towels. Does the country have rules for use ie in Italy you must wear a swimming cap, in France, boys and men must wear speedo style trunks?
Published: Monday 19 July 2021