Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Wanted: An older couple are looking for a week of sun this autumn. They
are considering Cyprus, but want to be inspired by an agent.
Budget: £1,000
Hays Travel
5 Aberdeen Walk
88%
This shop was clean and presentable, but appeared closed on first inspection, as it was dark inside and the door was closed. The window display and posters were clear, but the brochures were untidy. When I walked in, the agent smiled and said “Hi” right away. She had the personal touch and was enthusiastic, took up my Cyprus suggestion but didn’t consider any other destinations. I was given quotes for two Jet2holidays packages to the Paphos area, both flying from Manchester on September 5: £956 for a self-catering holiday at the Hilltop Gardens Hotel Apartments; and £1,248 for a week’s half-board at the Theo Sunset Bay Village.
Thomas Cook
46 Westborough
83%
The window display was bright and the brochures neatly laid out. I was welcomed by an agent who had good knowledge and asked lots of questions. I was given quotes for two Thomas Cook holidays departing from Manchester in October. The first was for the Sentido Cypria Bay in Cyprus, which came in overbudget at £1,555. The other was for the Sentido Orka Lotus Beach in Icmeler, Turkey, also above budget at £1,200.
Tui
2 Newborough
65%
The window display was clear and the shop clean. The only agent was on the phone. Other staff emerged but I was left waiting for the first agent, despite being the only customer. I was given two quotes: for Tui’s Sensatori in Crete for £2,016, flying from East Midlands; and for Hotel Louis Phaethon Beach, in Cyprus, for £1,600, flying from Manchester. The agent wasn’t overly interested and I could have found the information in a brochure.
Winning agent
Justine McGuinness, travel consultant
“I’ve been to Cyprus before and know the hotels that I offered for this enquiry are cracking. It helps so much when you’ve been to the destination.”
Verdict
Hays Travel was the only agency to give a quote within budget. So despite the shop being dark, it pipped Thomas Cook, whose agent provided quotes that were overbudget.