Location: Whitby, Yorkshire.
Wanted: A couple want to go on their first wildlife safari Kenya in June. They want to go away for about two weeks, with a beach stay included.
Budget: up to £7,500.
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Co-op Travel, 54 Baxtergate
97%
I was immediately made to feel very welcome in this store and the agent asked lots of questions to establish my needs. The agent did some in-depth research because of the location and government warnings.
She had very detailed knowledge and was very efficient. She recommended a £6,818 trip with Kuoni, spending one night in Mombasa, seven nights at the Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa and six nights on a cheetah safari.
I was offered alternative safaris too. Holiday insurance and airport parking were offered as well as a follow-up call. Brochures were not available, but I was given the printed quotes. The staff were willing to help in any way possible.
Getaway Travel, 5 Flowergate
90%
The agent was very friendly and enthusiastic, but I did have to wait as the store was busy. I was given two price options – one was £5,648 for stays at the Eka Hotel in Nairobi and the Keekorok Lodge in the Masai Mara, along with a six-night tour.
The agent made me aware of travel advice to Kenya and suggested I called back later, when she would have more details. Airport parking and travel insurance were offered.
Whitby Travel, 35 Flowergate
86%
I was acknowledged straight away by the agent, who seemed to be a one-man band. I was given two quotes. One was £6,280 including a stay at the Baobab Beach Resort in Mombasa and a six-night safari.
The recommendations were excellent and I would have booked with this agent. My details were taken and I was asked to call back later. The agent had good product knowledge and gave advice on visa requirements.
Winning agent: Olivia Noble, Sales consultant
I have worked at the agency since December 2012. I love what I do because every day is different. Planning dream holidays and helping customers discover the world is the reason I come to work.
Verdict
All the agents came up with great options. Whitby Travel was let down by its appearance inside, rather than the service.
Top-scoring agent each month will win use of a Mercedes SLK for 10 days
The winning agent must be at least 25, for insurance reasons. Any agent who is under 25 will win a week’s all-inclusive holiday at an Elite Islands Resorts property. The prize is non-transferable and the car must be driven only by the winning agent.
The winner must not have any serious driving convictions. The winners will be informed by Travel Weekly.