Location: Scunthorpe
Wanted: Grandparents are seeking to take their two-year-old grandchild on a week’s holiday to mainland Spain or the Balearic Islands in June.
Budget: £1,500.
Thomas Cook, 91-93 High Street
95%
The agent who served me was very efficient, quickly establishing my requirements and demonstrating in-depth knowledge of suitable resorts. She had personal experience of holidaying with small children and also had a friend who had stayed in the recommended accommodation in Ibiza.
I was quoted two options with Thomas Cook, including a stay at the Invisa Cala Verde for £1,459. Both options provided family-friendly accommodation with facilities for small children and were near the beach. I was asked what would make the holiday special and if we would like a quiet or lively resort. Only a wait at the start of my visit marred this service.
Thomson, 71 High Street
90%
The agent seemed really knowledgeable about travelling with a small child, suggesting a short flight and transfer and saying we could take a pushchair. She asked about holiday extras and advised booking flight seats together.
I was recommended a slightly overbudget £1,528 option with Thomson, staying at the Hotel Victoria Playa in Menorca. The service was occasionally interrupted by other employees.
Althams Travel, 94 High Street
71%
The agent did not introduce herself or ask my name but I was asked lots of questions about my preferences and recommended three good holidays. The cheapest was with Jet2holidays, staying at the Diverhotel Marbella for £1,329.
I had to keep asking about children’s facilities, and the search process took a while as the computer went down at one point. I was given printed details and a business card but no brochures.
Winning agent: Lisa Firth, sales consultant
I’m delighted to hear I won Mystery Shopper. I have worked in travel for 19 years and I still love my job. It’s so rewarding to find my customers their dream holiday.”
Verdict
All of the agents came up with good suggestions close to the budget but the service in Althams could have been quicker and more thorough.
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.