Hi Caroline,

My boyfriend and I booked our first holiday to Gambia this year and got a cracking deal, or so I thought. We usually go to India for 2 weeks in December. This year my boyfriend fancied a change.We looked on the internet first, to find some of the hotel reviews and to get a feel of the prices. We were passing a Travel Agents while shopping, so decided to pop in to there to compare.

We thought, we would only be able to afford the Senegambia Hotel (3 star) but while in the Travel Agents (Thomas Cook) they asked if we had looked at the Kairaba (4 star). We did, but it was way out of our league (on the internet) - until they told us that hotel was on special offer and it actually worked out cheaper than some of the quotes we had for the Senegambia.

Always one for a bargain, I then called my usual Travel Agents to see if they would match the price. But telling a little white lie, I added a few extra's into the price, like insurance and seats sitting together. Low and behold they still managed to beat the price! At that point I booked.

I've just looked at Thomas Cook website today, same hotel the Kiaraba - Thomas Cook £696 per person, Panorama £1013 per person. How can that price difference be justified!

My tip for booking would be get a few quotes, then go back to the tour operator direct and quote them your best price. But still be a bit cheeky - like adding your insurance cover or knocking another £50.00 off the price. They can only say no and every penny saved goes in your pocket!