Thought I would share my first experience of booking a holiday in Goa.
Because of my dithering the other half took charge. Right today we are booking the holiday. I like to shop around but he likes to get things done and dusted.
First shock to me was the photos. Not only did I look awful but Max Spilmans charged £19.98 for two sets of six photos!
Then onto the visas. Actually filling in the forms on line was painless but when they were checked by the local Indian Community Centre we had missed off two post codes. Back to the drawing baord.
Then onto the travel agent. I had a Santana holiday in mind for £1355 but that had disappeared so we went for the Highland Beach., which cost us an extra £110. Monarch flight and a Jewel in the Crown holiday. I wanted the transfers taken off but she would not budge on that point. Checking on the small print at home it looks like the transfers put a £171 on the holiday. Took the holiday as I can only travel on the 15th of April and there where not many seats left according to the travel agent. If I had more flexibility I would have held out a little longer.
We called at Thomas Cook but they said no way could they beat that price and to go ahead and book with the Co-op.
So holiday booked and I am so excited because to me it is a big adventure. Cannot wait to find a elephant!
Thanks to all on he forum for your help it was much appreciated
Dee
Flippin nora those transfers are extortionate!
Youve been robbed if the transfers cost you that. I would want a helocopter for that sort of money. Get back down there and cause a massive fuss.
What exactly did it say in the small print about the transfers?
I thought J-i-t-C had transfers included.
It says on their website that you can book optional return taxi transfers from airport to your resort hotel at a cost of £25 per person so I'm bemused where the £171.00 has come from.
For anyone interested, J-i-t-C has a deal on Whispering Palms for the same flight All Inclusive @ £824 per person - cheaper than Phoenix Park.
Have you started checking out what trips you can do yet, Dee?
Lots to choose from - you can wash an elephant!
Dee a taxi would be 800 rupees tops ..how can these people get away with charging a price like that as papa said Youve been robbed ..but the main thing is your booked colleen
'TRANSFERS INCLUDED, £171 HH2 AUTH, CANDOLIM'
Does this what I thought it did or did I make a hasty assumption?
When the other half wandered into the travel agents the other day, (I just think he has got too much time on his hands since retiring) the holiday started at £2,981, yes that is the figure and I have wrote it correctly. That was the tour operator cost. She then discounted it to £1,636. Then went down to £1,475. Then when the other half pushed further she discountted another £10.
As I said I asked for the transfers to be removed and she refused. Like some one pointed out they are far cheaper on the Jewel in the Crown website. So my question is can a tour operator charge more then the holiday company for transfers? Will get in touch with them about that. Do not hold out much hope as all the paper work is signed!
Been looking at trips. Other half not keen on going on overnight trips but I am aiming to get in as many day trips as feasible.
Seems ages away but I am like a child at Christmas and cannot wait!
Cheers
Dee
It says on the J-i-t-C website that transfers are included, here under 'Special Information':
https://www.jewelholidays.com/s/book/rooms?s=7&k=h117e92c35bb781f0bfa93dde0318891c0
I'm not sure what the £171.00 is for but this is what I get when I do a dummy booking for the holiday I think you've booked:
Fri 15-APR-2011 2 seats Manchester (17:15) to Goa (07:30) Monarch Airlines
In-Flight Meals: Included
Sat 30-APR-2011 2 seats Goa (08:30) to Manchester (14:45) Monarch Airlines
In-Flight Meals: Included
(Timings are for guidance only. Final flight timings will be confirmed on receipt of your tickets)
Sat 16-APR-2011 14 Nights Highland Beach Resort, Candolim - Bed & Breakfast
1 x Twin, with shower and wc
Price Breakdown
Price Item Unit Price (£) Quantity Price (£)
Basic Holiday Cost 661.50 2 1323.00
APD & APC 77.50 2 155.00
Web Booking Reduction 30.00- 2 60.00-
Fuel Supplement 79.00 2 158.00
Total £1576.00
So based on that I can't see that they've charged you for transfers but I would just ask them what the £171 is for.
I think maybe to do you a discount she's 'fudged' some of the figures above.
It does look like you've got a good deal from them based on what you'd have paid on-line.
I think you've just got to forget the £171. You've booked it and if you're happy with the overall price you've paid, just concentrate on having a great holiday.
Elephants here I come!
Forgot the postcode on the visas so are re-doing them.
Will there still be meets at the carvery when we go?
Thanks
Dee
Hi, this is Danny, known as Dees pain in the neck,lets just hope we can both now relax and wait to enjoy the holiday. But she keeps going on about bloody elephants. Ah well it stops her going on about things I do wrong. hope the beers drinkable, Danny the grouch.
The beer is very drinkable but as its so hot you have to drink it quick. Not a problem for me.
Hope you both have a great time.
Papa
yes there will still be a few of us diehards at the meet let us know when you are coming (which wednesday),and i can add you to the list and if by chance the carvery closes by then we will meet elsewhere so would be good to know when so we can let you know
chilly
We arrive on the 16th of April so the 20th would be the Wednesday. Would love to meet up if you are still having the meets
Dee and Danny
chilly
Hi Chilly - Goa bound next week so hope to make the meet on 16th. Bring it on
Looking forward to seeing you, Roma!
Thanks GG - Hope you're feeling better. I remember reading you missed one or two meets because you weren't feeling great.
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