This is the 2nd time we have embarked on a 'family' holiday, and both have been totally organised by me, from start to finish. First one was a success, so why not. After much ado, we decided on Goa. Some weren't so keen, so decided it wasn't for them. Last July booked 2 weeks in April for 16 people. Within 3 hours of booking, one the party texted me from Tenerife, asking if I had booked it yet as didn't want to go. Some other people on holiday had told her about the poverty etc (just where did she think Goa was???). So after 3 hours I was one person down!!
After a couple of weeks, I had persuaded my brother, his girlfriend and her parents to come. They also then wanted 4 of their relatives to join us. So I added 7 people to the booking and one of them took over from the 1st person that dropped out. Problem solved.
A week or so before the balance of the deposit was due, one of the party lost their job and said there was no way they would be able to afford to go. Here we go again!! Luckily within a day or two, 2 other people wanted to come, so one replaced the lost job person and I added one on. I should add at this point that group bookings are not straight forward when changing/adding/deleting names. It can't be done in the travel agents, they have to ring group bookings etc etc. I have spent many an hour in Thomas Cook let me tell you.
One week before balance due, the 4 relatives of my brother's girlfriend changed their minds and didn't want to come. GRRRRRRR!! I was paying the balance a week early as I was going on holiday the following week. I came home from work on the Friday before I was due to pay, to find a letter from Thomas Cook advising that because I had not paid the balance of my deposit, if I did not contact them within 5 days, the holiday would be cancelled and they would seek recovery through the Court. I was furious. I phoned them straight away as you can imagine. I already knew what the problem was and actually told them They can only put 8 people on a booking reference, so we had 3 reference numbers. When I paid the balance on the deposit last September, the guy in Thomas Cook did not allocate the deposits correctly, putting more money on one and less on the other two, so two still showed a balance outstanding. I queried this at the time and he said it was not a problem, he would put a note on my booking. I said you had better not send me a reminder letter!!! Serious letters like the one I was sent are supposed to be checked by a Manager. However, a new trainee was not aware of this and sent the letter anyway. When I went in the next day there was a huge bunch of flowers for me.
Anyway, as I am sat in Thomas Cook, they are trying to contact Groups to cancel the 4 people. I get a call on my mobile to say 3 people want to come, so I only need to cancel 1 off. Talk about the last minute.
Whilst I am on holiday, the couple just added on, split up!!! I then have to change the name on the booking to someone else.
So, have 23 people going. That's the final, final total.
In between all the booking gerfuffle, I have managed to type up and hand out information sheets so everyone knows what is going on. Have done Handy Hints sheets (excellent advice taken from you guys on this forum) so everyone knows what to expect.
Completed 22 visa application forms by hand for everyone. Organised the bankers draft and sent them all off special delivery etc (all 22 arrived back to my address within 6 working days)!! 23rd person has sent her own as she was added on after I had sent the visas off.
Ordered everyones malaria tablets from the internet for 1st week (buying the rest when we get there). I hope they have enough!
Arranged the transport to and from Gatwick for everyone.
I have also acted like the Bank of England, and looked after money for people paying for the holiday bit by bit. And when that was finished, they carried on giving it to me to look after for their spending money.
Well, off on 15th so nothing to do now but pack (and I have even started that)! I must be mad, but can't help it. I always think that if you want something done properly, then you have to do it yourself!!
I shall be looking forward to a well earned rest. Roll on 15th . I can't wait.
xx
