At this time our thoughts go out to everyone effected by the Earthquake in Haiti. If we all give a little we can make a massive difference to people who really need it……… http://www.cooptravel.co.uk/Haiti

We’ve seen the sad situation this week once again of a travel company going into administration and leaving many of its customers stranded in foreign climbs facing huge bills just to get home. If you’re not sure how this works or why these customers weren’t covered under any ABTA or ATOL license then the answer is that the customers who booked a ‘package holiday‘ where the flights and hotels are included together are generally covered by their ATOL (Air Travel Organisers License). Customers who purchased flights only directly from the company will not be covered for their flights (so will have to find and pay for their own flight home) or hotel (should they not have arrived at it yet).

Many people choose to travel this way, booking cheap flights with easyjet, ryanair etc and then booking a hotel separately. In the travel industry we call this ‘dynamic packaging’ or DP. There are many great reasons to book your holiday with an ABTA/ATOL registered travel agent; expert knowledge, dealing with all the details, handling tour operator complaints, DISCOUNTS!, but this is a perfect example of what a vital role a good travel agent can play in this modern trend of dynamic packaging. If those customers finding themselves in difficulty had booked their holiday with a travel agent they could have booked exactly the products (flights and hotel) usually for the same price if not better, and the best part of all is that if that if the travel agent is ATOL bonded then what the customer has purchased becomes a package, provided by that travel agent under their ATOL license. Any problems with airlines entering administration or hotel companies are covered and the travel agent wil work with the CAA and ATOL to sort out everything for the client and they are left to relax and enjoy their holiday.

This is a perfect example of how any good independent travel agent can add so much value to your holiday and its planning and why choosing to book your holiday with Co-op Travel means that you are booking with a travel agent that is not only ABTA bonded and ATOL licensed, but also has a long history and tradition of providing the best service, best prices and highest standards of trustworthiness and integrity. You can trust the Co-op because we are owned by the people who matter, our members (you).

From expert impartial advice, often provided by someone who has been there and knows the region well through to making sure you get the best price, service and peace of mind. Travel agents provide a much under-valued service.

I have just been sent these UK Breaks offers… Check them out:

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER DEAL!
2 NIGHT BB DEAL, WITH DINNER INCLUDED ON THE FIRST NIGHT!
3* THISTLE CITY BARBICAN
from £99.00pp
Valid Sun – Fri until the 31st Dec 09
Why not add on a flight on the London Eye from £17pp

LONDON FOR LESS!
2 NIGHT BREAK WITH LUNCH AT
PLANET HOLLYWOOD!
12th SEP – 2 NIGHTS BB
3* DAYS INN WATERLOO HOTEL
from £89.00pp

COMPLIMENTARY DINNER DEAL!
2 NIGHT BB DEAL WITH DINNER INCLUDED ON THE FIRST NIGHT
4* DE VERE VENUES DAVENPORT HOUSE HOTEL
from £84.00pp
Valid Mon – Sun until the 31st Dec 09
Why not add the Thames River Cruise ticket from £11.50pp

2 NIGHT GREAT RATE !
4* CORUS HOTEL HYDE PARK
A 2 NIGHT STAY INCLUDING BREAKFAST
from £99.00pp
Valid Fri – Sun until the 30th April 09
Why not add a Visitor Oyster Card from £12pp

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BREAK
DO ALL YOUR SHOPPING & SEE A GREAT SHOW!
28th NOV – 2 NIGHTS BB
3* ST GILES HOTEL – OXFORD STREET & 4th PRICE TICKETS TO SEE DIRTY DANCING
from £163.50pp

ULTIMATE LONDON ATTRACTION BREAK
INCLUDES ENTRANCE TO: SEA LIFE LONDON AQUARIUM, LONDON DUNGEONS, MADAME TUSSAUDS & A FLIGHT ON THE LONDON EYE!
19th SEPTEMBER – 2 NIGHTS
4* GROSVENOR VICTORIA HOTEL
from £201.36pp

If their is nothing suitable above check out our  UK Break section or contact us via phone on 01922 700 007 speak to a member off our sales team.

I have just found these cheap holiday deals check them out:

Destination: Malaga
Departure Date: 18th December 2009
Duration: 7 Nights
Resort: Fuengirola
Board Basis: Self Catering
Accommodation: Fuengirola Beach
Departure Airport: Bournemouth

From: £115pp

CRM Code: 1655

Destination: Zante
Departure Date: 30th August 2009
Duration: 7 Nights
Resort: Laganas
Board Basis: Self Catering
Accommodation: Derekas
Departure Airport: Gatwick

From: £164pp

CRM Code: 1656

Destination: Tunisia
Departure Date: 27th January 2010
Duration: 7 Nights
Resort: Sousse
Board Basis: Half Board
Accommodation: Royal Jinene
Departure Airport: Manchester

From: £220pp

CRM Code: 1659

If you are interested in the above holidays contact us on 01922 700 007 speak to a member off our sales team, you must Quote the CRM Code.

Still plenty of cheap late deals available including some 3 night breaks departing tomorrow night. Prices from £124.