Yes, we can book TUI holidays, but…

With TUI reducing their high street presence we have seen lots of regular bookers who are coming to us for the first time, asking whether we can book TUI holidays on their behalf. Our answer is generally the same…

Yes, we can book TUI holidays, but…

Let’s just say from the outset, we have no problem with TUI. They offer a great range of holidays and lots of good Luton flights. However, in our opinion, being as big as they are, there are lots of occasions where actually, booking with another tour operator would give a greater variety of options.

Take the Greek islands as example. TUI offer a range of options, but specialist providers such as Olympic Holidays, have an even greater depth of hotels, flights and tours. They also feature some incredible, family run properties which have proved hugely popular with our customers who rebook time and time again. Just one example, the ‘Zante Star’ is a 3* hotel that could easily be missed, however in our 30 years’ experience booking holidays around the world, we have never had such consistently great feedback on a hotel.

Specialist providers tend to focus on properties which are embedded into the culture of your destination. So, whilst TUI RIU hotels are a great ‘premium’ brand, a RIU hotel in Mexico does tend to look like a RIU hotel in Greece or Turkey or Spain.

Another reason for our ‘we can book TUI holidays but…’ are the inherent restrictions booking with a tour operator which has its own airlines, transfer coaches and hotels can have. We can create bespoke packages for you that give you the best of both worlds. You get all the protection of a traditional ‘package’ holiday which is underpinned by ATOL and ABTA but unlike a traditional package you can choose the elements that work for you.

If a flight with British Airways (for example) has the times you’d prefer, we can create a bespoke package. So, you choose the perfect flight, perfect hotel and best transfer in a package that’s completely tailored to you.

Our final reason for ‘TUI but…’ is for those looking for a bit of luxury. Again, TUI have luxurious properties however the likes of Kuoni have a global reputation for affordable luxury and have recently expanded their European portfolio. If you’ve ever been on a Kuoni holiday you will know the little extras that make all the difference and make a good holiday great. We work with several luxury and boutique specialists from Antalya to Antarctica so will be sure to have you covered.

Ultimately, as an independent travel agent with an average of 25 years’ experience per travel consultant, we will talk you through the full range of options to make sure you have the best possible travel experience – and if that does result in a TUI package, we will happily book that for you too!