stannseniors
Registered User
Posts: 5
(8/21/03 1:31 pm)

Travel Agent

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I'm working with a travel agent and of course she is pushing to do a package of air, car and two nights stay (the two i know). She said sometimes you can get a better deal on air if you do this - is that true?
Also, she's looked into staying at a B&B near Bunratty castle and having the midevil banquet. What are some good B&Bs close to the castle - so i know when she calls me back - she's being legit??? Yikes - i hate working with agents. My freind who was an agent said they don't make any money off of just airfare so they will push the other stuff.
Thank you for any help

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 71
(8/21/03 12:52 pm)

Re: Travel Agent

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I have never worked with a Travel agent for Europe (Ireland & UK) but I have for Funjet stuff to Mexico.

I think you need to do your homework. You need to know what is a reasonable airfare, car rental price, and your limit for B&B cost per night. If the amount the TA quotes you is better, then great. I usually feel I do as well or better on my own.

My budget for my trip in April was 35pps per night. I came in at 36 as an average over 14 nights. So that is what I would base it on.

For Bunratty - you can check out the cost of the Banquet on the ShannonHeritage site. I think it was around $50 - and it was a lot of fun for our last night. Be sure to head over to Mac's pub , on the Castle grounds for a drink / coffee afterwards.

I personally like Headley Court, Just at the end of the Low (high? I keep forgetting the name) road from the Castle. Others here like Bunratty Manor(?) . HC is run by Kathleen Browne, and BM is run by her Mother-in-law Mary.

If you are only booking 2 nights through the TA, I would not bother with that part, unless the TA can get you a deal. But be wary - if she is providing you vouchers, make sure you don't need to pay a supplement for an ensuite room.

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1765
(8/22/03 1:04 am)

Re: Travel Agent

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Hi stannseniors,

Very good ideas from Debbie as always. Travel agents must make a living and with the airlines paying them very little lately they get commissions from other things. So of course they will be pushing a whole package. I have heard good feedback on Scepter Tours as well as 1 2 Travel. You can click through to 1 2 Travel from my home page. Try these too: www.shamrock.org and www.shamrockclub.net/

Sometimes you can get a very good all-inclusive deal but you must know what you are doing ahead of time. Do your research before commiting.

Michele

P.S. Debbie, It is the Low Road and Mary Browne's B&B is Bunratty Lodge. It is the Wedgwood blue house right next door to Headley Court. Too many highs and lows, lodges and manors to keep straight!

DebbieK
Registered User
Posts: 72
(8/22/03 9:03 am)

Re: Travel Agent

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Thanks Michele ! One of these days I will remember .
I always stay at Headley Court, so I don't have a poing of reference for Bunratty Lodge to stick in my memory.

Hopefully soon it will be a permanent piece of knowledge for me .

Debbie

Michele Erdvig
ezOP
Posts: 1767
(8/22/03 3:29 pm)

Memory Aid

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Hi Debbie,

That's what I'm here for; to jog your memory! I have the same problem at times. For instance there are two B&Bs in my book named Brookfield, though they are on different coasts. Then there is Ferndale and Fernville. Sometimes it gets confusing. You take the high road and I'll take the low road and the road you're on will get you there...eventually!

Michele