Algarve Weekender
I booked the flights direct with EasyJet, and after extensive internet research booked a 4 star resort hotel in Vilamoura at the best rate I could find via Trivago for our 3 night stay.
This was before I joined Travel Counsellors and even though I considered myself quite internet savvy regarding travel arrangements, I was caught out when Low Cost Holidays went bust just 2 weeks before we were due to travel. The hotel room I had booked via Trivago had been with Low Cost Beds and my reservation was cancelled and money was lost.
Not wanting to cancel the flights, but not knowing whether I would be able to get my money back, I had 2 frantic weeks trying to rearrange the accommodation at the last minute. The hotel reservations department said I could rebook my room at the standard rack rate but this was at 50% higher price than I had previously paid. Eventually I had to opt for a cheaper 3 star hotel in Quarteira just along the coast from Vilamoura.
We went on the trip and had a great weekend. My first experience of white sangria! We had beautiful weather and a lovely birthday meal. We rented some bikes one morning and rode along the promenade to see where we should have stayed and stopped there for coffee and custard tarts.
On our return to UK, I spent several weeks making phone calls and writing letters to my credit card provider and after a worrying 2 months finally, my original monies were refunded under Section 75. It was an expensive lesson well learned.
Everything I book for you through Travel Counsellors is 100% financially protected. Our financial trust is the best in the industry so you know your money is safe, no ifs, no buts. If I had booked via a Travel Counsellor we would have been rebooked automatically, no hassle or stress. Don't get caught out like me!