UK Packaged Holiday Providers Reviews. Mark Warner, Expedia, DirectHolidays & MyTravel
So you have decided to go on holiday. The problem is that’s about as far as you got in the planning phase. Where exactly should you go? Which airline should you fly with and what hotels to stay at? If you find that researching all of these details is simply too time consuming or dauntingly complicated then you might need to look at packaged holiday providers. There are a number of such providers in the United Kingdom but for the purposes of this article, we will look into just four of them, focusing on which are better for long haul trips, short haul trips and which provide the best price ranges for different types of packages such as family, relaxation and adventure packages.
The first one we will look at is Expedia.co.uk, a web based travel agency with services worldwide and subsequently worldwide connections and know-how. Expedia offers the largest range of package holidays out of all of the travel agencies covered in this article. In addition to this, the holidays offered are often at very competitive prices. Expedia also offers the ability to build your own package holiday in an easy and convenient way on line and receive a quotation for this quickly and stress free. If you choose to opt only for a flight and hotel package, without destination activities included, this is also available. For travellers specifically interested in specialist activity holidays, Expedia offers a section dedicated just to this, with a convenient search engine that allows searching by specific key words such as rock climbing, wind surfing or wine tours. Long or short haul, Expedia is a good overall solution if you want just one place to find the right vacation for you, but it will not be the cheapest option. For that you may need to look at more specialized companies or providers of last minute deals.
Directholidays.co.uk provides such a service on their website with special deals for last minute bookings on packaged holidays to destinations all over the world. Most of these deals are for short haul destinations, although occasionally more exotic locales can appear. The way this works is that any empty seats on flights leaving by a certain date are worth whatever they can get for them as the moment the flight takes off, the empty seats are worth nothing. So, if you can be ready to leave at a moment’s notice then keeping an eye out for these last minute deals can be a great way to save money and possibly go to destinations you wouldn’t have considered or even thought of otherwise. Directholidays.co.uk also offers other services such as long haul deals, flight deals, hotel deals and early booking offers, all also available on their website. Their long haul destinations are especially interesting as they specialise in trips to the Americas, the Middle East and Central Europe.
The third UK holiday provider is Mark Warner, which specialises in providing packaged holidays in a specific set of locations at a number of their partner accommodation providers. Essentially, these are resort destination holidays, split into three broad categories; Ski holidays, Sun holidays and Winter Sun holidays. The Ski holidays focus on a number of well known destinations in France, Italy and Austria, such as Val d’Isère, Courmayeur and St Anton, with often more than one chalet type accommodation option available at each. The sun holidays are more varied in their locations and activities than the ski holidays, and often include watersports, golf, spa treatments, volleyball and tennis as the main available activities. Locations include Turkey, Corsica, Egypt, Greece, Portugal and Sardinia. One of the key factors differentiating Mark Warner from other providers is the much more tailored approach that they provide. By operating only a small select number of packages, they are able to attend to their customers much more closely. In addition to this, Mark Warner also offer a good childcare service allowing parents a much greater degree of freedom when holidaying without having to worry about where the kids are. Finally, Mark Warner holidays are packaged such that no additional expenses are necessary while on holiday, making it a truly all in one holiday package. If a stress free holiday is what you are looking for then Mark Warner is a very good option to go for.
Finally, we have MyTravel.com, a package holiday provider that belongs to the Thomas Cook group of companies. MyTravel.com offers a large number of options to cater for all tastes and budgets. These include options such as different board plans (self catering, half board, club board etc), car hire, insurance, hotels and holiday themes such as sun, ski and cruise holidays. Cruise destinations include Africa, Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, North Europe, the Far East, the Mediterranean, Panama Canal and the Red Sea as well as Transatlantic and World cruises. What makes MyTravel.com a good option is that with the entire Thomas Cook group available to it, the travel agents have a very wide range of providers within their network that they can connect with to provide you with the package holiday to suit your requirements. The ski themed holidays are especially attractive as they give you the option to sign up with group packages where strangers are grouped together, providing both the savings of a group holiday with the social setting of a mixer holiday. Families, Couples and Singles are also catered for in their offerings.
Hopefully the information above should provide you with some idea of which travel agency will provide the service that you require. Whether it is the carefully packaged sun or ski holidays provided by Mark Warner, the last minute and long haul deals from directholidays.co.uk, the huge range of options available from Expedia.co.uk or the cruise and casual packages from MyTravel.com, there is bound to be the right package for your needs.
Great Getaways Exclusive Discount Code. Holiday and Travel Discount Codes
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Exclusive Discount Code for all UKoffer.com visitors from GreatGetaways.co.uk
- Save 5% off all Short Breaks
Book online and quote AFV001 to save 5% on bookings made before 30th May ‘10!
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Eurocamp – 15% Off Selected Parcs In July and August – BOOK BY END MARCH + Up to 30% Off Early Summer Hols
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Holiday in July and August
Any bookings made before the 31st March, can benefit from a whopping 15% saving on a selection of parcs. This is a great incentive for parents to book as there are fantastic pool complexes, free kids` clubs that offer a safe environment for the kids to play in, the freedom of self catering and locations perfect for family adventures.
Dates currently available at these discounted prices are 26th June – 16th July or after 27th August which are reduced by 15%, and the 17th July – 26th August available at a 5% discount. Holiday durations can also be varied too, with 7days available for a brief getaway, or 21.
Early Summer Holidays
There also great deals on last minute holidays for those that want to get away before the 25th June, as Eurocamp are offering holidays with discounts varying between 20% and 30%. With discounts dependent on dates selected. Many people were left disappointed last year as their first choice of parcs, dates and accommodation were fully booked. Eurocamp are expecting the same again this summer as these fantastic offers are sure to sell out quick. So don’t delay.
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Expedia – Save Up To 20% off Nile Cruise Holidays
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Save Up To 20% off Nile Cruise Holidays
Just like Cleopatra and all the other ancient Egyptian kings, escape the heat of the desert and witness the beauty and history of Egypt from ancient to modern times while sailing down the Nile in a luxurious breezy atmosphere. While aboard your cruise ship, you`ll be treated as a king: expect no less than mouth-watering dishes and luxurious accommodation.
The boat will often stop along the way for you to witness some of Egypt`s legendary landmarks and take a glimpse into today`s Egyptian culture. In a few words, a cruise on the beautiful Nile can provide you with everything you want out of a vacation. It will simply steal your heart away!
Luxor
You won`t find any pyramids in Luxor but it`s definitely one of the most popular destinations in Egypt and home to some fantastic attractions like the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the tomb of Tutankamon. Commonly known as the world`s largest open air museum, no need to say that there is plenty to do there.
Aswan
The most African of all cities in Egypt, Aswan is a landmark that you wouldn’t want to miss. The area’s packed full with amazing sites worth exploring. Associated with the Nubian people, Aswan is a paradisiacal spot on the east bank of the Nile, nestled in lavishing greenery.
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Haven Holidays Latest Offers UPDATE Including Easter – Save Up to £170
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Easter School Holiday Breaks from £199 for the whole family
Easter Bank Holiday Weekend from £179 for the whole family
7 nights for the price 3 – now from £329 for the whole family
Late deals from £89 for the whole family
Early Summer Breaks from £149 for the whole family – Save up to £150
School Summer Holidays from £549 for the whole family – Save up to £170
30% off 10 night Summer Holidays
No end dates have as yet been announced for the above offers
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Haven Holidays Latest Offers Including Easter – Save Up to £170
CLICK HERE to visit Haven Holidays
Current Haven Holidays Offers Include:-
Easter School Holiday Breaks from £179 for the whole family
Easter Bank Holiday Weekend from £199 for the whole family
7 nights for the price 3 – now from £329 for the whole family
Late deals from £99 for the whole family
May Half Term from £319 for the whole family
Early Summer Breaks from £149 for the whole family – Save up to £150
School Summer Holidays from £549 for the whole family – Save up to £170
30% off 10 night Summer Holidays
Dinner, Bed and Breakfast from £140 for the whole family
No end dates have as yet been announced for the above offers
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www.mercurydirect.com/offers – 4 Star Cyprus from £499 with Third Week Free
Mercury Direct are currently offering 2 weeks Half Board with a 3rd week FREE from £499 per person.
www.archersdirect.co.uk/mirror – Worldwide Tours, Cruises & Rail Journeys 2010 Discounts
10 days from £1149 at Archers Direct.
Choose from over 250 escorted tours, cruises, rail journeys, resorts holidays & short breaks.
Expedia £100 Voucher Offer & Special Offers Including Cayman Islands, Chicago Hotels & Marriott UK Hotels
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Expedia currently have a special offer:-
Purchase a package holiday and receive a £100 voucher off future bookings over £500 in value
Booking Dates: 16.02.10 to 31.03.10
Redemption date: until 31.12.10
Travel date: until 31.03.11
Terms & Conditions apply
Other Expedia offers include:-
Ramada UK hotels Stay 2 nights save 30%
Travel up to 31st May. Booking up to 30th March
Cayman Islands 5th night FREE and receive complimentary Stingray City trip
Travel to 15th May. Book up to 31st March
Chicago Hotels Save up to 40%
Travel 1st March to 31st July. Book by 31st March
Marriott UK Hotels Stay 3 pay for 2
Travel up to 3rd May. Book by 18th April
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Thomson Al Fresco Latest Offers Including Esterel, Cote d’Azur and Del Garda, Lake Garda
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Latest Thomson Al Fresco offers include:-
7 nights for 2 adults and up to 4 children sharing a Rossini mobile home at Esterel, Cote d’Azur, France arriving on the 27-Mar to 27-Mar was £252 Now £199 Saving £53
7 nights for 2 adults and up to 4 children sharing a Vivaldi mobile home at Del Garda, Lake Garda, Italy arriving between 31-May to 06-Jun was £763 Now £425 Saving £338
Terms apply. Book by 31/3/10. Subject to availability.
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France to Ireland. Early Booking Offer From €99. Car + 1 one way including taxes. Save up to 30%. at irishferries.com
Irish Ferries presents you an amazing offer of 30% discount on fares when you travel from
France to Ireland. So, make your summer trip to Ireland noteworthy and easy with Irish
Ferries. Remember to book before February 28th 2010 to get the offer.
Description:
Book now for Ireland 2010 on the luxurious Oscar Wilde from just €99 for car and driver. This
one way fare includes a reserved seat and is available for travel dates up to the 22nd June
and after 26th August. Bookings must be made at least 28 days in advance of travel date and
before Feb 28th 2010. Offer prices are subject to availability.
Saving of up to 30% are off maximum selling price when booked 28 days or more in advance of
travel and apply to the €99 fare.
Additional Adult – From €20
Additional Child (4 – 15 Years) – From €20
Infants (0- 3 Years) – FREE
Book a “Speedy Exit” on our Ireland – France service and from just €10 each way be one of the
first cars or motorbikes to disembark the ship on arrival. “Speedy Exit” is available to a
limited number of cars or motorbikes, on a first come first served basis only, so early
booking is advised. Note: You must have checked in at least one hour before scheduled
departure time to avail of “Speedy Exit”. Unfortunately, due to operational restrictions, this
facility is not available to vehicles exceeding 2.30m in height (incl. roof luggage), not
available to cars towing trailers / caravans, or indeed to vehicles requiring close access to
passenger lifts. Also, note that for vessel stability and stowage reasons “Speedy Exit” cars
may be parked behind freight or other vehicles.
Summer in France for Less. From €99 Car + 1 one way including taxes. Save up to 30%. at irishferries.com
Planning your vacation or your honeymoon to France and Britain, check out this dream offer
from Irish Ferries. Enjoy your stay in France, travel the various locations without having to
think about your way back home. Another surprise is that if you take a return trip to France
on Irish Ferries` direct service between 1 June and 31 August 2010 you get a FREE return trip
on their cruise ferries to Britain for car plus 2 passengers. Great offer!
Description:
Book now for France 2010 on the luxurious Oscar Wilde from just €99 for car and driver. This
one way fare includes a reserved seat and is available for travel dates up to the 9th June and
after 26th August. Bookings must be made at least 28 days in advance of travel date and before
Feb 28th 2010. Offer prices are subject to availability.
Saving of up to 30% are off maximum selling price when booked 28 days or more in advance of
travel and apply to the €99 fare.
Additional Adult – From €20
Additional Child (4 – 15 Years) – From €20
Infants (0- 3 Years) – FREE
Free Trip to Britain
Take a return trip to France on our direct service between 1 June and 31 August 2010and get a
FREE return trip on our cruise ferries to Britain for car plus 2 passengers
Book a “Speedy Exit” on our Ireland – France service and from just €10 each way be one of the
first cars or motorbikes to disembark the ship on arrival. “Speedy Exit” is available to a
limited number of cars or motorbikes, on a first come first served basis only, so early
booking is advised. Note: You must have checked in at least one hour before scheduled
departure time to avail of “Speedy Exit”. Unfortunately, due to operational restrictions, this
facility is not available to vehicles exceeding 2.30m in height (incl. roof luggage), not
available to cars towing trailers / caravans, or indeed to vehicles requiring close access to
passenger lifts. Also, note that for vessel stability and stowage reasons “Speedy Exit” cars
may be parked behind freight or other vehicles.
Fares from Ireland to Britain starting from €79 for car + 1, including all taxes. Save up to 30%. at irishferries.com
Sail on with this amazing offer from Irish Ferries. Save up to 30% off maximum selling price
when booked 28 days or more in advance of travel. Hurry before it is too late. Offers end by
28th February, 2010. Great bargains on travel from Ireland to Britain.
Description:
Cruise Ferry – Rosslare / Pembroke Tue – Wed from €79
Cruise Ferry – Dublin / Holyhead Tue – Wed from €79
Dublin SwiftTue – Wed from €104
From €79 online fare for car + 1 is available for midweek travel (Tue – Wed) up to 30th June
2010 on the Pembroke / Rosslare and Holyhead / Dublin Cruise Ferry Services. Must be booked 28
days in advance of travel date and before 28th Feb 2010. Additional adults €25, Additional
Kids €14. Telephone booking supplement €15. Motor home supplement €30. Amendment fee €15 each
way plus any increase in fare. Cancellation fee up to 48 hours 50%. Within 48 hrs 100%.
Subject to availability. This fare cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer
or promotions.
Additional Adult – €25
Additional Child (4 – 15 Years) – €14
Infants (0-3 years) – FREE
Club Class – From €18 per passenger Relax and enjoy extra comfort in our Club Class lounges
from just €18 per passenger. With priority boarding, complimentary drinks & snacks, as well as
newspapers in a reserved lounge – it’s a luxury you can afford.
Van + 1 Passenger – from €170Check your van dimensions here. Vans higher than 2.6 metres
and/or longer than 6 metres may be booked at www.irishferriesfreight.com
Motorcycle + Driver – from €59
Trailers under 3m – from €49
Caravans under 8m – Cheapest on daylight Cruise Ferry sailings
from €79
Caravans over 8m – from €119
Motorhome Supplement – from €35
2010 Early Booking Offer for Cruise from Britain to Ireland. Save upto 30%. Starting from £69. at irishferries.com
A lovely scenic experience across the sea as you travel from Britain to Ireland. This leisurely trip could be made more affordable with this discount from Irish Ferries. Save up to 30% off maximum selling price for Cruise from Britain to Ireland when booked 28 days or more in advance of travel. Great way to save some cash on your vacation to Ireland. Enjoy the cruise without feeling guilty about spending a fortune on travel. Offer ends on 28th of February, 2010. Hurry! Or else the boats will set sail and the prices back to normal.
Description:
From £69 online fare for car + 1 is available for midweek travel (Tue – Wed) up to 30th June 2010 on the Pembroke / Rosslare and Holyhead / Dublin Cruise Ferry Services. Must be booked 28 days in advance of travel date and before 28th Feb 2010. Additional adults £23, Additional Kids £13. Telephone booking supplement £10. Motor home supplement £25. Amendment fee £10 each way plus any increase in fare. Cancellation fee up to 48 hours 50%. Within 48 hrs 100%. Subject to availability. This fare cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offer or promotions .
Additional Adult – £23
Additional Child (4 – 15 Years) – £13
Infants (0-3 years) – FREE
Club Class – From £16 per passenger Relax and enjoy extra comfort in our Club Class lounges from just £16 per passenger. With priority boarding, complimentary drinks & snacks, as well as newspapers in a reserved lounge – it’s a luxury you can afford.
Van + 2 – from £149Check your van dimensions here. Vans higher than 2.6 metres and/or longer than 6 metres may be booked at www.irishferriesfreight.com
Motorcycle + Driver – from £49
Trailers under 3m – from £45
Caravans under 8m – Cheapest on daylight Cruise Ferry sailings from £69
Caravans over 8m – from £150
Motorhome Supplement – from £30
Save 25% off our best available hotel rates this winter. 25% off on booking. at bestwestern.co.uk
Why pay the whole amount when you can save big time on hotel bills? Best Western Hotels offers great deals when you book your stay during the months of January and February. Hurry! Book online today for a stay at any of the Best Western Hotels befor 28th of February, 2010 and get this amazing offer. Not just that, you also get another 25% off a stay between 1st March and 31st August 2010, if you book your January or February stay. Have a great vacation with this double deal at Best Western.
Description:
To make a winter stay with us even cosier, we’re giving you a 25% discount when you snuggle up at a Best Western hotel between January 1st and February 28th 2010.
With prices from as little as £34.50* per room per night including breakfast and over 250 fantastic hotels taking part in this promotion, why not jump into bed with the UK’s leading group of independently owned and run hotels?
PLUS you can enjoy another 25%* off a spring or summer break!
When the weather starts to warm up a little, we’ll keep things interesting with another 25% discount! When you book your January or February stay, we’ll send you a voucher for a further 25% off a stay between 1st March and 31st August 2010!
Procedure for Booking:
- Book online today by using the search panel or by clicking on a hotel in the participation list on the website and viewing the details of your chosen hotel.
- Book your break by checking availability and following the online booking process.
- Alternatively you can book by calling 0845 250 8068 quoting “25OFF”
Thomson Al Fresco – Special Offers – Vilanova Park, Costa Dorada + Le Pianacce, Tuscany
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The following Special Offers from Thomson Al Fresco have just been released:-
7 nights for 2 adults and up to 4 children sharing a Vivaldi mobile home at Vilanova Park, Costa Dorada, Spain arriving between 27-Mar to 15-Apr was £479 Now £299 Saving £180
7 nights for 2 adults and up to 3 children sharing a Puccini mobile home at Le Pianacce, Tuscany, Italy arriving between 27-May to 06-Jun was £512 Now £299 Saving £213
Terms apply. Book by 31/3/2010. Subject to availability.
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Alpha Rooms – Cheap Holidays in Canaries – £134.49 for 7 Nights in Lanzarote
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Europa in Puerto Del Carmen Lanzarote
15 Apr 10 for 7 nights
Self Catering
Including flights
£134.49 per person
Maga in Puerto De La Cruz Tenerife
14 Apr 10 for 7 nights
Bed & Breakfast
Including flights
£147.08 per person
Palmeramar in Puerto Rico Gran Canaria
08 Oct 10 for 7 nights
Room Only
Including flights
£163.58 per person
Dunas Stella Jandia Resort Aparthotel in Jandia Fuerteventura
18 Apr 10 for 7 nights
Half Board
Including flights
£239.48 per person
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Fairtrade Fourtnight 2010 – Win a Hamper of Fairtrade Products worth £50 with Blue Chip Vacations
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For this year`s Fairtrade Fortnight entitled The Big Swap, we`re asking you to swap your usual stuff for Fairtrade stuff for just 2 weeks. All that is required is one million and one swaps to show that the people of the UK want producers in the developing world to get a fairer deal.
To help you do your bit we`re placing all bookings made before 4pm on Sunday 14th February 2010 for holidays arriving 22nd February and 7th March 2010 into a draw to win a hamper of Fairtrade products worth £50 to enjoy on your holiday.
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The Cary Arms 50% Discount Promotional Offer with Blue Chip Vacations – Prices from only £770pw
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If you`ve ever wanted a taste of the celebrity lifestyle then The Cary Arms will do exactly that! From the winding descent down to the breathtaking view from the beach at the bottom, it is obvious you are entering an exclusive and intimate holiday experience that you`ll cherish forever! And with prices halved until 31st March you can enjoy a truly luxurious break from only £770pw!
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Save up to 20% on Easter Breaks with Blue Chip Vacations
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Just as winter turns to spring, the temperatures rise and flowers begin to blossom, Easter is the perfect time to take a well-deserved break. Why not make the most of the long weekend and pack your bags and come and enjoy the scenery, sights and sea the South West has to offer?
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