Five Star Service (Thomas Cook)

Member Name: rachelew

Product:	Thomas Cook
Date:	01/07/09 (63 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Helpful staff, wide range of holidays

Disadvantages: Not all holiday options are on the website

I went to Thomas Cook today and booked a holiday...so this review is bang up to date!

Thomas Cook is a large chain of travel agents with branches all around the globe. They are one of the best known and longest established travel agents in the world. They are certainly instantly recognisable on most high streets in the UK.

Thomas Cook offer booking services for hotels, flights and package holidays around the world. Summer, winter, skiing and UK holidays are also available. Brochures are free, and you can call in to any branch and pick them up to take home and browse through. They do have a website, but my experience with booking the holiday I booked today is that not every holiday or option is on the website, so it's probably best to go in to the branch and book it there. There are savings to be made booking online if you just want to look for a package holiday somewhere.

Thomas Cook also have a Bureau de change where you can purchase your holiday money. I haven't used their services, but have heard they are very good and don't charge commission.

So, my experience at the branch today. Firstly, the lady who dealt with my booking was exceptionally friendly, helpful and smartly dressed. I wanted to book a villa in the south of France and book the travel separately by train, so it wasn't a standard package booking. She made numerous calls to get me the best deals and ensured I understood everything. There were no hidden charges, everything was upfront and very simple and straightforward. I've booked my last few holidays via the internet, and although convenient, there was something nice today about going to the travel agents and seeing someone face to face. The service I received was first class.

The branch itself was nicely laid out, clean and bright. All the staff were very smartly dressed. Best of all, they had fantastic air conditioning so I was nice and cool on what had to be the hottest day of 2009 so far. I didn't have to wait and there were plenty of staff on hand.

My husband and I asked for Thomas Cook vouchers as wedding presents earlier in the year, so we are using these to pay for the holiday. It's a great idea if you are getting married and don't need another toaster or dinner service. Vouchers can be bought online or over the counter at branches of Thomas Cook. They don't have an expiry date and can be redeemed against any holiday, flight, hotel that Thomas Cook sell. We are even able to pay for our Eurostar and train tickets with them. The only thing you can't use them for is to buy currency.

My experience booking with Thomas Cook has been relaxed, enjoyable and really easy. I can't recommend them highly enough.

Summary: Great face to face service.