I live in a small town in the Midwest which can be challenging in finding flights with decent prices to places overseas. The Holmes Travel Agency was recommended by the RS people and I just wondered what experiences any might have had with them. I know that there is a fee to use them which is not a concern but just am curious as to their expertise.
Posted by
Tigard, OR, USA
1068 posts
I have used them twice, based on the recommendations of RS. Had different sales-persons both times and they were both helpful. In one case I had problems booking a flight which met my requirements, followed by a second tour after the RS tour was over. The sales person was extremely helpful and found both a flight and tour for me that met my criteria. The second time, I was looking to see an area of a country (so just a short excursion) after a RS tour was over. The salesperson came up with loads of ideas, but none of them worked well....but it was good to look at tours which the salesperson vouched for (she said her customers had taken these tours and liked them.) So I have been pleased with their service.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you, Ray. That was exactly the type of comment that I was hoping to receive. A personal experience is so much more valuable than just a routine recommendation. I appreciate your answering my query.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17428 posts
They do have a very good reputation here in Seattle. I used them in 2007 to book an open-jaw flight on SAS that I could not get on the website. (The SAS website was pretty klunky in those days). I paid something like $50 service fee per ticket, which was OK.
The one thing to know about tickets booked through a travel agent is that if you want any changes, you must go through the agency, not the airline. That is fine if it is a reputable and responsive agency.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you, Lola. I have only received good recommendations. I believe that is the way for me to go. I sincerely appreciate your reply. Joan
Posted by
oklahoma
1022 posts
Only time I used them was to book a hotel room on their website for my April 2016 RS Holland/Belgium tour. We stayed in Brussels three days prior to the start of our tour. All was fine . Never used any others assistance with them.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you, Kim, for your reply. Due to the replies I have received, I have decided to utilize their services. Joan