FRONTLINE Cheltenham
Central Valleys of Oaxaca, Mexico
Miles Morgan Travel 18 ROTUNDA TERRACE
IMPRESSION: The shop was small yet inviting with elegant windows and eye-catching displays. The employees looked smart.
SERVICE: I was greeted and helped straightaway. The agent looked at brochures and online, and rang for flight details. I was asked if I wanted to secure the booking as a flights sale would soon end. Insurance and car parking were mentioned but no quotes were given.
QUOTES: The first was for Kuoni’s 12-night Mexico Explorer, flying from Heathrow with British Airways in October. The small-group escorted tour would visit Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque, Campeche, Mérida and Cancun. The agent said it would cost £6,496, but that there was a similar Kuoni trip for £4,977 if we wanted to pay less. The second quote was for a 10-day tailor-made tour with Cox & Kings, flying from Heathrow with British Airways, for £7,520. This tour would visit Cancun, Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, San Cristobal de las Casas, Palenque, Campeche, Merida and Chichen Itza. The agent said it was more expensive because it was more luxurious.
OVERALL: The agent seemed interested in finding the right holiday and listened closely. However, both quotes were overbudget, especially the second one, although a cheaper option was mentioned.
85%
travelweekly.co.uk
Worlds Apart Travel 15 CLARENCE PARADE
IMPRESSION: The shop was tidy, the employees were smart, and there was plenty in the window displays.
SERVICE: I was greeted and served immediately by a friendly agent, who found some brochures and then looked online. They said they did not know much about Mexico but talked about someone they knew who had been. They said tours are a great way to explore and, although the area was safe, sometimes it was better to be with others than alone. I had to ask for the details as I wanted to discuss them with my wife. The agent mentioned insurance but nothing was quoted.
QUOTES: Both were 14-night holidays departing from Heathrow with British Airways in September, visiting Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca and other sites. The first was an Exodus tour, Mayans, Aztecs and Conquistadors, for £6,498. The agent emailed later to say they could offer a discount of £180 thanks to their new Concierge Club. The second quote was for Intrepid’s Mexico Unplugged tour, offering hotels for 13 nights and one night in a bus. The land tour was £2,000 and flights were estimated to cost £2,000, so a total of about £4,000.
OVERALL: The agent was welcoming and passionate about the holidays. But the first option was well overbudget, while the second was well under.
81% 20 FEBRUARY 2020 45 45
This outstanding brand new five-star adults-only all- inclusive resort is situated on the beautiful coast of Playa Mujeres in Cancun. Its innovative atmosphere blends harmoniously with the breathtaking natural landscape. Created as an authentic masterpiece by Mexican creatives, Atelier Playa Mujeres will take guests into a new luxury experience, where art, technology, nature and experiences are combined to set
up a new world of relaxation. O Brand-new, five-star, adults- only, all-inclusive resort
O Located in the Playa Mujeres private gated community
O 1,360sq m Infinity Pool O Art and Design Gallery O 429 beautiful suites O Eight restaurants offering the finest flavours
O Total relaxation at NUUP SPA O Access to the Greg Norman- designed golf course
THE TOP-SCORING AGENT EACH
WEEK BAGS A £25
AMAZON VOUCHER, COURTESY OF ATELIER PLAYA MUJERES
PICTURE: Shutterstock
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
