Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use an independent travel agent instead of booking via an online site or directly with the resort?
There are so many reasons!
First and foremost, we really care about your holiday experience. We want you to have an incredible time, tell everyone about it and come back to book with us time and time again. Building long-term relationships with our clients is so important to us and helps us gain a better understanding of your preferences, creating even more tailored and personalised experiences.
We have in-depth destination and supplier knowledge and can provide personalised recommendations tailored to you and your family. As independent travel agents, we can create customized itineraries based on your interests, preferences, and budget, suggesting unique experiences, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and hidden gems to make your trip memorable.
We can help you get the most from your budget. Whether the budget is big or small, getting the best possible value for it is important to us all. We have the expertise to find the best deals, avoid unnecessary expenses, and maximise the value of your travel budget.
We can save you time and stress. Planning a trip can be time-consuming and overwhelming. As independent travel agents, we take care of all the research, bookings and logistics, saving you valuable time and ensuring a relaxed, hassle-free experience.
We can provide valuable guidance on visa requirements, travel insurance, health and safety precautions, and other important aspects of travel. We stay updated with the latest travel trends and regulations, ensuring a smooth and informed journey and should unexpected situations arise, knowing that you have a dedicated professional on hand to help navigate any challenges provides peace of mind.
Does it cost more to use book with you?
No, we do not charge a fee for our service and instead earn from the commission built intrinsically into a booking. Commission is built into every facet of travel and this is the same whether you book through an agent, via an online booking platform, or directly with the supplier. The only difference is who receives the commission and so by using an independent travel agent, you are getting the benefit of putting this commission portion to work for you, rather than the hotel or booking engine simply keeping it. (If you would like to earn this commission yourself instead, please see our Become An Agent page for details).
Can you help me find the best deals and discounts for my trip?
Yes absolutely, We have great relationships with many different suppliers - and so can shop around for the best value and be more creative with suggestions and itineraries. We have price parity with suppliers meaning it’s the same price whether you book through us or directly and we often have access to exclusive deals, promotions, and discounted rates that may not be available to the general public, or by booking direct.
What can I book with you?
Almost anything! We can book packages or hotels or flights only, cruises, adventure holidays, villas, golf holidays, ski trips, Disney, weekends away, city breaks, safaris, honeymoons, fly-drive and island hopping and more. We can book holidays for solo travellers, couples, families, multi-generational getaways, weddings and honeymoons and travel for business and events. We can even organise tickets to the theatre, concerts and major sporting events plus all the holiday extras such as airport transfers, car hire, excursions, travel insurance and even private jets - just ask!
Do I need to pay in full at the time of booking?
Generally speaking, you can pay a deposit amount and then the balance spread or in full several weeks prior to the date of departure (the precise timelines vary from supplier to supplier). However, you may need to pay for the air travel portion of your trip at the time of booking. Travel booked quite close to the departure date may need to be paid in full at the time of booking, but we can advise you accordingly if this will be the case and work with particular suppliers that suit your payment references.
What if I need to cancel or change a booking?
Cancellation policies vary from supplier to supplier, but we will always be able to confirm the cancellation details before you need to confirm your holiday booking. Amendments are usually not a problem, availability-dependent of course. In our experience, our suppliers are usually very accommodating in these circumstances, however, travel insurance is strongly recommended and mandatory in some cases.
How is my holiday protected?
We do not hold any monies within Bright New Adventures. Once you confirm your booking, payments due are made directly to the suppliers upon your authorisation and in accordance with GDPR, so you can rest assured that your payments have been directly applied to your holiday reservations. Our holidays are ATOL and ABTA-protected so you can book with complete confidence. (Many well-known online booking sites are not bonded with ABTA).
What suppliers do you work with?
Our travel partners are recognised by every major travel supplier, including every resort and hotel brand, cruise line, holiday/vacation company, car rental agency and tour operator in the world. We have over 80 preferred suppliers with whom we have close working relationships, many of these only work with agents, but some household names include: Disney, ClubMed, Mr & Mrs Smith, Virgin Voyages, Royal Carribean, Olympic, Marriott, Hilton, Holiday Extras, Jumeriah and Plum Guide, to name a few of our favourites.
How do I book with you?
Simply get in touch via our Contact Page, or schedule a travel chat in the calendar below, it’s a great way to meet you and we can do it over the phone or Zoom. If you know the basics - destination, budget, number of guests in the party and their ages, duration of holiday, dates (or approximate if you’re flexible on dates), board basis (e.g. all inclusive), departure airport etc., that’s great. But don’t worry if not, we’ll help refine the details as we chat.