Poster: A snowHead
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Started this thread http://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?p=720197&highlight=couples#720197 to get some advice on possibilities for me and the other half to go away this winter but just want some further advice on whether there are any tour operators that specialise in hols for couples?
Been checking the regulars (Crystal, neilson, Inghams etc) but whenever I do a holiday search, there's always a supplement because we are travelling as a pair. Seems most alpine accomodation is designed to cater for four, which is where the TO's make their cash.
Suggestions please
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Just realised, maybe a mod could move this to the resorts thread? Thought I was in there when posting... doh!
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Specialman, I'm surprised by your comment about couples. Are you looking for a specific type of accommodation or resort (ie self catering in France?). Whenever my paretns have been, it has been a straightforward double room in a hotel or pension. It's me, in the single room that attracts the surcharges.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Elizabeth B, I think he's referring to Self catering accomodation, which usually starts at 4ppl per room, hence the supplements. Sometimes its best to book it seperately yourself- as by going direct you often pay for the whole apartment rather than per person. Or HB in a hotel can be cheaper for couples.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Specialman, if you are looking for self catering, it might be best to book direct, as Nadenoodlee says, as you then book by the apartment, or chalet, not "per person". But if you wanted to use a tour operator then bear in mind that nobody who wasn't very hard up would ever want to cram as many people as there are potential beds in a small apartment - so the supplement might represent good value! Depending on where, and when, you want to go there are masses of very good privately owned chalets and apartments to rent, just do a google search.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Specialman, if you're booking self-catering, it would definitely work out cheaper to book the property directly with the owner, or via the tourist office.
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Specialman, if you are booking as a couple - forget apartments and book into a hotel! Although the price/person is normally a lot higher than S/C, by the time you take into account the supplements there is usually very little in the OVERALL price
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Also, a lot of tour ops advertise places as sleeping 4 when they're really 2+2 (ie. 2 on the sofabed). That way they can advertise Super-cheap headline grabbing prices!! (based on 4 sharing and one on the balcony) and then add on the surcharges for 'underoccupancy' if you don't want your stay to feel like third class train travel on the Indian subcontinent.
As above - self catering: book direct
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Specialman, If you want to go self catering it is simple. Book directly with estate agents in the resort. Provided you dont want to go during half term holidays it is by far cheaper. DIY flights, transfers and accomodation it is very very easy. You will also save a bundle on TO prices. You can decide whether you want a 2 piece or a Studio. Studios can sometimes be the same size (rough generalisation) as a 2 piece and if you only need to sleep, wash and cook go DIY. Where do you want to go?
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Specialman, Try http://www.ernalow.co.uk/ They price by appartment. Usually self drive, deduct £150 if not using their crossing. I have previously compared direct price to theirs and has been no cheaper.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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admin, You're completely right though – you can go on any of the major TOs websites and see "seven nights in resort X for £149" but rarely you'll be able to book it as just a couple.
Cheers all. Done a bit of digging and it seems that it's a case of just either A) putting up with the supplements (which being a tight Yorkshireman isn't gonna happen in a million years), B) go for places I can book just for two, even if they are not in the places I want to go (again, not the greatest idea), or C) doing it 'DIY' style.
DIY it is then unless I can brow beat the peeps taking the phone orders at Crystal or Neilson into giving a last-minute hol to me supplement-free - fat chance!!!
Will keep you posted.....
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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..Ah ha! Found a bookmark on my web browser I'd made ages ago (I think when someone on here directed me to the site) - www.alpineelements.co.uk.
A bit pricey but at the moment, there are some good deals for catered chalet accomodation, flights, transfers and a free lift pass for under £500pp. I like the sound of getting stuck in with a load of other people I don't know in a chalet for a week.
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