Anna, Author at Travel Industry Discounts

Although primarily renowned for their luxury hotels in India, the 5* hotel chain Oberoi Hotels have two little gems in Bali & Lombok. They are currently offering a Travel Trade Special Rate for these two properties for Indonesia’s low season (November through March). Although low season does coincide with the ‘rains’ – these predominantly fall in January & February – but even then at a fraction of what you might find in other monsoon hit areas of Asia. November is especially is a lovely time to hit these islands in Indonesia’s ‘Ring of Fire’.

We especially recommend the gorgeous resort of the Oberoi Lombok, sat as on it’s own private beach overlooking the Gili Islands (perfect for combining with some snorkelling or even recovering from a full moon party on Gili Trawangan!).

At first glance the rates do not look too special – a flat US$250, with consumer rates on their website around US$315 after tax – but most direct bookings do not include a lavish breakfast which will put you back another US$20 each. The two day maximum stay seems rather ungenerous, but both Bali & Lombok are made for exploring!

However, these are undoubtably wonderful 5* hotels that will be the highlight of your stay. Also Upgrades to Higher Room Categories are offered subject to availability at check-in – and in the low season you’d be unlucky to not get an upgrade.

Look at combining with the Alila Ubud on Bali (trade rates through Design Hotels: http://www.tidiscounts.com/2014/09/03/design-hotels/ or the Novotel Lombok on the beautiful untouched south coast of Bali (via Accor: http://www.tidiscounts.com/2014/09/12/accor-hotels/)

Link: http://www.oberoihotels.com/
Details: US$250 prpn Oberoi Bali (Luxury Lanai Garden View) or Oberoi Lombok (Luxury Pavilion Garden View) including all taxes and breakfast.
Book by: No book by date, but valid for stays 01 Nov – 20 Dec 2014 & 10 Jan – 31 Mar 2015)
Eligibility: Available to Travel Agents Only – ID Required upon check-in
Ease Of Use: Easy – e-mail their Director of Sales Sukesi Windyarini on [email protected] to book.

For those of us that have a rare weekend off, the chance to disappear for a cheap weekend has declined with the cynical increase in taxes & fuel surcharge and the disappearance of the truly £1 flight (anyone else remember Ryanair £1 fares showing in GDS’s?!).

Or perhaps you’re one of the many that just prefer a leisurely train journey to your destination, with the opportunity to stretch your legs en-route to an early lunch in Brussels / Calais / Paris? Eurostar have always offered very popular Agent Fares, but not everyone is aware of their existence.

Agent fares are £59 return (Standard) and £119 in Standard Premier which offers more space in a 1-2 seating (compared to 2-2) and a light meal.

However, savings are minimal (normally £10 over the cheapest fares) when booked far in advance. Last minute availability is poor in Standard, but tends to be better in Standard Premier even in July & August, where you can often save over £100 per person, so best value comes by travelling in a little more comfort and style!

Bookings can be made by calling the dedicated agents concession line (03448 224888), but before you do that you can check availability in your GDS – Look for ‘G’ class for Standard Premier or ‘N’ class for Standard (but do not hold the seats, as Eurostar will issue them)

You can also book on the Eurostar train to Disneyland, although you will struggle to find any availability in school holidays.

Checking a weekend trip to PAris 3 months in advance for October (10-13 October), compared to the cheapest available consumer fares, you would save £20 per person travelling in Standard and £40 on Standard Premier, so not savings to be sniffed at!

It’s always worth checking the regular Eurostar website as there are regular special offers that could gazump any savings made by agents rates.

Link: www.eurostar.com
Details: Regular Eurostar Sale fares, but year round.
Book by: Ongoing, but embargoed for travel between 1730 and 1900 on Friday evenings.
Eligibility: All agents must carry agency ID as spot checks will be carried out at terminals. Agent rates valid for yourself and up to 3 companions.
For more details see: http://www.eurostar4agents.com/a-z/agents_rates.htm
Ease of use: If you can check availability in a GDS prior to calling, it’s very straightforward.