Travel FAQ's

Many people know that I am a personal travel specialist, but not everybody understands what that means and how I can help you. Who can enquire with me and what costs might be involved. So below I am hoping to answer some of these questions...

What is a personal travel specialist?

A personal travel specialist is a travel professional who has access to many of the best deals out there in the travel world. Who can assist you with planning and booking a holiday and will be with you every step of the way through the journey. You deal with one person from your initial enquiry, through the booking stage, tickets and pre travel questions and also when you return.

Does it cost more to book with you?

No! Most of the time the holiday I sell you will be the same price as you can get with other travel agents. Sometimes I may be a little bit more expensive as some online retailers are able to cut costs as they concentrate on volume. These are the operators where you struggle to speak to someone if something goes wrong.

How do you earn money out of my booking? Do we pay you a fee?

I don’t charge a fee. I get paid a commission on the booking from the operator or if we have created a tailor made trip for you, my fee is built into the cost when I give it to you. I get paid on the booking when you travel.

Do you need a minimum budget before entertaining looking at a booking?

No. I will always ask the budget question, not because I won’t help you if the budget is too low, but in order to be able to advise you that the budget may be too low for your destination, and find the right trip for your destination and budget. It is not helpful if I quote a destination and hotels that don’t meet the budget and you think you can’t afford it. When a few small adjustments to resort or hotel give you a great holiday you can afford.

What does Brilliant Travel mean?

Brilliant Travel is a trading name of Barrhead Travel. The largest travel agency group in Scotland. I am a self employed homeworker trading as Brilliant Travel. This allows me to have access to a large number of suppliers and great rates. It also allows your money to be protected by both ABTA and ATOL membership and Package Travel Regulations.

Where do you focus on?

I sell holidays to anywhere. But I do have a few places that I am more of an expert in. Canada I have travelled to many times, including spending 5 ½ months travelling across Canada from Coast to Coast and much of the space in between. With just a backpack, tent and greyhound bus pass. Scandinavia for that unique different holiday. Alaska I was lucky enough to spend 5 weeks travelling around Alaska and whilst there was so much more to see, I definitely hit all of the highlights.

However this is not the extent of my knowledge, having been selling holidays for over 20 years, I have travelled extensively and have lots of expertise.

Is it travel or holidays? Aren’t they two different things?

I can help with both. The definition of travel is go from one place to another and I can help with this booking flights, ferries, cruise ships or trains, I can include places for you to stay so you can see the most of your destination. The definition of holiday is an extended period of leisure especially one spent away from home or travelling. I can book you a holiday where you stay in just one place, and are able to totally unwind and relax.

Do you do UK deals?

Yes. I have always done UK deals. With the uncertainty around travelling abroad right now, UK deals have become really popular. I can help with ideas you may not have considered.

Will it be possible to get a holiday in the UK this year?

Yes a UK holiday will be possible. You may however need to be flexible on dates ( not always possible, if you have set dates for leave or are tied to school holidays ) or location. Cornwall always a popular destination for many reasons is very busy. Why not switch to Scotland with some of the best beaches in the UK and in the summer lots of daylight hours.

Do you do travel for small businesses?

I can help with business travel for small companies, this can range from rail tickets to flights etc..

Has your business changed?

Yes massively. I had been trading for 18 months when the Pandemic hit and the world of travel changed. It has been a tough year, changing, cancelling and refunding bookings. With customers apprehensive about making bookings, however I am still here to offer advice and help my customers plan holidays.

Can you help me with questions around Brexit?

Yes. The impact of Brexit hasn’t been felt by many people yet as we haven’t been able to travel since the end of transition. But there are many areas of change from Passport validity, length of stay, healthcare and insurance, and duty free.