To continue with our popular Coach Operators Spotlight, here is the fourth of many interviews with our featured tour companies who specialise in coach holidays to many destinations across the globe. The questions remain the same for each tour operator and we’ll be putting them on the spot to find out what their favourite song is to listen to on-board, find out why more people should consider holidaying by coach, their favourite coach holiday (if they can remember it) and all the myths attached to the coaching world. This week the spotlight is on Harold Burke who is the Sales Director for Grand UK Holidays and this is what he has to say…
1. The hottest new destinations for 2012-13 are…
Holland, often combined with a river cruise, has been our number one destination for 2012 thanks to the once-in-a-decade event of Floriade and we are seeing other European holidays become more affordable as the exchange rate shifts in favour of sterling again. Our customers, being young at heart, also want new hobbies and activities to pursue, so we have added plenty of fresh themed breaks for 2012-13. We specialise in escorted tours for the over-55s, many of whom were teenagers in the 1960s, so we are finding our new rock & roll breaks are hitting all the right notes! Also a hit with our clients are TV-themed holidays such as Lark Rise to Downton Abbey and our new Cornwall on Camera tour. Holidays over the festive, Christmas and New Year period are also great crowd-pleasers, and for 2012 we have added a new range of ‘Festive House Parties’ in the UK to cater for the growing demand for seasonal themed breaks. Lesser known (but still beautiful) corners of Europe are being explored by a growing number of customers seeking out new destinations to explore, such as the Harz Mountains and the Istrian Riviera in Croatia.
2. The best/worst things about coach holidays are…
Best – They are great value for money; you don’t have to worry about your luggage; you can meet like-minded fellow holidaymakers; and our tour escorts and drivers aim to make the whole trip fun, friendly and stress-free. Worst – Sometimes people say coach trips are just for the mature market – but that suits our customers just fine, as it means they’re travelling with like-minded folk!
3. People should consider a coach holiday because…
Modern coaches are comfortable and offer a relaxed way to enjoy great scenery, friendly company and unbeatable value holidays. They’re also ideal for groups of friends, families or special interest societies and sports teams, as you can take advantage of group discounts. Plus you don’t need to be aged over 55, as our group travel division, can tailor-make holidays exclusively for groups of all interests and sizes. And for solo travellers too, we offer a chance to holiday in the UK without being penalised as we have a policy of no single supplements on all UK mainland holidays by coach.
4. The first time I travelled on a coach was…
In the early 1970s…things have changed and are much more luxurious now! You just have to see our new Grand UK Gold Holidays to see this transition from the old days.
5. My top tips for making the most out of a coach holiday are…
Ask your Tour Manager Escort for top recommendations and tips as they will know of places to visit if you have spare time. Look at deals across the year: sometimes there are some real bargains in the quieter seasons, so you will get a great price, but at the same resort, with fewer crowds around! There are holidays for every budget with breaks starting from £149pp, right up to affordable luxury. Think about coach trips as gifts too, we offer unique holidays such as our Anniversary breaks which are popular with those celebrating Ruby or Golden Weddings.
6. My favourite holiday (coach holiday if by coach) ever was…
Our regular reunions – each year Grand UK Holidays hosts a reunion holiday for customers and staff to have a week away, with lots of parties, competitions, dances and giveaways. The reunions are hugely entertaining and we look forward to them each year – as do our loyal customers, some of whom have been travelling with us for more than two decades.
7. The perfect song to listen to when on a coach holiday is…
Blue Moon (I’m a lifelong Manchester City fan…)
8. My suitcase essentials when on holiday are…
Manchester City shirt and scarf…iPod with Blue Moon…Mancini biography…
9. The most incorrect myth about coach holidays is…
Coaches are uncomfortable…our modern coaches are state-of-the-art and you also have the option to upgrade to our new luxurious coaches with extra legroom and other perks.
10. What’s different about your company?
We are a well-established privately owned firm which specialises in holidays for the over-55s, so all our staff know exactly what our customers want and expect from their holidays. Many of our staff have been with us for well over ten years, as have thousands of our customers thanks to our unrivalled value and friendly service.