Bagging a bargain with Thomas Cook and finding an authentic rental in Scotland: The Holiday Guru serves up some top travel tips

  • If you book with Thomas Cook you will not lose cash if the firm collapses
  • Fancy playing golf in Belgium? Your Golf Travel offers a package deal 
  • Unique Cottages has places all over Scotland and their website is super-efficient 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Published: 22:00 BST, 24 May 2019 | Updated: 22:00 BST, 24 May 2019

Need some advice for planning the perfect break? The Holiday Guru is here to help. 

This week bagging a bargain with Thomas Cook, playing golf in Belgium and finding the right currency for a cruise stopping in the UAE, Bahrain and Oman are the hot topics. 

Q Given its financial troubles, is now a good time to bag a bargain on a Thomas Cook holiday? Is it safe to book with the company? John Peters, Gillingham, Kent

One reader is keen to know given Thomas Cook's financial troubles, if now is a good time to bag a bargain holiday. The Holiday Guru says 'yes'

One reader is keen to know given Thomas Cook’s financial troubles, if now is a good time to bag a bargain holiday. The Holiday Guru says ‘yes’ 

A Yes. Eleven nights self-catering at the Eryphilli apartments in Kefalonia is now £180pp, with Gatwick flights, later this month (thomascook.com). Trips are indeed safe – protected by ATOL, the Air Travel Organisers’ Licence, which guarantees you will not lose cash or become stranded if a firm collapses.

Q We are golfers looking to play in Belgium. Can you advise on travel, courses, hotels and sightseeing? 

Martin Bullen, via email.

A Your Golf Travel has two nights’ B&B at the four-star Martin’s Brussels EU hotel with two rounds at Golf Club Louvain La Neuve, Golf de Pierpont or Chateau de la Bawette Golf Club and a Eurotunnel car crossing from £205pp in July, based on four sharing (yourgolftravel.com, 020 7336 5873. There’s plenty to do in Brussels, or you could catch a train to Bruges (about an hour and ten minutes away).

Q What is the best currency to take on a cruise stopping at the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman? 

Mrs M. Bendon, Gwent.

Ahead of a cruise to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman, one reader wondered what would be the best currency to take. Above, the post of Muscat in Oman

Ahead of a cruise to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman, one reader wondered what would be the best currency to take. Above, the post of Muscat in Oman

Ahead of a cruise to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman, one reader wondered what would be the best currency to take. Above, the post of Muscat in Oman

A U.S. dollars, though sterling is easily exchangeable in the UAE and Oman. Cards are accepted in all three.

Q My family and I want to rent a house in Scotland. Can you recommend a company that offers value for money. We are not looking for super-deluxe, but something authentic and rural. Two dogs will be with us. 

Janet Bolton, York.

A Try Unique Cottages. They have places all over Scotland and their website is super-efficient. The company has been in business for 25 years and prides itself on repeat business. You should get value for money — and the dogs will have a great time. Visit unique-cottages.co.uk, 01835 822277.

Q Where is the best place close to the UK to try ski jumping year round?

Rob, Tamworth.

A During winter months, former world champion Tapio Raisanen offers lessons for beginners at the small ski resort of Taivalvaara in central Finland (taivalvaara.fi). In the summer, try the 35-metre jump into a lake at Tignes in the French Alps (en.tignes.net).

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

If you need advice, the Holiday Guru is here to answer your questions and provide tips for your precious time off. Send questions to: holidayplanner@dailymail.co.uk or write to Daily Mail Travel, Northcliffe House, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT — and include your contact details. We will do our best to answer your queries. Please do not send in any original documents. We look forward to hearing from you.

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