Holidays are often fun—but they can also be expensive. Flights, hotels, food, tours—it all adds up. That’s why I was shocked when I went on a week-long holiday that cost me less than half of what I expected. I didn’t find it online, and I didn’t get it from a big-name brand. I found it through a small, travel agency that gave me the best deal of my life.
Here’s how it happened—and how you can find one of these gems too.
I Wasn’t Even Planning a Trip
It started with no real plan. I had some days off work and thought, “It would be nice to go somewhere warm.” I opened a few travel websites and searched for flights to Spain. The prices were high, even for budget airlines. Then I looked at hotel prices—and things got worse.
Most holiday deals were over £800. I didn’t want to spend that much on a quick getaway. I almost gave up the idea.
Then a friend told me, “Try that tiny travel agency in town. They helped me last year, and they know secret packages.”
Discovering the Gem
I walked into a small office called SunWay Travels. It was easy to miss—a little shop between a bakery and a shoe store. Inside, a lady named Neeta smiled and asked how she could help.
I told her I had a tight budget but wanted a sunny break. She asked a few simple questions:
- Beach or city?
- How many days?
- Solo or group?
- Flexible with dates?
She said, “Give me 15 minutes.”
The Surprise Deal
After a short wait, Neeta came back with a big smile and a printed page.
She said, “I have a 5-night package to Algarve, Portugal. Flights, hotel, breakfast, and transfers. All for £379.”
I blinked. “Wait—everything included?”
“Yes,” she said. “It’s a special agency-only deal. It’s not on the big websites.”
I booked it right there.
The Holiday Experience
The flight was with a major airline, not a no-name carrier. The hotel was clean, quiet, and just a 5-minute walk from the beach. The room had a balcony with a view. The breakfast was fresh and tasty. And the transfers were right on time.
I spent five days swimming, walking in the sun, trying local food, and reading by the sea. I didn’t worry about spending too much because everything important was already covered.
It was relaxing, beautiful, and exactly what I needed.
Why the Price Was So Low
I asked Neeta how the deal was so cheap. She said:
- Some tour companies release low-priced “unsold” packages to agents at the last minute
- Smaller agencies often get deals from local suppliers
- These offers are not listed on public websites
- Many people never know they exist unless they ask
Because her agency worked directly with travel wholesalers, she got access to prices I could never find online.
What I Learned
Here are a few key things I learned from this experience:
- Small travel agencies can offer big value – Don’t skip the ones without fancy websites.
- Personal service matters – A 10-minute chat saved me hundreds of pounds.
- Timing is everything – Being flexible helped me grab a great deal.
- All-in-one packages reduce stress – Flights, hotel, and transfers were sorted in one go.
- Not all deals are online – Some of the best prices are offline, available only to agents.
Online Booking vs Travel Agency Deals
| Feature | Online Booking | Travel Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Prices | Can be high during peak times | Often lower through agent-only offers |
| Support | You’re on your own | Real person to help if things go wrong |
| Flexibility | You choose everything | Agent can build around your needs |
| Extras | Usually add-ons | Often included in the package |
| Stress Level | High if you’re unsure | Low—everything is handled for you |
Final Thoughts
My trip to Portugal turned out to be the cheapest, easiest, and most peaceful holiday I’ve ever had—and it only happened because I trusted a small travel agency instead of doing everything online.
If you’re looking for value, skip the usual booking sites for once. Visit a local or smaller agency. You might find a gem just like I did.
Need help finding those secret deals? Reach out to a trusted Cheap Flights provider like EasyFares.uk. They work with real travel experts who can help you discover amazing holidays for less—without the stress.
Your next best holiday might be waiting where you least expect it.