I posted this question early in the week but I think it must have disappeared into a black hole somewhere, so fingers crossed this time.

When we book a holiday by phone the Advisor has in front of them the number of places available for that particular holiday and how many people have already booked. My question is, would it be possible for this to be made available for us all to see if we look at the holiday on line?

On the odd occasion I have asked how many people have already booked on particular dates as it has swayed me towards which date to choose and I recently asked an Advisor how many places were available for an add-on as I didn't want to miss out.

I know the number of places available differ from holiday to holiday. I like to be with a smaller number of people rather than a large number. 15-20 suits me fine as you can get to know nearly everyone, 20-25 is a bit of a push but doable, over that is an impossible task, for me anyway.

Holidays are always a worry. It could be there aren't enough people booked and the holiday is cancelled at the last minute. It could be one date fills quickly and others are much quieter, which for some would suit better.

Nearly every day people ask how many are booked on particular holiday dates. Could a column be added under the heading of departures or maybe adapt the 'available' column on line somehow so we can all see what the Advisor sees?

Kind regards

Avocet

Firstly, thank-you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. As you know we are always open to hearing yours comments, feedback and suggestions.

In terms of showing the total number of places available on a tour and the number of places left to book on the trip, it's a bit of a double edged sword.

Like you, some travellers prefer to travel with a smaller group and book on the departure with the lower number. This is great - it increases the chance of the date operating as we near the minimum numbers required.

More travellers however, like the security of knowing that the tour will be confirmed to operate sooner rather than later and they may choose a date with more travellers over their preferred date. That one traveller could be the difference between their preferred date operating and it being cancelled.

With this in mind, at the moment it means not actively advertising the numbers that have booked even though we will be more than happy to share this information with travellers here on the community or if they speak with one of our advisers.

Kindest regards

Julia

Hi Avocet,

Firstly, thank-you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. As you know we are always open to hearing yours comments, feedback and suggestions.

In terms of showing the total number of places available on a tour and the number of places left to book on the trip, it's a bit of a double edged sword.

Like you, some travellers prefer to travel with a smaller group and book on the departure with the lower number. This is great - it increases the chance of the date operating as we near the minimum numbers required.

More travellers however, like the security of knowing that the tour will be confirmed to operate sooner rather than later and they may choose a date with more travellers over their preferred date. That one traveller could be the difference between their preferred date operating and it being cancelled.

With this in mind, at the moment it means not actively advertising the numbers that have booked even though we will be more than happy to share this information with travellers here on the community or if they speak with one of our advisers.

Kindest regards

Julia

Many thanks for your reply Julia. The reason I asked the question is I have a holiday coming up where a large number of people have booked. Although I asked how many had already booked at the time I booked I neglected to ask the question of how many places were available, I think I had in my minds eye 25, when its now obvious it was a lot more than that.

I am in the very fortunate position (and I really do know how lucky I am) to have completed all my "must do" holidays with JY bar one, which is a new holiday for next year, and that really IS a "must do" so I hope there will be enough people for it not to be cancelled rather than how big the group is.

I now know in future to ask how many places are available for a holiday and will probably leave it as long a possible before I book, after I have found out the numbers already booked. If I miss out, well there are many beautiful places in GB that I have yet to visit. I now rely on Will and the team to come up with something new and exciting every time a new brochure comes out, I am sure they are already thinking well ahead.

Have a great weekend.

Avocet