Simon Calder's Holiday Helpdesk: What do you think about Austravel?
Every day our travel guru answers your travel questions

Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Q. Could you please tell me what you think about Austravel as a company? We would like to use them when we travel to Australia at the end of the year.
Les Collins
A. I must have spent a good few thousand pounds over the years with Austravel, an experienced and competent agent. Twenty-five years ago, the company was instrumental in putting Australia on the map as a realistic holiday destination, when it arranged charter flights to the country – with fares below £500 for the first time, a revolutionary price point.
The company is now a subsidiary of Europe’s biggest holiday firm, TUI, and therefore financially rock solid.
But before you hand over your cash, shop around to see if another agent can improve on the price or service. Two other big competitors are Trailfinders and DialAFlight, and many other specialists are worth considering.
Click HERE to email Simon.
You can also tweet him your questions @SimonCalder
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments