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29
Sept 2022
The Harrogate travel specialists helping to create life-long memories
Phil and Melanie O'Boyle founded TravelGate to deliver the kind of service they would want to receive from a travel agent: personalised, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile.
This article is sponsored by TravelGate.
A husband and wife team in Harrogate are making it their mission to create the best possible memories for people across the district.
Phil and Melanie O'Boyle founded TravelGate to deliver the kind of service they would want to receive from a travel agent: personalised, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile.
The pair have been running the firm for seven years and are just completing their busiest summer ever. Phil said:
"It can take a huge amount of time to book your own holiday, and it can be stressful, trying to coordinate all the elements and get exactly what you want.
"Using an independent agent takes all that away, especially for people who are time poor.
"We get a lot of repeat custom from people who've appreciated the service they get from us, letting them just turn up and enjoy their holiday.
"And the more we work with people, the more we get to know them and can make recommendations of places we know they'll love.
"It's fantastic when you reach the stage where they just say, 'you tell me - where should we go?' and you know exactly the right thing."
One of the most remarkable things about TravelGate is the huge range of holidays it can offer to customers.
From simply booking flights for those who might be staying with family abroad, to delivering tailor-made, once-in-a-lifetime adventures around the world, they have seen and done it all.
Independent travel agents
Not only can they make their own recommendations, but their close contacts in the industry mean they are always able to source new hotels and resorts which they know will be a good fit. As independent travel agents, they can access deals which aren't always open to others, building relationships with hoteliers and reps around the world.
They also keep in touch with customers old and new, hearing about their experiences and using their tips to make recommendations to others. Melanie said:
"We get emails from people while they're on holiday telling us how much fun they're having - even sending us holiday snaps.
"It's really lovely knowing we've made sure they got what they wanted and are creating memories.
"That feedback also helps us to make recommendations for them in the future, and to other customers who are considering the same destination."
When it comes to destinations, Phil and Melanie cover the whole world, and have customers flung far and wide at any given time.
As well as traditional summer package holidays from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, they work a lot with people who want to visit sout-east Asia, make the most of a trip to Australasia, or try a roadtrip across America.
Keeping everything on track
Though nobody likes to consider what happens when things go wrong, it is in these cases that a knowledgeable, independent travel agent comes into their own.
Whether it's a cancelled flight or queries over transfers, dealing with any minor hiccups on holiday can be stressful, especially taking into account language and other barriers.
Phil and Melanie are always on hand - even having a phone at home to take out-of-hours calls - to step in and ensure things get back on track.
"We're getting a lot of new customers at the moment who have never spoken to us before, but who perhaps haven't been away for a few years and just want that added reassurance of having someone to contact if they need anything.
"Booking without an agent is a risk: you don't know whether it will live up to the promises you see online or in a brochure.
"Whatever your budget and wherever your destination, a holiday is a big deal. You want it to be right and you want to feel you've got value for your money.
"That's what we're all about: making sure that investment delivers the experiences and memories that make it all worthwhile."
You can contact TravelGate by phone on 01423 210 580, email on enquiries@gotravelgate.co.uk or message the TravelGate Facebook page.
What the customers say
There's no better recommendation than that of someone who has used the service themselves.
TravelGate has hundreds of happy customers who are more than happy to return - and recommend the company to their friends.
Some recent comments sent to Phil and Melanie from around the world include:
Australia and New Zealand
"This is our last night of what has been an unforgettable trip. You know we were very nervous about travelling to Australia and New Zealand but the time you spent with us putting the trip together and going through everything with us a few days before we travelled put us at ease.
"It was a complicated itinerary but everything has gone so smoothly. My sister recommended you to us and we will definitely be using TravelGate for all our future holidays. Thank you both so much."
Canada
"Wow wow wow – Canada is amazing. Beyond all our expectations.
"There are so many highlights. The Rocky Mountaineer has always been on our bucket list and did not disappoint.
"Memories of watching grizzly bears from our lodge in British Columbia will stay with us forever. We can’t wait to get over to Niagara Falls on Tuesday.
"Everything has been perfect so far and we cant thank you enough for everything you have done for us."
Europe
"I just wanted to say thank you finding such a brilliant holiday for us. The resort was fantastic, Lake Geneva was beautiful and the hotel was stunning.
"The temperature was just right for us and there was the perfect mix of activities to keep everyone busy. We would definitely go back and if you know of any other resorts like this we could try them too!
"Thanks for all your help and hard work on our behalf."
Ski trip
"Just wanted to say we're having a lovely time skiing this week. The hotel you chose for us is absolutely great, plenty of snow and even the sun is shining. Thank you for organising another great family holiday!"
Beach holiday
"Just wanted to send you a quick message to say what a find this hotel is. We are currently sitting on the private beach which is stunning. We are loving it and it’s just perfect! A big thank you!"
Florida
"We arrived in Longboat Key yesterday after an action packed Disney week. It all went brilliantly well and we all created life long memories.
"Our apartment at Longboat Key Resort is exceptional. We all love it here. Great choice of resorts guys. Thank you for all your help.
"The boys and I are playing golf tomorrow and the girls are going horse riding on the beach.
"Magical!"
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