A funny conversation

 

On Friday evening, I was having a chat with Dale, my very own ( long suffering) travel agent about my upcoming trip.

We were chatting about things and I said a phrase that made him laugh, 'allocated on arrival'.

I'm not sure young gap year kids or even 20 somethings will fully appreciate this phrase.

And lets not mention Teletext holidays!

Ahhhh the good old days, when you could go into the travel agents, pay not very much and fly out in a matter of hours, 'allocated on arrival'. So this usually meant, going to Spain or Greece and as you walked out of the airport, gave your name to the 'rep' and be sent to a coach, only then would the surprise be revealed. Which resort and hotel you were going to.

Oh yes, going on holiday without reading a trip advisor review, to be honest there was no 'Trip Advisor' or even t'internet for that matter. You just had to get on with it.

Teletext holiday ( you have to be of an age to appreciate these holidays).  Although there is a teletext holiday page online, its nothing like the service that you got on your TV. no pictures, no reviews, no clue exactly what you were getting.

I've had some great  holidays using both of these methods. Great times in Spain and Greek Islands.

I've also used the 'bucket shops' that they had at main airports in 'the olden days'. Tip up at the airport with a suitcase, book holiday, get on plane and go.

I also, a million years ago, travelled to South Africa, for free, carrying documents ( yes before emails, AND fax!). You got your fare paid to carry and deliver documents. I got there and back for zero  money.

And today, people won't leave home until they've read every review on a hotel, and will not book on the strength of someone moaning there were not enough pancakes at breakfast.

I love travelling and I love just winging it. Your holiday is what you make it. 

Not long now until my next trip.