$200 non refundable deposit for getting a quote on a trip??

I consulted a travel agent regarding possibly going to Europe - but DH and I want to see how much it will cost first, and then decide when we want to book/go. I inquired with a travel agent - Liberty Travel - who did our HM. We never had to pay any deposit to inquire when we booked our HM.

I wrote the agent an email telling her possible dates, what cities we'd like to see (Paris, Florence, Rome, and Venice)... She wrote back saying that I would have to give her a $200 non refundable deposit - that can be applied to the trip when we book.

I'm like umm I just want a price/idea first?

Is this normal? Does anyone know of a TA that doesn't require this?

Re: $200 non refundable deposit for getting a quote on a trip??

wow that sounds a little ridiculous to me, for just a quote. I mean what happens if you don't book anything? I'd be pissed if I was out $200. Maybe try AAA Travel? They helped us book our HM to Hawaii.

Message edited 12/5/2012 11:37:36 AM.

Re: $200 non refundable deposit for getting a quote on a trip??

Maybe they are afraid you are not serious about booking with them and will use their information (itineraries stuff like that) to book elsewhere or even online, for cheaper... LIKE I DID FOR MY HM!

Re: $200 non refundable deposit for getting a quote on a trip??

Re: $200 non refundable deposit for getting a quote on a trip??

You can so easily do this yourself. A travel agent is completely unnecessary. Between Tripadvisor and their forums you can get all the info and help you need for free. You just have to be willing to do research.
We are at the tail end of a three week trip in india and we did it all ourselves. No issues.

$200 non refundable deposit for getting a quote on a trip??

I agree, you can do this on your own.

I just had a look on your other thread and I would do this if I were you:
Fly to Paris. Stay for 4 nights. It's your first stop and you may feel jet lagged.

I would then explore another part of France, not just Paris. It's such a beautiful country. You can take the TGV (French high speed train) to another part of the country. If you like wine, try Beaune (direct TGV to Beaune is 2.20 hours), by Dijon. Fabulous wine and you can bike through the vineyards. I'd stay there for 2-3 nights. Let me know if you need more info on this; I've been twice.

I would then fly to Florence. This part can be a bit tricky bc of a nearby airport. I'm not sure, but you could go to Lyon airport. Just explore major airports and find a flight from there.

Spend 2-3 nights in Florence. There is some really fabulous food in Florence!

Then take a train to Rome (3 hours). Stay at least 4-5 nights in Rome. There is so much to see and do in Rome. Hotels are expensive in Rome. You will pay at least 150€ for a good hotel. 3 star or so.

I'd leave Venice out. It's nice, but I would split up between Italy and France. Or just do two weeks in one country.

Use trip advisor message boards for help. Www.skyscanner.net is good for flights and what's cheap on what days.

You mentioned April. I'd check when Easter is. Italy is packed during Easter time.you might have good weather, you might not. The weather changes a lot at that time. I've had beautiful day in April and then really cold days in April.

I'd say plane ticket will be about 900€ per person.
Figure 100-150€ per night in a hotel.

Hope that helps!

Message edited 12/6/2012 6:00:10 AM.

Re: $200 non refundable deposit for getting a quote on a trip??

that's actually obscene- especially since you are a past customer.

check the clipper magazine

Re: $200 non refundable deposit for getting a quote on a trip??

I agree with the other pps, you can do it yourself. I've done all my overseas bookings myself, even my honeymoon. Check Fodor's travel forums, there are plenty of knowledgeable members who will even critique and/or help you with an itinerary.