Needed to book a trip to Japan without much time to sort it all out. Asked Audley Travel for a quote, made specific requests as to where we wanted to stay and our need to rent a car. To cut a very long story short, Audley put up an itinerary which ignored our requests and decided that we did not need a car because apparently it is not advisable in Japan and it is a lot more expensive than the train (Having been to Japan several times before, we knew this was not the case). For three people, the price came up to £ 17 000. We decided to price it ourselves even though we were short on time. We included comparable hotels but in the areas we had requested and replaced the train pass by a car. Our trip was also 1 day longer, all the hotels were of a comparable standard. Our total price came to £ 6800. That is an amazing £ 10 200 cheaper for a trip one day longer.....How can Audley justify a 60 % price hike on top of what we could get directly? Their knowledge of the place was also very questionable. Audley in fact offer ready made mini packages that they just put together. They do not want to deviate from their ready made mini packages. They obviously also use particular hotels and are very reluctant to put you anywhere else or to research other possibilities. Not quite what they advertise. I don't mind paying extra but only if they make some effort to match their offer to my exact requirements and as long as the extra is not outrageous. They failed on both accounts.

I've never found using an agent to be anywhere near as cheap as doing it myself. I suspect you are right about them not putting together a bespoke itinerary, and just proposing one of their standard packages instead. All the more reason to DIY.

I Have a problem with Audley Travel. I booked an expensive trip to Atlanta last year for four of us and we had a great time. I booked again this year for a trip to Chicago, but had to cancel due to a medical condition. To claim on Travel Insurance, I requested a cancellation confirmation twice but have received no response. This does not fit my previously held view of a quality tailored service, and must impact my appetite to use them when i rebook this trip and organise future ones. I am out of pocket, because my insurance company will not meet my claim. Not a great time for me when going through this medical diagnosis and treatment, made worse by the organisers of my holiday. Considering what to do next.

Yes, we booked a major trip through Audley, and fully intend to do again. Yes they are expensive - it s possible to book elements cheaper, but we were happy to pay for a well coordinated, knowledgeably advised and personally tailored trip of a lifetime. Everything was very appropriate for our requirements and they sourced accommodation that w would never have found ourselves. their agent was excellent and I would highly recommend them. If you want rock bottom prices or a lot of hassle, or have no back up if things go wrong, then yes, a DIY holiday is cheaper - I know what I prefer!

Absolutely agree. We have been with them six times - and had the holidays of a lifetime. Galapagos, Maldives, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Ecuador.

An example if how well they sort things out. They incorporated some long direct,ant Quantas airmoles so that we got free internal flights in Australia.

If you are confident about sorting stuff out ourself, well go ahead.

Otherwise, use Audley!

Hi, In reply to Ricky Stone's scathing email, I must admit to being very surprised. I went to Japan last year as a single traveller and had nothing but praise for the whole experience. I spent 4 nights in Tokyo in a 4 start hotel, and then travelled due west towards Kanazawa on West coast. On the way I had several nights in Ryokan's which are fairly basic accommodation where you sleep on the floor on a thin mattress, and sit awkwardly .on the floor for meals. I was aware of the conditions and although I might have cursed sleeping on the floor I enjoyed the whole experience. The Ryokan's had great hosts, in fact better than I hace received anywhere in the world. The transportation and tickets were arranged fully by Audley Travel taking out all the stresses of trying to do it myself. A fantastic trip and one I will try and replicate next year when I hope to head north to Hokkaido. Again as a single traveller but may incorporate one of Audley Travels guided tours. There may be one slight difference though and that is to (try and) ensure that if I stay in a Ryokan I have a real bed as at 72 years of age I found it a little difficult getting up and down to sleep In any event Audley Travel would be my first point of contact to arrange such a tour. Excellent all round. Bill Regan

I have not booked with them but got an itinerary and was really turned off when the hotels were per person. I know this is a rip off because hotels do not charge per person. I also checked the prices online and had to laugh

We found Audley excellent Anthony Evans who is a specialist in S Africa listened to where we wanted to travel to in Africa. What kind of holiday we liked and type of accommodation and our budget. He came back with an itinerary and suggested activities in each place. After checking out the places and accomodation and suggested activites on line we went along with his recommendations. Everything exceeded expectations and this lent itself to a stress free holiday. The service we received was 1st class and worth every penny and the booklet containing everything including maps and driving distances was a godsend. We will certainly use Audley again for long haul holidays. As far as we are concerned they get a *****+.

Mr Ricardo S.

I think your reply was a little hasty. You are surely aware that Myanmar, or Burma as it was known as before, was/is a strictly military controlled country and I would be surprised if you found many luxury hotels there. Why you would choose Burma as a holiday destination is your own affair. But when you travel to not so well known destinations you must leave your usual benchmark stick behind.

I would read up on my destination as much as possible, so as to know what to expect or what not to expect.

Has anyone used Audrey recently especially for travel to Japan or other places. Thanks