I've been looking to book a tour to Europe later this year and came across a Globus European Essential Tour that looks like what we are looking for. I found a company called Affordable Tours that is an agent for Globus that sells the tours with a pretty good discount.
Ive never booked a tour thru a wholesaler before so I'm a little concerned that my greed for a discounted price will get me burned.

Has anyone had dealings with this company...good or bad?

When I book thru a discounter, should my credit card charges go directly thru Globus or Affordable Tours. What can I do to prevent myself from getting burned?

Thanks

I've used Affordable Tours for clients, and they are a very reputable company. Really, I have liked doing business with them and found them to be helpful, reliable, prompt, etc. I don't think you will get burned. And I think the cc charges go with the actual tour company, but I won't swear to that.

In any case, I would work with them in a second.

I just booked with them... They are a bit sloppy, but they have really good Globus and it affiliates (Avalon) pricing.

jc

Affordable Tours is a travel agency based in Texas. They just book things similar to using Expedia, Travelocity, etc. or any other travel agency. The ones that book volume get access to some discounts because of the amount of business they are booking.

After looking at that tour, it's mostly travel, not sightseeing. It only has 1 day in Rome, part of a day in Florence, part of a day in Venice, 1 day in Lucerne, 1 day in Paris and 1 day in London. I suggest you find a better tour that actually allows seeing some places as opposed to passing through. You simply can't see 7 cities in 4 different countries in only 11 days (really only 10). If you only have 11 days total for vacation, pick a tour that covers much less ground (all Italy or London/Paris only, etc.). Two hotel nights somewhere means only one sightseeing day.

I would assume that Affordable Tours has access to the same prices but is rebating a portion of their commission back to customers. It should work for this TA's clients unless Globus hears about the commission rebating and puts a stop to it. Commission rebating is technically not permitted.