Here we will detail some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about Chic Locations

Of course, if you have something else in mind, get in touch. We would be delighted to assist. Check out our About page to learn how we like to do things around here.

Hey, Chic! We’ve Got Some Questions…

Q. Chic Locations is a new name to me. Are you experienced?

Yes, we are relatively new, now in our 4th year of trading as a luxury boutique tour operator. However, we do come with a wealth of experience, with each one of our key team players having spent more than 20 years in travel. With our founding Partner David, Chic is the 4th company he has successfully launched. We would add that we are members of ABTA and even more importantly hold an ATOL, so your holiday is completely financially protected.

Q. Are you a world-wide tour operator?

No, there are many areas of the world where we have little or no practical knowledge. As such we prefer to concentrate our knowledge into just a few geographical areas – the Mediterranean, Arabia, some of the Caribbean & Indian Ocean Islands and the Far East, all areas which we know rather well.

Q. Do your arrangements only commence from the UK?

Generally, we only have advantageous airfares commencing from the UK. However we can offer our hotel promotions globally, so if you are coming from outside the UK we would be delighted to help.

Q. Are you a budget company?

I think our name, Chic, might indicate we do tend to operate at the higher end of the price scale. The quality of our chosen hotels reflects that style. We select hotels on what they offer, rather than just looking at a low rate. We like to say that our clients tend to be more value-conscious than price sensitive. They know that for the comfort they require, a certain price level is required and almost expected. However, they do like to see how we can enhance the value offered, and, in most cases, we can happily oblige.

Q. What makes you different?

It is an advantage in not offering the world, so we can channel our expertise into just a few areas. We are widely travelled, and rather candid, something we think you will detect from our brochure and website copy. One of the nicest comments we receive is that our clients and agents totally trust our advice and reviews. We will, of course, tell you the plus points, but we will also mention a few reality checks as well, so you can make an informed decision. We are not a mass volume operator, so we tend to obtain favourable terms with our hotels through good-natured charm and reciprocal flexibility.

Q. Why don’t you use star grading?

We think they confuse more than clarify, as standards change even within the same country. We only use hotels that we consider to be at least superior first-class rising to deluxe. We not buy into a seven-star theory, as this was constructed by a hotel PR department and simply elevate a mediocre hotel above it’s calling. We do happily work with several hotels that I think fit into a proudly individual chic marmite category.

Q. Chic Locations is a nice name. How/why was it chosen?

Yes, it is nice, thank you. It was chosen as a way to reflect our style and individuality. We think it says a lot about us and our clients. It does not restrict us to any one area, so whilst we are proudly not worldwide, we do offer plenty of choices, nor are we financially committed to any specific geographical area.

Q. Do you offer holidays year-round?

Yes most certainly. In the Tropics and Arabia, our hotels are open throughout the year, although some do close for a few weeks of annual maintenance. They do have distinct seasonal patterns when prices go up or down depending on perceived demand.

In the Med, the main season tends to be Mid-April through to October, with many hotels closing in the winter months. Some do remain open longer but the focus then tends to be cuisine/ spa/golf rather than the beach.

Q. We like holidays that combine beach and some alternative interests. Can this be arranged?

Of course. Realistically if you travel to the Caribbean, Maldives or Mauritius for example, it will be assumed your holiday is intended to be beach focused. But with other areas, and notably within Asia, it is easy to combine a complete holiday of scenic and cultural contrasts. So you can have lively exciting cities, eco-adventures and then end up in a glorious beach retreat.

Q. Are your holidays available to families, couples and singles?

All of our hotels will accept adult couples and singles. Many will accept children but only over a certain age. Equally, there are several which are almost totally family-focused. Our brochure and website highlights hotels with a specific appeal, be it for families or hide and chic retreats.

Q. Are your holidays suitable for those with some disability?

Most are, and through our personal knowledge of our chosen hotels and resorts, we are able to advise those we think are the most suitable, based on your personal circumstances. This can vary destination to destination – The Maldives, for example, might not be ideal if you have mobility issues as many landings are on floating jetties and pathways are wooden and or sand.

Q. Are your holidays flexible?

Not just our holidays, our whole operational style. We are not restricted by rigid systems, and our offering should be seen as a boutique shop window. Everything can be individually tailored to your personal requirements.

Q. If we have our own flights can you still assist us?

With pleasure. We know many of our clients will make their own flight arrangements through the likes of various loyalty programmes. No problem, you can still take advantage of our preferred hotel rates and promotions.

We hope this Q&A gives you a quick insight into Chic Locations, but please contact us if there is anything else you need answered.