What is a transfer, and the types to consider?
Your Holiday, indeed any journey, starts as soon as you close and lock the door to your home. You make your way to the airport, port or train station and you set off. You have every stage of your journey planned to perfection, but there are a few things that I would like you to consider, about your choice of transport after you have arrived in your destination. The transfer to take you to your hotel is important, and this is one of those life situations where there is a direct link between cost and comfort.
You may be tempted by the low cost of the shuttle services, and this type of service may be right for you.
Shared Transfers (shuttles)
The pro's to a shared service; cost, obviously, but not always. Choose wisely, if your group is large enough a private minibus can often work out to be more economical. You get to see some of the area before you arrive at your hotel, especially if your stop is the last on the list.
The cons; journey time, (you may be on the bus for a long time, especially if you are last on the list). Children; if you have young children, they may become bored and tired on a long journey, making the shuttle a less than relaxing experience. Flexibility; (there isn't any. The supplier allocates the pick up time and route schedule, and they will not change it. A change to the schedule affects everyone all passengers and creates unnecessary work, in contacting everyone with an amendment. The local partners don't accept changes, so the time you are given is the time you have to accept). Pick up time: ("I am being picked up too early", is a type of email or WhatsApp message that we receive regularly. This is one of the drawbacks. The service is much cheaper than a private service, and it is what it is. It is not operated like a taxi and despite our best efforts, client's cannot expect it to be operated like a private service. In some destinations, the pick up time can be 5 or more hours before the flight departure time, depending on distance from the airport, and number of stops that the driver has to make before going to the airport.) Note: these services are arranged to meet specific flights. 99% of destinations they are not running to a timetable, so you can't just opt to go on a later bus. Children's safety; on these services, it is not required by law to put your children in special seats for travelling, and you cannot pay extra to have them supplied; they won't be).
Private Transfers.
The pros to a private transfer; Once you have collected your luggage and met up with the driver, you go straight to your accommodation. The journey; will be in more comfort. A car or minibus is going to be more comfortable than a coach. Pick up time; (There is more flexibility. Some partners will allow you to preselect your hotel pick up time, and then change it if you need to; although they reserve the right to decline the request if, they feel that there is a risk of you missing your flight etc, if they agree to your request). Time, (as you are going direct to the airport etc. you don't need to be picked up uncomfortably early, and the time you spend in the vehicle is much shorter than that of the shared services). Extras, like bottled water, and child seats; (these are additions that you may be able to add to your transfer. Be aware that there may be additional fees to add items to your reservation. This may include additional luggage).
For large groups you can, in many destinations, reserve minibuses or even whole micro coaches or coaches for your group only, to transport you to your accommodation.
Cons: The price reflects the benefits of the service. Large groups all need to be going to the same accommodation address. You cannot book a private service to go to several addresses.
As I write this I am thinking back over many shared transfer services that I have been on, and how now, I would definitely choose a private transfer over a shared transfer, because comfort and convenience are more important to me now, over opting for the cheapest option and saving the difference.
To research prices and options for your airport transfer, visit https://justbooktransfers.com
By Karl Leach
