The smaller specialist holiday companies in AITO continue to beat their mass-market counterparts hands down.

The Consumers Association survey published by Holiday Which? recently revealed that five out of its top 10 positions were taken by AITO members (Laskarina, VFB, Inntravel, Great Rail Journeys and Cox & Kings). Holiday Which? advised: "Don't undervalue the knowledge of specialist tour operators and travel agents. If you want to arrange a complicated itinerary, they may be able to ... come up with options that you would have no idea about."

Holiday Which? continues: "If there is a key message from this survey, it's that, in general, you're better off with an independent specialist."

Wanderlust, the magazine for independent travellers, has announced the winners of its 2004 Travel Awards - and AITO members achieved four of the top 10 positions. Winners were Sunvil, Wildlife Worldwide, Audley Travel and Explore.

So for personal, knowledgeable service from people who care about making good holiday arrangements, regardless of budget, AITO is best. For details visit www.aito.co.uk or ring 020 8744 9280.

Prefer to book with a travel agent? - use an AITO Specialist Travel Agent. For details of your nearest AITO agent, visit www.realholiday.co.uk or call 020 8744 9271.