Holidays are back and we're here to help!
While travel was on hold we've upgraded our service to get you the help you need in lightning-quick time. We're back and faster than ever. Our team is ready to help in any way we can - the easiest way to reach us is by live chat (check our opening times). Or if something has gone wrong and you'd like to give us some feedback, get in touch with our dedicated customer team and we'll look into it for you.
We've worked hard on our flexibility and introduced FLEXTRAS - if you buy your holiday extras from Holiday Extras, you'll be getting the most flexible terms anywhere. We're also investing heavily in our app with a big focus on HEHA! - The Holiday Extras Holiday Assistant which makes it even easier and even faster to search, book and save.
You're welcome to email me about anything at all - ideas, suggestions and feedback. I read every email and will make sure your query is swiftly actioned with the right people. If needed I'll follow up in person too.
Thanks for choosing Holiday Extras. Wishing you safe and happy travels.
Simon Wood
Associate Director Engineering
Simon joined Holiday Extras in 2005 as a web developer and has progressed through to his current role today of Associate Director of Engineering.
In my time at Holiday Extras I have seen the technology evolve and move forward to where we are today. No two days are the same and I enjoy working with our over 100 strong tech team innovating on our product offering and solving the challenges a tech business at scale brings.
My focus in recent years has been how to build APIs and scaling our tech through our adoption of microservices, but I also really enjoy the people side of the role. Mentoring our future engineering talent.
When I am not in the office I enjoy getting out and about and meeting our partners. I also have a passion for public speaking and have presented at many events across europe.
Life before Holiday Extras
I have been attracted to tech for as long as I can remember. From coding at a very young age on my BBC B Micro through to studying Software Engineering at Portsmouth University. After University I join Planit International where I worked on their online CAD product, Design Online, which was used by many companies including Laura Ashley and Hygena France. In 2005 I joined holiday extras and due to the variety and new challenges presented to me I have never wanted to leave.
Life outside of work
Outside of work I love that I live in Kent and get to enjoy all the great countryside Kent has to offer. A good weekend normally incorporates a nice walk in the woods or in the country. Also have a young family who keep me on my toes. I have two sons who are both very active with athletics, swimming and junior parkrun every Sunday morning. When I do get a break from the kids I like to spend my time playing video games and have recently upgraded my man cave. As well as video games I am a bit of a petrol head, although car fan might be a better term with the movement towwards electric cars. I enjoyed seeing Formula E in Battersea Park in both 2015 & 2016, and have also managed to find time for a few laps of Brands Hatch.
My perfect holiday
For me the best holidays are in the UK. I grew up camping lots and still love nothing more than a trip to the new forest with my family, the tent and our bikes.
When my wife Faye and I do get a chance to escape the kids, our perfect escape is to somewhere remote where with plenty of walking and great scenery. For our 10th wedding anniversary we escaped to the Isle of Man for three days which was heaven.
Insipration
Technology should make our lives easier, not harder. Inspiration comes from seeing other companies, such as Google, challenge how we apply technology in order to make our lives easier.