Be careful how you book. One couple on a consumer programme had to fight for a refund when their holiday went wrong. Turned out the company they used although calling it a package classed it as not a package as they booked the flights and hotel separate. Had a special name for it. Think it was on a Dom Littlewood programme. He questioned when is a package holiday not a package holiday.
the first ever holiday I took my boys on after my marriage breakup was to Tossa De Mar, I booked through a travel agent and we had a great time. Now I'm happy to drive to Spain rather than fly (can take what I want/need) and use ready erected tents/mobile homes, I wish in fact that I'd discovered these holidays before the package deal as I think my boys would have enjoyed them more than being stuck in a hotel/round a boring pool with no slides etc. I think it all depends on the ages of your children and maybe ask them what they want from a holiday, maybe even let them plan it with you unless you want it to be surprise for them
------------- -x- Diane -x-
May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals
I work for a large on-line travel company and for peace of mind, for a non-experienced traveller, I would definitely recommend using a local independent travel agent (independents have less restrictions on what they are able to book - those in a tour operator chain tend to be somewhat limited to what the tour operator offer). They will give you advice and recommendations based on your requirements. You will also have full ATOL protection which will cover you should any element of your holiday have an issue.
Please don't go to the Agent, then book on-line... the agents provide a great service and we need them to stay in business.
Make sure any package you book includes transfers to and from the airport/hotel as typically, with most on-line package holidays, these are not included as standard.
Also, please remember to get both travel insurance, at the time you book (just in-case something happens and you need to re-arrange), and assuming you are travelling within Europe, you will need EHIC Cards
As to when to book, it doesn't really make that much of a difference to price if you leave it late any more. Years ago there used to be lots of surplus stock and you'd be able to get very good deals on last minute bookings. Following Sept 11th, the tour operators reduced their allocations and have never increased them to the levels they once were. These days you risk availability issues if you book late.
Most importantly, once you have booked, get excited and enjoy your holiday!
Never even got close to the price of Spain when I've looked. Need to factor in the expense of parks etc too, let alone the flight prices.
Daner i looked at it not long ago and for me the best value was florida, we actually went 4 years ago and stayed in a massive villa with its own pool car included for £2200 that was for 2 adults 2 kids (1 classed as a adult) theme park tickets work out at roughly £100 per day just pic and choose what you want, food and everything thing else is cheaper I've booked to go again next year staying on I drive in a nice hotel with a car 2 adults 1 x 11yr old for £2400. I could of brought this cost down to less than 2k if i'd of stayed in a different hotel.
Quote: Originally posted by bessie500 on 27/9/2013
Never even got close to the price of Spain when I've looked. Need to factor in the expense of parks etc too, let alone the flight prices.
Daner i looked at it not long ago and for me the best value was florida, we actually went 4 years ago and stayed in a massive villa with its own pool car included for £2200 that was for 2 adults 2 kids (1 classed as a adult) theme park tickets work out at roughly £100 per day just pic and choose what you want, food and everything thing else is cheaper I've booked to go again next year staying on I drive in a nice hotel with a car 2 adults 1 x 11yr old for £2400. I could of brought this cost down to less than 2k if i'd of stayed in a different hotel.
bessie
In school holidays you will struggle to get Florida at same sort of prices as somewhere like Spain or Balearics especially if using some of the tips I and others have offered.
Florida is great and off again soon, but I don't agree you can do it as cheap as Europe if comparing like for like and you definitely can't if including Disney/Universal etc
Quote: Originally posted by herald1 on 26/9/2013
How is the best way to book is it best to go into a high street travel agents and let them do the lot or book flights / accomodation etc seperate and direct.. And next decision should we go all inclusive or self catering, don't really want lively resort just a nice family place for our first time.
Herald
As you are on holiday with the kids I would go all inclusive, if self catering, who will be doing the cooking, washing up etc? You no doubt!! so not really a holiday/rest for yourself. It is suprising how the cost of soft drinks, coffees, ice cream etc mounts up over the course of a holiday, give yourselves a treat and go all inclusive.
Sorry just looked back and a few of you asked the childrens ages, 17 ds and 9 dd , had a look on some websites yesterday and like the look of menorca and prices seem to be ok.
I have been advised that Greek islands are a good value holiday but don't know much about them?
If you fancy camping abroad there are sites with ready erected tents or lodges. We've used these in France and Spain. We've gone by coach to Spain and then stayed in a tent. Bit of a long journey but it's all part of the holiday and would do it again.
herald1 i see you are in lancashire. Have a look on Manchester airport website for holidays. We book directly online with Monarch holidays. They have scheduled flights and you can link them with accomodation to make a "package" very good value.(they vome under the business umbrella of Cosmos)
We also use Direct Holidays which is the online booking part of Thomas Cook, you pay a lot less for the same holiday and have the use of the rep. etc in resort. The choice sometimes isn't as great.
Off to tenerife with monarch in 2 weeks (can't wait)
I know you said no to Benidorm but do consider it as there is Mundomar ( animal park) the aqua park terra mitica ( theme park) and terra natura ( sp?) so plenty of things to do for the kids
------------- Shelli
Campers do it in the mud!
Hubby says we can
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Flying abroad ?
