We usually get our flights the minute they are out - subscribe to the budget airlines for email notifications. Obviously choose the dates best suited ie some flights may only go to a destination on a Tuesday and Thursday so if you definitely want a Saturday you might have to go from a different airport.

Budget airlines rarely, so far as I'm concerned, hardly ever change their times/dates (ours haven't up to now touch wood).

Accommodation is much easier to change anyway, especially if you book direct with the hotel. I've never paid upfront when I've booked direct - always on departure. Even private accommodation, the people have only ever wanted a deposit and are usually flexible with dates as long as obviously someone isn't booked in on your departure date.

Transfers are ok as well - never had any problem with either booking our car or with transfers.

Thanks, Will have a good look over the next few days!

Glynis is correct but be careful what you consider to be a budget airline.

Those whose sole business is to fly people around are usually pretty reliable and don't make massive changes (but any could move by an hour). The airlines to watch are those who are owned by, or do most of their business with, package operators and just sell a few flight only tickets to fill up - they could move 12 hours just to suit the tour operators need. Booking direct with the airline helps, some of the discount agents may offer a price for a flight but fail to get it and transfer you to a different one (which of course will be covered by their T&Cs). One good thing is that an airline booked direct will at least tell you about changes as soon as it knows unlike booking through a Tour Op who could hold back on the bad news until it's too late for you to change!

Most hotels booked direct will let you cancel until very close to the date and the most they would charge is the first night - although if you have booked a special promotional package with extras they may be more picky. If you just wanted to move dates to suit they won't normally charge an amendment fee. You might get a better deal through a company like expedia or lastminute, especially for stays of more than 3 nights and they may be easier to use than trying to deal direct with a foreign hotel but they may have more restrictive cancellation/amendment terms (these will be clear at the time of booking before you pay). The middle ground is a reservations company like HRS which won't want paying up front and is easy to book in English but may not have many savings on rack rate (although they may have allocations at smaller and cheaper places). Apart from the price, one benefit of booking direct with a hotel is that you are unlikley to be moved to another, something which regularly crops up in the Tour Ops complaints board!

cheers Steve for the reply!

Chivas

Here's my tuppence worth and if you heed my advice you will get a holiday cheaper than you think and with more frills you would not get with one of the holiday companies. Not only that, you can fly Saturday to Saturday if you wish.

1. Book a private apartment/duplex in the destination you wish to visit. The earlier you book the more you can save. Furthermore, you have a holiday to look forward to which adds to the expectation. [Cost £275 per week in June]

2. Book low cost airline (Ryanair, Easyjet, Monarch) to an airport within 2 hours drive of your resort. [You will probably have a choice of airports - choose the cheapest price on flights, they can differ by £50.00 round trip per person].[Cost £400.00 for 3]

3. Rent a car through http://www.economycarhire.com or http://www.amigoautos.com - but shop around if necessary to others. [Cost £80 per week].

The prices quoted above are maximum (if you use your head) and probably will work out cheaper. You might have reservations(no pun intended) booking this way as it is outside the box thinking for those who rely on package deals. But, remember, half of all holidays booked to European destinations from the UK are booked this way. Also remember, package holiday deals can have changes in flight departures/arrivals also.

I should point out that the above is my personal opinion and has worked for us. We avoid booking July/August and therefore can afford to go abroad a number of times during the year. If you want further info please PM me.

I agree with the advice re flights. It seems that the likes of Easyjet are more reliable in terms of not changing their dates and times. Whereas if you buy a flight with FC, Thomas Cook you are taking up seats on a charter flight normally used for a package holiday. If you book one of the later a year in advance, you will more often than not get a flight time change, although it may only be a couple of hours, it can be 10 or 12 hours, changing what you thought was a day flight into a night flight.

I booked DIY in September 2006 for June 2007 for me, hubby and 3 kids. I got flights to Majorca for £250 with Bmibaby and a private apartment for £550 for 8 days. I thought that was a real bargain.

most hotels will allow you to cancel 24 hrs prior to arrival. if you are booking indipendantly check the small print for cancellation policy. if renting a villa make sure you get it sorted with the owner prior to booking.

I had been so used to going to a travel agents,booking a holiday,and off I went.Then I bought this here computer,got my son to show me how to switch it on!,then I progressed from there,the world was my oyster!.We go abroad 3 times a year,and for the last couple of years Ive saved a fortune!!Book all my holidays online now,ie Turkey,3 weeks in June,sc inc private transfers £276 each,a bargain!!,that includes our flights as well.Dont think about it,Do it.

Crispy Well done

I've done diy holidays for 15 years to all parts of spain.I do now book with benidormdirect and have done so for the last 8 years.I did book directly but when I discovered benidormdirect i realised just how much more i was paying in resorts for accommodation.I've travelled with all the low cost airlines and scheduled so far never had a delay infact if anything the flight arrives earlier.I usually book my flight then send benidormdirect an enqiury with what I'm looking for as I travel all over Spain.I've even travelled with new babies before today so it is effortless just that you need to plan where you're going and what you want in accommodation.I feel I have more choice doing it this way and I'm not herded by the masses plus it can make it more exciting.