unfortunatley yes i only travel at Peak times as both my children are in school

W London - Thanks - I have been harping away for months on this forum regarding getting cheaper holidays. You hit the nail on the head and I could not have said anything better. Incidentally, if you book mainland Spain it is likely that you will get even cheaper quality holidays.

However, I'll say my piece again and the rules of thumb are:-
(a) Decide on a location an book privately and directly through an apartment owner. Agents will charge a commission.
Remember, these guys will probably charge more during January bookings and will drop prices from March. Some will even drop prices on bookings this time of year because they will save in effort and advertising. You will more than likely get an apartment far superior (without having to pay for extras like airconditioning etc).

(b) Use low cost airlines and book during one of their many sales. Tip:- These airlines charge less for specific amount of seats and you might save a few bob by booking individually. For example, if they have 3 seats left at a price and a party of 4 books it is likely that the computer will reject the booking at the lower price.

(c) If renting a car, shop around.

OR

(d) If holidaying in May or earlier or September and later wait for lastminute deals from Travel Agents. Believe me, they do not want to see half empty aircraft leaving the UK for holiday destinations. But, you will have to be flexible in what destination you wish to go.

Stick to my advice and you will have at least two holidays per year cheaper than your normal one holiday.[Wait for the anonymous members of the Travel Industry to come on denying my advice].

Can I just add to the above in view of XL's demise. Use a credit card for your flights and accomodation if possible - if over £100 you will get some protection should the worst happen. This may not apply when booking a villa/apartment direct with owner but does apply to flights.

Pippa

Leprosy, do you mean that it is even possible to get ultra cheap late deals in December from a travel agent?

Woodyrocks - I would think that early December might be a good time to get some deal from the Travel Agents. Destinations would be very limited because of practically no demand. However, many for some reason or other want to go abroad for Christmas/New Year. Therefore from 10th December to 7th January there would be little hope of an ultra cheap holiday.

But, in Ireland people tend to stay at home for Christmas (whatever about the New Year) so you might pick up a bargain from ROI.

hya, I have been doing d.i.y for a few years now and have always got a smashing deal, ie, the apartment I wanted, flight times, airport, great.
But,( and I realise about all the hoohar with xl ) I have today priced up flights to tenerife and the price of the private apartment we normally use for may, just before the kids break up from school and we are looking at £1600 for the 3 of us for 2 weeks !!
then out of curiosity, looked at thomas cook website, and a package for similar dates are roughly £1100 !!
its a right nightmare, as its the flight only thats costing, our private accommodation is very reasonable , so, what do you do ???

I dont see the problem. You just go with the cheapest price as they are both what you are looking for.
I like to go DIY and will price it up but then visit a TA and also phone a few TOs and get a quote from them. Its best not to stick with only considering one option. You can find a good deal. With the holiday booked most recently there was £1000 difference between the 3 options( exactly the same flight and accomodation) - that was for 2 of us. In this case its DIY for us

I'm assuming juby 5 that you have booked it cheaper in the past if you have used the accomodation before?
How much was the price difference??
If not much, get it booked in case you miss out. I would imagine a lot will be going through TA's for next year and doing packages.

Robby

For the holiday I've booked next year Thomson wanted £3008 pounds for 7 nights SC. I've booked it direct and with my flights I've saved just under £900 and I'm going for 10 nights so I'm happy with that. I always compare to see if a package comes up cheaper but this will be my 4th DIY and I haven't come across a package thats cheaper yet!

You seem to do well Shell and seem to save around the "grand" mark - well done again.
I try and do 4-6 diy holidays/breaks a year, but not only for the saving but for the flexibility.
Off soon for a 5 day break which would be hard to find with an operator and a week in Jan/Feb which has worked out very cheap.
I still do the odd package, mainly to Greece or Cyprus.

Robby

Hi Robby, I love all that goes with planning a DIY maybe I'm sad but it gives me a buzz especially if I can get a cheaper deal than a package, it makes it all worthwhile

I try and do 4-6 diy holidays/breaks a year

I am so envious.

I wish that the hotel I go to in Cyprus, could be cheaper DIY - but it never is
Kath x

I am so envious.

No need to be envious, it's just a part of getting old - more time and more disposable cash. They are not always for weeks either, I like 4/5 nights away just for a break. It gives me a buzz still a well. I always like to have a few cheap flights booked in reserve ready for the next trip. Just hope it keeps on rolling along. I'm always looking at the next flight.

I agree Kath, it's hard to find diy cheaper for Cyprus and also for me, Greece. The flights seem to be the problem for me.

Robby

Don't know why Robby but I always imagine you as a young person

I still act young and "think" I'm a puppy, but nudging the 50 mark shortly, well 18 months or so.

Robby

Ooh just a spring chicken then

A "spring chicken", I'll settle for that, cheers.
I've been called a lot worse.

Robby

DIY is not more expensive.

We have have gone to the same apartments in Turkey since 2002, the first two years with Thomas Cook the rest DIY.

2009 4 of us are going for three weeks in the summer school holidays, flights, accomadation, private transfers, airconditioning and safe for £1430, Thomas Cook for the same (Not including Safe and private transfer) wanted just over £2600

I think I have a bargin, infact next year I am paying less that I paid in 2002 for two weeks taking the kids out of school and going in September.

Dave

Turkey is usually excellent value for DIY. If you compare the prices of apartments to those in other popular holiday destinations in other countries, you will find they are usually a lot cheaper.
In most cases you have the advantage of knowing a lot more detail about exactly where you are staying, and everything that is provided. It's also easy to get answers to any specific queries from the owner, rather than from a person working in a call centre who will normally have no personal knowledge of the resort or accommodation.
Another bonus is you'll be provided with sunbeds and won't have to get up early to put your towels on them!