often happens.. ask again in the flights forum some of our wizkids may have an answer

wizard

Our flights were very cheap, they were through XL, but we booked them about 6 months in advance, i know they are dearer now than they were then.

As Wizard says often happens that way. Sometimes i'll book a package, sometimes i'll travel independently - it all depends on price.
Try http://www.travelsupermarket.com the search on there is one of the best i've found, you can compare prices for 3 different departure airports and most major airlines for the best price.