One important factor is the length of time you are going for. A two week break will normally be cheaper with either a flight only or package (you can ditch the accom. if you wish). After that every extra week, the charter option becomes less attractive, as they add on £40 or so for every extra week on a flight only deal Before the budget Indian airlines and the likes of Jet flying into the U.K., we once spent £600 on a Monarch flight only deal, that was for eight weeks, from the end of Jan.! Now that sort of thing would be much cheaper (and more comfortable scheduled) As for accomodation it changes all the time, our long term place we've used for years suddenly put their prices up 500rps daily for next year, fortunatley we were able to find another nearby for 650rps, but that was mainly because we were on the ground and knew the area well Alan

We flew by BA to Mumbai in April stayed there for a few days and then got an internal flight to Goa. Booked the flight through the Ebookers site for around £450 each, which included Edinburgh to Heathrow, and used Air India for internal flights.

In Goa we stayed at Molly Malones which you can book by giving the owner Leslie a call, I have his number if you are interested. The bonus is the flights leave everyday as we stayed for 16 nights in total which you cannot do with the scheduled flights, and of course the leg room and entertainment are much better (and drinks are included).

I think DIY gives you extra flexibility, we too are doing an unusual amount of nights 23 as we have tagged the Easter days on the end of the normal 3 weeks.
I don't think we will save a lot of money but we are not doing it cheap and will get better value for money and have, you can choose the day you want to fly, include a Mumbai visit on either your inbound or outbound flight (we are staying 2 nights on the way back where as last year we visited during our 21 nights so lost valuable sun days!!)
The down side is you have to pay in advance for your flights,

I just did the Google and found a choice of appartments, then trawled through the flight brokers.

I certainly have undercut the price of 3 weeks at the Marinha Dourada our last 2 visits and have the extra days, large appartment, better flights

Mids

Hello Datsun
Could you please let me know were you stayed in Mumbai and how much you payed please as we are going yo Mumbai for a couple of days before travelling down to Goa in October.
thank you Lynn

No problem, take a look here

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/india/mumbai/chateau-windsor-hotel/

If you are not bothered which hotel or resort you want to stay at then you will more than likely pick up a 'cheepie' late deal, package deal.
Over the years we have stayed at apartments that are private so have had to find our own flights, the costs for apartment and flights have always been better or as good as a package deal - so that keeps us happy.
Last year (and next) we are now staying at a well known hotel and booked this privatley, and again found our own flights. Comparing the prices charged through the tour operator (package deal) for the same place we have yet again saved some money.
We do however have to fly on certain dates due to work so can't hang around waiting for a bargain and hoping there are seats left for the day we wish to fly.
So to sum things up - DIY can work in your favour if you are wanting to stay at a certain hotel / resort.

As someone that goes to Goa alone, I save a fortune going DIY as I don't get shafted by single supplement
Alan

hi Bernard a cab driver based at the Prezares has built a house down near coco beach that he lets out i have his mobile number if you want he is a great guy and wont rip you off