We usually book a package online with Thomas Cook and I normally get quite a good deal. We don't go over Xmas but sometimes go over Easter. Their prices definitely go up and down (sometimes on a daily basis) I just keep checking the website until I think I'm getting a good offer. Also, strangely enough, sometimes when you follow through to the booking, the final price can be even further discounted. 2007 we paid £711 & 2008 we paid £900 for the 2 of us in Mar/Apr.
This year we are doing flight & accomodation separately because we are staying in Mumbai for a few days. Looks like our total for flights (with Expedia) and accomodation in Mumbai & Goa will be around £1650 for 2 and a half weeks, which I don't think is too bad. We live in N. Ireland so we have an extra flight included to get to London. The only disadvantage with Thomas cook is they use Monarch but we've always survived the experience!!
Good luck with your search.
Gail

After putting up with chater flights for a couple of years I always book independantly now. No more single supplement for me!! This year I got my flight with Kingfisher for £315 and then arranged 3 weeks accommodation through friends at £75 a week, Grand total of £540 for a three week holiday.

gooner fan was your flight stright to Goa ?

IC i would think its going via mumbai or bangalore then onto goa, i've been looking at this airline for xmas, i'm just waiting for them to come on sale. Gel

No IC, Via Mumbai, the only flights direct to Goa are charter flights. Adds a few hours to the flight but at least you get treated like a human. PS No trouble getting a "coffee" either

gooner fan cant wait to book my kingfisher flight, i have heard great things about them.Please let me know how you get on when you return. Many thanks Gel

Hi Pip we paid £999 for 3 weeks over Xmas and New Year. We always book with my niece who works for Global Holidays internet company. I will pm you her personal e-mail. She is looking for us now for next Xmas/New Year. Hopefully she will be coming with us next time to see what Goa is like after bookig holidays for so many people to go there.

For long haul I think First Choice / Thompson Air take some beating.Direct flights in reasonable comfort.
Currently though, FC seem quite expensive for their packages. They seem to have gone for less people higher prices which probably makes sound commercial sense in the current economic climate. They have considerably less flights going next year.
Doesn't help us tourists though !

Usually Thomson/First Choice.Have to agree their flights are better.We always have to pay more as we must fly at the weekend and we always try for the Premium upgrade.This year we paid 800 each for two weeks at Sunkissed first two weeks in march.It was 150 mor in total than last year but if like us you are restricted then you either pay or do not go.

Papa