Independent holidays

[gillyd]

We have compared, several times, independent holiday booking as against package holidays. But it seems, because of the airport we use which is our nearest (Bristol) the price is either the same or even more than, a package deal. Driving to another airport, sometimes 4.5 hours away, only adds to the expense and the travelling time. Anyone who can do a cheaper independent holiday is very fortunate. Does anyone else have this problem? Gill

[CarolG]

Hi Gill

I agree that it can be more sometimes be more expensive doing an independent holiday. It all depends on how many people, if its an apartment or hotel, where your flying from, which resort you are going to and of course time of the year.

For example, if your are coming to Icmeler for your summer holiday and you are a couple wishing to book an apartment in the height of the season, then you are definitely cheaper travelling independently. Also if you are a family of five with three small children, you are also cheaper booking independently. The reason being that package deals will make you take two one bedroom apartments, unless there are two bedroom apartments available at an astronomical cost.

At the end of the day search around and see what is available and look for the best price. Until now you have found packages cheaper for your holiday, but many people would disagree that packages are cheaper as they have found it much cheaper travelling independently.

Which every way you decide to travel, have a great time and enjoy your well earned summer break!

[gillyd]

Hi, Carol. Thanks for the tips. It is only me and my husband who travel, so it does tend to work out dearer doing it independently, espcially a villa holiday, which we did four years ago with two others, but we prefer to go on our own really. By the time we've booked fares(much more expensive from Bristol) insurance, dearer for me as a diabetic with angina!, taxi transfers and fuel to drive to and from the airport(1hour) it works out dearer than a package. But we'll keep trying. Thanks Gill

[Mal 54]

Hi GillyD, I don't know which insurance you use, we have Boots annual insurance, because i have IBS, High Blood pressure and Moderate high colestrol, I had to really shop about, the insurances were reasonable until i mentioned my medical problems "ouch" the insurance went sky high. For both of us we pay �75 for the year, which by all accounts is very good. And, I made sure that I was actually covered for my medical problems. It's amazing what Boots do cover.
Thought I would share this, It might just help someone!

[gillyd]

Hi, Mother. For this Sept for Portugal, our insurance with Floyds Direct is�29 for me including cover for my medical conditions (diabetes, angina after heart attack 11 years ago and age) and �17.99 for my husband. This is for 2weeks. Every other company we tried, incuding Boots wanted over �100 pounds for me, some even quoted nearly �300 for me! You'll find the older you are, the more insurance you pay, even without medical conditions. Floyds is definitely the cheapest insurance we've ever found. So we'll stay with them if we finally manage to find cheaper flights from Bristol plus accommodation. Thanks for your comments. Gill :icon_grrs

[leanne dawn]

i have done it indepently plent of times. i have a long distance to travel to airports also. as i am in the north east newcastle or teeside airports but choice is limited. i book my flights normally days before i travel which used to be the cheap option. but now it is the earlier you book. i try to avoid school holidays that saves a fortune. i just keep checking the flights on the net and hope for the best. ccasion1 . sometimes i have to fly from manchester 3.5 hrs and i have a night in a hotel who look after the car. extend my holiday a bit. last time i did that i got the room&car �80. the longstay car park wanted �56

[Mal 54]

Hi gilld, thanks for reply, that's a really good price, you did not mention wheather it was an annual insurance, if so, I just might try Floyd when our insurance expires in May!

[gillyd]

Hi, Leanne. Thanks for your reply. What do you do first? Book a flight and hope you can get accommodation for the same date, or vice versa? We are concerned that if we booked a cheap flight, fine. But if there's no accommodation to match your flight date, you're in trouble. See what I mean? Gill :thumbdow:

[gillyd]

Mother. The insurance, as I said, is for single trip (2 weeks). We only holiday abroad once a year, sometimes not every year, so annual insurance would'nt be suitable. Gill

[CarolG]

Before booking your flight check that the accommodation is available and make a provisional booking for it. When you book your flight confirm the accommodation booking. I always recommend this way of booking. It works very well as I have people coming to Icmeler with me time and time again.

Hope you find something.