How do you book and find your holidays?

Pooky23

I am just about to book for Summer '09.

First the family decided together where we should go, then I spend literally days searching the internet for a suitable apartment to rent. Destination is more important than price, although I don't want to pay over the odds. Next we decide on flights (which can be tricky sometimes as we won't ever travel Easyjet or RyanAir). Flight timings are more important than price, but again we we want to get the balance right and not pay silly money for them. Last of all is car hire if needed. We usually book that about 2-3 months in advance.

We almost always book independently, rather than a package holiday and it has always worked out perfectly.

Blue264

conradmum wrote: »

The time until the holiday is spent doing loads of research on what to do, where to stay etc. Well, it's as much daydreaming as research!

Never had a holiday that disappointed doing it this way.

Got to agree with you there.
The two occassions when I have been disappointed with the choice of hotel were both in the days when I would book a package tour. I won't trust any but my own judgement now when it comes to the accomodation because you can be in a fantastic location but feel unwelcome and uncomfortable in the hotel no matter what standard it is. You can also find a little gem of a hotel which may not be all bells and whistles, but the location is fantastic and the staff are friendly and welcoming...but only if you do your own research.

meester

Pooky23 wrote: »

I am just about to book for Summer '09.

First the family decided together where we should go, then I spend literally days searching the internet for a suitable apartment to rent. Destination is more important than price, although I don't want to pay over the odds. Next we decide on flights (which can be tricky sometimes as we won't ever travel Easyjet or RyanAir). Flight timings are more important than price, but again we we want to get the balance right and not pay silly money for them. Last of all is car hire if needed. We usually book that about 2-3 months in advance.

I've never booked more than a month ahead. That said, Turkey last May bank was perfect, and I'd like to do again. Thing is the prices now for May 2009 are higher than they were in May 2008 for May 2008. I guess the prices start off at medium levels and the rise or fall according to demand, and if bookings are low, they get slashed at the last minute.

It's hard to know when to book. At least if you leave it to the last minute, there's little chance of prices falling after you've booked.

briona

I guess the last answer on the poll is closest to my experiences. I tend research a few destinations from my (ever-expanding!) list of places I'd like to go, periodically check the prices of flights and hotels and book when I'm happy with the prices.

If I'm only having two holidays a year I prefer to go in May and September when the heat and the crowds are not too unbearable! But if I'm having more than two holidays a year, I'll book when I see something that takes my fancy.

Being (mostly) self-employed and not having either a partner or kids, I can pretty much go on holiday as and when I please but I appreciate that for some people, it's going to be much harder to drop everything and fly.

buxtonrabbitgreen

I decide where, usually Wales in the school hols for a cheap camping trip. Might go youth hosteling next year though. Then fly to see my son in Europe for a few days whenever Ryanairs price is right .

Jelliebeen

I always book mine through sites like holidaylettings.co.uk. I quite like their Late Deals section, or, if I'm being extremely organised then the early bargains is good too.

I generally decide on a general area and then see what's on offer. I prefer to stick to the UK to avoid flying so it works out even cheaper! Or I can splash out what I would have paid for flights on a nicer place to rent.

Also, as you deal direct with the owner you can make your best offer and dare I say it, haggle a bit! Try doing that with Thomas Cook et al.