Last minute holiday question

Carol444_2

This is an interesting debate. There seems to be a 50/50 split between those who believe that last minute bargains will get you the best price and deal, and those who believe you should book early (and also some people who believe travel agents are deliberately trying to say there will be no last minute bargains because they want to sell their holidays early, which is a reasonable assumption).
So I have just performed an experiment, I've priced up a diy and a package for two periods, both use 2 adults going away for 7 days with one suitcase and transfers. The first period is for anytime in the next 2 weeks (up to 14th Mar), the second period is for a week in May.
The results are below.

Carol444_2

I could get no prices at all for the next 2 weeks for Egypt from either TravelSky, Teletext or First Choice. I could only get Spain so I used that.

In the next 2 weeks the best I could do package-wise was Teletext Self Catering Sun 8th to Sun 15th March for £386 in a 3 star apartment with good Tripadvisor reviews.

In the next 2 weeks the best I could do DIY was Self Catering Tues 10th Mar to Tues 17th Mar for £343 in a 3 star apartment with good Tripadvisor reviews.

In May the best I could do was DIY Self Catering Sat 9th to Sat 16th May for £317 in a 4 star apartment with good Tripadvisor reviews.

So the winner is an early booking both for price and quality.

Cy the way I am not a Travel Agent.

koolcat99

With a day or 2 to go I would just go to a travel agent. They always have cancellations.
My problem this year is that we have an infant, so the chances of 2 adults and an infant cancelling are a lot slimmer than a party of 2 adults.

Bronnie

Interesting Carol, and with respect, I'm sure the reason you could get Spain in the next two weeks is because really it's not warm enough there yet.

Speaking as someone who's just spent more than she wanted on a last minute break to the Canaries next week!

Carol444_2

Yes Bronnie, you are right that is probably why there are only Spanish ones at this time of year, and the results may be different more towards the summer months.
Also I'm wondering if you did the same experiment using a family of 2 adults and 2 children taking an all inclusive hotel, with one room and a kids club, whether the results would be different again.
I took 2 adults in a one-bed sc as the basis because it is traditionally thought that these people are the ones who would look for last minute deals, going anywhere, for the cheapest amount possible. And I think that most people would believe that they would easily get last minute bargains whereas families get better deals booking earlier.
But I'm wondering if this year has turned everything on its head, and whether families are better off getting last minute deals and adults are better booking early.
If I have the time I might try out the family experiment and see what happens.

miamoo

I have visited various travel agents during the last few months with my work (as I am a mystery shopper). I have been told in 5 different travel agents that 5 different hotels are fully booked the first week in september, and my room is the last one! Now call me cynical but I don't believe that both the Hilton hotels,the Concord el salam, The hyatt Regency and the Sofitel Taba in Egypt are fully booked the week the kids go back in September.
I understand why the travel agents are saying this, as I would be doing the same if I worked as one.
Also can I say that a fair comparison would be book a holiday -1 month from today, and a holiday this time next year, and I will eat my hat if the late deal isn't cheaper!

Carol444_2

This time next year is certainly a very, very, very early booking. Who knows what will happen in a year?

This leaves the question of what people consider to be a 'last minute' deal. I have always considered it to be in the next 2 weeks, but some people think differently.

So lets throw out the question to anyone who's interested.

What timeframe would do you consider to be a 'last minute' deal?

miamoo

Right I've just had a really quick look, and I've found this;
March 19th 09 flying from manchester to orlando staying at Continental Plaza on International Drive, 1 week, 2 adults. Total Price £661
Book EXACTLY the same holiday for exactly the same date 2010 with the same holiday company (first choice) total price is £1344.
Now where is the advantage in booking early there?

Just wanted to add that booking 12months in advance is not a really early booking, you need to book this early if you want to get a free child place.

Magnolia

I booked our May holiday in the first week of January. I usually book about 6 - 8 weeks before we go. First Choice self catering in Crete for 2 £470. I know the risks of booking at the wrong time but thought I had better pounce on this one as it was a good £200 lower than I had found anywhere else.

This holiday has consistently been over £600 ever since :eek: Seems it was the optimum time to book.

I also have noticed that there are far fewer flights available than in previous years and a lot of them are, for example, late Saturday out and early Saturday back meaning you only get 6 days in resort.

You might have noticed that I like to get value for money when I go on holiday and if I pay for 7 days holiday then that is what I expect.

I also noticed that a lot of the 'big boys' are now one and the same. Tui rule the roost!

Olympic are also using Thompson flights as well! Or Euro Cypria. I couldnt find any Olympic Airways flights

duchy

miamoo wrote: »

There ARE last minute deals available, travel agents will tell you to book NOW as they are desperate for your custom. This is a very hard year for the tourist industry, they will tell you anything to get you to book!

Agreed

If you are genuinely flexible with dates and can go May (not Whitsun) or early June with flexibility of where too-you'll find discounts. If you must fly at the weekend /go school holidays you'll struggle.
(Used to be a travel agent-glad not to be at the moment-it's tough out there)