Tips for booking a holiday abroad?

osaddict

It's been a very long time since I've been abroad and I've never been the one to book or even look into it, this time it's down to me.

I wanted to go to Biarritz in South West France, however, it looks like that would be a case of sorting out each leg independently - i.e. flights, transfers, accommodation etc.

Someone else told me I should be looking at a 'package' which instantly filled me with dread and reminded me of the TV show Benidorm (and hence the place to a degree), something I'm very keen to avoid.

Under my scenario where by there's a flight a day to Biarritz airport I guess if I missed this flight I'd have to wait around for a day in London and pay through the nose for a flight the following day, likewise if the flight is cancelled I'd need to sit around etc.

Their argument was that everything was organised for you and if anything went wrong then it was up to the tour operator to sort it out and that you'd have some comeback. I'm not sure to what degree this is true or not?

So, some tips for a newbie would be good. Am I trying to bite off more than I can chew by trying to organise it all without a package and is it likely to be a risky approach.

Feedback greatly appreciated

richardw

osaddict wrote: »

I should be looking at a 'package'.....
............if anything went wrong then it was up to the tour operator to sort it out and that you'd have some comeback. I'm not sure to what degree this is true or not?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/Holidaysandtravel-yourconsumerrights/DG_182859

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3288/contents/made

osaddict

Thanks Richard, I guess the important thing is if we go down that route to identify what's actually a 'package holiday' rather than simply a collection of items which one purchases as a package - i.e. websites like Expedia it strikes me would not be classed as a package?

Still slightly concerned that we'd be restricting our choice but I've not looked into it a huge amount just yet.

richardw

You can do a bit of risk reduction yourself by planning and making reasonable allowances.
If the flight is from Stansted at 12.15, you can plan to get the train that arrives at 10.15, but if there were problems with the train and you arrived at say 10.50 you'd still make the flight.

davidlizard

By all means look at package holidays - there are sometimes great bargains to be had. However what you gain in convenience you lose in flexibility and risk being stuck in a hotel full of whinging brits!

However for a DIY trip, as richardw says you need to do some kind of risk reduction. Think of everything that could go wrong - such as flight is delayed, hotel goes bust, etc etc. Then think what you would do in those circumstances to either minimise the chance of the event happening (such as turning up at the airport very early) or having a plan B sorted. Research a number of ways you would get from the airport to the hotel, especially if you get in at 2am. Research a couple of alternative hotels. Research who else also flys that route. By doing all this research you get to learn loads about the area and adds to the holiday.

Also get some decent travel insurance - not necessarily the cheapest - that is tailored towards these sort of trips.

iaps

By Eurostar? http://uk.eurostar.com/uk/travel-to-france/travel-to-aquitaine/travel-to-biarritz/

thegirlintheattic

Packages are not as chavvy as you think and they do take the risk out of travelling.

Otherwise get good travel insurance but bear in mind that whilst this with cover financial loss, if your plan is delayed and results in you missing your train and your hotel dropping your booking, travel insurance will not find a solution for you nor provide the money to sort it out at the time.

Doshwaster

thegirlintheattic wrote: »

Packages are not as chavvy as you think and they do take the risk out of travelling.

But they take the fun, flexibility and achievement out of doing it yourself! Packages are fine your your requirements are simple but if you want to do something slightly different (two centre holiday, return from a different airport, stopovers etc) then packages will struggle to meet your needs.

Besides if you book with established airlines and hotels then they are unlikely to go bust. It's the tour operators middle-men who go to the wall. There would have to be nuclear Armageddon before the likes of BA, Easyjet or Hilton stopped trading.

osaddict

iaps wrote: »

By Eurostar? http://uk.eurostar.com/uk/travel-to-france/travel-to-aquitaine/travel-to-biarritz/

I'd not thought of that, but crikey, it's a long journey compared to the flight!

osaddict

thegirlintheattic wrote: »

Packages are not as chavvy as you think and they do take the risk out of travelling.

Otherwise get good travel insurance but bear in mind that whilst this with cover financial loss, if your plan is delayed and results in you missing your train and your hotel dropping your booking, travel insurance will not find a solution for you nor provide the money to sort it out at the time.

I think I have quite an outdated opinion of packages, perhaps I need to change that!

Doshwaster wrote:

But they take the fun, flexibility and achievement out of doing it yourself! Packages are fine your your requirements are simple but if you want to do something slightly different (two centre holiday, return from a different airport, stopovers etc) then packages will struggle to meet your needs.

Besides if you book with established airlines and hotels then they are unlikely to go bust. It's the tour operators middle-men who go to the wall. There would have to be nuclear Armageddon before the likes of BA, Easyjet or Hilton stopped trading.

I did think that but ultimately if I can get to the same destination and the cost is similar (or even cheaper) and it gives those travelling with me a bit more confidence it's a result! - If I have to change my destination I'll be a little less willing...

I don't know if this link will work properly, however, http://www.travelrepublic.co.uk/holiday/holiday-hotel-availability.aspx?hguid=b932cd93-bc3a-4ba8-9ab1-6191a331d3e8&fguid=6eae01be-5276-42fa-b809-3276e31d35d6 would suggest this page is presenting a range of package holidays and therefore would be covered under the regulations of Package Holidays?

iaps

I'd not thought of that, but crikey, it's a long journey compared to the flight!

The price is not competitive either

Bon Voyage !