Reducing holiday costs

hazman

Hello all...

My husband and I have just had a look at our finances and due to a pay rise can now afford low cost holiday abroad next year. I have found a place in Zante, all inclusive in May for 2 adults and a child (although child is paying adult price as he'll be 14) for £1900. We are not expecting 5* at this price, just somewhere clean, near the beach with plentiful food and drink (any suggestions of alternatives accepted x) The hotel we stayed in last year in Turkey is quoting £3900 this year!!!!:eek:

We have found it on different sites for £1600 but a £900 deposit is needed... and we can't stretch this far today

Any ideas if the tour operator will offer a reduction on the £1900 and how to go about this?

Thanks people xx

markwilkinson

Where in Zante are you going?

I havnt got a calculator to hand but I rekon you could save money by ditching AI and going self catering.

hazman

Thanks for the quick reply...

Tsivili, we went to Kalamaki a couple of years ago and the prices to eat out were more expensive than here. So I think with the Greek economy AI is the best bet but we will eat out of an evening if we fancy it. My problem is, that I like to eat when on holiday, i'm on a diet 50 weeks a year so when away I like to eat (and eat...) so AI work best (I know... I sound piggish) My husband says I'm like a woman possessed!!


Do you think I should just ask for a price match? x

markwilkinson

Might be worth a go but I doubt you will be successful to be honest.

Zante is a lovely island so if you can afford it try and take a few excursions. A 'round the island' trip is well worth it. A must is a trip to see the Loggerhead turtles but make sure you use the right boat/trip there are some boats that get too close for the benefit of tourists but they can also cause harm.

Tsilivi isn't the best resort on the island, certainly not the worst though. We went late in the season and it was quiet, which we liked, but I remember thinking that the place must be like hell on earth in the height of the summer. Thankfully you are going at the start of the season so should have a good time.

hazman

I love the Greek Isles and will certainly go on excursions. I mush prefer a quieter resort, life is busier enough at home and work, so holidays are for chillin!! Turkey last year wasn't for me - too much hassle, so have set my heart on an old favourite, (my first holiday with hubby 15 years ago was Lagana - how times change)

wallbash

Well I am a great fan of Ai ........ in Turkey . But if I was considering Zante it would be BB.
You are paying Ai prices that are fixed today ( or more accurately some time in the past) Surly no one can think the Greek economy will harden against Sterling .
Ps Todays Sunday papers agree with me .

Archergirl

Also your son will be paying adult price but isn't old enough to drink alcohol, maybe half/full board would suit you better?

getmore4less

How long is that for?

There was a 12n cruise to the baltics for less than that this year (just in the schools holidays

Which dates in May there might be a cruise option.

Andrew_D_3

I would go into a local travel agent and see what they can offer on their price as well, they can normally do lower deposit as well!

Make sure the other package tha your looking at is also ATOL protected.

hazman

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Will take a toddle down to First Choice on Saturday when I'm off work and push my luck a bit... thanks again xx

Red_dog_Sam

There are some things you can consider to try reducing the cost.
Can you pick up your package from a tour operators website? It might be cheaper online or have online discount codes available. You could also consider checking the sites of travel companies on Quidco to see if you can find your holiday through one of them and secure some cash back on the booking.
Or "unpick" the package and try to put it together yourself to see if it can be done for much less - you can look on hotels4u or similar to guage the price of the accomodation at both HB and AI rates.
Even if you prefer to stick with the travel agent this sort of research can give you something for them to price match against.