Family holiday - should I book now or wait till new year?

mandragora_2

Dear all,

I'm hoping some kind person will know more than me about the best way to book flights and a hotel for a family holiday early next summer. It's for my son, his girlfriend and their two young children. We've narrowed it down to two locations (either Minorca or Canaries), and found a couple of hotels at each location that look as if they'll do the job. I'm happy to buy flights and hotel separately or as a package - whichever works out the best value. What is looking the most likely at the moment is flights (Easyjet), found via Skyscanner and a hotel (bought separately). The best deal for accommodation I can see is direct from Riu themselves.

Now, what I'm wondering is whether the prices generally go up at the end of this month, or down. I'm not blinded by 'deals' and the hype associated with them, and not especially wedded to the idea that I need to buy a package from one of the major operators (though I will stay away from Icelolly, as I think some of the companies on there are not as reliable as I'd want, especially as the children are only 2 and 4, and this will be their very first family holiday). I don't want to wait around to pick up a late deal, for the same reason - I'd rather get it booked so they can start planning and enjoy the anticipation.

Many thanks for reading, and any advice/experiences/suggestions gratefully received.

ronaldo2

Hi, i have booked for next year and for the first time plucked up the courage and booked flights, hotel and transfers seperately myself. I have saved around £600. I would look at travel republic which is who i have gone through, they are live prices and are easy to navigate, also the people on the phone are very helpful, you won't get a rep but you will get an emergency number just in case you need help.

philip1988

Generally speaking you can get some good deals on package holidays nearer the date of departure where as flights purchased through commerial airlines such as Easy Jet etc get more expensive the closer to the departure date you book.

poet123

We saved a lot of money ( £800) by booking direct with the hotel and buying flights separately when we went to Majorca to this hotel chain:
http://www.marhotels.com/en/index.html#

You can choose your room too, and stay all inclusive. We stayed at the one pictured in Cala D'Or and it was ideal for families, with lots going on in the hotel and i the resort.

Obviously_the_best

Just a tip, I wouldn't take two young children to the canaries in summer. It'll most likely be too hot for them. I reckon you're probably better off in north Majorca than Minorca, as there's more to do. Flights do often go down in the January sales, however hotels normally remain consistent.

mandragora_2

Obviously_the_best wrote: »

Just a tip, I wouldn't take two young children to the canaries in summer. It'll most likely be too hot for them. I reckon you're probably better off in north Majorca than Minorca, as there's more to do. Flights do often go down in the January sales, however hotels normally remain consistent.

Thanks - I was thinking early-mid May for the Canaries option, with mid-June as the choice if they decided on the med, which I think should give average temps in the low 20's, and reasonable chance of sun, so that the parents feel they've had a break, but i's not unbearable for the little ones.

Obviously_the_best

For the canaries, mid april / october will give you mid twenties, early may is likely to be higher twenties, 28/29 region. early/mid june is probably about right for the Balearics. Whatever you / they choose, I hope they have a fantastic time. They're both wonderful sets of islands.

terryw

ronaldo2 wrote: »

Hi, i have booked for next year and for the first time plucked up the courage and booked flights, hotel and transfers seperately myself. I have saved around £600. I would look at travel republic which is who i have gone through, they are live prices and are easy to navigate, also the people on the phone are very helpful, you won't get a rep but you will get an emergency number just in case you need help.

Good advice about Travelrepublic but also check out Trivago.