First time booking a holiday - confuzzled!

supersaverkerry

Next August I want to take my boys away, it is the first time we will have been on holiday and I am getting very confused trying to book somewhere.

We have decided to book a package deal as being the first time I would rather someone else managed all the details for us.

I have found a few places I like but then looking on trip advisor the reviews don't match the star rating given by the places we are booking with.

So, how do you book a good value holiday?

It will be 2 adults, a 10 and a 13 year old, we want all inclusive and expect to spend around £4000ish for 14 nights. For this kind of money we want somewhere nice.

Can anyone give any tips for booking good value but nice and also other providers, we have looked at first choice and thomson mainly as Thomas cook were more expensive than the other two, but I have no idea who else might be reputable and worth trying.

Thanks

richardw

Where are you in the UK?

Quite an interesting read https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4744197

wallbash

It will be 2 adults, a 10 and a 13 year old,

But is that their age next year, I take it we are talking 2015??
Because 1 14 year old 'could' be classified as an adult, read the small print.

We have decided to book a package deal as being the first time I would rather someone else managed all the details for us.

Good idea, leave the complicated stuff to others

Problems , August , VERY expensive. .

I think £4000 for 14 nights will be difficult, you might have to think fewer.
But we haven't talked where you want to go.

then looking on trip advisor the reviews don't match the star rating given by the places we are booking with.

Trip Advisor can be great, would not book a hol without checking the place out.But you have to be sensible. Read the remarks, some are just laughable.
Some people complain about the silliest things.But take note if people start talking about cleanness, too many people talking about a dirty place, look elsewhere.

we want all inclusive

More people are choosing that option, easy to budget.

first choice and thomson mainly as Thomas cook

My first visit is always to Thompson. only because I book at least 3 hols a year and I know all the staff in my local branch, they know my requirements.But its quite possible to book a Thomas Cook holiday at a Thompson shop ........ does not make sense to me, but I have done it.

To sum up. go to the branch and chat to the staff.Take advice,pop home, check holiday on T.A. read carefully, take note on how many contributions the reviewer has. When happy , back to the shop and book.


Ps value for money and some of the cleanest Ai I have ever been to , look at Turkey.

mick_vandick

So, how do you book a good value holiday?

Impossible to say really as good value will mean different things to different people.

What i would suggest as it is your first time is to pop into a Thomson and a Thomas Cook shop and get their suggestions and prices. You may have found that Thomson are cheaper but TC will probably price match. If you have a travel agent in your town that is neither of these two then pop in there too as they may be a little less biased to their own product offering.

Also, forget Trip Advisor reviews for a moment and have a look at the forums on Trip Advisor for the places you have been thinking about as they can give you more of rounded opinion of a destination.

Anywhere in particular that you are looking at?

supersaverkerry

Thank you for the replies.

We were looking at Egypt but then wondered if that will be too hot for us in August as it will be around 37 so we are now thinking Turkey or Greece - honestly though just somewhere hotter than the UK, maybe around 30/32, nice pool with a slide or 2, things to do like excursions that will interest my boys and we will be happy, the country isn't hugely important.

Wallbash yes those are the ages of the children next year(yes 2015, still need time to save a bit more haha) , I found Thomas cook was charging my eldest and in some cases the younger as adults when I was getting quotes online, Thomson and first choice only did so rarely on the holidays we looked for.

£4000 is a ball park figure, we can go a bit over but having looked at several holidays which seem nice and seeing prices £3800-£4500 we said we would look around that price, I can maybe go up to £4700 if I need to but for that we don't want somewhere disappointing, this is a lot of money for us and out first ever holiday which I have been saving like crazy for a long time to get.

arthurdick

hi SSK, if you are thinking of going as far as Egypt, it may be well having a look at this place, it is around 90mins ish further than Tenerife. 6 hours something flight, it looks a bit more special compared to Egypt...not sure on the prices yet though, but when i was looking for me and the missus a couple of weeks ago, we could have got a fortnight A.I for under £2000 for September this year

http://www.riu.com/en/Paises/cape-verde/boa-vista/clubhotel-riu-karamboa/

Lincoln_Imp

Turkey will be very hot in the summer (High 40`s)

If you are thinking at 30-32 ish then suggest looking at Majorca/Menorca/Mainland Spain

Depends on what airport you can fly from but have you looked at Jet2 holidays ?

rustyboy21

I second Jet2 holidays, if you live up North, or don't mind travelling to fly out.


Their prices seem good and you get 22kg luggage included in price. It is like booking through expedia, but making it a complete package. You are also protected.


Yes the planes are ancient, but the service, whenever we have flown has been great. Never had an issue. Done their holidays twice and no issues.


First holiday abroad, I would suggest Spain, especially with the time of year you are looking at, for the temperature you are after. Look at Puerto pollensa/Alcudia/C'an picafort. Beach there is fantastic, water shallow and warm. Is like a tropical lagoon. Loads of things to do and nice places to eat. Otherwise the Canaries would be good. Think Egypt and Turkey may just be too hot in August. If you have never been away abroad, the heat may ruin it for you. Greece is good, but may find less for the kids there.


Start simple and work up, is my motto.

balletshoes

I agree - if its August you're planning for, I wouldn't choose Turkey or Egypt - the temps hit the 40s in August in both those countries in the tourist areas, and the sea breeze tends to turn warm too in Turkey in August.

I'd look for the Spanish islands or mainland Spain for August, if you want temps in the low 30s.

needaholiday

I almost cancelled a holiday 8 years ago because of mixed reviews. Some were awful. Went on the holiday, fell in love with the place and have returned to same place every year.
I agree its different if all the reviews are bad though.
We go to Ibiza end of July/beginning of August and the weather is fab. Hot but not toooo hot.