Advice for getting a half decent deal

adamzetec

Me and the girlfriend have been looking at holidays on and off for the past few months but it has been put to the side lately as we have both been busy. Turns out that the holidays we were looking at have shot up past our budgets and it looks like we have been left behind.

We aren't bothered where we go to as long as its hot and reasonably pleasant. We were originally looking at Ibiza but decided against it as we would rather have somewhere relaxing but with a few bars etc nearby. We don't really want an in your face holiday, just somewhere to get away from it all in the sun. We have considered amongst other places, Kos, Salou and Rhodes.

As for budget, we are looking at £400 max really but the limiting factor is that she can only go away -/+ 3 days from the 9th August due to work.

Its driving me nuts, im fed up of calling agents from teletextholidays only to be greeted by an Indian who barely speak a word of english. Out of the 3 Indians I have dealt with 2 have given me incorrect details.

Would it be worth waiting until last minute? We really would like a named hotel so we can check the reviews etc before we go.

jen_jen_2

ive had cheap and v.good holidays via https://www.icelolly.com last year went to costa brava 3*self catering allocation on arrival for £150 and parents just gone to turkey 3* b&b for £150 each. booked about 3 weeks beforehand on both hols.

Im hoping to go somewhere in Sept. for about the same price.

The prices quoted on the website are cheaper than you actually get when you ring (think they are priced for 4 not 2 people) but if your flexible you could get a bargin.

Lucie_2

I have given up trying to book late deals over the phone, as the holidays advertised are never actually there when you ring up.
I think you are looking very early for August. I would have either booked months ago to get a good deal or would wait until the week before. As long as you have the annual leave booked from work, then it should be fine. It helps if work can be a little bit flexible & you can go a day earlier/day later if need be.
I always go to my friendly local travel agent (remember them?!) to get a late deal. 3 reasons:
1) They can only give you details of holidays that are actually available. Their computer screens are very up to date.

2) They have to compete with all the internet & over the phone travel companies to stay in business. You might be surprised to find them very competitive. They will often price match to get your business (inc internet deals). Co-op Travel & Travelcare are independent & have no loyalty to one particular tour operator.

3) They are real people & provide a much better level of service (in my exp). If something goes wrong you are not just another face-less number at the end of the phone/email. You can go & sit in their shop until they deal with your problem.

Only my experience, but I book approx 4 holidays a year & never pay full price for any of them!

adamzetec

I get the impression we are in the middle, too late to book to get a deal in advance and too far away to get a late deal. Think the late deal is going to be prefferable. I will also nip into the local co-op thanks for the advice

j600

have u considered olu deniz in turkey?? if not i strongly suggest u give it a look your girlfriend will simply love it! me and my girlfriend are booking to go and looking for deals now. found loads around the £300 - £450 mark (depending where u fly from) for 2weeks bed and breakfast in quality 3* hotels. if uv never seen olu deniz before youve gotta check it out its awesome, like a hidden gem which not alot of people know about yet.

heres some photos...

http://tinypic.com/4t1wjn

http://tinypic.com/4t1zf4

http://www.markfennell.com/travel/turkey/oludeniz/hires/122-2294_IMG_2.JPG

http://www.cturkey.com/data/media/4/oludeniz.jpg

http://www.sunstop.co.uk/images/resorts/oludeniz/oludeniz.jpg

shh tho dont tell everyone about it