Just been looking through TC's website and out of sheer curiosity checked prices for 26th August for a week for 2 staying at Christos apartments WOWZERS not much change from a grand for a week!!!
I am so relieved I booked early and bagged myself a good deal as now it is double what I paid.
I was going to leave it until last minute - but you take your chances don't you...
Do you lot out there prefer to be one step ahead and book early or do you leave it till the last minute.
I have booked last minute in the past and have found good deals but this year they seem to be few and far between...
Has anyone found any fantastic deals then???
Message posted by Viv D on 12 July 2011 at 1:07pm - IP Logged
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Directholidays - Flying 29th August Manchester for 7 days - self catering at Christina Studios 3 star self catering - Sidari.
Two people with transfers coming out as £610.00. They say a saving of £350 if booked on line.
---------------------------------------------
Answer to your question we always book independently. Find if you are booking for 14 nights the owners often come back with a good deal anyway by maybe giving 5 - 10 - even 15% reduction per night.
Viv
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 12 July 2011 at 1:12pm - IP Logged
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We usually book independent but this year the Packages we too good to not book we saved a fair bit by booking a package this year for the two trips but was really shocked just to see how much the price had increased!!!
Message posted by BruceAndMaria (Born again CTG member) on 12 July 2011 at 1:20pm - IP Logged
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Message posted by Deedee on 12 July 2011 at 1:55pm - IP Logged
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Deedee
We've always booked early. It is a legacy from when the company my husband works for had fixed holidays. That changed several years ago but the booking early habit stayed.
When we booked our holiday for this year prices in general seemed to have gone up on what we have been paying for the last few years (excepting 2004). We booked because we got what we wanted, when we wanted and it was still a reasonable price. Since then I have seen several posts on this site from people who seem to have got bargains, even for high season. Sometimes I have wondered whether we did the right thing but I have priced up our holiday a few times since and it has always been more than when we booked.
Simon Calder was on the BBC breakfast show a few days ago saying that bookings are down and that there are some bargains to be had for those who are still looking. I think he said particulary in Greece, Turkey & Tunisia.
Deedee
Message posted by Sid Ari on 12 July 2011 at 3:11pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by BruceAndMaria on 12 July 2011
Michelle..Maybe because Thomas Cook are having a bit of a bad time..check this report from the BBC business website.
Quote: Originally posted by Mrs Mushypea on 12 July 2011
Just been looking through TC's website and out of sheer curiosity checked prices for 26th August for a week for 2 staying at Christos apartments WOWZERS not much change from a grand for a week!!!
Christinas Sidari
Fri 15 Jul 2011
Duration 1 Week
Number of rooms 1 room
Departure airport London Gatwick
Per person £237
Total price £474
Includes web saving -£562
Message posted by razaker on 12 July 2011 at 3:23pm - IP Logged
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I always book independatly to but between flight prices the price of accomadation was through the roof, so I started looking at package holidays & got a great deal through Olympic for the 1st 2 weeks August, like you Mrs M Im glad I booked early, even now Im trying to find a cheap holiday for the 3rd week August & like you say daft money being quoted. I even tried to extend our return flights for a week but they want £700. Thats with out accomadation..
Message posted by yorkie girl on 12 July 2011 at 3:33pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by Mrs Mushypea on 12 July 2011
Just been looking through TC's website and out of sheer curiosity checked prices for 26th August for a week for 2 staying at Christos apartments WOWZERS not much change from a grand for a week!!!
I am so relieved I booked early and bagged myself a good deal as now it is double what I paid.
I was going to leave it until last minute - but you take your chances don't you...
Do you lot out there prefer to be one step ahead and book early or do you leave it till the last minute.
I have booked last minute in the past and have found good deals but this year they seem to be few and far between...
Has anyone found any fantastic deals then???
From what I'm reading on this thread I think I got myself a right good deal Mrs M - travelling as a couple with double room £412 each 14 days half board Canal D'Amour side of Sidari included in price are transfers, baggage, etc Never been before so what do you think of those prices - like everyone we all like a good deal.
Message posted by ecotrails on 12 July 2011 at 4:16pm - IP Logged
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Booking early has it's advocates but only occasionally have I done this, the advantage of knowing when and exactly where you are going and looking forward to it is booking early's fun.
Same with choice of going via independant and/or tour operators; I have used both, several times we have just used for the flight and the accommodation was ditched or used as a nights stopover on first and last day.
Mainly I have booked at last minute, always found a good price, I know the no frills airlines are playing the game at the moment of pretending to offer low prices when the flights first come out and then increasing prices but that will change again I expect if seats are not being filled, same as the 99p flight incentives offered a while ago.
Just had a quick look around and found hundreds of holidays over the next few weeks from all airports, in every part of Corfu in named accommodation, 1 week or 2 and starting from £150pp none above £200pp and that's what you pay, no surcharges so to me the book early just to get a bargain remains a myth.
Eco
Message posted by jundas on 12 July 2011 at 4:23pm - IP Logged
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We always book early as well, normally within a few weeks of getting back from our last holiday. Last year I booked in September to come away this year end of July. Latest I've left booking has been Jan/Feb of same year of forthcoming holiday. We also got a great bargain with Olympic £788 for 2 adults, S/C, flights, transfers etc., 29th July to 12th August. I've paid more or less that for a weeks S/C hol in Cornwall in the past (not knocking Cornwall as I love it), but made me think sometimes we pay so much for UK hols.
I also looked into going indy for Corfu this year, but couldn't find anything offering anywhere near the price we're paying with a package, especially at peak season.
Just had a look on Olympic website and they're offering Monika's apartments in Sidari at same dates we're going for £640 for 2 adults, 2 weeks which is brilliant I think, so sometimes you can grab a bargain if you book late. I just prefer to get it booked early...
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 12 July 2011 at 4:40pm - IP Logged
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That's your choice Jundas and I can fully understand your reasoning, the cost is not everything, not for me though.
I'll put myself out on a limb and bet that I can find a holiday in Sidari (or most other spots) for two weeks beginning around the 29th July, maybe not the exact accommodation you're going to since my sources might not use that one) but named accommodation for less than £250pp. and that will be someone holidaying same as you but for £280 cheaper and thats a heck of a lot of Amstel
Holidays at that time are hovering around £320-£350 at moment but they will reduce I am sure
Eco
Message posted by kerkyra on 12 July 2011 at 5:25pm - IP Logged
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For us early booking is essential, but that is because we only book flights.
Just checked for our forthcoming trip and this is the breakdown:
NEWCASTLE to Corfu
3 Adults, 1 Child 4 x £205.49
Taxes and Charges Included
Sub-total £821.96
Base Fare £679.96 APD (Government tax) £48.00 Other Airport Charges £94.00
Corfu to NEWCASTLE
3 Adults, 1 Child 4 x £143.99
Taxes and Charges Included
Sub-total £575.96
Base Fare £467.96 APD (Government tax) £0.00 Other Airport Charges £108.00
Bags £119.94
Online check-in £30.00
Booking Fee £55.72
PayPal £32.07
Total: £1635.65
We paid £1013 last November so a saving of £622 for our three week trip, starting 25th July(School Hols).
Andy.
Message posted by Sid Ari on 12 July 2011 at 5:50pm - IP Logged
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Just seen this on Thomas Cooke. OK, the flight has now closed but someone got a bargain.
Stone Well Studios Crete (Heraklion), Malia
From Newcastle
7 nights, Self Catering,
departing Tue 12-07-11
Room 1 - Room for 1 to 2 people features, balcony
£71 per person Total cost £142 includes 15Kg luggage, Flight taxes and ATOL protection.
Ecotrails, I'll have to get some help from you for booking next years holiday, because as you say £280 cheaper (in my case) is a lot of wine! I like to book early mainly to make sure we get dates we want and accommodation etc., Another reason is because of my hubbys job. He has to get his dates in at work asap, because his company only allows so many people of at once, so if I booked now, we'd have no chance. Years back when I was 18/19 and went on my girly holidays, we used to book about 2 weeks before we flew and did those 'know what country' you're going to, but not resort or accommodation and then find out at airport for a real bargain. Don't even know if they still exist now.
Message posted by SusieH on 12 July 2011 at 8:31pm - IP Logged
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I booked early with TC two years ago, not only did they change the accommodation two days before departure but the resort as well!! I am sorry but I will never use them again, their customer service was most unhelpful
We had chosen our resort and accommodation carefully after a lot of research, small single story studio on a private rocky beach in a very quiet area ideal for snorkelling in Paleo, we were offered Legends in Sidari with no alternative.
They could not even see that what they were offering was not a suitable alternative!!!
I am sure Legends is lovely but it is not for us. We asked if we could keep the flights and find accommodation ourselves but it seems to do that we would have had to cancel and rebook the flights only at a higher cost than our original package!!
In the end we managed to find something else in Acharavi which was a lot more to our liking, at an additional cost!!! Was not where we wanted to be but we had a good holiday
So booking early is no guarantee that you will get what you want
Susie
Message posted by MrTiler on 12 July 2011 at 8:38pm - IP Logged
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Going to stay in Christos Apartments, Sidari for two weeks from 25th July. We booked it last September with Thomas Cook. Package price for two people, Just over £700.
BOOK EARLY.
Message posted by mossa on 12 July 2011 at 8:44pm - IP Logged
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We have booked with Direct Holidays (T.Cook airlines) for Sept 2012, staying in Kassiopi.
It was cheaper than this year's holiday to the same place and accommodation.
Message posted by tully on 12 July 2011 at 9:09pm - IP Logged
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I normally book around March/April as not always sure where I want to go.
Already had one week this year in Acharavi at the end of May (school week) which was under £500 for my daughter and I.
Now looking to see what I can find for the six week holidays although I'm a tad fussy as to where I want to go so struggling to find "2 week holidays", plenty of cheap deals if going for a week but 2 weeks are coming up a bit scarce.
Message posted by Kernowman on 12 July 2011 at 10:37pm - IP Logged
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We've booked independently for 8 years only changing where we stay if the owner gave up or the price went up when every body else was either keeping their price the same or reducing it. This year the accommodation was 3 weeks for the price of 2 weeks. The offer was then come back in September on the same deal or 2 weeks for the price of one.
But we have already taken next year 2012 on the same basis as this year but we'll get an apartment instead of a studio but at the lower price. All I need now is to get our flights sorted with Easyjet.
Message posted by Janw on 13 July 2011 at 12:25am - IP Logged
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My hol this year breaks down to £197 per person, per week for return flights, return transfers and apartments for 2 weeks. I think this is good value. Am I wrong in thinking this or could I have got an even better deal for 1st 2 weeks in August on a package deal or going indy?
Message posted by sally budge on 13 July 2011 at 1:06pm - IP Logged
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Hi jundas I think youve got a good price there do you mind me asking where your staying and what sort of apartment your in. Is it a 1 bed apartment or studio? Were stopping at the Dimas think that works out at about £260 a week but we have a 2 bed apartment might have been cheaper to have two studios but not sure about two teenagers (13+15) in there own as they might kill each other. Thanks
Message posted by DCV on 13 July 2011 at 1:44pm - IP Logged
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Hi Sally, we booked with Olympic holidays on a package deal when they had a 3 day sale on. We're staying in Takis 2 apartments (near Three Pigs restaurant) in a studio. No idea what they're like as it's our 1st time there. Normally stay in Loxides apartments in a 1 bedroom apartment with our son, and mum who has different apartment with our older son, but it's only hubby and me this year, so studio is fine. We got an early booking discount, early saver discount, online booking discount and special email offer which added up to a £240 saving on final holiday total. I still think it's a good bargain for going to Corfu at that time of year. I think what you've paid is pretty good as well, especially for a 2 bedroom apartment. At the end of the day, we all book/pay (whether early or late) for what we think is right for us and what we can afford at the time. Have a lovely holiday anyway Sally, as to all the other people going over very soon...
Message posted by yorkie girl on 14 July 2011 at 3:45pm - IP Logged
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Well I'm thinking after reading all the holiday prices that I certainly did get a great deal.
I scoured the internet but it was worth the time and effort. I found a package deal for 2 adults/ 2 weeks in August flying from Doncaster/ 1 double room at the Alkion half board/included are transfers and luggage, taxes, etc = total price £824.
With the cost of living/price of Euro the saving on the meals alone will save us a lot of money as usually we go B/B and spend approx £300 on evening meals over the course of our holidays so if we wanted to sample any restaurants over the course of the holiday it won't be a problem to miss out on a hotel meal now and then.
Don't you just love a bargain - it makes the holiday even better lol
Message posted by joner55 on 17 July 2011 at 5:52pm - IP Logged
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Booked in October easy jet flights from Bristol two weeks at Marias Studios Paleokastritsa and transfers first 2 weeks of September £260 per person, very pleased
Message posted by ecotrails on 18 July 2011 at 2:18pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by ecotrails on 12 July 2011
I'll put myself out on a limb and bet that I can find a holiday in Sidari (or most other spots) for two weeks beginning around the 29th July, maybe not the exact accommodation you're going to since my sources might not use that one) but named accommodation for less than £250pp. Holidays at that time are hovering around £320-£350 at moment but they will reduce I am sure
Eco
Just had a looky see and every part of Corfu, named accom two weeks starting around 29 July now down from £320-40 to £259-79... so I'm nearly there
Eco
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 18 July 2011 at 3:02pm - IP Logged
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I agree it's a Jungle out there! So much price fluctuation. In the end it's all about what your priorities are, and what your looking for. Weve paid top whack this year (some you win, and some you lose). But were going where we want to be, when we want to go, and at times we like to fly. Currently accomodation is for nothing check out Thomsons Hotels etc in San Stef NW from £90 a week for the apartment. However the flights have gone well up. There are lots of bargains. Good luck everyone with you search. It's all rather Carrot and Stick. The main thing is grab the moment and go for it, before the SHOW IS OVER!!
YAMAS EVERYONE
Woodie (TOP CHEF) & Dee
Message posted by Avva mou on 19 July 2011 at 1:39am - IP Logged
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We went independent this year and I have just totalled it up to £1470.00 for flights, accommodation, transfers and spending money. We did 8 nights arriving midday and the taxi picked us up at 7.30pm for the return trip to airport. We did one trip, wasted a bit on things we forgot. So we are well chuffed with what we spent.
Message posted by jundas on 19 July 2011 at 11:31am - IP Logged
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Hi Razaker,
The Loxides are indeed very nice apartments. We've stayed there the last 3 years, but as said earlier, got what I thought was a good bargain at Takis II this year so booked them instead. The couple who run Loxides are Yannis and Richelle and they live on the site, so handy if you have any problems. Really nice and helpful couple. The grounds are kept lovely as is the pool area with plenty of sunbeds and brollies.It has a bar which serves snacks,and the prices aren't too bad either, but a bit more than outside bars. Rooms are a good size, last year we had 1 bedroom apartment for hubby, me and youngest and my mum and eldest son had a studio. Location is fab, over the road to beach, not far from main strip or over the bridge to Canal D'Amour area and just down the road from Three Pigs restaurant and Vlaseros Travel agency. Car park at back of apartments if you hire a car, football pitch and a small kiddies play area and pool table as well. Hope you have a great time there and enjoy your hol. 10 days for us till we're back in Sidari. Can't wait...
Message posted by ecotrails on 19 July 2011 at 1:53pm - IP Logged
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Got there and some more..., looking for 29th August +/- 5 days, two weeks, Sidari, named accom, now showing guaranteed Sidari (or Kassiopi or Roda), not named (but in resort of your choice)for £189pp and Angeliki or Othonas appartments for £209pp .... that's got to be good for a fortnights holiday..
So get out and find yourselves some bargains people, sun,sea, friendly faces, good food... yuym yum
Eco
Message posted by razaker on 19 July 2011 at 3:03pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by ecotrails on 19 July 2011
Got there and some more..., looking for 29th August +/- 5 days, two weeks, Sidari, named accom, now showing guaranteed Sidari (or Kassiopi or Roda), not named (but in resort of your choice)for £189pp and Angeliki or Othonas appartments for £209pp .... that's got to be good for a fortnights holiday..
So get out and find yourselves some bargains people, sun,sea, friendly faces, good food... yuym yum
Eco
Well done you....... I knew you would get there!!! that is a fantastic deal though - well done eco I will give you a star for that
Message posted by yorkie girl on 19 July 2011 at 3:09pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by Mrs Mushypea on 19 July 2011
Quote: Originally posted by ecotrails on 19 July 2011
Got there and some more..., looking for 29th August +/- 5 days, two weeks, Sidari, named accom, now showing guaranteed Sidari (or Kassiopi or Roda), not named (but in resort of your choice)for £189pp and Angeliki or Othonas appartments for £209pp .... that's got to be good for a fortnights holiday..
So get out and find yourselves some bargains people, sun,sea, friendly faces, good food... yuym yum
Eco
Well done you... I knew you would get there!!! That is a fantastic deal though - well done eco I will give you a star for that
I would send him to top of the class, let him give the pencils out and get a goodie out the jar for that Mrs M
Message posted by daveyh on 19 July 2011 at 3:57pm - IP Logged
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daveyh
Good prices Eco but beware what you pay for. While I was in Sidari a family group paid 100€ to get out of their apartments and move to where I was staying and I saw the photos to prove their reasons were justified.
Always try to research before you book looking at comments on tripadviser etc or find someone who has stayed there. You don't want to book cheap and then have to pay extra if it turns out not be what you expected.
Message posted by ecotrails on 19 July 2011 at 5:04pm - IP Logged
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Good advice Dave; I just mentioned the un-named but in Sidari deals because they is £20 cheaper and I don't particularly mind anything at all, quite like the unknowing, but others do of course. The Angelica or Orthonas I mentioned, well I researched on this great forum and they both came up good but on the outskirts so a 10 minute walk to the centre or so.
I only looked at one provider and have used them twice before but quite a while ago, then the price you saw was the price you pay, expect it is now but don't know for sure.
Thanks for the star and the chance of a cookie folks..
Eco
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