I'm sure this question has been asked before but I wouldn't know where to look for the answer(s)
Has anyone booked flights and their accommodation in Corfu separately rather than as package!!! Can you please let us have your views on the pitfalls and advantages?
Many thanks
Norman and Ritax
Message posted by NIGEL on 09 February 2010 at 12:31am - IP Logged
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Hi Norman and Rita, plenty of people have been doing that for years, can be cheaper can work out out more! But you get to choose your flight times and have a pick of more accomadtion. Its very easy to book your flights online and then pay for your digs with a 30% deposit, the rest is due 2-4 weeks before you arrive. Plus you can go for any number of nights you want, subject to flights from your local airport.
Message posted by Nobles on 09 February 2010 at 12:39am - IP Logged
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Thanks Nigel. We might be brave this year and book independently although I worry (though Norman doesn't!) in case we get stranded if our airline goes bust. I know this happened to independant XL passengers when that airline went belly up a couple of years ago.
Ritax
Message posted by flynnmo on 09 February 2010 at 3:33am - IP Logged
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Hi Norman and Rita, We've gone independantly for a few years now. We were on Corfu with the ill-fated Excel when it went bust! As far as I'm aware, no one was actually stranded. I think it was the CAA who arranged for other airlines to get all the passengers home.People on package tours were covered by ABTA. Those who had paid by credit card would have their money refunded. Unfortunately, we had paid by debit card and weren't covered. (although I found out subsequently that there IS a way to claim back through your bank) However, nobody was prevented from flying home. There was a flat fare of £100 p.p. if I remember rightly, which could be paid by cash or credit card. Anyone who couldn't pay had to give details and would be billed when they got home. I think there is something in place now,like a £1p.p. charge, which independant travellers pay to cover them in these circumstances. Not sure about this though. I'm sure someone will be able to confirm whether this is correct or not. Go for it and have a lovely holiday. Moyra
Message posted by Anna K on 09 February 2010 at 8:57am - IP Logged
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Hi
I can see my house in your photo on the quayside in the toon. Made me smile.
The only thing is are you happy driving over here.
If thats not a problem then independant travel is a whole new world, it gives you the freedom to discover everywhere instead of being restricted.
Also it can be less in cost if you bag a bargain in cheap flights.
So much lovely accommadation to choose from.
Check out owners direct website too.
Message posted by Dennis on 09 February 2010 at 9:06am - IP Logged
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Dennis
Nobles
In my opinion it is often more expensive to go independently than on a 'package'. The major factor is the price you pay for flights not forgetting the cost of transfers. For independent to be cheaper you need really cheap flights. This is especially so for 2 weeks holidays.
Last May, admittedly over-lapping into Spring Bank holidays, it was much cheaper (nearly £200 each) for my wife and I to go 'package' to our favourite hotel than to go independent to my friend's apartments ... and he doesn't charge us !! That was booking in March. As it happened if we had waited until the last minute we have got cheaper flights but then you risk no seats or no rooms!
But do your sums on actual online quotes for each alternative.
By using these Forums you will get enough information to sort out any organisational worries like taxis etc if you decide to go it alone.
We are going independently this time. This was mainly because we wanted to stay nearer Corfu Town. We are spending a bit more, but we are getting what we want where we want to be, and the accommodation is a bit better too.
We usually go to Kassiopi and do choose a package, partly because of the transfer cost and convenience - we like to settle in for a few days before driving.
I have enjoyed doing the research and arrangements for our trip, with the help of people on this site.
Good luck whatever you decide!
Message posted by Ellenjay on 09 February 2010 at 10:18am - IP Logged
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Perhaps I should also have said, the accommodation owners will get more of our euros, and probably earlier than from a tour operator.
In return we seem to be getting a more personal (and pleasant) service.
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 09 February 2010 at 11:04am - IP Logged
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Like the above posters - sometimes booking independent can be to your advantage (ie better flight times, chosen accomodation etc) but sometimes it can work out more expensive.
We usually book package deals as the costs usually are cheaper than doing it all separately but this year we have found very cheap flights and on a Saturday which is a bonus to us and we are staying at our usual apartments (although this is free). Our friends are visiting the island for the first time with us in May and they have done separate flights and accommodation and got a weeks holiday for £300.00 OK we have to add on at least another 100 euros but between 4 of us - don't think it's too bad.
You really do need to surf the web though - there are bargains out there (somewhere LOL)
Happy Holidays x
Message posted by daveneil on 09 February 2010 at 11:20am - IP Logged
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Hi Norman and Rita, i too have been going independantly for years to the quiet end of Sidari. I'm not sure weather its cheaper or not but I get a whole lot of satisfaction out of it and because we have been going for so many years the apartment owners pick us up and drop back at the airport all in the price. There is coach transfers if you like now to most places in Corfu, just google coach transfers corfu.
Good luck and hope you have a lovely holiday.
Message posted by Spike on 09 February 2010 at 11:21am - IP Logged
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We've done it this way for the past 7 years - it may work out a little more expensive but you just need to do a little surfing. EllenJay point about putting money in the pocket of the owner direct is a good point.
Message posted by flynnmo on 09 February 2010 at 11:46am - IP Logged
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My brother and sister in law have just booked a package tour to Corfu for a week in May. They don't need the accommodation, but it was £100 cheaper to book the package than flight only!!(same flight). Work that one out! Obviously they'l tell the rep on arrival, so the coach/apartment owners won't be waiting for them. Moyra
Message posted by kinninviekid on 09 February 2010 at 11:47am - IP Logged
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We have decided to go semi-independant this year using Jet2 for flight and Kassiopi Travel Corner for accomodation and are getting 17 days holiday for the same price as a weeks holiday was last Sept/October.
We booked it all while in Kassiopi last time.
The beauty of doing it this way is you can actually look at the accomodation you are going to book so you know what you are getting.
We have supplier failure cover which covers all parts of holiday and use a credit card for more protection(you only need to pay part on a credit card ie the deposit,and you are covered for the full amount).
Most people charge 2% to use your credit card but if its only for the deposit then its usually not a lot.
And as others have said it gets more money into the pockets of the locals that look after you rather than going to make even bigger profits for the British travel agents.
Message posted by davethespark on 09 February 2010 at 12:30pm - IP Logged
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In reply to the above many of those who were left stranded were actually on Package deals but because it wasn't ABTA/IATA bonded they were still stuck, I was caught out when Excel failed but as I had booked my flight from the Excel web site which was bonded we were flown home with minimal delays, where a guy I met had used a different Excel page and wasn't covered. My point is that if you buy your flight from an IATA bonded company you will get home. The great point of independant travel in my view is not saving money but getting exactly what you want and if as a result we give a boost to the local businesses so much the better. I'm sure many of our members have noticed a decline in the number of choices available in recent years. The accommodation is still there so all I can think is that the travel companies don't want to sell us the packages. Perhaps the Europeans are more profitable.
Message posted by mathsboffin on 09 February 2010 at 2:13pm - IP Logged
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You can also buy airline failure insurance as part of your travel insurance. We have done a mixture, mainly going for the cheapest option. More things can go wrong if booking independently, but you can save a lot of money. Not sure so much with Corfu, for our summer holiday for this August, we couldn't better Thomas Cook's price and the accommodation were difficult to contact directly. I never did manage it, perhaps they want to deal with TO's only. However for Turkey at Easter 2009, we saved hundreds compared to the people staying at the same hotel on a package with Thomas Cook. Easter this year we are coming over to Corfu and have to go independent as it is out of season. I just couldn't resist those extremely cheap flights when they first came out!
Message posted by SpearTravels on 09 February 2010 at 3:04pm - IP Logged
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Apologies but your posting explains why Joe Public is so confused with all the bonding side of things re ABTA, ATOL, IATA and what the difference is between a travel agent, a tour operator, a bonded airline and an unbonded airline!
There is no such thing as an 'IATA bonded company'. IATA is nothing to do with it at all. If you book a flight via a licensed IATA agent or direct with an airline such as BA etc, THERE IS NO BONDING AT ALL. Your only comebacks if the airline fails are if you have taken out Airline Failure Insurance separately or if you have paid by credit (not debit) card and then not always. Or if you have bought the flight in via a third-party ATOL bonded company such as Trailfinders etc which automatically include the Airline Failure Insurance (AFI).
The direct XL airline website wasn't bonded at all. Freedom Flights who sold the XL flights were ATOL bonded. That's where the problem lay and also for people who had bought Freedom Flights flights if they bought them outside the UK (see below) as they weren't covered.
ABTA is the bonding that travel agents have (and some tour operators)that pays out if the travel agent goes bust.
ATOL bonding through the CAA is what the tour operators have and which pays out if they go bust.
There is no such thing as an 'ABTA package' or an 'IATA package'. It can only be an 'ATOL package' sold via a travel agent in the UK acting as a Retail Agent for ATOL Holders or by buying direct from the tour operator themselves.
Hope this hasn't confused things even more - if in doubt pm me!
IATA
Message posted by SpearTravels on 09 February 2010 at 3:13pm - IP Logged
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I should point out that there are numerous reputable accommodation suppliers and tour operators in Corfu who are financially bonded with the Greek Authorities such as The Travel Corner in Kassiopi (and Agni Travel). My comment re a lack of financial protection booking accommodation abroad direct was more aimed at dealing direct with the owners.
Message posted by DaGreek on 09 February 2010 at 4:18pm - IP Logged
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Hello Norman and Rita. I always booked with a tour operator till about three years ago. The reason for my change was that I like small quiet places, small self catering apartments, plus I really like to fly from my local airport. I dont like to have to travel another 200 miles plus after I land! The main tour companies seem to steer away from that.
So, whilst I am definately paying more than a package, I go to the place I like and fly from local.
I too had doubts when I went independant the first time (it felt scary!) but we were taken care of well by the organisation that we travelled with. The paperwork and directions were well organised, and we didnt worry too much about the airline as it was Thomsonfly.
I did not go direct with an apartment owner, but went with Agni Travel, and this gave me a sence of 'package security' and still does.
I would not be afraid of going independant, but it certainly more to ensure you get what you want rather than cost saving. Just an opinion
Regards Colin.
Message posted by TOP CHEF on 09 February 2010 at 10:49pm - IP Logged
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Oh Dear.I bet you wish you never asked.
Its all so complicated.
We use both systems,it depends what you want. I think on average if your going for one or two weeks then the packages are probably the cheapest way, but of course you are limited for choice. Anything a little out of the main resorts and your a bit stumped. However weve had some great holidays in Corfu. Were off in May for 2 weeks (again) in Kalami A&A (excellent) £500,the lot.We did book about 8 months ago.
If your looking to go for longer, then the do it yourself package is probably the best. You can choose your travel times, locations, accomodation and duration. You can change locations as well.
I know thats not allways practical to go for longer duration. Its just Im 66 now and Im going for it. Hard earned leisure time.
Each metod has its positives. Just look what you want and GO FOR IT.
Look for BEST VALUE.
Have a great time looking, its half the FUN, and a GREAT TIME when you get there.
Yamas
Woodie TOP CHEF
Message posted by Nobles on 10 February 2010 at 1:01am - IP Logged
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Thank you all for taking the time to respond. As ever with us it's not straight forward! We usually go on holiday as a family (up to 14 of us at any one time) but this year there will only be four (credit crunch/new baby/work on the house, etc.) Norman and I want a fortnight's holiday but my sister and her granddaughter only want to have one week as it's Georgia's first holiday without her mum and dad.
I have promised her that this week we will have booked for her favourite place in the sun and I will let you know how we have booked. Fingers crossed!
Thanks again
Ritax
AnnaK - you must have great views over the river and not far for you to walk to have a night out on the toon!!!
Message posted by Scotia Yannis on 10 February 2010 at 2:02am - IP Logged
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Wow what a great subject I have been going to Corfu for over 30 years now and have always been let down when I found a so called package cheaper, poor flight times sub standard accomodation poor reps too many things to mention, so with that in mind I started to go independant
and have been going independant for at least 25 years with no problems. I select the time that "I want to fly" and the accomodation that I want to stay in as I know what I am going to get so with that in mind I always have a great and relaxed holiday.
IN Short Go For It and enjoy the experience
Message posted by Anna K on 10 February 2010 at 8:44am - IP Logged
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Nobles
This is true but as I have got a tenant in it I do miss the toon -walking along the quayside and up into the toon for a coffee and a look round the shops. Last time I was there in November -walked up Northumberland Street and there was the Queen opening the new library.
Anyway love Corfu too and have got a great view here too.
Hope your holiday planning goes well and you have a wonderful time bonnie lass
Message posted by orchardlane on 10 February 2010 at 8:47am - IP Logged
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We have used both methods and have had fantasic experiences either way - as has been said above the reason that we prefer to book independantly now is because we can fly from our local airport (Bournemouth) on a Wednesday which means that we miss the crowds associated with the normal changeover days. While the day we fly does limited our choice of accomodation, we have found that over the past couple of years owners have become more flexible, and the service received from local owners (on site) has been amazing. I would go for this option every time!!
Message posted by janmanessi on 10 February 2010 at 9:02am - IP Logged
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Yes they will be, in a resort which is suffering a slump, however in a resort where business is good they will not want to have rooms empty for odd days in between bookings, so will want to stick to the major changeover days
Message posted by orchardlane on 10 February 2010 at 9:57am - IP Logged
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janmanessi - thanks for your reply - (oh and by the way thanks for your previous recommendation to visit the Petriti area)
Yes I agree to a degree, and surely the opportunities that holidaymakers now have to fly in on a day that suits them with the start of easyjet flights etc will make being more flexible a huge advantage to tourism generally. Every business has to adapt and listen to what its customers want. For those that do not need to do this and business is thriving - good for them - that is excellent news, nobody wants to have as you say the odd day here and there empty.
Message posted by Kath Brian on 10 February 2010 at 11:45am - IP Logged
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We always prefer to book independently and in many cases there isnt much difference in the cost but we like to know that our Greek friend gets all of our money and not the percentage given by the TO's.
Anna - hope you managed to see Fenwick's window - it was very traditional this time.
regards, Kath.
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 10 February 2010 at 12:35pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by orchardlane on 10 February 2010
We have used both methods and have had fantasic experiences either way - as has been said above the reason that we prefer to book independantly now is because we can fly from our local airport (Bournemouth) on a Wednesday which means that we miss the crowds associated with the normal changeover days. While the day we fly does limited our choice of accomodation, we have found that over the past couple of years owners have become more flexible, and the service received from local owners (on site) has been amazing. I would go for this option every time!!
Just out of interest would we also avoid the crowds on a Saturday?? As far as I am aware Easyjet are the only ones flying from the UK on this say from Gatwick and Manchester.
Message posted by Viv D on 10 February 2010 at 3:36pm - IP Logged
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Secondly - last September we flew out on a Sunday, Easyjet from Gatwick.
Corfu Airport was so quite - within 10 minutess we were through Passport control and had suitcases and were heading for our destination. I should imagine that Saturday would be pretty quite too, maybe a few local flights.
Viv
Message posted by Lindy on 10 February 2010 at 5:36pm - IP Logged
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Have found this an interesting thread. As far as our Corfu holidays go we have to date always booked a package and include a car as we like to travel around. When XL went bust we were due to go to Corfu with Villa Plus and they had booked Freedom Flights. There was no hassle and we got all our money back in 3 days. I must admit that this knowledge that we are covered for problems like this makes me lean towards a package. Also there is rep around to approach if things ae not right. We have travelled independently to France and Spain and booked villas/houses with mixed results. Some owners are not as truthful as others! Also if there are problems you are very much on your own if the owner does not live close by or have a reliable "agent" - again I speak from bitter experience.
So while I admire all the independent spirits I think I am a bit of a coward...
Message posted by Nobles on 12 February 2010 at 11:02am - IP Logged
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Thanks again for all you useful advice. We have booked our holiday and although not entirely independent, it isn't a true package either.
With the help of some excellent staff at Hays Travel, we've booked flights with jet2.com and half board accommodation via hotels4u.
We could have had a studio, a one bedroomed apartment or a two bedroomd apartment for the same price! Having just checked a well known tour operator's website, this has saved us approximately £800). We haven't included transfers (we were quoted £21:00p return each) as we are arranging to hire a car for the duration of the holiday) Apparently we can also obtain "Supplier Failure Cover" which offers protection against any element of our holiday so we will be looking into this too.
When we go on holiday this year, we will ask for a contact number so that next year we can book directly with the owner and pass on more Euros to them!
Thanks again
Norman and Ritax (and Ann and Georgiax)
Message posted by kinninviekid on 12 February 2010 at 12:05pm - IP Logged
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Hi
Same as us except we used Travel Corner ,Kassiopi to book through and supplier failure cover is included.
Kostas showed us the web pages as he booked the flights and charged us at cost price for them!!.
Hays travel is the best UK travel agent I have ever used and I know they have the best money exchange rates on our local high street as well(there are 7 different agents in the same street).
Which area are you going to?
All the best and have a good one.
Message posted by Mrs Mushypea on 12 February 2010 at 12:55pm - IP Logged
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Quote: Originally posted by Viv D on 10 February 2010
Michelle
Firstly congratulations on being Nanna Mushypea.
Secondly - last September we flew out on a Sunday, Easyjet from Gatwick.
Corfu Airport was so quite - within 10 minutess we were through Passport control and had suitcases and were heading for our destination. I should imagine that Saturday would be pretty quite too, maybe a few local flights.
Viv
Thanks viv for your congratulations - A beautiful grandson born on Christmas day!!!!! so a very hectic but lovely time we had nonetheless.
Hopefully Saturday will be really quiet too then - we are hoping to just be able to exit the airport after a few minutes without the hoads of travellers all hogging the two carousels!!!!
Message posted by diddy on 12 February 2010 at 10:30pm - IP Logged
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We saved 1000's by booking semi independently last year. We priced up a villa holiday with Thomson's and it came to about 8,500 for 8 of us. We then booked exactly the same villa for the same time but booked our flights independently with Easyjet. The cost was about 4,400. I think you would agree that's a massive saving. We have travelled independently to Corfu for the last 4/5 years and have had absolutely no problems whatsoever. Hope I haven't spoken too soon, in the process of sorting out this year's holiday - so far so good.
Message posted by Nobles on 13 February 2010 at 12:06pm - IP Logged
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Hi Bob n Rosey - We're going to Kassiopi on 21 06 10. We've holidayed in Corfu at least once a year since 1985 staying in many resorts and Kassiopi is one of our favourites.
Have a good holiday too.
Norman and Ritax
Message posted by paleogirl on 13 February 2010 at 2:22pm - IP Logged
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paleogirl
I always book separately for 2 reasons -
1. I can pay in "instalments"...flight and hotel months apart.
2. As a single person rooms for one where I go don't have balconies and are smaller-this way I get a double/twin room with a terrace or balcony.
Yes it can be dearer but I shop around for flights and at the end it isn't too much more. Or if I'm lucky slightly cheaper.For example this May my flight is £200 and the room adds up to £400 half board- the package would be £650- so it takes a bit of effort but it can be done. There are other places that are much cheaper package -wise but I like my hotel and know what I'm going to get. Self catering would add considerable amount to a cheaper package anyway- it's hard to eat out for very cheap anymore-if you think a meal with wine would be 30euro, times 14 days..that adds up!!!
Message posted by ele 56 on 20 February 2010 at 4:59pm - IP Logged
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We booked independently for 1st time last year and it all worked really well, flights with EasyJet and we already knew where were staying as we have been to the resort many times previously on package holidays!Booked our own taxi, big Merc and rather than having to wait ages on the transfer bus in the heat, were on our way in no time and straight to the resort without having to drop the world and his granny off first!
Here's a tip - if you like the resort and want to go back, take a photo of all the accommodation you see that has their websites on, then you know who to contact for next year! (Also good for forumsters on this website who post a thread asking what certain apartments are like)! You can let them know!
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