Latest posts for the topic "Package holiday or DIY?"

Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:23:04 GMT

Given that the packge ski holidays will be going on sale over next month or two........how do you book your ski trips? With a well known tour operator as a package or directly with your chosen accommodation and arrange flights and transfers yourself?

Just interested to see as we all want the cheapest deals in the current climate.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:33:15 GMT

Depends if you're comfortable going DIY I suppose. I went DIY and managed to get a week in Chamonix for 5 including ski hire and lift pass for around GBP450, with a self catering apartment, and a weeks car hire.

I looked at a few TO's and they wanted GBP600 for flights transfers and hotel.

I didn't really shop around, but I'm not sure if an agent could match what I've managed.

I like making the trip my own by choosing everything myself, but if any one thing fails then it potentially ruins the holiday. That's a risk I'm willing to take. You might not want to.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:10:36 GMT

When we go to Europe we tend to use package tours. When we go to North America we DIY as the tour companies think that a 4 person room is one bedroom and a sofa bed in the lounge or you pay for under utilised space if ony two of you. We got stung by Inghams on this and despite verbal ( sadly not written ) confirmation we ended up on sofabeds for the first night ( not fun with a male friend who snores like Concorde taking off). It was the hotel that finally made everything right for us.
We are DIYing to Big White this season and have a 6 person condo with hottub, ensuite bathrooms for GBP400 each for 4 of us for 2 weeks. Flight to Kelowna via Vancouver cost us GBP630 each.
I am not saying that all tour companies do this but all that we have tried do charge for under utilised rooms.
Hope this helps.

Re:Package holiday or DIY? - some on sale now

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:37:42 GMT

If of any interest but I suspect most of you will know, Inghams is on sale for 09/10 and Crystal/Thomson go on sale on 17th Dec.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:26:19 GMT

I don't think there is a straight answer to this one. DIY can give you a much wider range of options and provided your flexible can save you money. Especially useful for mid-term weeks when the TOs will rip you off big time :evil:. By going DIY, you can often eliminate the TO loading.

At other times, discounted packages from TOs can be great value. Things like transfers, flight baggage supplements, etc, can quickly erode the savings to be made by going DIY.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:07:55 GMT

We have done both over the years and although DIY means no waiting around for transfer coaches, etc. our best bargains have always been with TO packages. We tend to book last minute which also helps. TO packages often include things like drinks/coffee included with evening meals which can make quite a difference if on a very tight budget - as our children are! Also they sometimes offer ski hosting which is a great way to get to know all the other chalet/ hotel guests when we go on our own.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:48:58 GMT

I'm going DIY this year because for a little less money I can get a much nicer self-catering apartment. The only downside is that I'm going to have to drive a hire car up a mountain (hope it's not snowing that day!). Then again I get the chance to load up with supplies in a proper supermarket on route.

Swings and roundabouts really - the main thing to consider is the transfer from the airport because the transfers can be very expensive.

I am also hoping to pick up a package at the end of the season - this might be a year for a bargain if the doom and gloom mongers are to be believed in the papers.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:19:17 GMT

Experience tells me that if you are going to a regular or mainstream resort, do a package but shop around for the right deal. I have never ever ever been able to DIY to the places I have been for anything close to what I paid for the packages. Having said that, I have always got reduced deals so its possible to go cheaper than brochure prices for sure.

Upside to DIY - pick your airport, flights, times, and possibly have a better choice of accommodation

Downside - getting buses, trains, hiring cars instead of jumping on the waiting and heated transfer bus. Maybe I am the odd one out, but I have never had to wait around for transfers - you get off the plane, you get your cases, the rep gives you a bus number, you get on, and you get to your resort. Lovely. If you DIY, you may end up with long waits, trapsing luggage about, and big implications if there is a flight delay, especially a divert to another airport.

That said, I am going to Austria on 26th Dec DIY, but only because its only for 5 days.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:52:59 GMT

We looked at booking things ourselves for our next trip and although we found some excellent accommodation where we could pay per chalet/apartment (rather than per person and suffer the room supplements) by the time you'd added on the flights (with the usual supplements for skis, luggage, wings on the plane :roll: etc.) and car hire/transfers it worked out about the same or in many cases more expensive than a package.

Also, the only flights we could find landed ~5pm and having never driven in snowy/icy Alpine conditions, we didn't fancy the thought of a trek up a mountain in the pitch black. :shock:

However, if there are a bigger group of you (say 4+) the accommodation and car hire costs would be reduced dramatically per person so you may find you can save money. As others have said, there's also the plus that with a car you can stock up at a supermarket en route, rather than buying in resort.

Good luck, whichever route you choose to go. :D

Package holiday or DIY?

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:36:10 GMT

I personally prefer DIY because it gives me more flexibility, however, late/last minute bookings with TOs probably offer best value for money. There are some fantastic last minute bargains to be had, just gotta be prepared to book late. Good luck.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:20:24 GMT

There are pro's and con's for both, it really depends on the individual, myself I normally drive one holiday and fly for the second but I do DIY both holidays. The reason is, I like planning an adventure and secondly I always feel ripped off by the tour operators, and thirdly over the years we have had drunks on the plane, people being sick on the transfer bus, all detracts from the tour operator experience. Not for me. :)

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:26:43 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:There are pro's and con's for both, it really depends on the individual, myself I normally drive one holiday and fly for the second but I do DIY both holidays. The reason is, I like planning an adventure and secondly I always feel ripped off by the tour operators, and thirdly over the years we have had drunks on the plane, people being sick on the transfer bus, all detracts from the tour operator experience. Not for me. :)

I used to enjoy that, all that fantastic kit going into the car and the feeling of anticipation. In fact, we're blowing this gaffe next week and I supposed to be throwing all the kit that's crept back here into the car now and not typing this.....

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:16:51 GMT

ise wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:There are pro's and con's for both, it really depends on the individual, myself I normally drive one holiday and fly for the second but I do DIY both holidays. The reason is, I like planning an adventure and secondly I always feel ripped off by the tour operators, and thirdly over the years we have had drunks on the plane, people being sick on the transfer bus, all detracts from the tour operator experience. Not for me. :)

I used to enjoy that, all that fantastic kit going into the car and the feeling of anticipation. In fact, we're blowing this gaffe next week and I supposed to be throwing all the kit that's crept back here into the car now and not typing this.....

ise, where are you off to ????

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:45:55 GMT

I would definitely recommend first-timers use a package holiday set-up. There are so many things to know/learn and last minute hitches are not when you need to be tested on your problem solving abilitity; particularly in a different country with all the inherent difficulties this will present! Let the rep's/tour operators do it all for you.
Specific to the question: The key difference is tranfers; these are the true make or break apect of the holiday. When they happen the way they should you are assured of greatly reduced stress levels and can fully focus on what you travelled for in the first place, a damned good time.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:58:07 GMT

Myself and my girlfriend will arrive Soll on 20/12/08 for 1 week.Austria is such a great place where, whatever your level of ability, you will enjoy a positive experience that hopefully will leave wanting more. For sure that is now the case with us where the ski-ing trip has now become our principal annual holiday. Last year had a brilliant time in Zell-Am-See. though the black runs tested us!!

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:00:43 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:
ise, where are you off to ????

just the seasonal migration :D during the winter I live in Zinal full-time, in the summer we're down on the plateau as it's more convenient for Mrs Ise's work and & my summer commitments are a bit farther afield typically. It's just during the summer loads of stuff ends up drifting between the two places, there's a lot of kit I need, a surprising amount of books and maps and obviously clothing. One more round trip to fetch the cat and I can relax for a few weeks until the next trip )

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:37:01 GMT

ise wrote:One more round trip to fetch the cat and I can relax for a few weeks until the next trip )

I have this image of you with a lynx or a snow leopard in a cage for some reason

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:12:43 GMT

This is our first skiing trip ever and we have gone diy (must be mad!!). We booked our flights as soon as they became available (and I mean we were sitting at the computer at 12.00 midnight) and we have paid GBP86 return each with British Airways, Gatwick to Salzburg 20 December. As there are 10 of us (2 families) we have rented a beautiful luxury chalet through Interhome and so shared the cost. I booked all our lift passes, ski rental,ski lessons and a mini bus a few weeks ago (just as well really because of the exchange rate now)and so hopefully we are now ready to go!!!. When we priced up the cost with TO's for the Christmas week we wouldn't have been able to go because it was too expensive so DIY is not always the most expensive option. I will keep you posted as to we got on when we return, wish me luck!!! :lol:

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:19:51 GMT

Don't worry if you have planned it, it will all fall into place :D

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:39:37 GMT

Its all down to getting a good deal.

We find outside peak holidays its usually cheaper to get a deal through travel agent.
However we fly out to Milan on Friday afternoon, spend 1 night there, pick up a hire car and drive up to Livigno , hired a nice apartment for the week, xmas week and cost approx GBP1,100 for 3 of us ...
We did same last Feb half term and enjoyed lots

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:08:20 GMT

I always go for DIY and there are a number of reasons for this..

Cheap flights with easyjet

Cheap car hire means you get a car in resort which in places like Chamonix is good

Cheaper and often better placed accomodation

You can self cater and make good use of local food!

If there is a group of you it is much more fun to be in an apartment rather than hotel.

There are sometimes better deals to be had on lift passes

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:46:02 GMT

after 2 weeks of searching around for a skiing holiday, dates 17th jan-24 jan, i,ve just booked a ski holiday in kitzbuhel through a company called bookableski.com GBP361 pp plus GBP40 transfer costs to the hotel aurach.
i hope i,ve made the right choice as i,m a 2 week snowboarder.
i have read up on some forums about the snowboarding there, and it seems
the horn as its refered to, is the place to go.
any advice would be appreciated.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:21:21 GMT

silverfret wrote:after 2 weeks of searching around for a skiing holiday, dates 17th jan-24 jan, i,ve just booked a ski holiday in kitzbuhel through a company called bookableski.com GBP361 pp plus GBP40 transfer costs to the hotel aurach.
i hope i,ve made the right choice as i,m a 2 week snowboarder.
i have read up on some forums about the snowboarding there, and it seems
the horn as its refered to, is the place to go.
any advice would be appreciated.

Cant tell you much about Kitz, although a mate has been on about going their to watch the downhill for some years now. Its not a place that has particularly appealled to me for whatever reason, but I am sure its a good place to go.
I can however vouch for the website you booked with, they have some good deals and I have travelled through them before, although it turned out to be a Panorama Holidays package.
Not sure how GBP401 compares to brochure or tour op prices, that will be the way to test it.
Enjoy.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:04:13 GMT

Hi silverfret

We went to Kitz this year (March) and has a fantastic time. The snow was poor but we had a massive dump on second day which was amazing. My husband had been there 3/4 weeks before on a boys weekend and they loved it. All boarders, the horn yes also thy went to Westendorf for a day for a change. There is a good park too. We stayed at Chalet Karlbeger which was right opposite the nursery slope and up road from main lift. The apres ski is fab too - The Londoner is one of the most popular places.

You'll have a riot I'm sure!

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:54:55 GMT

http://kitz.net/de/wetterstation-stadtwerke.html

Here`s a little something to keep you going until you get there.Use the drop down bar in the middle of the page to change the view.

AJ Adele

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:25:22 GMT

I have done both. For DIY you need to be confident or your ability to organise, navigate and have some ability to communicate in the language of your country of choice, not everyone speaks english when you do DIY! It's defintely cheaper during peak season like half-term as the hotels and airlines don't load anywhere near as much. Off-peak though you can pick up some amazing deals with TOs. Last April we went to Sagnalonga with Firstchoice - a hotel at the top of the lift between Claviere and Sansicario - for GBP300 half-board, including flights and transfers, you really couldn't do that any cheaper yourself. I like to go TO and HB with the kids as it means they have to eat what they're given and so keeps the budget down! :twisted:

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:58:59 GMT

shazzo wrote:I like to go TO and HB with the kids as it means they have to eat what they're given and so keeps the budget down! :twisted:

that's a very good point!
my 12 year old would have a t bone steak every time we go out if he was allowed :evil:.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:26:58 GMT

colsibob wrote:Its all down to getting a good deal.

We find outside peak holidays its usually cheaper to get a deal through travel agent.
However we fly out to Milan on Friday afternoon, spend 1 night there, pick up a hire car and drive up to Livigno , hired a nice apartment for the week, xmas week and cost approx GBP1,100 for 3 of us ...
We did same last Feb half term and enjoyed lots

Don't forget to have a beer in the bar Agata, Great people :lol:

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:32:03 GMT

Tony_H wrote:

ise wrote:One more round trip to fetch the cat and I can relax for a few weeks until the next trip )

I have this image of you with a lynx or a snow leopard in a cage for some reason

oh no, I think Ise is more of a white long haired persian kind of a guy :lol:

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:55:14 GMT

freezywater wrote:

Tony_H wrote:

ise wrote:One more round trip to fetch the cat and I can relax for a few weeks until the next trip )

I have this image of you with a lynx or a snow leopard in a cage for some reason

oh no, I think Ise is more of a white long haired persian kind of a guy :lol:

The truth is prowling here.....

http://snowslider.net/2007/11/12/mickey-in-zinal/#more-252

:D

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:01:49 GMT

bandit wrote:
The truth is prowling here.....

http://snowslider.net/2007/11/12/mickey-in-zinal/#more-252

:D

actually he's out there right now doing the same although the snow's many times his height right now, fortunately he's equipped with 4-paw drive and traction devices aka claws as required by local regulation :D

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:08:13 GMT

ise wrote:actually he's out there right now doing the same although the snow's many times his height right now, fortunately he's equipped with 4-paw drive and traction devices aka claws as required by local regulation :D

just realised what's caught his interest, from the spoor we've had one or more mountain hares in the garden, I'd have liked to have seen that, they're quite difficult to spot normally.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:37:33 GMT

I'm not a cat person but he's beautiful

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 16:46:54 GMT

I am a cat person, and he is indeed gorgeous.

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:21:11 GMT

We have just brought the daughter a kitten for Christmas, complete pain in the A**e sits on my head in the morning, then wants to sleep under the duvet, I'm thinking about moving out !!!! )

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 19:50:40 GMT

Ian Wickham wrote:We have just brought the daughter a kitten for Christmas, complete pain in the A**e sits on my head in the morning, then wants to sleep under the duvet, I'm thinking about moving out !!!! )

This is just the beginning )

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:49:16 GMT

Been a DIY convert of late.. allows for more flexibility to fit your plans especially when flying out of Scotland...

Re:Package holiday or DIY?

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:44:13 GMT

bandit wrote:

Ian Wickham wrote:We have just brought the daughter a kitten for Christmas, complete pain in the A**e sits on my head in the morning, then wants to sleep under the duvet, I'm thinking about moving out !!!! )

This is just the beginning )

Trouble is I'm out numbered, three women to one, hard times !!! :cry: