Advice on independent travelling please

[ali5on]

On our first visit to Florida last year, my family (hubby and 2 kids) booked a package with Virgin. We had a fantastic time (naturally) and are planning to return next May. This time, I am wondering whether it would be more economical and flexible to book the elements of the trip separately. We were happy flying Virgin but would consider other airlines to save costs. On our last trip we stayed in a hotel on the 192 in Kissimmee. I would like to stay in the same area but would prefer the flexibility of self-catering. The majority of villas seem to have 3 bedrooms whereas we only need 2, so we would be looking at apartments or condos. We would also need to hire a car. Is it more risky booking the elements separately online if things go wrong?
I know many of you have experience in travelling independently, and I would appreciate any advice and suggestions of web-sites I could use in my search.

 

[RUSHBURY]

When we first went to Florida in 1999 we used a package from a travel agent. We have returned every year since and have booked everything online. We've had no problems. I much prefer to pick my villa and not have pot luck on the area the villa might be located in + I'm one of those sad people who loves looking at the villa and imagining myself there!

 

[poet123]

I booked everything sep this year and will be doing so again for next year. We saved £1500 by booking flights with Virgin Atlantic direct, the we will use the car hire on orlando forums as I have searched around and they are the cheapest.
This site also has some lovely villas, even if you only need 2 beds it may be worth considering a 3 bed for the luxury of a private pool over a shared one in an appartment/condo complex. The prices for a 3 bed start at around £400 per week.
Hope this helps

 

[Mpet]

Hi

We've used Travel Agents on our first few trips, but for the past 5 years or so, we have DIY'd it.

The first thing to arrange would be flights. I have booked with Virgin Holidays, BA, E-bookers - basically anyone who flies direct and offers a good price. Sites to check are Travelocity, Expedia, E-bookers, opoodo, Bon-voyage - amongst many others. If you are travelling at peak times, consider flying into Tampa as an alternative.

Once you've got your flights, then look for accommodation. There are many private villa/condo rental sites - don't discount 3 bedroom villas - check the prices - the difference can sometimes be little or nothing and you get the benefit of your own private pool. Hotels can be booked though Travelocity etc, or direct with the hotel - there are many options - just have a quick search on google to see all the options. Car Hire can be booked directly from the car hire companies.

If you choose reputable companies, you should have no problems and the pleasure of knowing exactly what you will be getting.



Maxine

 

[Pootle]

I always book independently and have used web sites of Expedia, ebookers, Airline network and the airlines themselves (American Airlines and BA) also by phone, Trailfinders.

www.expedia.co.uk
www.ebookers.com
www.airline-network.co.uk (also good for car hire rates)
www.aa.com
www.britishairways.com

I'm sure lots of people here will give you good sites for villas. You might also consider a 2 bedroom 2 bathroom apartment such as the ones offered by www.staybridge.com - the rate (from $112 per night) includes breakfast. I know villas can work out cheaper but I've just booked this at Lake Buena Vista for my relatives for next May because they wanted the close location to Disney (the best area IMHO), full kitchen, shuttle to the parks and someone to make the beds!

Near where I4 meets 192 is Homewood Suites, which has a similar arrangement but probably slightly more expensive. It can be found at www.homewoodsuites.hilton.com

Planning is part of the fun

 

[Pootle]

Sorry, trying to get rid of double posting, but it won't let me delete - aaargh

 

[ukfloridafan]

We have booked both independently & as part of a package taking the elements of each that we consider to be good value.

We booked BA holidays a couple of years ago because they were giving 2 Free child places. The savings on the kids flights made up for the extra we were charged for the room at POR. I then made a separate booking for Mum at POR using offers on the Internet. I booked the car element separately.

This year we are using a fly drive option for the flights (even though we'll book the car separately), we've been lucky enough to get the room at POP as part of their Autumn offer and will book the theme park tickets and car hire from the cheapest "bonded" internet options.

Having been to the states in the past on a Virgin package when the plane had to return to Gatwick 1 hour into the flight with engine trouble and a booking with a BA package where the room wasn't booked with the hotel - things can go equally wrong whichever way you do it.

 

[tartangirl]

We have gone DIY for the last 4 years and are continually surprised how much you can save.

We booked a fly-drive with Virgin Holidays last year and have done the same for next year but dont discount charter flights (unless the limited legroom is a real problem). We have had great deals on fly-drives with charter. We would definately go charter rather than going with an airline that doesn't fly direct.

If going with Virgin just take the free economy car for a week and book your car yourself. Sometimes the charter car hire isn't too expensive.

We are a family of 4 as well and we always go for a 3 bed villa. Unlike booking through a brochure you dont get hammered for under occupancy and my DS and DD are incapable of sharing a room. Having a private pool is great.

 

[giggler]

Apart from the excellent advice already given, make sure you get your travel insurance early to, incase anything gets cancelled (HURRICANE FRANCES), it covered everything, the only thing to remember when you book independtly is that you dont have 1 person looking after you. like a travel agent or Virgin e.t.c.

But it is well worth it because of the money you save, and its more fun doing it yourself and you feel great once everything fits together for a great holiday.

Have Fun



Giggler

 

[ali5on]

Thanks for all your great advice, you have given me the confidence to give the DIY route a go. I shall be trying out all the links you suggested (maybe a good time to upgrade to broadband?!!), I'll let you know how I get on.
Ali