Back today and sad. Stuck with school holidays now tips needed

[Button]

So landed back today and suffering the Disney Blues big time. As always I'm sulking and searching flights already. Problem is my DS starts school September so stuck with the stupid fixed holiday dates.

Any tips on and average prices for flights we've got used to direct and 17 nights but I'll take a 14 nighter against no nights! Do you have to book as soon as released to avoid selling out or is it not as bad as I imagine?

 

[2Tiggies]

Welcome to the holidays club

Firstly, I'm in Scotland so our holidays are a little different and summer starts earlier for our kids, but regarding availability resort-wise it's not too bad. I try book deposit only as soon as possible when a good promotion is released. The current one is traditionally the best you get, unless you are going deluxe and waiting for a room only discount and you aren't interested in DDP. I have had a series of flight changes and changed dates several times for our upcoming trip. the last change was late November and I had no trouble adjusting our dates so presumably availability remains ok, but YMMV on the discounts at the time of booking if you wait.

For flights I'm probably not the best to advise you as we opt for indirect and even direct is technically indirect for us anyway as we have to get to a London or other airport for the transatlantic.

Welcome home! Hope you had a good time.

 

[Kath2003]

So landed back today and suffering the Disney Blues big time. As always I'm sulking and searching flights already. Problem is my DS starts school September so stuck with the stupid fixed holiday dates.

Any tips on and average prices for flights we've got used to direct and 17 nights but I'll take a 14 nighter against no nights! Do you have to book as soon as released to avoid selling out or is it not as bad as I imagine?

14 nights usually adds a huge premium (though not always). Consider 10-14 night trips to get the best deal. Cutting off a day or two can save hundreds on each flight.

You don't have to book urgently with indirect flights, though direct do sell out quickly in the school holidays (though quite who is buying those £1600 14n Virgin direct seats next Easter I don't know ). There are a gazillion indirect options so set a price and hold tight. Have booked indirect anything from 3 to 11 months out without issue. Be prepared to pay upfront to save some more ££. For 2015, it looks like anything around the £550 mark is a bargain - in 2013, we paid £420.

Summer is the time to go for 17n - higher flight prices but if you can stay for longer you can reduce your daily cost.

Hint: look for INSET days - often being able to return a day early or late can reduce costs. No good for teachers though...

 

[Button]

Had a great time as always. Weather was amazing and not sure if was me but crowds seemed fair.

We have timeshare so exchange shouldn't be a problem it's just the flights. We've done indirect in the past but not sure could cope dragging the lazy cranky 4 year old through connections but hey if it gets me there.

Just looked on skyscanner for Easter holidays - crazy prices and crazy crowds too, no think will be July/August for me.

I have suggested I do a solo trip and can go where I want when I want but dh not allowing that one. Boo

 

[joolz1910]

School holidays bump up the price considerably We booked a flydrive with Virgin for 16th - 30th August 2015. For 5 of us it was £4177. My budget was £4000 for all the flights but I had to go for it as I hadn't got the nerve to wait.

 

[cliveywolves]

July or August you just have to search and when you think it's a good price book it, as previous said dropping a day or adding a day can sometimes save £100's off your flights...
We have gone August the past 3 years we always fly direct and are flexible we're we fly to and from but it's on the rise every years now :0(
3 years back we paid around £525 p/p, this year we booked last October and paid £700 p/p.

 

[Button]

Always happy to add a day not sure my heart will let me drop any!!

 

[dixonsontour]

Planning is definitely the way to beat the blues

Check his holiday dates with a fine toothcomb.

Some schools still get two weeks in Oct or May which are ideal times to go. We go October as DD gets 2 weeks off then.

If not late Aug seems to be the best pick for school hols.