DIY abroad, Summer hols - advice please

[Talou1]

Hi any tips on the above? Best companies to use? Do I book the accommodation or flights first and how far in advance can I book cheap flights? Any recommendations? Worried I'll book accomm and then not get the flights or vice versa.

Many thanks.

Book flights first then accommodation although i am not sure when they are releasing next years flights. I have found trivago, onthebeach and alpha rooms always best for hotels they are a good deal cheaper than package holidays. Also, if booking a transfer from the airport it is sometimes cheaper to book a taxi as the transfer companies can be just as expensive and do loads of drop offs so can be ages on the bus.

where are you planning on going to OP? Europe, USA further afield? if you are going to a touristy destination then you will easily pick up accom nearer the time but if well off the beaten track or you have exacting requirements then i would search out your accom first then book the flight and the accom at the same time. dont forget travel insurance if you are doing it yourself to cover everything.

I usually look at Travel Republic for flights and have found flying out on a Tuesday and home on a Friday usually works out best value. I agree about booking flights first. I think I booked this August Easyjet and Monarch flights last Seotember. When choosing accomodation look up the reviews for the hotel or villa etc and also look at google images.

I agree - flights first. You can get the best deals if you get in there as sooon as they are released.

Where are you planning to go?

I usually look for accomodation first and find out availablilty then I book the flights and book the accomodation. Have a look at Skyscanner for flights, if you put in whole month rather than fixed dates you can compare all the airlines for each day.

Thank you for all your tips girls, much appreciated. Will check them all out. Probably aiming to go last week in July.