Package holiday newbie - when should I book?

[Wookey100]

My first (and last) package holiday was in 1996 - Turkey - and it was bloody awful ! However am thoroughly fed up with our usual ‘Airbnb to France’ hols and am currently being beguiled by holiday adverts on TV … Anyhow - if we had a budget of 3-4k and can go mid July before school hols (kids finish early after GCSEs) - is it worth sorting asap or are there usually loads of options nearer the time? My only other point of reference is my hyper organised sis-in-law who goes all inclusive and sorts a year in advance. Looking at Canaries (only as seem cheaper than Europe) but any and all suggestions/advice gratefully received. Have 2 teenage boys (16 & 17) and will need 2 rooms. Thank you

We did our first package since the 90s (which like you we didn’t enjoy) a couple of years ago, we went to Tenerife, booked with Jet2 and had a nice time. It’s was all pretty smooth and I thought good value.

Wouldn’t do AI as food was cheap and it was nice going to a few different places. I don’t think at this point prices will vary hugely unless you hold out for a last minute deal, we always need a second bedroom too and there are fewer places that will offer that so you may be better booking sooner rather than waiting.

@Wookey100 I have always booked well in advance but I am choosy about where, when and what. Far more flight choice early. Seats get more expensive when there’s fewer of them. So booking late is always the seats they cannot fill on the bum flights. We try to avoid early mornings and very late home. Booking early helps with this.

For July I think you are late! Why would there be loads of flights and rooms available nearer to peak season? There won’t be. Flights are priced based on how busy they are. They are less busy when they open for bookings. Your sil seems to know what she wants and books. It’s almost certainly cheaper but AI is limiting.

So just select your airport and destination and see what you can get. You might need to add in transfers. Check the hotel reviews with Trip Advisor, Booking.com etc to see what others think. I think there’s nicer places to go in July though.

If you mean July this year, I would book as soon as I could. It will get more expensive and less choice available closer to the time. Of course there will still be accommodation available closer to time but flights may sell out depending where you're flying from.

Canaries are always a good bet. As above, don't bother with AI, cheap to eat out and so much choice.

I've been to all the main canaries islands, I love them all except Gran Canaria.

What kind of places/things do you love/hate? Then we could get you closer to something that suits you

We did our first ever package holiday last year and it was so great. We used jet2 and it all went very smoothly kids loved the buffet it was such a relaxing holiday for us parents. I hope you have fun!

There are pages on Facebook dedicated to sharing discount codes for holiday providers, I’m part of a Jet2 group. Before you book, take a look at those groups and get yourself a discount. I think I saved £100 and have been able to share codes myself that we can’t use.

Normally a year in advance is the cheapest time. You have very tight budgets for essentially 4 adults and holidays have gone massively over the last 3 years but there is still the biggest demand ever. You will need to start looking now.

July is a popular time as Europe is hot then so get your skates on if you want decent flight times and good hotel choices.

A quick search brings up this holiday, half board 4* for 4 adults so looks like it’s possible with your budget!

https://www.onthebeach.co.uk/holiday/38681439328/37f82cdb7654dff99f6f0059b2955e73?departureDate=2024-07-12&childAges=&bags=0&adults=4&children=0&infants=0&nights=7&rooms=2&location_ids=27&hotelId=278432&roomName=STANDARD%20ROOM&boardCode=HB&search_id=1171013189&departureAirports=MAN,LPL&priceFormat=PER_PERSON_PRICE

I book 7-8 weeks out usually sometimes less but that's for 2 people no children. TUI release their special deals on Tuesdays and you do need to log in to get the special ones but they have some real bargains. I suppose waiting means you have less choice so it all comes down to whether you are fussy, have specific requirements or whether you are happy to go with the flow. We really appreciate ease of packages for our local airport etc. For those ages I'd stick with Tenerife as there are so many options for them. I stayed on Costa adeje recently, think I'd opt for self catering next time as there were lots of interesting places to eat

Which date are you available from and which airports? I don’t mind having a quick look for you.

You get better flight times etc when you book ahead but otherwise you'll find something decent at an AI

I think Nielsen and Mark Warner are good for teens just before the main holidays break up and there are always a decent handful of teens to hang out with and lots of free sailing and sports and decent environment

if you want o book a trip then you always talk with atravel expert then book a tour or something you want

Please canyou sort all my holidays :) Thank you

Please can you sort all my holidays in future? :) Thank you!