Please help me with the basics of booking a foreign holiday - total novice here [shame]

[winestein]

I have only been abroad once in my life (last year) and I didn't have to make any arrangements for that first time - all done for me. The thought of booking tickets to New Zealand for early next year frankly terrifies me. I have no idea where to look and what to do! How do you start - I don't have to worry about accomodation when I get there - just the flight. Can anyone help me (baby steps please!) with the necessaries? I don't want a budget airline but I would like a good deal on a pretty good airline, so my questions are:

How do I compare airlines? Anyone with experience of flying to NZ?

Where do I look for these "good deals"?

When do I book? Is it better to book well in advance or nearer the time?

[clueless]

Thanks!

I've never been to NZ, but would say that if you are not too confident then there is nothing wrong with just getting a travel agent to do it for you! I've spent hours and hours putting together holidays, booking separate flights, car hire, etc etc all in a bid to be thrifty, only to find that the package from the travel agents is cheaper and easier!

I think Trailfinders are good for flights to NZ?

I have found the phone easier than the web - just buy a sunday or saturday paper with a travel section and call all the agents in the back and then compare - I would look at total travelling time and where your stop over is.

Thanks for the tips

Caz - I don't need to worry about anything except flights and I had a quick squiz at Air NZ and I am looking at around £3,700 for flights only thus being quite keen to reduce that alone!

MIL used to use the Sunday Papers technique now you mention it LL74 - is that a more last minute thing or do they have longer term offers too?

google something like 'flights to New Zealand' and then follow the links... I just did it and they have flights next January for 645

In terms of flight prices, it's generally cheaper the earlier you book, then the prices go up and then back down again depending on the popularity...? Hard to judge this. We flew to India and bought the flights 9 months before, had we done it a bit sooner we could have saved £20. The flight was half empty so who knows how cheap they may have been.

Have fun!!

sorry - next Jan is nearer £1000 - couldn't read the dates properly!

Thanks Worzella
I will try that one too - so I guess if I go for the early booking option it's best not to look after I have done it?

Does anyone know which airline to use?

Sorry can't recommend an airline but try looking on money saving expert for tips on finding cheap flights, travel insurance etc.

www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-flights

Expedia were good when I was looking for flights to Australia as I recall...and I had never done it either!

Have your details to hand while you are browsing, credit card etc, in case you spot a real bargain.

Make sure you think carefully about the times of flights and their return, esp. if flying with children.

Add on time to get to airport and check in if you are looking at an early morning flight for example. You don't want to be leaving the house at 3am!

More great tips Thanks peeps!