Independent Virgins!!

[Paul D]

Not having done independent before, preferring to take advantage of some quite cheap package deals for our visits, we`d like to know if any of you have had difficultiies getting accommodation once flights have been sorted out.
Do you book flights first, or secure where you want to stay before booking flights?
Someone did tell us to book flights first and then ring them about availability but what if your chosen digs is then unavailable? 
Any advice would be great, cos we feel we can have more choice of places to stay at by going independent.

   Thanks in advance,  Paul

[John B]

Hi Paul,

We always find the flights first but don't book it.

We then check availability for the accomodation via fax, email or telephone.

If all ok, we book the flights and then confirm the accomodation.

John

[Ang]

Paul if the flight price is right then I just book, and then book my accomodation, but it all depends on when you are going, if your looking to book a flight now for next year then finding accomodation will be easy as most will have plenty of availability at this time.
Independant can workout a tad more expensive than some packages but it all depends on where you want to stay.
Good Luck
Ang

[Jo Wissett]

Paul we do as John says, then frantic emails fly back and forth to check accom is ok! I always give our apt owners a pencilled in date and she is good enough to let me know if someone is wanting to book. As Ang says if you lose out on your preferred accom, you will always find somewhere as there are loads of places with 'rooms for rent' signs. Good luck!

[justphil]

Hi Paul and Heather. Hope all is going well. We always do independent, and book flights as soon as EJ releases the schedule. A wait of one day cost us £60 this year! Then, at leisure,  we make contact with the owners of wherever we want to stay. Usually that's the end - we're sorted, but if it didn't work out we'd just work our way round the village until we come up with the answer. Such is the joy of knowing a place as well as we all do.

Poppy said to me this year "there will always be a bed for you and Jen here...." And we truly expect to be in it on 9th July 2012.

Good luck. If you have any non-forum questions please send me a PM.

Phil

[Mick and Jill]

We always go independent now. We email Vas with the dates we want then look for flifhts. Got to admit it is a little more expensive but with sea views Im not complaining.

[Paul D]

Thanks for the advice everyone.
Have been put off doing independent because we`ve usually managed to get (we think) good prices on a package deal.
  But choice of accommodation is reducing with the tour operators so doing it yourself will soon become the norm anyway.
Have already emailed Bardis Sun studios for info and had a reply.
However we get there, doesn`t matter, as long as we do.

  Yammas,  Paul

[Janis]

If you can get in with Poppy and Spiros at Bardis Sun Studios it would be great - they are such WONDERFUL hosts!  We've never stayed there, but obviously know many, many people who have, but we always, always call in to see them several times while we are in Arillas.

We LOVE them and their family!

Janis and Barry x

[annie]

i normally find the flights then book accommodation. This year i had found a flight then enquired about the accommodation and it was booked but they were able to give me the dates that it was free so i moved the flight dates to fit and coz i had not booked the flight it did not cost to change. most of the owners reply quickly.
Well the marina do
Annie