Benefits of booking early?

[cheekytink]

Hi
I am looking for any opinions as to the benefits of booking early?

I have had quotes from Charter and Ocean Florida for August 2018, 2 weeks staying offsite in a villa.
Neither really match up to what we can book DIY, plus the flights are indirect.

As we aren't staying onsite next year (OKW in just under 7 weeks ) is there really any benefit to booking now, rather than waiting until the flights go on general release in Sept/Oct time?
Am I missing something? I get that if you are onsite, the DDP and $200 gift card are worth grabbing, but I just can't see the benefits if offsite -
any opinions?

[Elmhurst 5]

Why not get your villa booked now, whilst their is a lot of choice, then constantly check for your flights, BA have their sale winter time and many dibbers got fantastic bargains for this years flights, plus fly-drives. We missed the BA sale but bought our tickets on a BA code share special deal with AA, indirect which we don't mind, as it breaks up the journey, we go through customs, and when we arrive in Orlando get the car and go.
We got our WDW and Universal tickets when a 25% deal was on offer and saved almost £700. I suppose it all boils down to how much you are prepared to pay, if you've got a budget stick to it, and you will get the flights you want. Good Luck

[99plums]

Originally Posted by cheekytink

Hi
I am looking for any opinions as to the benefits of booking early?

I have had quotes from Charter and Ocean Florida for August 2018, 2 weeks staying offsite in a villa.
Neither really match up to what we can book DIY, plus the flights are indirect.

As we aren't staying onsite next year (OKW in just under 7 weeks ) is there really any benefit to booking now, rather than waiting until the flights go on general release in Sept/Oct time?
Am I missing something? I get that if you are onsite, the DDP and $200 gift card are worth grabbing, but I just can't see the benefits if offsite -
any opinions?

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I'm in a similar quandary cheekytink.

I'm looking to go DIY, last two weeks in August. Direct flights with Thomas Cook and Thomson are on sale now, but Thomas Cook are £800 and Thomson are closer to £1k
I'm trying to work out if the Thomas Cook price will come down once Virgin release their flights, or is £800 a realistic price for a direct flight in August

[Elmhurst 5]

We paid for 5 adults indirect London Heathrow to Daytona (about 1 1/2 hr drive to our thousand oaks villa) £3250 this includes an intermediate SUV. My budget was £500/£550 for flights, so kept looking till a deal came up. It can be done. I would never pay much above this price for our flights.

[99plums]

Originally Posted by patjeff63

We paid for 5 adults indirect London Heathrow to Daytona (about 1 1/2 hr drive to our thousand oaks villa) £3250 this includes an intermediate SUV. My budget was £500/£550 for flights, so kept looking till a deal came up. It can be done. I would never pay much above this price for our flights.

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Thanks patjeff, I'm near Manchester so even going via London makes it indirect.
3 kids as well so would prefer the direct option, although I'm aware it will come at a cost. Just not sure to 'stick or twist' on the £800 with TC!

[lorna_99]

If you are willing to hold your nerve and travel then Im sure you will get cheaper flights than that. We just booked a last min week on site with Thomson from glasgow (direct flights) departing 14th August for £800 each (flight and all star sports) have a look at whats on offer now to give you an idea of flight prices for this time next year?

I generally like to book early to give me peace of mind but i dont think there is any advantages to booking your type of holiday early other than choice (villa, seats on plane etc)

[cornishfrogboy]

Originally Posted by patjeff63

We paid for 5 adults indirect London Heathrow to Daytona (about 1 1/2 hr drive to our thousand oaks villa) £3250 this includes an intermediate SUV. My budget was £500/£550 for flights, so kept looking till a deal came up. It can be done. I would never pay much above this price for our flights.

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Daytona Beach is a really nice small airport, just over an hour to LBV.

Whilst coming in, you obviously do immigration on arrival, on departure, we were just about the only aircraft being processed. It was unhurried and frankly, awesome by airport standards.

If you haven't been before, DB is also a really interesting place to spend your last day.

When I return, DB will be very high up our list for departure and or arrival. Lovely feel to the airport!

[MargaretMouse]

I like to book early... I have booked my September 2018 holiday. In January I booked a flight and universal,accommodation with VH and my Disney acomodation, direct. I pay off as and when I have some spare cash. I like to book it in advance so I have more time to pay and I no what the total, cost is.

[Moorlandman]

Very few benefits in booking early. Good for the travel companies though who are happy to offload flights at £1k

[amandajane10]

I would deff book DIY