Plakias Forums
Plakias => Holiday Companies => Topic started by: George on February 27, 2007, 11:57:40 AM
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Well that's me sorted for this year.
I booked independantly for the first time, and I was surprised how easy it was.
OK, it turns out more expensive than the Holiday companies but the choice of flights and accomadation gave me so much more to choose from. I can understand now why so many people do it!
I got the apartments I wanted and the room I wanted, overlooking the beach and the Dinosaur sunsets, and the flight gets me into Plakias in time for lunch, and at peak time, 21st August.
If it all turns out OK, I think I might be a convert (thats 'convert' Mandy), until the holiday companies start including a more varied catalogue, and show a little bit more consideration for the lone traveller.
george g...
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Well that's me sorted for this year.
I booked independantly for the first time, and I was surprised how easy it was.
OK, it turns out more expensive than the Holiday companies but the choice of flights and accomadation gave me so much more to choose from. I can understand now why so many people do it!
I got the apartments I wanted and the room I wanted, overlooking the beach and the Dinosaur sunsets, and the flight gets me into Plakias in time for lunch, and at peak time, 21st August.
If it all turns out OK, I think I might be a convert (thats 'convert' Mandy), until the holiday companies start including a more varied catalogue, and show a little bit more consideration for the lone traveller.
george g...
I am very pleased for you. What you say above has all the elements of a perfect holiday for you without any niggling doubts about what 3rd parties may or may not be providing for you. We feel exactly the same. It does cost us a little more than some of the Kosmar/Olympic offers but like you we choose where we want to stay, choose our flights, and choose the duration of our stay. Have a great time. We will be there fairly soon after you on 21 September so leave a bit of sunshine for us.
John
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Well that's me sorted for this year.
I booked independantly for the first time, and I was surprised how easy it was.
OK, it turns out more expensive than the Holiday companies but the choice of flights and accomadation gave me so much more to choose from. I can understand now why so many people do it!
I got the apartments I wanted and the room I wanted, overlooking the beach and the Dinosaur sunsets, and the flight gets me into Plakias in time for lunch, and at peak time, 21st August.
If it all turns out OK, I think I might be a convert (thats 'convert' Mandy), until the holiday companies start including a more varied catalogue, and show a little bit more consideration for the lone traveller.
george g...
I am very pleased for you. What you say above has all the elements of a perfect holiday for you without any niggling doubts about what 3rd parties may or may not be providing for you. We feel exactly the same. It does cost us a little more than some of the Kosmar/Olympic offers but like you we choose where we want to stay, choose our flights, and choose the duration of our stay. Have a great time. We will be there fairly soon after you on 21 September so leave a bit of sunshine for us.
John
Thanks John
The reason I'm going a lot earlier this year is that last year there were a few chilly evenings and days and I had to wear trousers and sweatshirt.
I going and hoping for HOT HOT HOT this year and if there's any sun left over, I'm going to bottle it and bring it home with me
george
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a convert eh George?? is that a cross between a convict and pervert? nevermind, we still love you
well we have currently booked the last two weeks in august so we may well see you, but it's really open to change, it is really depending on what holidays mandy can get in her new job. which as you've all probably guessed doesn't leave her any time for t'interweb ! ( all together....ahhhh!)
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I think we all lean towards one or the other Chris
Look forward to meeting you and the 'missus', if you get there then.
george g...
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I think we all lean towards one or the other Chris
Look forward to meeting you and the 'missus', if you get there then.
george g...
Hi George, I am also there until 25th of August it would be nice to put a face to a name, Regards Alex G
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I think we all lean towards one or the other Chris
Look forward to meeting you and the 'missus', if you get there then.
george g...
Hi George, I am also there until 25th of August it would be nice to put a face to a name, Regards Alex G
Hi Alex
Look forward to it.
It looks like I'm going to be busy, Pete and Dawn arrive on my second week, their moving in next door.
george g...
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Well that's me sorted for this year.
I booked independantly for the first time, and I was surprised how easy it was.
OK, it turns out more expensive than the Holiday companies but the choice of flights and accomadation gave me so much more to choose from. I can understand now why so many people do it!
I got the apartments I wanted and the room I wanted, overlooking the beach and the Dinosaur sunsets, and the flight gets me into Plakias in time for lunch, and at peak time, 21st August.
If it all turns out OK, I think I might be a convert (thats 'convert' Mandy), until the holiday companies start including a more varied catalogue, and show a little bit more consideration for the lone traveller.
george g...
Like George we have booked directly this year.
Our daughter is fed up with us continually praising Plakias, so she is joining us this year, and like so many others have found the single supplements are a rip off. We will report back to the forum with our experiences as independent travellers on our return.
This will be our 3 visit to Plakias in as many years (George has got a lot to answer for......)
26 weeks and counting.
Hope to see some of you there.
Pete & Dawn
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Well that's me sorted for this year.
I booked independantly for the first time, and I was surprised how easy it was.
OK, it turns out more expensive than the Holiday companies but the choice of flights and accomadation gave me so much more to choose from. I can understand now why so many people do it!
I got the apartments I wanted and the room I wanted, overlooking the beach and the Dinosaur sunsets, and the flight gets me into Plakias in time for lunch, and at peak time, 21st August.
If it all turns out OK, I think I might be a convert (thats 'convert' Mandy), until the holiday companies start including a more varied catalogue, and show a little bit more consideration for the lone traveller.
george g...
I am very pleased for you. What you say above has all the elements of a perfect holiday for you without any niggling doubts about what 3rd parties may or may not be providing for you. We feel exactly the same. It does cost us a little more than some of the Kosmar/Olympic offers but like you we choose where we want to stay, choose our flights, and choose the duration of our stay. Have a great time. We will be there fairly soon after you on 21 September so leave a bit of sunshine for us.
John
Thanks John
The reason I'm going a lot earlier this year is that last year there were a few chilly evenings and days and I had to wear trousers and sweatshirt.
I going and hoping for HOT HOT HOT this year and if there's any sun left over, I'm going to bottle it and bring it home with me
george
Dont be getting too carried away with your little self George on the sun front. For two reasons: 1) I will soaking it all up in May and there wont be much left when I have finished with it and 2) when I get there in August the sun will be on me - partly because we all know the sun shines on the righteous!
a convert eh George?? is that a cross between a convict and pervert? nevermind, we still love you
well we have currently booked the last two weeks in august so we may well see you, but it's really open to change, it is really depending on what holidays mandy can get in her new job. which as you've all probably guessed doesn't leave her any time for t'interweb ! ( all together....ahhhh!)
Mmmmmmmmm I think this forum needs me - been all sorts going on whilst I have been inactive. I will try harder to get on more. Converts and perverts - what have I been missing?
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Converts and perverts - what have I been missing?
US!!
I'll have a quite word with Chris if you get there, don't worry about it
george g...
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Our daughter is fed up with us continually praising Plakias, so she is joining us this year, and like so many others have found the single supplements are a rip off. We will report back to the forum with our experiences as independent travellers on our return.
Pete & Dawn
Hello Pete & Dawn,
Surely independently booking and paying for a studio/apartment for 2 and singly occupying it is much the same as paying a single supplement; unless, that is, you are booking a room/studio for one at a lower price. Of the main-line tour operators Olympic charge a modest single supplement and Kosmar either won't allow singles or charge a very high supplement.
Personally, I have often gone to Greece on my own and if I'm occupying a room for two don't believe it is unreasonable to charge a supplement as the cost of the room has to be borne by one paying customer rather than two. If you are in a single room then that is a different matter but of all the times I have been to Greece as a single I have always been in a room for two.
For companies like Manos who allow singles to travel supplement free in low season to sell holidays that might not otherwise be sold, I consider that a real bonus rather than something I have a right to.
As George has said, booking independently has allowed him much more flexibility and choice but has cost him more.
What does anyone else think on this?
Mike
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Our daughter is fed up with us continually praising Plakias, so she is joining us this year, and like so many others have found the single supplements are a rip off. We will report back to the forum with our experiences as independent travellers on our return.
Pete & Dawn
Hello Pete & Dawn,
Surely independently booking and paying for a studio/apartment for 2 and singly occupying it is much the same as paying a single supplement; unless, that is, you are booking a room/studio for one at a lower price. Of the main-line tour operators Olympic charge a modest single supplement and Kosmar either won't allow singles or charge a very high supplement.
Personally, I have often gone to Greece on my own and if I'm occupying a room for two don't believe it is unreasonable to charge a supplement as the cost of the room has to be borne by one paying customer rather than two. If you are in a single room then that is a different matter but of all the times I have been to Greece as a single I have always been in a room for two.
For companies like Manos who allow singles to travel supplement free in low season to sell holidays that might not otherwise be sold, I consider that a real bonus rather than something I have a right to.
As George has said, booking independently has allowed him much more flexibility and choice but has cost him more.
What does anyone else think on this?
Mike
I agree with what your saying Mike, (except the word modest, £9.50 a day = £133 or 195 odd Euros for 14 days, that's a lot of Mythos), and I've also travelled alone on numerous occations and have always had a double room. Reason: when was the last time you saw a single room advertised?
This time I had the choice of a single or a double and chose the latter because that is what I wanted and not what would have been imposed on me for the extra suppliment with the holiday companies.
There is always the added advantage that if at a later date someone wanted to join me, all they would have to do is get a flight. It's not always that easy with a company. Probably because I've nicked the flight that goes with the holiday!
You Buy a room, you Buy a flight ticket. There's no hidden agendas
george g...
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The whole of the accommodation industry is skewed towards couples and this is driven by supply and demand.
As Mike G says, those costs which are priced between two people fall upon one person for a single booking. It isn’t just the room, I’m sure the companies also include, at least, transit, rep and something to make their profit up to the level obtained on a couple booking.
I assume that the £9.50 George quotes is for Olympic and does not sound too far out to me. I do not know the Kosmar figure, but I think they positively discourage singles, so are unlikely to price the supplements logically.
Mike
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The whole of the accommodation industry is skewed towards couples and this is driven by supply and demand.
As Mike G says, those costs which are priced between two people fall upon one person for a single booking. It isn’t just the room, I’m sure the companies also include, at least, transit, rep and something to make their profit up to the level obtained on a couple booking.
I assume that the £9.50 George quotes is for Olympic and does not sound too far out to me. I do not know the Kosmar figure, but I think they positively discourage singles, so are unlikely to price the supplements logically.
Mike
Your right Mike, it is for Olympic.
Kosmar quote in their brochure that 'prices are available on request' and when I phoned them for the last holiday about December time, they asked me when I wanted to go and they said we don't do singles basically unless you want to go tomorrow.
They even blank you out on their website. Try booking a single!
george g...
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Although we always looked at the price comparison between package and booking independently, last year when we made a comparison we found there was hardly anything in it for the times we book (July/August).
This year our flights and accomodation are over 15% less than last year so for us booking independently is less than booking a package with far more flexibility.
Steve
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Kosmar quote in their brochure that 'prices are available on request' and when I phoned them for the last holiday about December time, they asked me when I wanted to go and they said we don't do singles basically unless you want to go tomorrow.
george g...
Which means "we have some holidays we havn't managed to sell, so we don't mind offloading one on you". Makes you feel a valued customer, no doubt
Mike
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Kosmar quote in their brochure that 'prices are available on request' and when I phoned them for the last holiday about December time, they asked me when I wanted to go and they said we don't do singles basically unless you want to go tomorrow.
george g...
Which means "we have some holidays we havn't managed to sell, so we don't mind offloading one on you". Makes you feel a valued customer, no doubt
Mike
Exactly
george g...
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well we have currently booked the last two weeks in august so we may well see you, but it's really open to change, it is really depending on what holidays mandy can get in her new job.
opps! no sooner posted than changed, we are now going last two weeks in September so we'll have to met another time
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well we have currently booked the last two weeks in august so we may well see you, but it's really open to change, it is really depending on what holidays mandy can get in her new job.
opps! no sooner posted than changed, we are now going last two weeks in September so we'll have to met another time
Ah - then it looks like we 4 meet again
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Ah - then it looks like we 4 meet again
indeed!
maybe you can claim compensation?
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Ah - then it looks like we 4 meet again
indeed!
maybe you can claim compensation?
Unfortunately when booking independently (back to the thread !!) then one has to accept what one gets. George of course has now escaped this problem and can be happy with his booking. We shall of course be DELIGHTED to see you both again
John + G
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We shall of course be DELIGHTED to see you both again
John + G
then feeling is mutual John!
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opps! no sooner posted than changed, we are now going last two weeks in September so we'll have to met another time
Hello Chris,
So Mandy has squeezed out a bit more annual leave has she? As I know you both like to walk as well as participate in the more sedentary activities, this is a much more civilised time of year to visit than the heat of August. Nearly as good as early- mid May IMHO.
Mike
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I always go independently. To be able to choose when I fly and where I stay outweighs any considerations of cost. Having said that, fares do fluctuate widely depending on flight date - August, 2004: £1,050.70; September, 2005: £748.90; July, 2006: £976.70 - and if I can take a holiday when the fare is lower then that is an added bonus.
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So Mandy has squeezed out a bit more annual leave has she? As I know you both like to walk as well as participate in the more sedentary activities, this is a much more civilised time of year to visit than the heat of August. Nearly as good as early- mid May IMHO.
Mike
hi mike
exactly, we have the joy of both dates this year (long may it continue)
having said that we walked up the asfendos gorge last may in about 37 degrees ( and ran out of water! )
chris
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I always go independently. To be able to choose when I fly and where I stay outweighs any considerations of cost. Having said that, fares do fluctuate widely depending on flight date - August, 2004: £1,050.70; September, 2005: £748.90; July, 2006: £976.70 - and if I can take a holiday when the fare is lower then that is an added bonus.
How many of you are going???
Is that a flight cost or total holiday price???
george g...
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Just me. :'(
I should have made it clear that the figures quoted are business class fares.
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Just me. :'(
I should have made it clear that the figures quoted are business class fares.
Business trips to Plakias .............. heaven.
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...and Tax deductable??
george g...
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Neither, I'm afraid. My 6' 2" frame does not take too kindly to being scrunched-up in economy so I have to shell out!
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Neither, I'm afraid. My 6' 2" frame does not take too kindly to being scrunched-up in economy so I have to shell out!
I usually spend £30 each per holiday for the rather luxurious and vast amount of legroom hear the front doors
John
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August, 2004: £1,050.70; September, 2005: £748.90; July, 2006: £976.70
That still sounds like an excessive amount of money for a bit of leg room, that's 4 maybe 5 times what I'm paying, if that is for the flight.
And for a 3 - 4 hour journey (Gatwick) Noopsy is it really worth it?
george g...
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I usually spend £30 each per holiday for the rather luxurious and vast amount of legroom hear the front doors
John
Hello John,
I imagine you have been travelling long enough to remember when those seats were free and allocated first come, first served at the check in. Now, of course, the airlines want to make some money from them.
I think that saving them for the extra tall is common sense and would be appreciated. I admit to being biased, as I'm nearly always the tallest person on the plane.
Mike
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August, 2004: £1,050.70; September, 2005: £748.90; July, 2006: £976.70
That still sounds like an excessive amount of money for a bit of leg room, that's 4 maybe 5 times what I'm paying, if that is for the flight.
And for a 3 - 4 hour journey (Gatwick) Noopsy is it really worth it?
george g...
And extra buttock room, better food and service, easier check in etc. etc. Value for money, like beauty in the eye of the beholder, is in the eye of the spender.
I find that now our chicks have flown the nest, we are more willing to spend out for comfort rather than utility.
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Go for it Mike
george g...
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Mike, you have summed it up perfectly.
George, I travel from Heathrow - 40 mins. from where I live by train - on Olympic Airlines. Being a scheduled service it's bound to be more expensive. I'm really paying for the convenience of it all.
Noopsy
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Just trying to find a day flight from Birmingham to Heraklion without any success! Has anyone else had this problem? I am planning to go last week in July and first August.
Barny,
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Mike, you have summed it up perfectly.
George, I travel from Heathrow - 40 mins. from where I live by train - on Olympic Airlines. Being a scheduled service it's bound to be more expensive. I'm really paying for the convenience of it all.
Noopsy
That's the way I'm now looking at it, instead of buying a product ready made we're having it made to measure.
I think they call it the 'Sinatra' syndrome!
I'm not going to rule out the Holiday companies completely, if any of them or any new ones that turn up have something that interests me... who knows!!?
george g...
Just trying to find a day flight from Birmingham to Heraklion without any success! Has anyone else had this problem? I am planning to go last week in July and first August.
Barny,
Does it have to be Heraklion Barny?
Have you tried Chania?
george g...
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Just trying to find a day flight from Birmingham to Heraklion without any success! Has anyone else had this problem? I am planning to go last week in July and first August.
Barny,
There are still many flights being offered on the Travel Republic web site with many different carriers.
Stuart
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Hi Barny
Just checked
freedomdirect.co.uk (flight only from BMX 24th July/7th Aug £276) still available
John & Zell
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Thanks for the info!
Barny.
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Just trying to find a day flight from Birmingham to Heraklion without any success! Has anyone else had this problem? I am planning to go last week in July and first August.
Barny,
Thomsonfly have a good selection of flights from several UK airports, some under £200 rtn. The return to Birmingham is late at night though, so maybe not what you wanted.