School Holiday Prices 06/02/14
There
has been much in the media about school holiday prices being
inflated during half term and summer holidays with many holiday
companies stating that this is due to supply and demand. Personally,
with a family of 5, I total understand that high season/ school holiday
price increases can be very frustrating.
Just Sardinia (01202 484858
www.justsardinia.co.uk )
does not increase its flight prices during the summer season and holiday prices are stable over the May term. For example if you book a 2 bedroom apartment for 4 people at the
Residence Riva Azzurra
self-catering with flights from Gatwick to Olbia Sardinia and a hire
car on the 17th May for 1 week, the price would be £1658 in total
(£414pp) and this price is the same on the 24th May (Half Term) and on
the 31st May. As you can see the price does not change over the half
term period. This is the case with the majority of our accommodations
and holidays with Just Sardinia.
During very high season, July
and August the accommodation prices are dictated by local market forces,
and not always the UK summer holidays. Italians always holiday in
August and the price reflects this however Just Sardinia flight prices
remain the same for the whole summer season (subject to availability).
As the MD of Just
Sardinia I feel that the company is run in a responsible way and we have
been trying to keep the price of holidays down where possible
particularly during school holidays. This year we have introduced a new
all-inclusive range of holidays which can be very good value throughout
the summer - see
Cala della Torre Village All Inclusive on a beautiful beach 50km south east of Olbia airport £937 for a family of 4 on the 24
th May (half term) and £1717 on 24 August (excluding flights and transfers)
My
advice to anyone booking a holiday would be to shop around and don’t
rely on the large Tour Operators and online agents for the best price.
Small independent tour operators can offer better prices, personalised
service, flexible options and more influence with their suppliers, plus
you can talk to someone who has visited, eaten or stayed at the
accommodation you have chosen. Let’s face it a holiday is one of the
biggest annual expenses from the household budget so shop around and
call specialist tour operators for personal service and prices. Also,
the earlier you book the better the price combined with early booking
offers that are not always repeated!
Huw Nurse
MD, Just Sardinia