When is the best time to book your holiday abroad? Well, if you’re looking for a family holiday during the school holidays, then the answer is: right now.

Hugh Bruton from Brittany Ferries says: “People booking holidays abroad seems to do so earlier each year. We had bookings before Christmas from families who regularly go to France for two weeks during the summer.”

Cassidy Travel also reported bookings at the end of summer 2014 for this year.

However, if you haven’t got the brochures out just yet, it’s not too late. Brittany Ferries, for example, still has an offer of 15% off travel and accommodation when booking a package deal.

Last-minute

It is worth getting your skates on because although you’ll often hear people boasting about the fantastic last-minute deal they picked up, this generally does not apply to families looking to go away in the middle of the school holidays.

The Irish Travel Agents’ Association (ITAA) has reported a huge decline in the amount of package holidays being purchased, from a high of 1.2m in 2007 to just over 200,000 last year.

As a result of this reduction, great last-minute offers are simply much harder to come by. Also to avail of last-minute deals, Hugh says that “you simply have to be flexible with your dates and families that are limited to school holidays just do not have that option”.

Package deals

Although package deals aren’t as popular and DIY deals can work out as better value, it’s still worth having a chat with a travel agent to weigh it up as an option. It’s not just the price you have to consider.

If you book a package holiday you often have your travel included when you arrive at the airport and a representative that you can go to if you have problems.

The biggest perk of the package deal though is that you are better protected as a consumer, as you’re covered under the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995. To be considered a package holiday, the European Consumer Centre says it has to tick a few boxes.

Grace Duffy from the ECC explains: “It has been pre-arranged and sold at an inclusive price by a travel agent or directly by a tour operator, covers at least 24 hours (or includes an overnight stay) and comprises at least two of the following components: transport, accommodation and other tourist services, such as guided tours.”

The benefits are that price revisions are only allowed in a number of specific circumstances.

“These include currency fluctuations, variations in the cost of fuel and changes in government tax or duty. No price changes are allowed within 20 days of the departure date,” adds Grace.

It also limits the amount of changes that can be made to the package.

If you are travelling with children it gives you total confidence and if you’re spending the likes of €2,000 on a family holiday you want to be getting as much value for money as possible.

Top tips

  • If you live in the northern half of the country, check out flights from Belfast as often they work out cheaper than flights departing from Dublin or Cork.
  • Don’t limit your flight searches to Ryanair or Aer Lingus. Apps such as Skyscanner might be able to find you a cheaper deal with another airline.
  • Don’t limit your research to flights and accommodation. Also look into the cost of living in the area you’re visiting. For example, the average price of a pint of beer in Portugal is just under €2, but you could be looking at €4.50 in Italy and as much as €5.60 in France.
  • Be as flexible as possible with your dates and if you’re not limited to school holidays, you’ll get much better prices in early May and late September. Resorts may be quieter and the temperatures on the continent won’t be quite as high, but perhaps that suits you.
  • Fly mid-week if possible. FareCompare confirmed that the most expensive days of the week to fly are Friday and Sunday, whereas you’ll get the best deals flying on a Tuesday or a Wednesday.
  • Sign up for websites such as Groupon in the country you are visiting to avail of meal deals and accommodation offers.

    • The top destinations for Irish families this summer (Sunway Holidays, www.sunway.ie)

  • Algarve

  • Tunisia (best value)
  • Majorca
  • Lake Garda
  • Menorca
  • Turkey
  • Costa Del Sol

    • Menorca

    Menorca resorts vary from the quiet fishing village where you can relax and unwind on quiet beaches, to bustling seaside towns catering for all ages, tastes and pockets. If you are looking for a lively resort you’ll find it lying to the extreme west coast of Menorca, in the popular resort of Cala’n Blanes where you’ll find amazing beach. Another popular family destinations is Cala’n Forcat as it has lots of children’s entertainment options. The main beach here is set within a deep inlet, surrounded by a rocky headland, which is ideal for swimming off the rocks.

  • Prices: Family price of €2,499 is based on seven nights departing 13 June and staying at the two-star Binimar Apartments, Calan Forcat (Sunway Holidays).
  • Meal for two (mid-range restaurant): €40
  • Price of a pint: €2*

    • Turkey

    Turkey is still proving as popular as ever for summer 2015, with huge numbers of repeat travellers and a noticeable increase in first-time visitors this year. It’s great value for money, with reasonably priced restaurants and a huge choice of places to eat, from cheap and cheerful to posh and pampered. Kusadasi is a popular destination for families and the huge waterparks are an added attraction. Because of its warm climate, Turkey also proves popular for earlier in the season.

  • Prices: €399/adult and €299/child for two weeks, based on departing on 4 April for the Easter break and staying at the four-star Sea Pearl Hotel (Sunway Holidays).
  • Meal for two (mid-range restaurant): €18
  • Price of a pint: €2.30*

    • South of France

    No baggage limits, no renting cars and you can bring home as much wine in the boot as you can pack –what’s not to love about getting the ferry to France. Chalet camping is by far the most popular option amongst Irish families and popular destinations include La Rochelle, the Vendeé and Brittany. Driving is pretty straightforward as there are so many motorways and diesel is generally cheaper. Although getting to France is an overnight ferry ride, the holiday starts on-board, with cinemas, playrooms, a pool and spa and entertainment.

  • Prices: €920 based on four people on a return overnight crossing with a standard car and four-berth cabin (www.brittanyferries.ie), staying in the Village Port de Plaisance campsite in Benodet. A two-week stay is €1,246.
  • Meal for two (mid-range restaurant): €50
  • Price of a pint: €5.30*

    • *Prices correct at date of publication