Holiday Help: Questions

CraigJ88


Joined: 09/07/2009
Posts: 11

Message Posted:
13/07/2009 15:56

Hello all,



I've had a quick look for this and couldn't find anything, so sorry if this has already been posted.



Just need a quick bit of advice. The family are looking into coming on holiday next year, and I need a couple of things answered. Firstly, is it cheaper to go package holiday with the companies, or better to organise flights and hotels separately? And if so, is it worth going into Larnaca and travelling up, or is best to go to Ercan? Also, the plan is to go to somewhere around Kyrenia. Can anyone recommend any hotels?



I know that's a lot but I figure this is the best place to ask. Thanks to any repliers in advance!



Craig

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
13/07/2009 16:12

Hi Craig.

Welcome to the forum and also choosing Northen Cyprus.It's a great place.For your first visit I would suggest you use an hotel that will give a free pick-up from Ercan.

There are some on this site.eg Sempati/Rose Garden.

But it depends what you want to do,and your fitness.

If you want to email direct:mike_lapta@hotmail.com

I have no connections with an hotel.

Just an honest bloke,love TRNC,holiday home for 7 yearsnow living here and loving it

Mike

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
13/07/2009 16:39

hi craig welcome , probably best to book yourself flights hotels etc , youll save loads ,example we were waiting for our furniture to be delivered so booked into malpas hotel , via internet 5 nights 460 pounds dinner and breakfast included flights to ercan from manchester 255 pounds or round about that each sadik tuccaroglu car rental 18 pounds per day he picks you up at ercan and takes you back no charge hes in catalkoy good luck and enjoy .

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
13/07/2009 16:41

Hi Craig try Tom at Flightholidays his details are on here. He is very helpful and will arrange everything for you. He goes under flightholiday or IAH. good luck xxxx

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 13:03

Thank you Lilli.



Craig - we are specialist tour operators and travel agents - we also sell (as agents other tour op's) a lot of tours to Turkey and North Cyprus.



I would for a first visit in preference sell you a good tour operators package as then you are better equiped and they take some responsibility for you and everything. It depends on the type of traveller you are if independent would be better.



We would not suggest your buying flights from a hotel (some try to sell them) as often they do not have the inside knowledge of travel (just of the hotel & catering business which is complex) and they give you no protection which an ATOL bond etc. does from this country.



If you want to give us a call we are happy to help (if I'm busy when you call then leave your number we phone you back).



Tom

http://www.flightholiday.co.uk

tulik


Joined: 14/07/2009
Posts: 220

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 14:28

I heard recently that the Riverside Holiday Village in Alsancak are doing very cheap deals, with airport pick up from Ercan and Larnaca.



My brother stays with me every year and has paid more for flights alone. It would have been cheaper to book with the Riverside even though he wouldn't have stayed there.



Shelly

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 14:43

Craig



I'm with Tom on this one.

We have done 'Independant' and 'Package'.



Our 2 weeks in May/June this year on a Package worked out £100's cheaper than our best go for independant prices.



The Package also got us on flights to Ercan from Heathrow that KTHY said were not available.



As Tom says, if there are problems, an ATOL bonded operator has to look after you, or at the very worst give you a refund.



If you have problems as an 'Independant', you are on your own with no refunds or help.



e.g.: If your flight is cancelled, you won't get any refund from a hotel.

If your hotel burns down a day before you arrive (God forbid!), you're on your own in finding another.



Pre-arranged hire car not at the airport? Ditto.



A good Operator will find you an alternative.



Independant can sometimes save money,.. Package can save a lot of stress!



Rob

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 14:56

Craig. I'd hold off booking anything at the moment. Wait until after October before you do anything. We will possibly have direct flights later this year.

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 15:00

Bill!







Rob

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 15:05

.......and the by pass from Girne to Alsanjak will be completed!!!!!

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 15:07

mikelapta??



It is already completed!



What do you want?





Tarmac?



Rob

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 15:15

msg 11,

...erm...kerbs?...road markings (you know - lane dividers, give way lines, that sort of thing!)?...lights?...TRAFFIC lights?...road signs?...connection to the main Lefkoşa road?...connection to the Lapta road?...removal of the earth barriers?...

Is that enough to be going on with?

Keith.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 15:43

Msg 7 - When you have problems the help & knowledge is far more important than the refunds. (Although we try to give both if you travel with us as an "independant".)



Msg 8 - No1 - That has been a dream since 1974 you will have to change the views of most of the members of the UN for that to happen - Craig the chances of direct flights are very very slim so book now not later.



Tom

IAH Ltd

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 15:56

Keith



You're getting soft in your old age!



That's the beauty of NC,... a bit of a 'Walk on the Wild Side'!



Rob

keithcaley



Joined: 13/06/2008
Posts: 2521

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 16:02

CraigJ88


Joined: 09/07/2009
Posts: 11

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 16:34

Thank you everyone for your fantastic responses, it's been very useful!



I should make a couple of things clear. It's not my first time visiting, in fact, it'll be my 4th, so I'm familiar with how some things work. However, I'm only 20 and a student.. possibly the worst combination for what is, to me, a fairly expensive place to get to!



Basically I'm looking into next year, I think, to come out there. I'm missing it too much! Nowhere else compares :D

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
14/07/2009 18:38

Craig



Ah! A student!



You are therefore eligible for low cost or even free travel to NC.



You need to practice though!



Stand facing a mirror,..



Extend your right arm horizontally towards the mirror,..



Curl your fingers into a ball,..



Extend your thumb vertically,..







Rob



seriously, best of luck with prices!