A question (OK 2 questions) for you sage like expats!
We have a house in HH and are trying to find affordable flights to come over for Xmas. As my g/f and I run our own Company, we could really relax as the office would be closed
1. What is HH like at this time of year, does it snow? (just kidding) - but is there a fun/festive spirit?. My g/f is worried about being away from her family & I'm hoping that she won't be too homesick.
2. Any tips for flight deals?, at present they are coming in at the £800 mark & I'm well aware that there probably won't be any available soon.
Pull your finger out and book the Flights quick. If you wait the price will go up and availability will be difficult. Try WestEast Travel they have a web site and have very good deals.
HH is very busy at Christmas so you also have to make sure you have accomodation booked. Most larger Hotels have Christmas/New Year Gala nights.
Thanks PJG
We have a house, so we're OK for accomo & just found flights with Eva Air for under £700 (which has to be good)
Just got a few loose ends & hoping to confirm the flight in a day or 2.
Al
poisoner,
If you don't mind a stop in Abu Dhabi you can get cheaper flights with Etihad Airlines (actually the official airline of the United Arab Emirates) if you either ask your travel agent or more likely look online. I got a return originating in BKK last November for about 33,000 baht which is around the ?500 mark depending on exchange rates. The planes were new and the stop wasn't too long in either direction (2 hours on way to London,1 hour on way back) although these things do change. Hope that helps.
You've saved me a job Poisoner. That is a couple of hundred more than I want to pay - OK for a couple but not for 5 people. I am looking for around 500 quid, which is what I have paid in the past. If it doesn't happen, we just won't go at Christmas.
Jaime,
You are very unlikely to get a direct flight at that price. Many of the Middle East airlines are pretty good, with stops at one of Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha - I've already mentioned Etihad, but it's worth checking Emirates and Gulf Air too. Another two options are via Amsterdam - KLM and China Airlines, and I have heard good reports on both. What is putting the prices up is the fuel surcharge and taxes, otherwise the actual fares are about the same as they have been for a while. Good luck finding something as we all want to meet you!
Wanderlust wrote:Jaime,
You are very unlikely to get a direct flight at that price.
I do realise that but I can't afford 5 tickets at the prices Poisoner is quoting and it's not the end of the world if we don't make it for Christmas. My wife actually prefers to stay in the UK for Christmas because of the whole family thing, which is non-existent in Thailand. It was just a thought because my industry has a Christmas shut down and I wouldn't need to take any leave.
Wanderlust wrote:Another two options are via Amsterdam - KLM and China Airlines, and I have heard good reports on both.
I once had Christmas flights for just 440 pounds sterling inc taxes with China Airlines, Cardiff-Amsterdam-BKK! Trouble is that now I have been spoiled with the new Eva 777's (they put the economy class competition to shame) I don't want to slum it anymore....
Wanderlust wrote:Good luck finding something as we all want to meet you!
Sounds ominous - but I've always wanted to be an enigma!
Poisoner,best you close office sometime in late April utilising a bank holiday so you only miss 4 working days.Flights are way cheaper,accomodation much cheaper and much less crowded.Way better time to have a holiday in Hua Hin
Digger wrote:Poisoner,best you close office sometime in late April utilising a bank holiday so you only miss 4 working days.Flights are way cheaper,accomodation much cheaper and much less crowded.Way better time to have a holiday in Hua Hin
Thanks for the advice Digger, but it's impossible to close my business at any other time
On the positive, just booked the tickets - we leave 24th Dec (so in the air Xmas day!), an leave for UK 7th Jan.
Not a bad deal I thought, £699 each incl tax with Eva Air
Sounds ominous - but I've always wanted to be an enigma! 
