Best site to book a family trip to Chile?

Hi,

I am planning to take my family to Punta Arenas at the bottom of Chile, South America.
(I used to work there and still have friends who we can stay with.)
We will not be going for a couple of years so there is no rush but it is a project I would like to start planning soon.

I have been looking at a few websites for flights but I was wondering if anyone has booked flights to South America recently? We will travel London-Madrid-Santiago-Punta Arenas.

I want to visit a National Park down there (Torres Del Paine) and do some journeys on the canals in that area.



Horns of Cuernos del Paine by Ania.Photography - OFF, on Flickr

Is that the sun (fiery red ) on the mountain tops?

I would like to take Mrs Ash to a place north of Lisbon. It was a place where I worked.

Alcobaca, Nazare, Fatima and Liera.

Yes, it was sunset when she took the photo

There are many wonderful photos of Torres Del Paine on Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=Torres Del Paine
Like this:

Torres del Paine by John Paul Kelly, on Flickr

Ice/snow and fiery sunsets go together well

My advice:

Two years is a long time to wait, but get your plans, including dates, laid out as early as possible, try to leave flexibility in the dates and destination, and be aware of seasonal fare variations.

Make sure that there will be no problems with passports/visas.

Investigate which airlines can take you there, look at the airline routings, register with the airline frequent flyer schemes then you will get promotional offers.

Learn how the prices fluctuate, do not book too early.

When planning be aware that staying for 31 days rather than 30 days can often add 50% to the airfare due to different fare categories.

When you find a good deal be able to recognise and book it immediately.

Excel spreadsheet is your friend.

Edit: Don't forget Quidco cashback!

Thanks for the ideas Dave, great suggestions there

I wonder how long the photographers had to wait to get those photos Jim. It is very cold and extremely windy in that part of the world and everything must be planned very well. It is hard to get the right weather though!

If I was making our planned trip as described, I would take a budget airline to Lisbon. Hire a car. Then stay in one of the local hotels in the region.

I wouldnt use a site as such - no packages.

Yes, European travel is a doddle.
Travelling with a family to far flung places is an altogether different proposition.

Thats how I approached the Philippines. Same way.

But yes, best to be cautious with family.

Hi, Apposhark

There are a lot websites and companies from London specialized in cheap holidays to Chile. I agree with Dave_E, It's about to open a spreadsheet and search in air companies, travel agencies and compare rates, conditions and services. Let me provide you this one, probably it helps:

http://www.emailflights.com/South America/Chile/holiday-deals

An advice: sometimes it's better to call the professionals (travel agents and so on) behind the scenes of Websites. They will be able to provide you tips, and advices that are not able to be found in sites.

Regards!

Thanks for the link, Markwilk and Welcome (if I didn't do this before )