Well, I am off to Protaras, well, the place I am staying at is on the edge of Protaras apparently, half way between Protaras and Ayia Napa so half way inbetween 2 of the best beaches on the island so I hear?
In the end, booked it seperately without using a travel agent, paid for the flights on a credit card incase the airline goes bust.
I liked the island but the accomodation which the tour operators provide at a reasonable cost are not the type of places I want to stay for a week and often, the food is naff so I thought "stuff 'em" will do it myself. Someone advised me of a small family run hotel, did some reasearch on it and it looked amazing so a few emails later and sorted, they seemed really helpfull and I feel will be more attentive to their patrons than anywhere the package tour operators would pack us off to and overall it seems to be more "Traditional", only has 12 staff working there so is a small friendly place but that is what I prefer on holiday.
The place isnt all inclusive so that should keep some of the bums out the place who only go on holiday to drink as much local beverages as possible.
Monarch Airlines were by far the cheapest taking into account all the taxes and other charges you pay nowadays.
Came in at just over £1k for return flights to Lanarca for 3 adults, 1 child and 1 infant which I think is reasonable. They were flying from Luton. If you could depart from one airport then arrive at another when coming home then even more savings can be made.
I heartedly suggest anyone tries
http://www.skyscanner.net/
Helped me loads.
Many thanks to all who have helped with my questions. I cant wait to visit this beautiful island in July.
Will definitely be hiring a car to go into the Villages/Mountains.
Anyone know how much car hire is? Ive heard it is cheapish? Been offered £150 for the week from the airline.