How much for

Where:Costa de la Luz, Spain

When:September 3rd to 10th

With the tour operatorFalcon Holidays is offering, for a couple, a week on Spain's wonderfully quiet southwest coast for just over €1,500. The Confortel Islantilla hotel stands in an extraordinary location, Falcon tells us, has beautiful views of the sea and underwent refurbishment in recent years. It looks as if it's a fine choice for families and golfers, particularly as there's a golf course just a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

The half-board package, which covers seven days from September 4th, sees us leaving Cork Airport at 8.40am on the Thursday and returning from Faro at 7.45pm. The package includes in-flight meals, airport transfers from Faro Airport and a discount of €74.90.

Total€1,555.10.

On your ownWe couldn't find a flight on September 4th to Faro from Ireland, so we opt to go a day earlier. Our flight departs Cork at 6.40am and leaves Faro a week later at 9.50am. The total price of our flights is €224.92 per person, or €449.84 for a couple.

Accommodation can be booked directly with the hotel at www.confortelhoteles.com, but the best price we can get for our week is €1,153.46, and that is just for bed and breakfast.

Airport transfers are €126 for up to four people, so we might be able to share that cost.

Total€1,729.30.

Tour operator saving€174.20.