Hi we spent spent this Christmas in Hurghada and it cost us an absolute fortune, definitely the most expensive time of the year to go i'm afraid.

brochure prices bear no resemblence to what you pay.

An independent agent can match.. try http://www.holiday.co.uk for good prices, or JMC online as a start.

How about trying portland-direct or eclipse on their websites. I seem to be getting quite good prices on these and you can get a final price without having to ring a call center or go into a travel agents? Downside is they only have a limited choice of hotels, but it you are flexible at least you can try various dates, airports and room combinations.

Wait until nearer the time as there are new hotels opening all the time.There are 50 new hotels under construction and they sell the rooms at a competitive price when they first open.I am waiting until November before booking for Christmas.

on http://www.holiday.co.uk on the dates 21 dec, 7 Nights, any board, from any airport... thomson come up named at around £340 ppnn AI (Named)

JMC are £200 dearer, but are more prestigious high end hotels.

Let us know how you get on!