Poll: package holidays or independent travel?

Let’s be realistic: booking a holiday can be stressful. There’s a torrent of information on the internet on destinations, flights, accommodation and everything in between. Before you start to plan, there are a thousand questions to ask.

How do I get the best deal on flights? Where should I stay? When should I go? And the most important question of all: where should I go?

This is where package holidays came in – and they remain extremely popular.

Why book a package holiday?

It’s easy, stress-free and often more secure. If you’re booking a package, you’re likely to have an expert on hand to answer questions before you book, during the process and afterwards. They’ll remind you that you’ll need travel insurance, and take care of any extras like car hire and airport transfers.

Packages can sometimes be cheaper too, as travel agents will occasionally offer vast discounts on last-minute departures.

Package holidays are also a blessing when you’re travelling with children: if the prospect of a holiday with the kids seems daunting at first, a package booking will take the weight off your mind and put the responsibility into someone else’s hands. Then you’re just in charge of remembering all the baby food and in-flight entertainment.

Why book independently?

Freedom. If you don’t mind doing a bit of research – here is a good place to start – then booking independently can be a little more rewarding, and not just in the financial sense.

Not only will you be able to find the cheapest flights at the best time for you, but you’ll also be able to choose from a wider range of accommodation and can work to far more flexible dates.

If you’re a budget traveller, this is the option for you, as package holidays are often focused on a more luxury experience or they’re designed for families.

If you’re travelling alone or in a couple and still want a bit of comfort on the road, you could book an organised tour for when you arrive so you’re not entirely responsible for the itinerary.

How do you book your holidays?

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