Posted on Friday, 14 July 2023

Package holidays and their close relation the All-Inclusive were pioneered by French holiday firm Club Med back in the 1950s.

Since then, the rise of expendable incomes and the development of resorts across the world have seen the package tour go from strength-to-strength.

But what are the benefits of a package holiday? And how might it be a better choice than arranging your own trip?

Here we explore some of the benefits of package holidays…

 

Package holidays are quick and simple to book

For busy families, couples and even solo travellers, package holidays are a simple solution to the holiday conundrum: flights, accommodation and transfers, and often some meals are bundled together, meaning when you book a package holiday you don’t have to spend time arranging separate components for a trip - nor how they fit together within your plans.

When it comes to the package holiday, scheduled flights, transfers and hotel check-ins are all choreographed to be seamless.

 

Less stress

Opting for a holiday package deal means you'll likely be in the same area for the entirety of your holiday - everything is on-hand, from hotel restaurants to pool access to evening entertainment.

Even add-on excursions can be booked with ease - either before or during your trip.

For many, especially those with children, this means less stress compared to a DIY holiday.

But what about the cost of a package holiday? Are package holidays cheaper?

Package holidays are often cheaper

For package holiday tour operators "economies of scale" are key to their success.

There are various ways operators can save money - from working to ensure capacities of brand-owned planes and hotels are filled, to organising efficient breakfast buffets and mass entertainment.

They also strike deals with airlines and hotels by buying seats and rooms in bulk (for a sizable discount).

According to one consumer report, package deals were cheaper than DIY trips in eight out of 10 cases.

Cheap holiday packages are now a bedrock of UK family life.

 

Affordable luxury

The package route also puts more luxurious options within reach.

While booking 5-star hotel rooms and flights separately can be expensive (especially if you plan to change accommodation/location several times), there are some very affordable high-end packages on offer.

If a resort knows it’s getting the bulk of your holiday budget over the course of two weeks, it is more willing to offer a discount.

 

Legal protections

Package deals provide more holiday protection than an independently booked trip.

The vast majority of UK holiday operators are members of ABTA - the Association of British Travel Agents.

They enforce high standards so you should get the holiday experience you expect; and they provide protection in case a provider has financial problems.

 

Security

Compared to a DIY break, a package deal means you'll be holidaying in the same area.

You won’t need to worry about booking extra transfers or arriving in unfamiliar places late at night - places that could introduce security worries.

Resorts have good security and tend to be bubbles of safety, often located away from town centres.

Holiday tour operators and their associated hotels will be able to solve any security worries quickly.

With DIY trips, on the other hand, there is an unknown quantity: will your next guest house be secure? Is the surrounding area safe? Will you be able to communicate any concerns easily?

With package tours, these issues are lessened.

Familiar surroundings and people

Holiday package deals are sometimes derided by DIY travellers as being less adventurous and more restricted.

But for busy families and couples, these points can be a huge advantage in booking a package holiday: knowing you're on a break with fellow English-speaking Brits (with whom it may be easier and more enjoyable to socialise), eating in restaurants that suit UK tastes, and generally not having to plan for the unexpected - are key draws.

Families with kids may find a holiday package deal is also a great way for their offspring to socialise with children their own age in a safe space - not least because the hotels lay on kids clubs and activities - (also giving adults some valuable "me time").

For those with young children, these "no fuss" holidays can be ideal, since taking care of their kids might be enough work!

Explore more on package holiday advantages and disadvantages in our blog, Package Holidays vs Independent Travel - Start Travel

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