Package Holidays vs DIY in 2009

BigBouncyBall

I heard an interesting discussion with Simon Calder where he said that in 2009 the cheapest way to go on holiday will be on a package holiday with meals included probably over a DIY choose your flight and hotel and car hire all separately type package.

Do the experts on here agree? He said due to the collapse of the pound planning trips now is expensive (€1=1£) whereas package holidays were made last year when we could get €1.4=£1. I suppose it makes sense but i'd have thought package holidays were always cheaper than making up your own itinerary.

I've never been on a package holiday myself as i like to be able to choose where i go all the time etc however (as readers of my other thread will know) I'm looking for a cheap holiday in april - would a package holiday be the way to go do you think and where are some good places to go on packages that time of year?

clairbear_3

I find DIY gets cheaper the bigger the group size
£ may recover some ground against EURO
avoid packages during school holidays, expensive and noisier
The food can be poor on all inc packs,even if decent you get sick of same menu

creased-leach

We were dropped in it last year when TC withdrew from our accommodation- with the help of a forum for the island we were visiting, we took the plunge & went independently. It cost about the same, and we were able to add another couple of days to make up for the fact that it was a different airport, and more travelling was involved.

We've priced the same holiday for next year- two other tour ops are now going there- and again it's about the same.

I'd rather know that the owner was getting some money out of it to be honest, rather than the pittance they get from the big companies.

However, in April, if it's just for two people or so, I'd hang fire & find a late deal. There won't be as many around in 2009, but if you're flexible I doubt you'll have too much trouble.

Infidel

For me at least (as i normally travel solo), DIY seems to be the cheaper option as i'm yet to find a package deal that allows one person to pay the initial per person stated holiday price.