Disadvantages of booking flights and hotels independently, instead of travel packages

[Deleted User]

Hi, looking at doing a round the world trip, and have prices from a few travel agents, and also specialists. We also went on the Star Alliance and One World RTW websites and priced the flights, and on Expedia for the hotels, just to get an idea of how much the travel agents are adding on.

Now I appreciate doing it myself means there is no ABTA/ATOL protection (what does this offer than my travel insurance doesn't?), is there anything else I lose out on, or need to be aware of by doing things ourself?

There is a substantial saving to be had, if it was a couple of hundred quid, then I would take the easy option and get them to book everything, but doing it outself, we get EXACTLY what we want, no the close approximations they have come up with.

I also have a FirstDirectory policy than includes worldwide travel insurance, but it's only upto 31 days. We are 3 days over that. What's the cheapest way to get cover, new policy?

Many thanks.

blindman

mgillespie wrote: »

Hi, looking at doing a round the world trip, and have prices from a few travel agents, and also specialists. We also went on the Star Alliance and One World RTW websites and priced the flights, and on Expedia for the hotels, just to get an idea of how much the travel agents are adding on.

Now I appreciate doing it myself means there is no ABTA/ATOL protection (what does this offer than my travel insurance doesn't?), is there anything else I lose out on, or need to be aware of by doing things ourself?

There is a substantial saving to be had, if it was a couple of hundred quid, then I would take the easy option and get them to book everything, but doing it outself, we get EXACTLY what we want, no the close approximations they have come up with.

I also have a FirstDirectory policy than includes worldwide travel insurance, but it's only upto 31 days. We are 3 days over that. What's the cheapest way to get cover, new policy?

Many thanks.

Personally in this day and age I can't see why anybody uses a Travel agent for long haul holidays.

Packages to the Costa's-Yes - as they can buy lower priced hotel rooms.

Ignore the ABTA\ATOl bond-not worth the paper it's wriiten on.

For RTW the priciest part is the flights-There are "packages" of RTW flights that have some leeway-research on what is best for you.
There are still restrictions as to where you can go and if\when you can change plans.

It is now feasible to use LCC to hop to various destinations as one ways-takes some research though.
It's also possible to use airlines FF miles to do similar-though this takes time to accure mileage (Thorugh Credit card bonuses).

I did
Frankfurt-Tokyo (First class)-Christchurch NZ (business)-AKL-Sydney (business)-Istanbul (Business)
Only came back via IST as I'd seen USA and not been to IST.



DIYing means you get the holiday YOU want. :cool:

bagand96

The main benefit of a package is that if one item changes, the package company is liable for the parts. I.e. should an airline cancel or change flights, then you wouldn't lose out on hotel bookings etc.

Ignore the ABTA\ATOl bond-not worth the paper it's wriiten on.

An unduly harsh comment. The ATOL scheme has quite literally repatriated thousands of Brit's stranded abroad when their airline/holiday company has gone under. It has also refunded thousands more who had holidays booked with companies such as XL/Kiss Flights/Goldensun/Holidays4u in recent years.


However, I'd agree with blindman, for long haul multi stop trips, I'd DIY as you get exactly what you want. And if plans change or need tweaking you are dealing with airlines/hotels yourself, not via an agent. Also, generally the kind of airlines you use are flag carriers who would be the less risky anyway. Pay for all flights on your credit card and they'll be liable anyway.