Package Holidays

FirstTimer4Me

Can someone explain what's the difference between booking a package holiday (Thomas Cook) & booking flight / hotel / transfer (separately) (On the beach)

Also, what's the advantages / disadvantages between the two

richardw

With a 'true' package holiday you get the assurances under the package travel regulations. Best example of this is when the ash cloud affected flights the tour operators looked after holidaymakers. If you want this kind of back up then book a 'true' package holiday.

If you're quite happy sorting things out yourself if things happen then book flight+hotel separately.

There's also Atol protection http://www.packpeaceofmind.co.uk

Doshwaster

Think of it as the difference between having a set meal in a restaurant compared to going a la carte, or even going to a different restaurant for each course.

With DIY you get to choose exactly what you want. With a package you are limited to what they are offering. If you are happy with that limited choice then packages can be cheaper, especially for families. If you want something which isn't in the brochure or if you are a single traveller then DIY is almost always going to be cheaper.

For example, if you want a week for 2 adults and 2 kids All Inclusive on the Costa del Sol then a package is going to be hard to beat. Pay once and everything will be organised for you. However, if you want to fly to Barcelona for 2 nights then fly onto Ibiza for a few days then fly back home then you would be better off doing that DIY.

Archergirl

Before you use On the Beach, check their reviews,I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole......

MasterPoo

FirstTimer4Me wrote: »

Can someone explain what's the difference between booking a package holiday (Thomas Cook) & booking flight / hotel / transfer (separately) (On the beach)

Also, what's the advantages / disadvantages between the two

First, if you are looking to go on a Package Holiday, I'd do my research as with anything you plan on paying for.

OTB, Teletext have consistently offered a horrendous package deal for their customers, you just have to search on this forum and others so I personally wouldn't use them.

bagand96

With a package holiday (Thomson, Thomas Cook, Olympic etc) you are booking and laying for the package, that included flights, hotels, transfers (and maye other things like car hire etc)

Doing it as a "Flights Plus" (OTB, TravelRepublic, Lowcostholidays etc) you book a flight, hotel and transfers at the same time but you actually have a separate contract for each item).

The difference comes if something changes. Say your hotel becomes overbooked. On a package holiday, the tour operator will offer you an alternative or a refund for the whole package. When you haven't got a package holiday, you may be offered an alternative or a refund of the hotel portion. But your flights and transfers are still standing and you won't get a refund for those.

Same if the airline decides to change the flight day. A package deal will change your hotel and transfers too. If it's not a package you may find an admin fee to move the hotel booking and transfers bookings.

FirstTimer4Me

bagand96 wrote: »

The difference comes if something changes. Say your hotel becomes overbooked. On a package holiday, the tour operator will offer you an alternative or a refund for the whole package. When you haven't got a package holiday, you may be offered an alternative or a refund of the hotel portion. But your flights and transfers are still standing and you won't get a refund for those.

Same if the airline decides to change the flight day. A package deal will change your hotel and transfers too. If it's not a package you may find an admin fee to move the hotel booking and transfers bookings.

The above concerns me if booking a DIY.

Cosmos package is for 14 days, however, we can do DIY with TR / Love holidays / OTB etc., etc., for 18 days for not much more, stuck now as to what to do for the best, Cosmos don't do the 18 days

wallbash

stuck now as to what to do for the best,

How much is peace of mind worth?

MasterPoo

First what is it exactly that you need handholding for?

18 Days
Destination
Departure
Arrival
Accommodation
Excursions

The WWW is a wealth of knowledge, I spend months reading forums, asking questions, taking out adequate travel insurance, ensuring all visa's are done it really shouldn't put you off.

There are loads of people on here who can assist you.

bagand96

FirstTimer4Me wrote: »

The above concerns me if booking a DIY.

Cosmos package is for 14 days, however, we can do DIY with TR / Love holidays / OTB etc., etc., for 18 days for not much more, stuck now as to what to do for the best, Cosmos don't do the 18 days

Millions of people DIY each year. It's one of those things you do take a risk but that's the trade of. In my opinion you can minimise the risk by booking direct with the airline and the hotel.

Often the hotel won't be as cheap direct as it will be with an agent but it's worth a try.

richardw

Problems with hotels are more likely to affect the later arrivals in the day, so book a morning flight so you can check in early afternoon.