Package -v- booking separately

njc1325

Hello - I'm looking to book a week away to Corfu with my dad, the place we're going to doesn't have many accommodation options listed on package holiday sites as they seem to be smaller, independent hotels/apartments, etc.  I only ever book package holidays unless I'm going on a city break for example, I'm just unsure on what I'll be covered if I was to book separately, I would use Booking.com or Air BnB for the accommodation and they won't be payable until a certain time and I assume covered by the website policies as well as travel insurance but really it's the flights that bother me most as I'm not sure how they're covered (I can't book on credit card as I'm out of my 0% on purchases period), if the flights get cancelled by the flight company do I just lose out/have to find my own way, etc? 
Thanks very much in advance.

TELLIT01

You can still book using a credit card, you are choosing not to which is a different thing.  Why not book on credit card and pay it off immediately?  You will still have protection.  The credit card will provide a level of protection if things so wrong.

If flights are cancelled that element will be refunded or, if you are actually on holiday at the time, the airline has a duty to get you home on the first available flight and not just their own first available flight.

You will need to check potential travel insurance to see if it gives cover for accommodation already paid for if the outbound flight is cancelled.

twopenny

Yes Travel Insurance is an important element. Even if you eventually get a refund on either it will take time when you don't have the money. That can cause distress.

Have you read the T&Cs of Booking.com or Air BnB? I found the best way to deal with those on any site was to print off and read through with a highlighter and just highlight the bits that are important. That way you can go back and see easily what the essential bits are. It's been worth the effort

Don't forget to include luggage and transfers to and from when you price it up.

TELLIT01

twopenny said:

Don't forget to include luggage and transfers to and from when you price it up.

Good point.  It's often almost impossible to accurately compare the total cost of package and independent travel.  For example, one place we stay included aircon and safe if booked direct but charges roughly £55 per week, per unit for aircon and £20 for a safe.  You may also find that they hold onto the best rooms for direct booking, which is understandable as they make far more money from those than from the rooms block booked by tour operators.