The Pros and Cons of Package Holidays

If you’re gearing up to take your next holiday, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the travel options you’re presented with. Vacation packages are a favourite of UK travellers, but if you’ve never booked a package holiday, it’s understandable that you’re feeling a little apprehensive about booking one. Before you proceed with making any travel arrangements, take a look at some of the pros and cons of package holidays.

Pros

Package holidays have plenty of benefits, including less planning and increased financial protection. Here is some more information on the pros of package holidays:

Value for Money

Package holidays offer value for money to travellers who want a fun jam-packed holiday, but who may not be able to afford to pay for things individually. This is often a cheaper option because flights, transportation to and from the airport, car hire, accommodation, meals and drinks, on-site facilities and activities, and excursions (including transport to and from the hotel) are usually included in packages. Many travellers feel constricted by the costs of travel, but the discounts offered by package holidays mean that they can enjoy a more fulfilling trip.

ATOL and ABTA Protection

One of the benefits of purchasing a package holiday is ATOL and ABTA protection which ensures travellers can get home and receive a refund if their tour operator goes out of business, and ensures that travellers receive the goods that they paid for. Travellers who purchase package holidays with flights included will receive Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) protection. Similarly, travellers who book package holidays with land or sea travel included will receive protection from the Travel Association (ABTA), formerly known as the Association of British Travel Agents. ATOL and ABTA protection are not a replacement for travel insurance, and travellers are advised to purchase their insurance policy as soon as they’ve booked their trip.

Variety

Package holidays can be tailored to suit each person’s tastes. Travellers can decide what they want to have included and what they would rather supply or organise themselves. For example, vacationers can opt to have meals included in their holiday package or select a half-board package where breakfast is included but they choose when and where you want to have lunch and dinner. They can even decide whether they’d like to take part in the daily activities or lounge by the pool instead.

Convenient

Everyone looks forward to taking a holiday, but nobody likes the stress of planning one. Package holidays are much more convenient for inexperienced travellers and people travelling as a group because everything is included. Package holidays are easy to book and require less planning since travellers will only need to liaise with one tour operator or will be able to book the whole trip online.

Perfect for Families

Package holidays are perfect for families. It’s not easy for parents to relax during a holiday, especially with excitable little ones running about. Many tour operators specialise in providing family-friendly packages to make it easier for both parents and children to enjoy their vacation. Family-friendly package holidays can include accommodation at a family-friendly resort, childcare facilities with fully-trained staff, and kids’ clubs and activities.

Cons

Everything has its drawbacks, and package holidays are no exception. Let’s delve into some of the cons of booking a vacation package:

Less Flexible

While holiday packages can be personalised, some travellers find them somewhat restrictive. There will be fewer opportunities for spontaneous outings, and if someone doesn’t wake up in time for breakfast, then they’ll need to wait until lunch is served. Going on a package holiday means that there’s less wiggle room to make changes to plans, and unless you’re the kind of traveller who likes things to be planned in advance, you might find it a little monotonous.

Compromise

Package holidays aren’t perfect, and travellers may have to make a few compromises. holidaymakers have fewer choices when it comes to accommodation, food, and flights. Some activities may clash with others so they won’t be able to participate in them, and they may find that some of them have already been fully booked. Going on a package holiday means that travellers will have to relinquish control over certain aspects of their holiday plans, and because of the rigid schedules they may feel like they have limited options to choose from. Some travellers are apprehensive about package holidays because they also feel like they’re paying for services they don’t need.

Expensive for Longer Trips

Over the years, the prices of package holidays have increased due to high demand and inflation. Many package holidays are sold with a standard one- or two-week stay in mind, so travellers who wish to book a longer stay or extend their trip may notice a hike in prices. Longer package holidays may be more expensive in popular destinations or if they overlap with public holidays, but travellers can save if they choose an all-inclusive package.

Hidden Costs

While package holidays can be a cheaper alternative to independent travel, many travellers are surprised by additional costs, especially if they don’t read the documentation that’s provided when they purchase their package holiday. For example, items from the buffet may be a part of the package, but if a traveller orders à la carte at the hotel restaurant, they may end up paying for that separately. Also, travellers might want to participate in additional activities and excursions that weren’t initially included in the package they paid for, and if they aren’t aware that they will have to pay a higher premium for them, they may be surprised by the lengthy bill they receive at the end of their trip.

Spending Time With Other Travellers

Package holidays tend to be enjoyed more by social travellers. After all, they will be spending their whole trip with the other tourists who booked the same package, whether they want to or not. Package holidays may not be ideal for people who like to have alone time or would rather keep to themselves.

If you’re still indecisive about booking your trip after reading about the advantages and disadvantages of package holidays, set aside some time to compare the packages that interest you and read about other people’s experiences.