Around 40% of Brits booked their holiday as a package last year, according to the Office for National Statistics. That means the majority of trips were not protected under Atol or the Package Travel Regulations (PTRs) if anything went wrong.
If package holidays conjure up an image of throngs of people armed with towels racing to secure a sunbed around the pool, think again. It just means buying two major elements of the holiday - such as flights and accommodation - in a single transaction from the same travel company. The nature of that holiday is entirely up to you.
Below we bust the biggest myths so you can decide if a package holiday is for you this summer.
Package holiday myths
1. You must stay in an all-inclusive resort
Forget the idea that you must eat every meal at the hotel. You can choose packages on any board basis, from self-catering to bed and breakfast (as long as the hotel offers it). That said, paying for all your meals and drinks up front in an all-inclusive deal can help you budget and protect you from currency fluctuations, so it’s worth considering.
2. They’re all in basic hotels
Basic hotels mean budget travellers are well catered for but you can also find resorts featuring on-call butlers, swim-up pools and Egyptian cotton bed sheets.
By the same token, not all all-inclusive hotels offer repetitive buffet-style dining either. Just check the small print and online reviews to make sure a la carte options aren’t booked weeks ahead or carry heavy supplements before committing.
3. They’re all fly-and-flop style holidays
It’s not all beach resorts. City breaks, escorted tours, ski trips and even cruises can be sold as package deals - provided you book two elements and pay for them in one transaction.
4. They’re more expensive
Not only can a package save you money but an all-inclusive holiday may work out better value too.
5. They’re in boozy party towns
If you’re avoiding package deals because you think they’re all located on the Magaluf strip, think again. You can book everything from a French farmhouse in picturesque Dordogne to a yoga retreat at the foothills of the Himalayas.
6. They aren’t cultural
7. They’re one size fits all
8. You don’t need the financial protection they offer
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/package-holiday-myths-aKCbZ0Z19bM9