Travel and Leisure

Package Holidays: What's in the Box?

What are package holidays and are they for everyone? The short answer is of course no. There are roughly speaking two different types of travelers; those who prefer the independence of the non-package holiday and those who prefer the convenience of having everything organised for them. For families in particular the package holiday has some distinct advantages over the non-packaged.

Value at a Price

All-inclusive package holidays usually include flights, accommodation, meals and even selected drinks. The package often comes with a full itinerary of events, days out, activities and if you are lucky there may be some childcare thrown in too. This is perhaps the biggest appeal as trying to keep the kids entertained as well as finding time to relax can put a strain on any parent. If you want to eat 'out' there is nothing to stop you although you will have to pay for any extra-curricular activities and restaurants yourself. The all-inclusive package allows absolute control over spending so it continues to be a great option for those on a tight budget.

Quality or Quantity

The biggest downside to the all-inclusive holiday is that it's usually a mass produced product. Mass produced doesn't always mean quality and in fact it can mean quite the opposite. The main reason that packages are so cheap is that most of the elements (including tightly scheduled trips) are produced at a low cost and sadly it sometimes shows. While convenience and price are attractive, the true cost is sometimes quality.

How Flexible?

Package tours and trips are flexible these days and usually include plenty of free time. This makes them great for families as you get to go to interesting places, meet new people but still have time to do things for yourself. The downside is that you don't get as much flexibility and if you don't get on well with the group it can be a real headache; especially if the itinerary is challenging and the food is awful. What's more you've paid up front and won't be refunded for any missed trips, events or poor quality meals.

Alternative Offers

It's probably the value for money aspect that appeals to most people and it's true that for many families it's a seriously viable option. One must choose wisely though; find holidays that include activities you're likely to enjoy and avoid those with very crammed itineraries. The price may seem cheap but check out alternatives as you may well find incredible discounts such as 'Kids Go Free' that will offer you the same great value but much more freedom.