- Packages often win on price for beach, ski and family holidays once you add bags and transfers
- DIY usually wins for city breaks, multi-stop trips and off-peak travel
- Packages with flights from a UK company come with ATOL protection and legal rights under the Package Travel Regulations
- Always compare the full cost, not the headline price
A decade ago, the conventional wisdom was that booking flights and hotels yourself was always cheaper than a package. Today, it's not that simple. Tour operators buy flights and hotel rooms in bulk, and many sell "dynamic" packages that combine scheduled flights and hotels at prices you can't always match yourself.
So which should you choose? It depends on the type of trip, when you travel and how much protection you want. Here's how to decide.
The quick comparison
| Package holiday | DIY (independent booking) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often cheaper for beach, ski and family trips | Often cheaper for city breaks and off-peak trips |
| What's included | Flights, accommodation, often transfers and hold luggage | Only what you book |
| Flexibility | Set durations and hotels, though dynamic packages are flexible | Complete freedom over routes, dates and stays |
| Financial protection | ATOL protection and Package Travel Regulations | Limited; depends on how and where you pay |
| If something goes wrong | One company responsible for the whole trip | You deal with each supplier separately |
| Effort | Low | Higher, but you control every detail |
When a package usually wins
Beach and resort holidays. For a week in the Algarve, Tenerife or Crete, a package including flights, hotel, transfers and a hold bag is often cheaper than booking each part separately. See Tenerife vs Mallorca and best beaches in the Algarve.
Ski holidays. Transfers, ski carriage and luggage add up fast on a DIY ski trip. Packages often include all of these. Read cheap ski holidays in Austria and when to book ski holidays for the best price.
Family holidays. Families need hold luggage, seats together and transfers, all of which a package may include. Free child places and low deposits also make packages attractive. See our family holiday deals tips.
All-inclusive. All-inclusive hotels are often cheapest booked as part of a package.
Long-haul and complex trips. For destinations like Antarctica, specialist operators combine flights, hotels and the voyage, which is simpler and better protected. See our Antarctica cruise cost guide.
When DIY usually wins
City breaks. For a weekend in Rome, Amsterdam or Paris, with hand luggage only and public transport from the airport, DIY is often cheaper and more flexible. See Rome in 48 hours and Amsterdam weekend itinerary.
Train travel. Packages rarely include rail. If you're travelling by Eurostar, booking your own hotel is usually straightforward. Read European city breaks by train from London.
Multi-stop trips and road trips. If you want to combine several places, independent booking gives you the freedom to plan your own route. Our car hire abroad tips will help.
Off-peak and flexible trips. If you can travel midweek and outside school holidays, you can often find cheap flights and hotel deals yourself.
Your protection: why it matters
Package holidays sold in the UK are covered by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. In plain English:
- The organiser is responsible for delivering everything you booked, even if a hotel or airline lets you down.
- If the organiser cancels, you're entitled to a full refund, normally within 14 days.
- If the price rises by more than 8% after booking, you can cancel and get a refund.
- Packages that include a flight should be ATOL protected, which means you won't be stranded abroad or lose your money if the company fails.
DIY bookings have less protection. If your airline goes bust, you're not ATOL protected if you bought the flight directly from the airline. If a hotel isn't as described, you'll need to deal with it yourself. Paying by credit card adds protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for purchases between £100 and £30,000.
whichever way you book, buy travel insurance as soon as you've paid, so you're covered if you need to cancel. Our travel insurance and GHIC guide explains what to look for.
How to compare properly
- Price the package, noting exactly what's included.
- Price the same flights, hotel and dates separately.
- Add hold luggage, transfers, seat selection and any meals or extras included in the package.
- Compare the protection you get with each option.
- Consider your time: a package is one booking instead of several.
Our verdict
For beach, ski, family and all-inclusive holidays, packages often come out ahead on price and protection. For city breaks, train trips and independent adventures, DIY usually wins. The smartest travellers check both before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Are package holidays cheaper than booking separately?
Often, especially for beach, ski and family holidays where luggage and transfers are included. For city breaks with hand luggage only, DIY is frequently cheaper.
What does ATOL protection cover?
ATOL protects you if a UK travel company that sold you a flight-inclusive package goes out of business: you'll get home or get your money back.
Is a flight and hotel booked on one website a package?
Usually, if you book them together in one transaction with the same company. Check that you receive an ATOL certificate.
Can I customise a package holiday?
Yes. Many operators sell dynamic packages where you choose your flights, hotel and length of stay.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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