DIY Holidays: Significant Savings Over Traditional Packages

Many Britons opt for package holidays for their convenience and peace of mind. However, with the advent of the internet, it’s possible to book flights, hotels, and transfers independently. This begs the question: is it cheaper to build your own holiday package?

Indeed, it is. By independently booking five different package holidays, it was found that constructing similar itineraries often resulted in substantial savings, sometimes up to 38%. These findings suggest that even the most loyal package holiday enthusiasts might reconsider their choices.

For instance, a couple’s week-long, all-inclusive summer trip to Tenerife with Tui was priced at €2,801. Booking the same holiday independently, including Ryanair flights, accommodation, and transfers, cost €2,515, saving €286, or 10%. Although the savings are notable, some may prefer the additional services and protections offered by a package deal.

A luxury villa holiday in Zakynthos for four adults was another case study. The package price was €5,391 through Simpson Travel, while booking directly through Villa Elysian and arranging flights and car rentals separately totaled €3,526, saving €1,865, or 34.5%. Despite the savings, the package's benefits, like concierge services and Atol protection, could still be appealing.

A 13-night solo tour of Peru via Explore cost €3,058. Replicating this itinerary independently came to roughly €1,903, a saving of €1,155, or 38%. However, the tour's expertise and guidance provide significant value, especially in a country like Peru.

A family ski trip to France’s Grand Massif revealed a €3,084 saving when booked independently, reducing the cost from €12,566 to €9,482. Despite the significant savings, the convenience and support from the package deal might justify the extra expense for some.

Lastly, a Christmas getaway in Dubai saw a small saving of €569 when booked independently. The BA Holidays package offered flexible payment options and additional benefits, making the slight extra cost potentially worthwhile.

During the pandemic, package holidays saw a resurgence due to their protection and refund policies. Post-pandemic, with the cost of living crisis, more people are looking into independent bookings. However, the smallest disruptions can have a significant impact when booking independently. Without Atol protection, booking flights with a credit card or finding appropriate travel insurance becomes crucial.

Across these examples, the average saving for DIY holidays was 23%. While building your own holiday can be financially rewarding, weighing the risks and benefits against the convenience and security of package deals is essential.