You can book a holiday as a package (flight and hotel together) or put it together yourself. Both can be cheap. The best choice depends on where you go and how much you want to be protected.
When a package can be cheaper
- Beach resorts in Spain, Greece, Turkey and Egypt, where tour operators buy hotel rooms in bulk.
- All-inclusive holidays.
- School holiday weeks, where packages sometimes beat separate prices.
When doing it yourself can be cheaper
- City breaks, where you just need a flight and a central hotel.
- Trips with odd numbers of nights, or flying from a smaller airport.
- When you are flexible and can grab a flight sale.
Protection: ATOL
When you buy a holiday that includes a flight from a UK travel company, it should be protected by ATOL. If the company fails, ATOL can help you get home or get your money back. You should get an ATOL certificate when you book. You can find out more on the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL page.
If you book a flight and a hotel separately yourself, they are usually not protected as a package. Paying by credit card can give you extra protection, and good travel insurance is important either way.
Our simple advice
- Price both ways. It only takes a few minutes.
- For beach holidays and all-inclusive, look at packages first.
- For city breaks, book flights and hotel yourself.
- Always buy travel insurance as soon as you book.
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Search cheap flightsInformation was checked when this page was updated. Prices, airline rules and travel rules change, so always check before you book.
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