Travel Package Deal Versus Independent Travel - Staying on budget

When traveling on a budget, one of the most often asked questions is whether it is best to travel independently, making your own airfare, hotel and sightseeing reservations, or choose a travel package deal where the whole thing is set up for you in advance.

There is regrettably no simple answer to this matter, as it is for the most part dependent on the place and the specific travel package deal that are on hand.  For example, travel to European destinations are often less pricey to book on your own, particularly when the airlines are running specials of European airfares in the off-season. 

Then again, travel to many exotic locations, like Morocco South Africa India, are a lot less expensive when booked through a package company or travel agent.  That is since these tour operators often have special travel package deal with the national airlines of these companies, and with very nice resort hotels, to provide substantial discounts in exchange for a stable flow of dealing.

A Personal Example of A Fantastic Travel Package Deal.
For a case in point, last year I traveled solo to Egypt from New York for far less than I could have booked on my own. I paid only $1,100 for the trip, including airfare, stayed  in an exceptional hotel, enjoyed daily breakfast, airport transfers, and daily sightseeing tours, including guided tours of the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If I gone independent travel, the airfare alone would have run me over $700.  The reason for this great travel package deal was the relationship of the tour operator with Egyptair and the hotel at which we stayed.

Similar travel package deal exists for other locations, notably India, China, Taiwan and Singapore.  So be sure to check on the availability of these package deals when shopping for a budget travel deal.

Sure, some great deals can be had on your own as well, and this is often a wonderful way to go, particularly if you are a solo traveler.  Solo travelers often have difficulty getting those great deals on package deals, since the obligatory single supplement can often mess up the deal. 

What You Need Do When Deciding Travel Package Deal Or Going Independent Travel.
It is also essential to learn exactly what is, and what is not incorporated, in any travel package deal you are taking into consideration.  Many package deals have elective excursions built in, and these extras can add substantial cost.  Be sure to ask for a thorough daily schedule to decide if you will be left on your own if you fail to take these options.  Also ask for a comprehensive list of these optional excursions, including full descriptions and prices, and then cautiously evaluate the total price to what you might find on your own.

If you prefer traveling on your own, be sure to start shopping early, especially if you are traveling by air.  The vital thing to keep in mind is that airlines assign only so many seats for those advertised low fares, and if you fail to act promptly, you may be out of luck.  It is essential to book the airfare, and the hotel, as early as possible to make certain the lowest possible prices.

In the end, the choice of whether to opt for a travel package deal or go independent travel is up to each individual traveler.  It is essential to put side-by-side package prices with those for independent travel to the same location.  It is also important to consider your own individual travel style.  Some people are more at ease with a packaged tour, particularly to an unusual location, while others take pleasure in the independence from schedules that independent travel provides.