Travel packages: when bundling flights and hotels saves money

A travel package combines two or more things in one price, such as flights and a hotel. Some packages save money. Others only look cheaper. A few minutes of checking tells you which.

What counts as a package

• Flight plus hotel from a booking site.
• Flight, hotel and car rental together.
• An all-inclusive resort, where meals and drinks are part of the price.
• A guided tour, where transport, hotels and some meals are arranged for you.
• A cruise, which combines transport, a room and food.

When a package often saves money

• Beach and resort trips on busy routes, such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii or Spain's coast.
• Short trips where you want one price and one booking.
• Trips where you do not mind the airline, flight times or hotel choice.
• Peak season, when sellers use bundle prices to offer rooms at a lower rate.

When booking separately is often better

• You want a specific airline, hotel or flight time.
• You are visiting several cities.
• You are staying a long time, or staying with friends for part of it.
• You can use points, a flight deal or a hotel membership.
• You want flexible dates and easy changes.

How to check in five minutes

1. Search for the package and write down the total price, with taxes and fees.
2. Search the same flights and the same hotel separately, on the same dates and for the same number of people.
3. Compare totals. Include baggage fees, airport transfers and resort fees.
4. Check what is included. Meals, drinks, activities, transfers and checked bags may or may not be in the price.
5. Read the change and cancellation rules. Packages can be harder or more costly to change than separate bookings.

All-inclusive resorts

• Add up what you would normally spend on food, drinks and activities. All-inclusive is good value if you eat and drink a lot at the resort, and poor value if you plan to eat out.
• Check which restaurants and drinks are included and whether there are extra charges for premium items.
• Look at how far the resort is from places you want to see.

Protection and problems

• In some regions, such as the European Union and the United Kingdom, packages have legal protection if a company fails or a part of the trip is canceled. Rules in other countries, including the United States, are different.
• Check who the seller is, and what happens if a flight is canceled.
• Consider travel insurance for expensive packages. See Travel insurance: when it is worth it.