4 holidays that are cheaper to book as a package deal

September 16, 2023

By Chelsea Dickenson

As someone who loves to spend hours trawling the internet for the best deals, I have a soft spot for a little ‘do-it-yourself’ holiday booking. But does booking it all separately always reap the cheapest rewards?

Let’s investigate using TravelSupermarket’s top holiday deals as a springboard. Spoiler: these four money-savers prove packages aren’t just about that ATOL protection.

What’s the difference between a package holiday and a DIY holiday?

A package holiday bundles together various parts of your trip – like your flight, accommodation or car hire – as a single package. A DIY holiday means you book these elements separately.

So, what’s the difference between a package and separate bookings? Other than the simplicity – you don’t have to hunt around for the best prices for each booking – package holidays are covered by the ATOL scheme, which is a form of financial cover that protects you should anything go wrong.

Of course, DIY holidays can still have financial protection in other ways (think travel insurance and paying by credit card for purchases over £100), but you won’t be able to claim via ATOL.

*All prices quoted correct as September 16, 2023. Please note prices can fluctuate daily and may appear differently on provider site for this reason. Prices based upon two adults departing from London. Deals are subject to the partners' T&Cs.

1. 4-night Berlin city breaks from £239pp

Four nights in Berlin will only scratch the surface of this cool capital but this British Airways city break is a top way to see some of its highlights on the cheap.

With BA flights, 23kg checked baggage and 4 nights at the 4-star IntercityHotel Berlin Airport for just £239pp (or £478 for two), you’ll save more than £500 than if you booked the equivalent flight and hotel separately.

Even if you choose the cheapest flight on the same dates — with easyJet for £138pp (£278 for two) with just a small under-seat bag — you’ll still save £135!

I actually can’t believe the saving with this one.

All costs are based on two adults sharing and travelling between September 30 and October 4, 2023.

2. 7-night Corfu beach breaks from £291pp

If you’re looking for some short-haul autumn sun, Corfu is a brilliant bet – temperatures reach t-shirt-weather highs of 23C! Plus, it’s cheap this time of year. Just take this British Airways deal.

It’s got all your inclusions for just £291pp (£582 for two): a BA flight, 23kg checked baggage and 7 nights at the 3-star Bruskos Hotel in Agios Georgios, just 30 minutes from Kavos.

Compare that to the DIY route, which costs £767 for two for the same elements when you book your hotel via Booking.com – that’s £185 more!

In this case, the cheapest flights on the same dates are also with BA, but without checked baggage included. Choose this option and you’ll still pay £65 more than if you booked the package.

All costs below are based on two adults sharing and travelling between October 7 and 14, 2023.

3. 7-night self-catering Antalya holidays from £235pp

Hoping for sunshine and sightseeing come winter? This easyJet holidays deal to Antalya gives you both for less.

The £235pp (£470 for two) package includes easyJet flights, 23kg checked baggage, shared transfers and 7 nights at the Sun City Apartments.

Go DIY and you’ll find easyJet has the cheapest flights for the same dates at just £126 for two without a checked bag, or £339 with a 23kg checked bag each.

The cheapest price for Sun City Apartments with a well-known company – loveholidays – comes in at £154 for 7 nights (or £125 with a lesser-known company, which I appreciate many would be hesitant to book through).

The result? If you want a like-for-like holiday with tons of luggage, this package will put £38 back into your pocket, save time during the booking process, and give you ATOL protection. If not, DIY may be the better option for you – it’s down to you to decide!

All costs are based on two adults sharing and travelling between January 7 and 14, 2024.

4. 3-night Iceland holidays with tours included from £505pp

Tick off Iceland's top experiences with three nights in Reykjavik, entry to the Blue Lagoon and a Northern Lights boat tour, all in one package with Icelandair.

At £1,010 for two, you’ll get Icelandair flights with 23kg checked baggage, a 3-night stay at Hotel Cabin with breakfast included, transfers and entry to the Blue Lagoon, and a Northern Lights by Boat tour.

As well as saving £25 compared to the like-for-like DIY option, the real perk is that it’s all booked in one place.

Of course, you can play around with your options for this one. Icelandair’s Economy Standard fare includes a 23kg checked bag but with generous hand luggage – you get a 10kg bag, plus a personal item – you may find you only need the Economy Light fare at (return flights from £271 for two).

Alternatively, check out the second DIY option for £778. This gives you easyJet flights – currently the cheapest for the same dates – with just an under-seat bag each, which might not be enough for all the winter wear you’ll probably need at this time of year.

All costs are based on two adults sharing and travelling between January 7 and 10, 2024.

Are package holidays cheaper than DIY holidays?

There are some absolutely brilliant package holidays out there that can save you a lot of money and time and offer you peace of mind abroad.

So how do you know it’s deal? Ask yourself:

• How much would it cost if you booked the holiday yourself?
• Would you book all the elements if you booked the holiday yourself?
• If DIY is cheaper, is it worth the hassle or loss of ATOL protection?

This approach has worked wonders for me!

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