You spend hours searching for package holidays online, comparing hotels, prices, locations, and attractions. But have you ever arrived at your resort only to feel let down by what you experienced in person?
It’s challenging to find the gems online when there are thousands of package holidays to choose from, so we’ve asked six travel experts to share their top tips for choosing the perfect all-inclusive holiday.
Location, Location, Location
You might think you’ve found the perfect package holiday – the hotel is beautiful, the pool looks fantastic, and the food is world-class. But don’t forget to check on the surrounding area.
“You want a hotel that’s close to the local attractions you plan to visit. When we help our clients plan their trips to Japan, we start with a list of everything they plan to do while they’re there so we can find the perfect location.” – Anne Sutherland-Smith from Japan Travel Planning
You’ll find some of the best resorts near the top attractions no matter what country you visit. Don’t be afraid to go for a slightly less glamorous resort if the location is ideal – you’ll be glad you’re within walking distance of activities!
Find a Niche Tour Company
We tend to go straight to the large online platforms to find package holidays, but you’ll usually get a much better experience with an independent, specialist tour company.
“Once you know where you want to go, see if you can find an independent agent to handle the planning for you. We know some incredible travel agents based in North Carolina who have access to unusual accommodations, the best experiences, and luxury upgrades that can make a trip really special.” – Sarah Murphy from Explore More NC
Working with an independent travel agent costs a little more, but when planning the package holiday of a lifetime, it’s worth the extra expense.
Look For Off-Peak Prices
If you have flexibility around the time of year you can travel, look for dates at the very start or end of the season. You’ll get much better prices, so you’ll be able to get more out of your trip.
“Peak season in Taiwan is July to August, so hotels, flights, and amenities are more expensive. If you can travel outside of these times, you’ll get much better prices on package holidays, and booking trips while you’re there is much easier.” – Nick Kembel from Taiwan Obsessed
Do some quick research into when peak season begins in the country you want to visit and see how package deals range in price during the months before and after. Any money saved can go toward experiences while you’re traveling.
Plan Experiences First
It’s really not the hotel that makes a holiday memorable; it’s the experiences you have when you’re there. Look for packages that include excursions, trips, or events to take your vacation to the next level.
“As a massive Grand Prix enthusiast, I plan my trips based around event days. This has taken me all over the world to some of the best hotels, and I’ve now got the most incredible travel packages for other fans.” – Rob Burley from GP Traveller
Whether you want to tour Uluru in Australia, swing over the Grand Canyon, or see the northern lights in Iceland, you’ll find spectacular package holidays based on the experiences you want to have.
Check For Easy Upgrades
Most travelers don’t think about looking for upgrades when booking a package holiday, but there are some easy ways to make your trip extra special:
- Check if your airline has lounge upgrades – many have exclusive airport lounges where you can sip on a glass of champagne before your flight, and they’re not as pricey as you might think.
- Look into an extended stay – many hotels offer “stay longer” deals, which include extra services and perks for guests staying over a certain number of days.
- Consider a villa package – if you’re traveling in a group, villas are often more affordable than hotels, and you’ll get to live in luxury while you’re away.
“I always advise upgrading to full board whenever you can. The food in Spain, in particular, is world-renowned, and resorts usually have the top chefs cooking delicious seasonal meals.” – Lucia Polla from Viva la Vita
Even something small like a spa experience, boat trip, or local tour can make a standard package holiday feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so don’t be afraid to look into these extras.
And if you’re on an incredibly tight budget, simply ask for an upgrade! You never know when there are spare seats in business class or a better room available at your hotel.
Plan in Advance
The more you have planned well in advance, the smoother your vacation will go. From booking your hotel, planning flights and transfers, securing spots on excursions, and looking into upgrades, the more you can plan in advance, the better.
“After a decade of traveling the world, I’ve learned the importance of pre-planning. Trips are more expensive on the day, and spots fill up quickly in the most popular local restaurants, so I take the time to plan as much as I can in advance.” – Anjali Chawla from Travel Melodies
The best package holidays are the ones where everything is ready and waiting for you when you arrive. By putting in the effort now to plan a meal in the best restaurant, a trip with the most popular tour guide, and drinks at the best bars, you’ll feel like an A-lister when you arrive.
Happy Travels!
There’s nothing like the convenience and relaxation of a package holiday. It’s all about finding the right one for you and your family. Use the tips from our travel experts in this post, and you’ll be able to plan the vacation of a lifetime.