Do Vacation Packages Save You Money?

Expedia, Air Canada and Westjet all offer package vacations. I have booked package vacations and I have booked each component of several trips myself. I really enjoy researching and planning a trip (which is why I enjoy writing blog posts about trip planning) so I usually take the DIY approach. Last year we wanted a simple beach getaway for my 50th birthday so we decided to purchase a package through Sunwing, which is now being taken over by Westjet. Was a package the way to go?

Pros

Vacation Packages

  • Simplicity and ease
  • Do not have to wade through so many options
  • Everything is booked at once
  • One itinerary email is easier to track

Self-Booking

  • Flexibility
  • Shop around for best prices
  • More options
  • Control over choices

Cons

Vacation Packages

  • Limited options
  • Little customization

Self-Booking

  • Time consuming
  • More research or knowledge of the area
  • Tracking multiple bookings

Price Comparison for Trips from Canada

Edmonton to London

A black cab in front of a statue with a palace in the background.
Buckingham Palace

Edmonton to London, October 4 to 13 for 2 people.

Vacation Package

Expedia Package:

$1792 per person = $3,584.00 total.

Website screenshot with pictures of the hotel, an 8.2 very good rating, a map and popular amenities.

Self Booked Trip

Google flights basic airfare with Air Canada $1974

Same hotel. Booking.com $1601.

Total: $3575

Difference

Package: $3584

Self booked: $3575

Difference for 2 people = Vacation package is $9 less

Edmonton to Orlando

Castle in Walt Disney World lit up in pink and blue lights, at night.

Edmonton to Orlando, October 4-13 for 2 people.

Vacation Package

Westjet vacations

Highest rated hotel near Disneyworld and Universal with free breakfast, Fairfield By Marriott Orlando.

Total: $2320.70

Self Booked

Flights $961

Same hotel on booking.com $1462

Total: $2423

Difference

Package: $2320

Self booked: $2423

Difference for 2 people = Vacation package is $103 less.

All Inclusive in Riviera Maya, Mexico

Glass and feet on a lounger with a beach and ocean in the background.
Huatulco, Mexico

Edmonton to Cancun, October 4 to 13 for 2 people

Package

Air Canada vacations

Highest rated all-inclusive plan with a 4 out of 5 trip advisor rating is BlueBay Grand Esmeralda, Riviera Maya.

Flight, transfer and hotel for 2: $4278

Self-Booked

Flights: $1437.86

Same hotel on booking.com: $1846

Private shuttle: $165 USD ($229)

Total: $3512.86

Difference

Package: $4278

Self booked: $3512.86

Difference for 2 people = self-booked is $765.14 less.

Self Booking Vacations

If you want to learn more about researching and booking your own vacations the following articles will be useful:

Conclusion

I was curious if packages really do save you money and the only way to find out is to price out the same trip booked as a package or separately. I was hoping for a clear answer on whether vacation packages are cheaper than booking it yourself, but the results were mixed.

I am really surprised to see the all-inclusive package to Mexico is more $750 more than booking the flight, hotel and transportation separately. The other packages are more cost effective than self booking but the amount for Orlanda was negligible. Expedia offered the best deal with the London package.  

If you prefer simple and easy to track, vacation packages are the way to go. If you prefer flexibility, you are not saving a lot with a package so feel free to do research and plan it yourself. If you are budget conscious, consider doing a quick comparison to see if a package, like the one to London, can save you money.

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