Don't get cheated on your holiday deal!

You have been working without a break -- it seems like forever! -- and all you want is to go on that vacation you have been dreaming about. 

Now you are wondering whether you should go for a package tour and leave the planning and execution hassles to your tour operator. Or just plan it all yourself?

Let's look at the options and weigh the pros and cons.

The options

All inclusive packages
This is what is advertised in the newspapers: "Experience Europe in just Rs 3 lakhs for the whole family. The all inclusive package includes: a return air ticket, visa charges, hotel stay, entry tickets to certain tourist attractions, food (prepared by an Indian maharaj) and inland travel."

Meher Bhandara, GM, Corporate Communications, Travel Corporation (India), explains, “Packaged tours is a holiday in which you have a group of people travelling to various destinations. You normally have a group of 40-45 people travelling together, catching the same flight, staying in the same hotel, travelling by the same bus while sightseeing."

What does it offer?

ü       The itinerary is fully planned by the tour operator.

ü       The hotels are guaranteed to be of a certain quality since they have been tested by the tour operators. You have a choice of 3 or 5-star hotels.

ü       Because they have tie-ups with hotel and book airline tickets in bulk, this means of travel works out cheaper.

ü       One of the main advantages is the food. After eating at McDonalds for two days, you would kill for a chapatti and some dal fry. In most places, finding food to your liking is difficult and, often, very expensive. Vegetarians, especially, have a severe problem in Europe. A packaged tour eliminates that problem.

ü       The tour guide shows you the best in the limited time you have.

 The downside

ü       You have to get up at 6 am every day, else you miss your breakfast or your bus or both.

ü       At some of the best venues, entrance prices are not included in the all-inclusive, which you may find out later.

ü       You are forced to live among people you may not necessarily like for some 10 –12 days.

ü        Most inland travel is by bus (or coach). It is fairly uncomfortable for a 10-12 hour journey.

ü       Often, the lunch provided is a packed dry lunch in the same coach.

ü       You have no time to explore on your own and experience the country.