World Cup Travel Packages from Europe: Bargain or Not?

Anyone who doesn’t have a lot of time to research a trip knows how time-consuming it can be. And these days, when more people turn to the internet to book their own trips rather than handing over the details to a travel agent, you can feel pressured to dig deeply into all kinds of travel planning websites – not to mention feel badly if you don’t get the best deal.

It’s no wonder package holidays are so popular, since you get to book everything in one go – and with all-inclusives you have the added benefit of being able to forget about money for most of the time when you’re on your trip.

But when you’re thinking of handing over a big wad of cash for a package trip to see the World Cup in South Africa, you want to know that you really are getting the best deal you can – otherwise, you’re wasting money that could be put to much better use (say, for instance, to buy a round of congratulatory drinks after a game, or to refill your body-paint supply) once you’re in South Africa.

Just be sure you do what’s listed below with any travel package you’re considering, and that way you’ll know whether you’re getting a great deal or just taking advantage of the convenience of booking everything together.

Break It Down: Know What’s Included

Every package holiday is going to be a little different with what they include, although most will include at least airfare and accommodation. Some will include extras such as – in the case of World Cup package trips – tickets to games, World Cup souvenirs, and transportation to and from games.

The first thing to know when you’re comparing holiday package deals is what’s included and (equally as important) what’s not. If you find one that looks cheap but then realize it doesn’t include airfare, that’s going to be a rude awakening when you end up needing to purchase your airline ticket separately!

When you’re breaking down each package trip, ask yourself what you really need on your trip. Do you need the souvenirs the tour company is throwing in? Do you need things like a massage at the hotel spa, or dinner in the hotel restaurant? More importantly – can you get those things cheaper elsewhere?

Get Out Your Calculator

Once you have your list of what’s included in each holiday package, and you know which elements of each package are most important to you, then it’s time to do a little bit of research. I know you’re thinking of a package trip because you don’t have time for research, but this is only a little research, and it could save you money. It’s worth it. Really.

Check the big-ticket items – airfare and accommodation – and make a note of the cheapest options you find on your own (remember how we talked about how to find cheap airfare to South Africa from Europe for the World Cup?). Then see if you can find prices on the other pieces of the package deal that you’ve decided are critical to your travel enjoyment. Add all of that up, and you’ll know right away whether booking things separately is a better deal than booking the package trip.

>> Regardless of whether you decide to go with a World Cup package trip or book things separately, it wouldn’t hurt to get some trip insurance before you go!

photo by xenia antunes

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1 comment on this article

Megan

18 January 2010

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