Why book a package holiday?

Whether you’re looking for some winter sun or want to get away from the hustle and bustle, we are all desperate for a holiday on the beach! However, choosing the perfect destination, accommodation, transportation, and everything else to go with it can be both time consuming and end up going over the budget you originally planned. If you’re looking to take the hassle out of holiday planning, a package holiday is likely for you. If you’re wondering if a package holiday is worth it then read on to see why booking a luxury all-inclusive package might be your best holiday move yet.

This blog post will cover…
What is a package holiday?
The importance of ATOL protection
How to book a package holiday
Types of inclusions in a package holiday
Is a package holiday worth it?

What is a package holiday?

Holiday package deals are usually advertised as everything all in one. The inclusions usually cover flights, accommodation and airport transfers, but if you book an all inclusive package this can also include even more from dining, to car hire to activities.

The main difference between a package holiday and booking independently is that by booking through one tour operator, they will be taking care of everything on your behalf, taking the hassle out of having to plan each part of your trip by itself.

All-inclusive package holidays often have an exclusive price point and can offer better value for money than booking separately. The benefit of this is that all the trip elements are booked with one company and sometimes in one transaction, leaving you to enjoy a stress-free, pre-organised holiday and making them a fantastic option for those with a set budget.

Package holidays offer you greater protection as most tour operators are registered with bodies such as ABTA and ATOL and must adhere to the Package Travel Regulations.

For many package holiday companies, you only have to pay a deposit per person to secure your upcoming holiday, allowing you to take some time to pay off the rest. While this isn’t always the case, finding a travel operator that does allow this gives a clearer way to set your budget.

When you book a holiday with Sandals, you only pay a deposit of £175 per person up front. The remaining balance is usually due about 10 weeks before your departure - which means that you can countdown to your holiday knowing that the price won’t change.

And under Package Travel Regulations, we have a duty to ensure the descriptions of our Caribbean holidays are accurate, so you know exactly what to expect before you arrive with no nasty surprises.

The importance of ATOL Protection

ATOL protected holidays mean that you have more assistance if a problem were to occur. This could be anything from cancelled flights to the company ceasing trading. Travel makers have a money back guarantee, which is a great advantage compared to booking independently. If any unfortunate events do happen, with a package holiday you know exactly who to go to to make a claim, as all of your ATOL protection is laid out clearly in your travel documents. This means that it makes things easier in a time when you may otherwise end up with a lot of stress - and holidays are meant for relaxing! As a member of the ATOL scheme, Sandals have a duty of care for our guests and their bookings. This means that your money is protected for both your flight and holiday.

Insider tip: To ensure your package holiday is ATOL protected, look on the company website or ask your travel agent for advice before booking. And be sure to keep a note of their registered number in case of emergencies.

How to book a package holiday

Choosing the right location, room category, and activities can be somewhat daunting - even when you have decided you want to book a package holiday. The other benefit of a package holiday is that you can get the experts to help you get the holiday that's right for you and the needs you have. Many travel providers have dedicated booking teams and travel agents who are ready with first-hand guidance and suggestions.

At Sandals, our agents have visited the resorts and know exactly which one best fits your holiday wants and needs. You can also see detailed room and resort descriptions, highlighting the amenities available in the Luxury, Club and Butler Elite room categories. We even have a handy Holiday Planner if you’re finding it hard to choose. Simply input your holiday must-haves in and let us do the work for you. Booking an adults only all-inclusive package holiday is as easy as selecting the resort you’d like to visit, your date range, and your budget – the team will work out how to get you there! It’s as simple as that.

Making it simple is a great part of booking a package holiday, but speaking to the travel team can also help you with the cost. They’re always on the lookout for the best deals for customers, so will be able to give you the most up to date details on current offers - which not only saves you money, but the hassle of researching and comparing on price too.

Trying to decide which Sandals Resort is right for you? Read more here

Types of inclusions in a package holiday

While many package their excited Caribbean holidays only include flights, accommodation and airport transfers, a package at an all-inclusive hotel or resort can offer you much, much more.

With an all-inclusive package holiday you can expect dining, drinks and even activities. If you book a package holiday with Sandals, you don’t need to worry about a thing in our luxury all-inclusive resorts! From your complimentary airport transfer to tipping our amazing staff, everything is included in the price of the holiday. This is fantastic value for money, as guests can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, as well as endless land and water-based activities. You can do as little or as much as you like, without it affecting the prepaid price. This makes the trip much simpler to budget for when you know exactly what you’re paying and what you will get.

With as many as 21 unique culinary concepts to try, you’ll enjoy a level of variety, quality and creativity in our Gourmet Dining that’s simply unmatched anywhere in the Caribbean. And the best part is you can eat and drink as much premium liquor as you wish!

Your package holiday with us even includes access to private offshore islands, with unspoiled beaches and secluded bars exclusively for guests. If you’re looking for more activities, the adventure doesn’t stop there. Take part in unlimited water and land sports every day you spend with us. Explore the crystal-clear waters with hobie cats, water-skiing, aquatrikes and more.

If you’re a keen scuba diver, PADI® certified guests can take part in two dives per day throughout the duration of their trip.
Prefer life on land? Sandals Resorts owns some of the most prestigious golf courses in Jamaica, St. Lucia and The Bahamas. All guests are welcome to take part and your green fees are covered during your stay.

Is a package holiday worth it?

If a package holiday is worth it mainly depends on what you’re looking for out of your holiday. If you are looking to stay in a location or hotel for only a few days, or move around to several different destinations, it makes sense to book this independently. But if you are looking to stay in one or two resorts for 7,10, or 14 nights, it can be much more cost effective to book a package offer.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free booking process with only one provider, then a package holiday is definitely worth it - especially if you choose to go all-inclusive, as it really does make it worth the cost.

Does a holiday package in one of our luxury all-inclusive resorts sound like something you’d like to try? Book one of our stunning Caribbean resorts today and let us arrange it for you! Our teams are on standby and are happy to help make your luxury all-inclusive trip a reality.