Tour Operator vs Travelling Independently

Travel Information for Verbier

With the advent of low cost flying, and the increasing number of small companies providing transfer options, there are plenty of ways of getting from the UK to the resort of your choice. Whether you want to investigate flight or train options, or compare package holidays with more flexible, tailor-made holidays, these pages provide all the information you need to work out the best travel arrangements for you.

[First] [Previous] 1 2 3 [Next] [Last]

Jump To:

Tour Operators vs Independent Travel - Which is best?

Over the past few years largely as a result of the ease of booking holiday components on the Internet directly with operators, people have started to venture away from the traditional local travel agent 'package holiday', in favour of creating their own, potentially cheaper and more flexible, independent travel arrangements. This has been facilitated by the rise of the 'low cost' airlines, and a need for a more dynamic approach to taking shorter breaks more often.

Research carried out in 2003 by US Investment bank Goldman Sachs, indicated that it was 26% cheaper to book the flights and accommodation independently, on the Internet rather than splashing out on a travel agents 'package deal'. Many of the bigger operators have responded to this and are now beginning to make available 'dynamic packaging' and removing cost by shifting towards direct reservations and online selling.

Nevertheless, it is not always just about saving money: currently a bit of research opens up a greater range of possibilities to find characterful accommodation, not always linked to huge searchable databases, and owners passionate enough about their surroundings and pursuits to want offer these and more as part of their tailor-made 'packages'. Larger operators sometimes struggle to provide this personal touch.

What you do tend to get overall with a package from a Tour Operator is a greater degree of financial protection from relevant regulatory bodies if things were to go a bit wrong. Since small to medium sized companies rely mostly on goodwill from their clients and would probably only need to help a few clients at a time, they would probably be more helpful in difficult situations, but potentially less likely to provide substantial financial compensation. Nowadays with the change in the 'independentness' of the marketplace and in an effort to keep costs to a minimum, combined with a lack of alternative options for many independent companies, you could find that you have to rely on your own resources and travel insurance to get you home when 'force majeure' (bad weather, industrial action, etc.) comes into play. In any case, make sure you read the small print and have suitable travel insurance.

last updated 12-Mar-2008

Benefits of a Tour Operator Package Holiday

'Package holiday' providers have chosen properties in the resort and coupled this with the necessary flights and transfers - potentially removing some of the hassle of making your own arrangements. Below are some of the other main benefits to be had with a 'package holiday':

Consumer protection (see below for advice on consumer protection). All established holiday operators including flights as part of their offer have to be bonded members of an affiliated travel association which means there will be some level of help and support in whilst away and/or compensation due (and someone to claim against more easily!) should anything go wrong
Tour Operators can sort out your accommodation, rental equipment, lift passes and lessons as a one-stop shop. Resort staff can also assist with any problems encountered during the holiday and can advise on a range of subjects
Prices can be all-inclusive and very competitive: including flights, transfers and either hotel, chalet or B&B accommodation, which vary according to resort and standard of accommodation. This can help greatly when working to a specific budget
The larger operators offer a well recognised 'brand', which builds consumer confidence, and products fall under the jurisdiction of UK law in case of problems
Childcare and childrens' facilities are an important consideration. Tour Operators often make special provision for families and provide childminding, creches, and pick-up/drop-off services which smaller operators simply cannot. A possible independent solution is to look at local childcare providers

It is worth bearing in mind that small local and specialist holiday providers can provide excellent levels of service without being a 'high street name'. Meriski market themselves as being 'The Meribel Specialists' and whilst having an 'independent feel' about it, the company provides in resort services and arrange ski hire, lift-passes and transfers, so you don't have to do it all by yourself. Similarly, Purple Ski are local to the Meribel As specialists they should have greater knowledge of their particular resort than being dealt with by call-centre staff - leaving you with just the flight and transfer to organise: which isn't that difficult!

last updated 29-Feb-2008

How to Arrange a DIY Holiday

A typical 'DIY' Booking Sequence will consist of ensuring that flights, accommodation and transfers are all booked effectively and efficiently. It's not always an easy or straightforward process but if booked in the right order there shouldn�t be too many problems at a later stage. The following is a guide which may assist the independent traveller when booking:

Select dates and choose a few resorts

Self-catered Apartments

Last Minute Offers

ski school availability

Where you 'tailor make' a holiday by purchasing a low cost 'no frills' airline ticket, hotel or go to another supplier directly whilst it may be cheaper than through a travel agent or operator, it is worthwhile noting the following:

There is no legal requirement for the supplier to provide any security against insolvency
If any one component of the arrangement fails, you may have to make [maybe by then costly] alternative arrangements, without any course of recompense. Furthermore, if you are already abroad, you may find yourself stranded
Presently, there is no obligation by another airline company to assist you in your homeward journey
There is no company representative to provide assistance with any queries or emergencies during the holiday
Should a flight be cancelled, diverted or hotel doubled booked, there may be no assistance available. It will usually be you who incurs the additional costs of alternative transport to get back home (although this can be an outcome with a Tour Operator as well)
Passengers carried on scheduled airlines are not protected by ATOL (Air Travel Organisers License) unless the seat has been bought through an ATOL holder, i.e. not directly with the airline. Insurance policies will not always cover the cost of travel if an airline becomes insolvent.

A good alternative is to use the services of a bonded independent travel service to create a 'tailored package' or a small local operator who will help provide assistance when necessary. It is a good idea to check that a company is properly registered as a business, either in the UK or locally, and if they have been granted credit-card handling facilities by their bank.

last updated 12-Mar-2008

[First] [Previous] 1 2 3 [Next] [Last]