Ducoffs.com
Vacation packages that combine a flight and a hotel have a reputation for being either a great deal or a trap, depending on who you ask. The truth is in between: on some trips they save a lot, and on others they save nothing. Knowing which is which takes just a few minutes.
Why bundles can be cheaper
Hotels and airlines want to fill rooms and seats without publicly cutting their prices. Selling through a package lets them offer a lower rate that is hidden inside the total, so it does not undercut their own website. Package sellers also negotiate rates in bulk.
The result is that the combined price can be lower than the two parts added together, sometimes by a large amount.
When bundles save the most
Bundles tend to deliver the biggest savings in a few situations.
- Resort and beach destinations, such as Cancun, Punta Cana, Los Cabos, Hawaii, and Las Vegas
- Stays of four nights or more
- All-inclusive resorts and large resort hotels
- Popular leisure routes with lots of competition
- Booking within a few weeks of travel, when hotels are trying to fill rooms
When booking separately is better
Bundles are less useful for very short trips, business travel, and small independent hotels that do not sell through package channels. If you are using airline miles for the flight or have a hotel loyalty rate, booking separately usually makes more sense.
Multi-city trips can also be easier to book separately, though some package sellers support them.
How to compare in five minutes
First, search the flight alone for your dates and note the total. Then search the same hotel for the same nights. Finally, use the Bundle & Save tab in the Ducoffs.com search box to price the package. Compare the package price with the two separate prices added together, making sure you are comparing the same room type and the same flight times.
Remember to include taxes, resort fees, and baggage fees in both totals so you are comparing like for like.
Routes where bundles often shine
Hawaii is a classic package destination. Compare Los Angeles to Honolulu, Dallas to Honolulu, and Los Angeles to Maui.
Las Vegas packages are popular from almost everywhere; try Dallas to Las Vegas, Chicago to Las Vegas, or Atlanta to Las Vegas.
For Mexico and the Caribbean, see Miami to Cancun, New York to Punta Cana, and Chicago to Los Cabos. Our all-inclusive resort guide covers the best places to stay.
Orlando theme-park trips are another good fit: try Chicago to Orlando or New York to Orlando.
What about European cities?
Packages to cities like London, Paris, and Rome can save money too, especially for longer stays at large chain hotels. They are less likely to help if you want a small boutique hotel, which may not sell through package channels at all. See our guide to boutique and luxury hotels in Paris, London, and Rome for ideas.
