Package Holidays....where to look forward to ??

raksrules

Elite
I need to know some reliable websites where we can plan international holidays (especially Honeymoon packages :p :ashamed:). I am searching on makemytrip currently but need other options.
Even brick and mortar travel agents / tour package operators will do. I know one name Kesari Tours.
Also is it advisable to take the escorted packages or go on our own ???

And yeah it would be really good if some destinations are also suggested. :p
 
raksrules said:
I need to know some reliable websites where we can plan international holidays (especially Honeymoon packages :p :ashamed:). I am searching on makemytrip currently but need other options.

Even brick and mortar travel agents / tour package operators will do. I know one name Kesari Tours.

Also is it advisable to take the escorted packages or go on our own ???

And yeah it would be really good if some destinations are also suggested. :p
I would recommend going on your own. I always find it more fun and memorable if I do the research myself, find good places to eat, etc.
 
whatsinaname said:
I would recommend going on your own. I always find it more fun and memorable if I do the research myself, find good places to eat, etc.
it isn't as simple as it sounds .. esp. in a foreign country.. :)
 
kauzy said:
it isn't as simple as it sounds .. esp. in a foreign country.. :)
I am sorry, but I disagree. That is what the people who make packaged tours want you to feel. It is not difficult. It is possible to have your whole itinerary planned and tickets bought before you even leave the country. (This is including some rail tickets if some legs of your trip are by rail.) You can have cars booked. Hotels booked. Or play it by the ear. That is the flexibility that going by yourself gives you.

If hotels + tickets are booked 2-3 months in advance, your costs will be much lower than what the packaged tours will charge you.
 
^^ well, i for one prefer the packaged tours.. it wud surely save some time.. and imagine planning an itinerary for the whole Europe.. :)
 
Planning a trip has the fun of DIY, but spoils the fun of visiting places..the surprise element is lost cause u've already seen pics of the place so u know wat to expect..
 
I suggest you choose a destination, copy the itinerary that thomas cook or any other travel and tourism company is providing. Than go to a smaller tour operator, give him your rough schedule and tell him to customize a package for you..
This way you can skip a lot of things that you dont want included in the package and can have the assurance that things will be in order since most smaller companies have tie-ups with similar companies in the country abroad.
All my travels abroad have been planned in that same fashion. It saves a lot of money and you have the support of the travel company abroad incase you need any help.. And trust me buddy, just incase you want to make some last min changes in ur plans whilst you are there, they are of gr8 use.
I make atleast 1 trip for holidays abroad every yr and this is the method i have been using for years...

tip:- the local small company that you choose, make sure its close to ur place so that you can sit on his head and make him plan things almost in ur presence. Also you can make constant personal visits @ his office to make changes if needed..

PS: tickets for Europe are at the lowest at the moment.. Im thinking switzerland and Prague for myself @ oct.. Check the overall rates (tickets, hotels, local travel) they ought to amaze you..
 
^^ My travel plan is December end..can you suggest some names of operators if you know in Mumbai ?

Also i guess with the smaller tour operator, they would only assist in chalking out a schedule and book all the air tickets. How about local sightseeing, places to visit (since we would not have a clue where to go and where not in a particular city/country).

Food...we got to manage it ourselves right ??
 
Metalspree said:
Rakshith how about going to chinki land ,you are familiar with the place as well right :p
I did give that a thought but she is skeptical else i would not have issue with Shanghai and Beijing at least :)
 
I had been to Shimla/Manali on a family vacation through makemytrip.Trip was excellent.All I can say is, it was hasslefree.But I chose it coz my parents were with me.

If I was alone of had company of us youngsters only, I wouldn't have cared less.Go hit the place, get a map and enjoy!!!

'Course if it's a foreign location, I would have definitely done my homework at Frommers, lonelyplanet, travel blogs etc.
 
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