Purchase a package or seperate?

**Kris B** · 05-09-2007, 08:45 PM

I'm planning a trip. Unfortunatly I can't say where because my daughter comes here and my hubby and I are keeping it a secret.

Anywhoo... I was wondering if you guys thought it was cheaper to go to one of the online places like hotwire to buy a package? We will need an airfair, hotel & car. Or do you think I can do better on my own? I wonder about the package deals. I hope they don't give you the crappiest room like next to the cleaning closet where people are getting stuff in and out all day and it's noisey.
Also I have ordered an entertainment book for the city we will be in. Maybe I should wait until it gets here?
One more thing is that I have enough airmiles for one ticket and if I buy a package I don't think I'll be able to use it???
Obviously I haven't travelled much so I don't really know what I'm doing.
Oh ya, one more question. If I did get a package and say the car was for hertz, would I be able to use my upgrade coupon from my entertainment book? I was also thinking that maybe if I got a package and it used the arilines I have miles for, would I be able to use those miles for an upgrade to first class?
Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!
Kris B

**Sari** · 05-09-2007, 09:49 PM

I just wanted to say that I always check both options - booking company price and going directly to the hotel (or airline or whatever) company. One time the booking company was cheaper, the other time going directly was cheaper.

**PrairieRose** · 05-09-2007, 09:57 PM

I was going to say the exact same thing that Sari said. We've found it both ways at different times. Sorry, no easy answers from me.

**guest56464** · 05-09-2007, 10:06 PM

When we flew back to Hawaii I checked the packages and everything... but the cheapest way I found it was by booking the flight and hotel in the same package then doing the car separate. But I did it all on priceline.

A good one to check out is Spirit airlines... my inlaws went to florida for less than $100

**baronmom** · 05-10-2007, 10:30 AM

I would certainly check all your options. I know our neighbors went to Disney, and everyone in their family used the package, but they booked their flight separate, and saved some money. They also flew out earlier than the family.

**coltsmama** · 05-10-2007, 11:25 AM

I don't think they will let you use your coupons towards a package deal.

**wanderlusting** · 05-10-2007, 03:16 PM

I agree-check every option. For every holiday we take, I spend hours and hours comparing every different possibility to get the price and type I want. I've also been known to get the cheapest combo I can find online and going to a travel agent to see if they can go lower so I'll book w/ them (hasn't happened yet!)

Wishing you a fruitful search and wonderful vacation!