Florida package or do it myself?

[nyorks1503]

Costwise how does it compare diy or using a tour operator? Thinking Easter next year (I know I should have something sorted by now). I'm not phased by booking all the elements separately but don't want to put in all the effort for it to be cheaper for someone else to do the leg work!

I'd go with the tour operator as you will have better protection if something goea wrong, i.e. the flight is delayed.

I'd do see with Virgin that they would either replace holiday with another destination or refund which was tempting.

I priced up everything separately and package deals with Virgin and BA. Virgin came out cheaper, only booked ours 4 months in advance played around with the dates, kept watching it and one day the price dropped so went ahead and booked.

I've been several time almost always going with tour operator. But, a few occasions booked independently flights through sky scanner and accommodation through booking.com - always cheaper from my experience. I would suggest making part payment on credit card in case of airlines going bust etc...

Booking flights yourself you will probably save a few hundred by the cheapest options often in direct flights.... I've done this before but obviously flying long haul it's much better flying direct. In direct flights may be an option to keep costs down if you are set on the Easter break.

Hi, I was going to go to Florida at Easter but it worked out £4k more expensive than going in the summer and Summer includes a child now being adult price. Easter is America's spring break time and more expensive than the summer. Just to make you aware!

We've done it both ways, and costwise I don't think there's much difference. As others have said, a package deal gives you more protection.

We went with Thomson on our most recent trip and it's very hands-off. You never see a Thomson rep unless you actively seek one out, but they're there if you have an issue. The flight before us was delayed 24 hours because of some sort of technical issue so Thomson took over, sorted accommodation, fed and watered everyone.

I always do it myself. I'm not convinced by the anything goes wrong you've covered argument having been treated utterly horrendously well known holidau company where I was left overnight at Barcelona airport with no food, nappies or hotel with a one year old DS. We had to sleep on a bench in the deserted airport. Get cast iron travel insurance and you're as protected as you would be with a travel agent.

We book villa ourselves, then flight and car hire through Dialaflight, so have the peace of mind that a professional has sorted it! Great service, have been booking flights to Florida with same agent for 12 years. He is currently waiting for the dates for Florida to come out for next year for us.