Travel Question: Is it better to book package or go DIY?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

If elements of package such as car rental go wrong, the operator must sort it out and you are covered by regulation (Getty)

Q We are thinking of booking a holiday to Walt Disney World, Florida, and we have found that booking the villa, flights and car hire separately rather than as a package is a lot cheaper. Are there any benefits to booking a package or would you do the individual way and save money?

Simon R

A Package holidays provide the gold standard in consumer protection. If you book flights and one or more elements such as accommodation or car rental at the same time, then you are covered by the Package Travel Regulations. These specify: “The organiser is liable to the traveller for the performance of the travel services included in the package travel contract.” Which the traveller can paraphrase as: “Sort it out”. You transfer the disruption risk to the firm that supplied the holiday.