Planning a Family Holiday: Should You DIY or Get a Tour Package?

This was originally posted on Planner Bee.

Singaporeans are well seasoned globetrotters, familiar with the ins and outs of travelling for all kinds of destinations. But when it comes to planning a family holiday, especially to unfamiliar places, many of us still find it a daunting task.

Whether it’s navigating foreign public transport systems or deciding if buying travel passes in advance is necessary, the logistics of travelling as a family can get overwhelming. That defeats the whole point of travelling. According to a survey jointly conducted by Yahoo and regional consumer research company Milieu Insight, at least two-thirds of Singaporeans travel to relax.

Now, when taking the young ones out to play, should you plan your family holiday from scratch, or is signing up for a tour package the better way to go?

Planning a getaway for the family isn’t just about choosing a destination and booking flights.

From finding family-friendly activities to ensuring that accommodations meet everyone’s needs, the devil is in the details. This article will explore the pros, cons, and costs of planning your own trip versus opting for a tour package. Hopefully, you will be able to make a more informed choice for an unforgettable family experience.

Key considerations for a family holiday

Travelling with family means accommodating a variety of needs and preferences – the more family members, the more things to take note of. It’s not just about where you go, but how you manage the dynamics of family members in unfamiliar environments. Do your kids need frequent rest stops? Does anyone have dietary restrictions? Is anyone in the family suffering from a medical condition that needs regular care? All these factors play into the trip planning process, making it as complex as it is critical.

DIY trip planning for families

As DIY suggests, this means working out dates, air tickets, itinerary, and all other necessary preparations on your own. While it sounds lovely to be able to tailor something to your preferences, it’s also a massive undertaking, not without its own set of pros and cons. Let’s take a look below and what some of them might be:

There’s plenty to consider from a cost perspective as well. Air tickets during the school holiday period are notoriously pricey.

According to search aggregator Skyscanner, two-way direct flights between Singapore and Bali cost minimally S$360 per pax, if you set off in the first week of June 2024. For a family of four, that’s at least S$1,440 spent on air tickets – and that’s if you aren’t buying them at the very last minute. Add about another S$1,680 for a week’s stay in a well-rated family-friendly hotel, S$400 for meals, S$360 for a rental car, and an additional S$400 for activities. This brings your total to approximately $4,280.

You could bring the costs down significantly by scouring for promotions, though doing so will inevitably take up quite some time. Yet, the potential to tailor a trip that suits everyone’s needs, and makes everyone happy, is a huge draw – one reason why many prefer planning a trip from end-to-end.

*Costs are an estimate as at the point of writing this piece. We advise you to conduct further research for updated costs.

Tour packages for families

On the flip side, tour packages are also useful options, especially if you’re unable to dedicate the time and effort needed to iron out the details of a trip on your own, or are simply not well-versed in planning for group travel. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:

A family tour package to Bali with local travel agency Chan Brothers can cost about S$1,488 per adult and S$1,288 per child*. For two kids and two adults, this adds up to S$5,552, excluding any miscellaneous expenses you’re sure to incur when you shop.

Tour packages typically include airfare, a stay at a mid-range hotel, some meals, planned activities, and transport services so don’t get us wrong, this saves a lot of time on planning. However, it is also markedly pricier than planning the trip on your own

*Costs are an estimate as at the point of writing this piece. We advise you to conduct further research for updated costs.

Tips to help you make your decision

At the end of the day, only you know what works best for your family. Any decision you make will come with its own pros and cons, but here are some tips that will hopefully help you make your final call.

• Evaluate the total cost: Remember to account for all expenses, including those not covered by tour packages like extra meals, tips, and optional excursions. Then, decide whether the cost difference is worth picking one choice over the other.
• Read reviews: Whether it’s a tour package or a hotel you’re booking for a DIY trip, reading reviews on travel agencies, airlines and accommodations can provide critical insights. You can even look up travel bloggers’ advice for some guidance and inspiration!
• Flexibility and control: Consider how much control you want over your travel plans. A DIY approach offers more autonomy, but a tour package can significantly reduce the stress and time spent on planning.

Conclusion

Choosing between a DIY travel plan and a tour package for your family’s holiday requires careful consideration of what will make the holiday special and stress-free for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore every nook and cranny of a destination at your own pace or prefer the ease of a pre-planned package, make sure your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons. Bon voyage, and happy holidays!