Is DIY cheaper than packages?

I have just booked our ski holiday and in my particular case DIY worked out much cheaper than a package.

Direct morning Eurostar Ski train Standard class out Saturday 31st Dec to Moutiers back on the night train Saturday 7th Jan Standard Premier class (much more comfy) total price £189 return.

Return transfers from Moutiers to Meribel on the bus (not booked yet but presumably the same as last year) 20 euros.

Pierre et Vacances self-catering apartment for 4 but only 3 of us, total price £764, price per person £255

Total price per person (excluding lift passes, insurance, ski hire and lessons) = £462

Exact same holiday with Thomson going on the train to the same apartment, except that you can't go out on the day train and back on the night train, total price per person = £806

So, going DIY in this instance has saved me £340 per person and a total of £1020 for the three of us :D :D

Flying should be cheaper but even with that, going with Thomson to the same apartment the same week gives a total price per person of £742. AND the flight is from Luton leaving at 0715 whereas the train leaves St Pancras at 10 a.m. a much more civilized hour! AND going on the train means we get an extra day of ski-ing. Plus, I don't have to worry about getting car sick on the long transfers from the airport.

Having said all that, I do agree that sometimes a package is cheaper than DIY. It depends on many factors, as others have already said. And, of course, it does take much longer to book a DIY holiday because you have to study timetables and maps and things and book each part separately. But I find I know a lot more about the resort before I get there if I've booked it DIY - like the quickest way to the lifts, and the closest ski hire shop etc. which I think results in a more enjoyable holiday for all of us.

Ally

I have only ever been on one full package deal, worst trip I ever had but that was nothing to do with the rep or operator. Booking DIY has certain advantages, price is one but you kind of got to know where you are t regarding deals on transport within a particular country. It's not difficult but requires patience and lots of online research. Accommodation on a ski trip is paramount. With a bunch of lads for a weekend, then a barn will do, with the missus for Christmas? You might want a goat with that too. Well I don't know, it's never happened yet :(

Seriously though, when I go on a snow trip I spend weeks procrastinating about the accommodation, and about 1/5 of my time in it, 80% of that with my eyes closed. I've done all standards in Austria and it has not once been bad. I've done 4* in France and I felt like a hamster.

DIY can be cheaper, and more expensive, sometimes that's what you want. Personally I go that way and love it, it's a lot harder to justify shouting at yourself for a week than a poor young rep who just wants to ski :)

Spot on Tino, all I ask for in accomodation is a comfortable bed, and plenty of hot water.

I'm on Holiday, so happy to eat out. Which means we get plenty of choice, and as you say, who wants to be indoors (bars excluded) if the slopes have snow and you're not sleeping :)

I never could understand people who go skiing and pack several books and stuff.

Far Queue wrote:Spot on Tino, all I ask for in accomodation is a comfortable bed, and plenty of hot water.

I'm on Holiday, so happy to eat out. Which means we get plenty of choice, and as you say, who wants to be indoors (bars excluded) if the slopes have snow and you're not sleeping :)

I never could understand people who go skiing and pack several books and stuff.

I don't need too much understanding ..... I love a good read before lights out :wink: