Unsure on way forward, looking for advice?

[Aza41]

Hello All

Hoping for some inspiration here.
I am looking to book for August 2022, Three adults (44/46/18) and a 14 year old.

Packages seem very expensive right now but my confidence sways towards this for protection against cancellation etc.

Is the best way to book the package and if so through who? if not which sites would people use and how would you protect your flights etc against cancellations?
Thanks and hoping for some help.

[loldis]

You're probably still looking slightly too early for August, since not all flights are available yet so everything will be on spec price rather than actual.

A package provides protection if the supplier goes bust, not if it's cancelled for other reasons, e.g. Covid. Booking directly with reputable vendors with flexible cancellation policies is the best protection you can have in the current market IMO. Along with good travel insurance, but that goes without saying for any US trip.

However if you really do want the ATOL protection, I'd recommend getting a quote from Ever After Holidays to see how it compares to the big brands. I have only done DIY for many years so can't comment on them personally, but they're well rated on here.

[Aza41]

Thanks so much , not heard of them so will look them up!
Who do you normally book solo through?

[loldis]

Flights - Direct with BA. Will be adding one night's hotel (using their custom trip option) to create a package, however this is to make it deposit only in case I decide to cancel. Not for the ATOL, as already stated above. I have a one night gap between flight and Disney anyway, so it works out. But otherwise might use this for an airport hotel the night before.

Disney - Direct with WDTC for hotel + tickets package.

I don't do the other parks, so nice and simple for me.

[babbymint]

Originally Posted by loldis

Flights - Direct with BA. Will be adding one night's hotel (using their custom trip option) to create a package, however this is to make it deposit only in case I decide to cancel. Not for the ATOL, as already stated above. I have a one night gap between flight and Disney anyway, so it works out. But otherwise might use this for an airport hotel the night before.

Disney - Direct with WDTC for hotel + tickets package.

I don't do the other parks, so nice and simple for me.

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Yes this - if it's cancelled BA will refund and Disney will too or if not let you move the booking. We have now cancelled 2020 and 2021 where literally every item was DIY and I have not lost a penny. Plenty of villa and hotels with fully cancellable options or even pay at hotel.

[Claudette]

Originally Posted by Aza41

Hello All

Hoping for some inspiration here.
I am looking to book for August 2022, Three adults (44/46/18) and a 14 year old.

Packages seem very expensive right now but my confidence sways towards this for protection against cancellation etc.

Is the best way to book the package and if so through who? if not which sites would people use and how would you protect your flights etc against cancellations?
Thanks and hoping for some help.

See more...

As mentioned already, the only extra protection a package will offer is against the risk of financial failure of the provider. It won’t help at all with border restrictions or any other pandemic related travel issues.

If your flight is cancelled then you are entitled to a refund. A worse scenario is if your flight still goes but you can’t get on it due to border restrictions. I don’t think there is any completely risk free way to make a booking but you can certainly help yourself a lot by booking hotels on a refundable / cancellable basis, book flights on a deposit only basis and ensure that there are flexible booking terms. Booking directly with the airline seems to be safer than using a TA.