Holidays unpackaged

I've always hated the concept of 'package holidays'. Hate, is a rather strong expression, but if there is that one singlular thing that can most certainly kill the experience of a holiday, it's a package.

As a student travelling across Europe, I never took a package holiday, even to countries where I didn't speak the tongue, cause they didn't make economic sense. Packages are always more expensive than creating your own holiday.

But that's not the only reason I hate packages.

I also hate them cause they don't let the excitement build. A major factor as to why I look forward to my travels is the planning bit. Planning is the foreplay that I look forward to. It's the process of deciding on a destination, getting information on whens the best time to go, finding that perfect place to stay in, that builds the excitement. Without all this, I might as well go on a business tour.

Sure, packages are convenient - you see an advert, see 15 items on the itinerary and 5 places to visit in 4 days and you get excited. 5 more places on your been-there-done-that list. And if that's what a holiday to you is, go ahead get yourself a package deal. However, even then, if you were to book all those 5 places individually, I can bet my money on it, that it'll be cheaper.

Besides, more often than not, you won't even get what you were promised.
(good story here on rediff...even better comments)

So, people, don't let these 'packagers' take the joy out of travelling.

Go out there and create your own holiday. There are loads of websites with every possible kind of information you're looking for - destination reviews, stay options, travel buddies, etc

Get online and start planning.

And if you're reading this, your travel experience has already begun.