Holiday Resorts and Packages

A resort is typically a high-end, luxurious, all-inclusive form of accommodation. Resorts are usually located at beautiful spots and primarily cater to the relaxation and recreation needs of travelers.

When looking for a resort to vacation in, here are some things to consider:

• What type of resort is it? Some resorts may be classified by the type of activity they offer (spa, golf), while other resorts may be categorized by the location they inhabit (beach or seaside resorts); however some resorts are a destination unto themselves and may be located anywhere - these are called destination resorts.
• What facilities are typically included in the resort package? The range of services can vary a great deal, but most resorts offer a host of entertainment and recreation options such as night clubs, excursions and activities, children's entertainment, health and fitness facilities, fine dining, and more.
• Do they operate on a seasonal basis and if so, which months are high season, low season and off-season? Some resorts depend on the weather to make them functional, e.g. ski resorts are obviously at high capacity during the winter months as opposed to beach resorts which are typically in demand during the summer. Rates fluctuate according to the season.

Packaged Holidays

A packaged holiday differs from a do-it-yourself holiday in that the traveler pays one price inclusive of all options within the holiday package. These options may include flight, accommodation, activities, usage of facilities, excursions, etc.

Package deals work best when the holiday is for an extended duration, such as 7-14 days, to give the holidaymaker ample time to sample the various things to do at the resort.

Package deals are dependent on:

• The season - off season deals will be the cheapest, while prices will be highest during high traffic months
• Early bird discount - may start as early as a year in advance and may offer substantial savings because they allow the tour operator to better predict demand against supply
• Last minute deals -may offer great discounts but limited choice. They are great for when a traveler is not overly selective about the holiday and willing to gamble on the adventure of it.