Just realized planning your own trip beats any package deal
Spent a week in Lisbon for less than a grand because we booked flights and a flat separate, and the freedom was way better than some tour group's schedule. Felt like a real win over just paying for the easy button.
Ever wonder if packages limit who you meet there, like missing local spots? @the_rose has a point about mediocre bundles keeping you from the good stuff.
I mean, that can be true for a city trip like Lisbon. But for an all-inclusive beach resort, I've found the package deal was actually cheaper than booking flights and the room separate. Sometimes the bulk buying power works in your favor, idk.
Well, don't believe the hype too quickly. Those all-inclusive packages often sneak in costs like resort fees or airport transfers. I've compared both ways a few times and booking separate usually wins if you're willing to shop around. The bulk buying thing is a myth for most chain resorts. They just bundle the mediocre stuff to make it look like a deal.