Is It Generally Cheaper Overall?

[bednobs]

to either get an all inclusive deal with a travel agent (1 week med holiday) or get flights, and appartment (self catering)separate?

[jackthehat]

Whilst I am not sure about the costs, I am pretty sure that there are implications for ABTA/ATOL insurances and refunds if something goes wrong....

[237SJ]

Do you want all inclusive or self catering?

[bednobs]

i meant to add, theres 4 of us - 2 adults and 8 yr old and 1 year old. I've been looking at travel agents and they want to charge just as much for the 1 year ols as the rest of us (bearing in mind, she wont eat much, or need her own seat on the plane)

[bednobs]

sorry i thought the question made it clear?

[ummmm]

I find it cheaper and much easier to do it with an agent online.

You get your hotel, flights and transfers all sorted. Even if you don't drink much alcohol a can of coke in portugal was more expensive than a glass of wine!

[237SJ]

Sorry, I thought you meant all inclusive (all meals, booze etc)

[KARL]

Making your own arrangements will likely give you much more flexibility, unless booking late. As for cost, I suspect that travel agents are not necessarily the cheapest on like-for-like, and you can insure yourself for independent travel to the hilt at quite modest cost. If you are reasonably well informed then the process should be easily manageable. If alcohol volume is important to your holiday planning then my advice may not be of much help.