Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this question because it largely depends on the location and special offers that are available.
For example, traveling to European destinations are often cheaper to book on your own, especially when airlines are specials on European rates offseason running.
Furthermore, travel to many exotic places, such as Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand and India, are often much cheaper when booking through a company packages or travel agent.
This is because these tour operators often have special deals with national carriers of these companies, and with very good resort hotels, to offer substantial discounts in exchange for a steady stream of business.
For example, last year, I traveled solo to Egypt from New York for a grand total of $ 1,100, including airfare, an excellent hotel, breakfast, airport transfers and daily excursions including guided tours of the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx visits.
This is much less than what we could have booked on my own, since airfare alone would have made more than $ 700 Key to this was much the relationship with Egypt air tour operator and the hotel where we stayed.
There are similar deals elsewhere, including India, China and Taiwan.
So make sure you check the availability of these packages when shopping for an agreement on the travel budget.
Of course, some great deals can be had on your own too, and this is often a great way to go, especially if you are a solo traveler.
Solo travelers often find it difficult to get these deals on packages, since the single supplement required can often spoil the deal.
It is also important to know exactly what is and what is not included in a package you are considering.
Many have integrated package offers optional excursions and these extras can add considerable cost.
Be sure to ask for a detailed daily itinerary to determine if you are left on your own if you can not take these optional accessories.
Also request a detailed list of optional excursions, including a full description and prices, then carefully compare the total cost of what you could find on your own.
If you are traveling on your own, be sure to start shopping early, especially if traveling by air.
The important thing to remember is that airlines spend only so many seats for these low advertised rates, and if you can not act quickly you may be out of luck.
It is important to book flight and hotel as soon as possible to ensure the lowest possible prices.
Ultimately, the decision whether to opt for a package or independent travel is each individual travelers.
It is important to carefully compare package prices with independent travel in the same place.
It is also important to take your own personal travel style into account.
Some people feel more comfortable with our group, in particular, to an unknown destination, while others enjoy the freedom of independent travel time offered.