California Tourism: Package Tours

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Before you start your search for the lowest airfare, consider booking your flight as part of a travel package. Package tours are not the same thing as escorted tours. Package tours are simply a way to buy the airfare, accommodations, and other elements of your trip (such as car rentals, airport transfers, and sometimes even activities) at the same time and often at discounted prices -- kind of like one-stop shopping. Packages are sold in bulk to tour operators -- who resell them to the public at a cost that usually undercuts standard rates.

One good source of package deals is the airlines themselves. Most major airlines offer air/land packages, including American Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/321-2121; www.aavacations.com), Continental Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/301-3800; www.coolvacations.com), Delta Vacations (tel. 800/221-6666; www.deltavacations.com), Southwest Airlines Vacations (tel. 800/423-5683; www.southwest.com and www.swavacations.com), and United Vacations (tel. 888/854-3899; www.unitedvacations.com). And don't forget to look at the local websites: For instance, the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau (tel. 800/350-6205; www.sandiego.org) has its own booking engine for packages incorporating air, hotel, and activities. Also note that the Walt Disney Travel Company (tel. 877/700-DISNEY; www.disney.com) is one of the state's largest tour operators, featuring packages that go well beyond the Magic Kingdom.

Several big online travel agencies -- Expedia.com, Travelocity, Orbitz, Site59, and Lastminute.com -- also sell a lot of packages. If you're unsure about a smaller packager, check with the Better Business Bureau, or go online at www.bbb.org. If a packager won't tell you where it's based, don't fly with it.

Travel packages are also listed in the travel section of your Sunday newspaper. Or check ads in travel magazines such as Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, and Condé Nast Traveler.

Package tours can vary by leaps and bounds. Some offer a better class of hotels than others. Some offer the same hotels for lower prices. Some offer flights on scheduled airlines, while others book charters. Some limit your choice of accommodations and travel days. You are often required to make a large payment upfront. On the plus side, packages can save you money, offering group prices but allowing for independent travel. Some even let you add on a few guided excursions or escorted day trips (also at prices lower than if you booked them yourself) without booking an entirely escorted tour.

Before you invest in a package tour, get some answers. Ask about the accommodations choices and prices for each. Then look up the hotels' reviews in a Frommer's guide and check their rates for your specific dates of travel online. You'll also want to find out what type of room you get. If you need a certain type of room, ask for it; don't take whatever is thrown your way. Request a nonsmoking room, a quiet room, a room with a view, or whatever you fancy.

Finally, look for hidden expenses. Ask whether airport departure fees and taxes, for example, are included in the total cost.

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State Guide

California Tourism: Package Tours

Package Tours

California Travel & Vacation Deals

California Travel Deals