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Vacation packages are intended to be for everyone because they’re a mass produced product. Yet they can count as mass-customization because of the travel services craft affordable vacation packages aimed at particular customer markets like newlyweds, retirees, and traveling families.
Lodging
Bahamas vacation packages will overwhelmingly land you in a safe hotel on the beach. This is reason enough to consider vacation packages to the Caribbean. You can choose the type of lodging based on the package. A basic package will usually be a middle-market hotel room, while a VIP or other high-level package will give you a luxury stay. The advantages of this include being able to choose a level of accommodation and be nearly certain you’ll get it and knowing you won’t end up in a cheap, dangerous hotel in a neighborhood you’re likely to be robbed. The downside is that you’re relying on their definitions of various tiers of service, and if you don’t like the accommodations, you may not be able to change. If you’re at the average hotel and hate the modest hotel room, you might be able to change rooms due to noisy neighbors or pay to be upgraded to a luxury suite.
Food
Vacation packages tend to funnel people to inclusive resorts. These places cater to Americans and Europeans. The main advantages to this are familiar food and staff who understand you when you say you’re allergic to peanuts. The disadvantages are that you won’t get as much chance to experience local cuisine unless you literally go out of your way and may be limited to the resort’s meal schedule.
Tours
Vacation packages often include packaged tours. This saves the tourist time, effort and uncertainty. It gives you an English speaking tour guide. You’re traveling with people from the resort that you’re getting to know. The activities fit the schedule of activities at the resort itself. You might gain access to locations and activities that aren’t available to a single individual. What’s the downside? The tours tend to focus on shopping and the biggest attractions in the area.
Travel
A vacation package may or may not be a deal. In theory, you could save money by booking each aspect of the trip yourself after doing detailed research. A vacation package tends to be cheaper than booking a mid-level or luxury trip yourself. Vacation packages are the better bargain if you’re booking an entire vacation at the last minute. In fact, vacation packages may be the only way to hit a popular destination in peak season without paying a fortune. They are often cheaper when you’re booking for a large group, too, because the travel service is willing to give large groups a discount. Vacation packages aimed at specific market demographics will be more accommodating. For example, a travel service catering to retirees will have plenty of accommodations for those in walkers and wheelchairs.
Activities
Travel packages and destination resorts can be a great way to enjoy the standard activities at relatively low cost. Horseback riding on the beach, scuba diving lessons, golf at the local golf course and spa visits may be part of your travel package simply because of the ticket you bought. You don’t have to worry about the activities themselves not being able to handle someone with limited mobility. Family-friendly resorts will have plenty of things for the kids to do, and you won’t have to worry about tour guides being hostile to a Mom with kids slowing down the group. One downside is that the activities will be aimed at what the majority wants, so there isn’t much room for something exotic unless you arrange it on your own.