She chose a package because it would be easy on her budget and easy on her, saving her the hassles that can make hard work of family holidays. But there was one extra benefit my sister-in-law didn’t expect. The ease of a package break left her and the kids free to get on with the serious stuff of holidays – getting sand between their toes, swimming and staring vacantly into space.

My sister-in-law certainly isn’t the UK’s only new convert to the package experience. According to the Office for National Statistics, the popularity of package holidays has climbed consistently since the financial crisis of 2008.

In these cash-strapped times, it’s natural that we’re putting affordability at the top of our holiday checklists. But are package breaks right for everyone? Here, we take a look at how they compare to independent travel.

Budget

From New York to Bangkok, I’ve travelled the world independently – and almost always on a shoestring. I’ve done it to experience different places, but also for the sense of achievement it brings. It’s incredibly satisfying to get around on your own steam. But doing it on a budget means that money is almost always on your mind, whether you’re planning, penny-pinching or putting up with cut-rate accommodation.

Package travel, by contrast, means that you can forget about money from the moment you step onto the plane. With flights, accommodation, transfers, entertainment and more in one upfront price, you know exactly where you stand. The package traveller’s pound often goes further than the independent traveller’s, too, because the buying power of package providers delivers big discounts.

Convenience

Ever been abroad with an extreme planner? You know the sort. They jet off with a spreadsheet plotting activities against transport in order to blitz all attractions efficiently. With this type of traveller, you’ll never miss your connection, get lost or encounter any of independent travel’s more common mishaps – but you will return home exhausted.

I think independent travel is done best with a free spirit – a land-and-see-what-happens approach and a willingness to go with the flow no matter how inconvenient things get.

If you’re somewhere between those two extremes, package holidays will work for you. You can relax knowing that you’ll be free of the niggling inconveniences of independent travel. But you can also leave the spreadsheet behind, because all the nitty-gritty is worked out for you.

Experience

What of the thrill of travel? Don’t package holidays take away all the adventure? It’s true that the package traveller’s choice is more limited than that of the independent traveller, who can explore the world in whichever way they choose. But it’s equally true that the variety of package holidays has expanded incredibly over the years. These days, a package can deliver some pretty special experiences, from close-up crocodiles sightings in Gambia to the awe-inspiring northern lights of Lapland.

Did I hit my savings target in 2009? Learn to speak Spanish in 2010? Run the Paris Marathon in 2011? Or even just remain booze-free for all of January 2012? Who am I kidding?

This, I think, is how it happens. Already carried away by the feel-good wave from Christmas to year’s end, I get high on the champagne-fuelled euphoria of the New Year’s Eve countdown. Then I just blurt it out some high-minded goal that, if sober and well-slept, I’d know was a bit far-fetched for me. Then, like most people, I give up before the end of January.

This year, my goal is simple. I want to feel good about myself beyond the first weeks of 2013 so it’s baby steps for me. I’m signing up for a series of little resolutions, all of which I know I can keep…

Make the most of life’s little pleasures

My past resolutions have gone by the wayside for one stunningly obvious reason. They rely on a complete personality transplant. It’s as if I think that, with one turn of the calendar, I’ll suddenly become an unrecognisably disciplined, abstemious, fitness fanatic and do-gooder. In reality, I’m an easy-going creature who doesn’t need much to stay happy. I like the company of good friends, a little treat now and then, and the occasional long walk to clear the cobwebs. And so I pledge to spend 2013 being thankful for the good, but simple, stuff.

Make my couch time count

I like to unwind at the end of a long day at the office, or a whirlwind weekend. It’s only natural. And, like most people, I treat my couch like a vortex into a more relaxing world. With TV on (and tablet or mobile on hand, too) I grip my cup of tea and sink into blissful oblivion. Lately, though, my bliss is being disturbed by the slow dawn of a revelation: my couch visits have become routine, and it’s a pretty unimaginative way to spend my time.

In 2013, I’m aiming to take up some more activities. As well as travelling whenever I can, I love to craft. My main hobby is making hats (somebody will be lucky enough to receive the hat I’m making above for Christmas), but I’ve also been learning to knit from YouTube videos (so far I’ve only achieved a scarf and a snood, but it’s a start).  I just feel so much more pleased with myself when I’ve been productive with my spare time – and crafty gifts make for thoughtful but affordable presents, particularly when you’re saving up for your next holiday. What do you think should be next on my crafting agenda?

See more of the world, for less

I like to think of myself as a globetrotter. But, truth be told, I spend far too much time sitting at my desk, dreaming about it. Isn’t it about time I hit the road again? Inevitably it comes down to cash (or, rather, a chronic lack of it). And while I’m not setting myself unrealistic savings targets for 2013, I don’t want to break the bank. Come 2013, I’m determined to get wise and find late deals and cheap flights – and start living my travelling dreams again.

Show my legs (and heart) some love

Long ago, I gave up hoping for a late-stage transformation into a Jessica Ennis type. The gym is just not the place for me. Yet I’m not yet ready to accept the slow spread of my waistline or my increasing tendency to get puffed by just a short dash for the bus. And, yes, I’ve heard more than enough about the benefits of exercise: just a little more could do wonders for my heart health and, with it, my chances of living a long, active life. It couldn’t be simpler. So why is it so hard?

A fitness resolution is inevitable. But, this year, mine stands a strong chance of success because I’m basing it on something I actually enjoy doing. I love a good walk so I’m  going to think beyond the weekend ramble. At least three workdays a week, I’ll take a quick 15 or 20-minute walk at lunch (even if it’s just to fetch a sandwich from a slightly more distant caf). I’m also going to work some easy walking into my holiday plans. Knowing I’m unlikely to make it from John o’ Groats to Lands End, I’ve got my eye on some beginner-friendly trails in sunnier climes, including a stage of Turkey’s Lycian Way.

What are your New Year’s Resolutiuons? What’s on your crafting agenda? And have you considered how much you could save by giving up a little vice – a couple of months without pub trips and you could probably afford a trip to Florida! 

For example, some of the easiest ways that you can have a positive impact on a local community is by enjoying food and drinks in locally-owned restaurants and purchasing locally and sustainably-made souvenirs. From an environmental point of view, water is a scarce resource in some countries so taking shorter showers and re-using your bed linen is an easy and painless way to save water. Sounds simple, doesn’t it! There are lots more easy-to-follow tips on our ‘Make Holidays Greener’ page.

Cosmos staff have always had a ‘green streak’ and we are all passionate about recycling and energy efficiency, among other things! Our overseas resort offices have reduced printing by emailing confirmation and payment vouchers to hoteliers. As a result, our Eastern Mediterranean offices estimate they will save 220 reams of paper this summer season which in turn will save about 36 trees. Back in the UK, the Bromley office has a Green Team in place to brainstorm environmentally friendly initiatives and has recently recycled 16,500 kgs of paper saving approximately 36 trees. We have also started recycling batteries.

To further support the Making Holidays Greener campaign, our Bromley and Stockport offices will be holding a ‘Green Day’  for staff, with a range of events and activities including green quizzes, green dress-code, an office tidy up to recycle paper and stationery products and encourage staff to car share. We may have some fun photos from this to share with you on social media after the event.

We are also proud supporters of the Sustainable Travel self-audit and monitoring programme, Travelife. An increasing number of Cosmos-featured properties have been accredited by programme and are identified by a Travelife logo in our brochures. The sustainable criteria covered by the programme includes water and energy conservation, recycling, reducing the consumption of natural resources and other environmental factors. In addition the programme covers social aspects such as staff welfare. Properties may be given a bronze, silver or gold accreditation depending on how sustainable their practises are.

What are your favourite green travel tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

1. Gerald Durrell’s Corfu

Some books conjure up such unforgettable settings that they inspire us to follow in the characters’ footsteps. In My Family and Other Animals (1956), Gerald Durrell captured the landscape of 1930’s Corfu in such tantalising detail that it helped to bring tourism to this Greek island. Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods complete Durrell’s Corfu trilogy, based on his childhood there.

Best for: A glimpse of unspoilt Corfu

2. Carl Hiaasen’s Florida

Crime fiction might be at the low end of the literary spectrum, but it’s typically at the top of my holiday reading pile. My murder-mystery favourite, Carl Hiaasen, hails from Florida, US, and sets his fast and funny novels there. I love Tourist Season (1986) and Double Whammy (1987), which both feature dark deeds in Florida’s Everglades wetlands.

Best for: A fantastic ride on Florida’s wild side

3. Louis de Bernières’ Kefalonia

There’s something about Greek islands that attract literary sorts. Louis de Bernières’ inspiration for Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (1994) was the World War II occupation of Cephalonia (Kefalonia). Yet, the thing I remember best from the book is its poetic evocation of daily lives (and loves) on the island.

Best for: An insight into Kefalonia’s history and traditions

4. Alaa al-Aswany’s Egypt

The Yacoubian Building (2002), an international best-seller for Egyptian author, Alaa as-Aswany, centres on one Cairo apartment block. But the stories that unfold there have a big sweep, making this book relevant to anyone who wants to understand Egypt today.

Best for: A provocative look at contemporary Egypt

5. Richard Zimler’s Goa

When in Goa, India – amid its crumbling colonial remains – Richard Zimler’s Guardian of the Dawn (2009) provides a compelling link with history. It’s set at the close of the 16th century, back when Goa was an outpost of Portugal.

Best for: The backstory of Old Goa

There’s nothing better than finding those perfect package holidays to give you something to look forward to. And one of the best things about holidays, after the good food, good drink and good sleep of course, is the good glow. A healthy tan is everyone’s favourite holiday souvenir – after all, what else can you bring back that costs nothing and is always, universally flattering? But how do you get gorgeously gold without risking your skin? By knowing a few tricks of the bathing beauty trade.

Sun Kissed Tip 1: Avoid the sun when it’s at its hottest

Now remember, even if you want brown, you should be careful not to burn. Natives in hot countries tend to stay out of the sun at the times when the UV index is at its highest. That’s why Mediterranean countries are so famous for their siestas and leisurely lunches. It is recommended that you take precautionary measures when the UV index is rated at 3 or above. Depending on your destination, the UV index is usually highest between 12am and 2pm.

Check the local paper or the internet for the latest UV index information. The Met Office has an up to date UV index map of Europe available on its website, here.

Sun Kissed Tip 2: Add a bit of bronzer to your sun cream

The key to enjoying the sun safely is to protect your skin from burning – which is when the majority of cancerous free radicals are released, so always wear sun protection - at least SPF15.  Because the sun is thought to cause premature wrinkles, beauty advisors often recommend using a higher SPF protection on the face than you would on your body. By mixing your sun cream with a dark coloured bronzer (you can try up to two shades darker than your natural skin tone) you’ll be protected and perfectly glowing.

Little-known fact: Sun screen and sun block are two completely different products. Sun screen will create a barrier between your skin and the sun, designed to prevent your skin from burning, but not to hinder the tanning process altogether. The strength of this barrier is determined by the SPF number. Sun block, however, is designed to block the sun’s rays from your skin altogether.

Sun Kissed Tip 3: Protect yourself properly

A top tip from Andi C, one of our loyal Facebook fans, is to apply a generous amount of sunscreen and then wait for 15-20 minutes before getting dressed and going out. She tells us that this gives your skin time to fully absorb the sunscreen, thereby maximising its effectiveness. Who knew!

Sun Kissed Tip 4: After sun care

Instead of returning to roast, preserve your tan with after sun lotion. Since your gorgeous colour is held in the outer layer of your skin, you want to try and hold on to it as long as possible. This type of specially formulated moisturiser helps slow down the rate at which your skin sheds. Apply generously twice a day and keep exfoliation to a minimum.

Sun Kissed Tip 5: Holiday hair

Lastly, although this won’t help you maintain a coloured hair shade any longer, it will definitely keep your beach vibe alive. Ditch the flat iron and encourage the natural wave of your hair. And don’t bother spending on expensive products – all you need is a bit of salt water, a spray bottle, scrunch and voila! Beachy bed-head à la Gisele. Even if your strands are poker straight, styling with salt water will give you a windswept, day-at-the-beach coif that will carry your vacation look long into your return to the real world.

What do you think of our tips… do you think they’ll work for you? Tell us in the comments below!

Seafood

Fresh seafood can be one of the best things about eating out on holiday, but unfortunately not all of the fish available for purchase will have been pulled from the sea on the day. A shady shrimp or a festering fish can mean the end of an enjoyable holiday, so use your common sense when ordering from the menu.

• Ask the vendor when and where the seafood was caught.
• Check it’s been stored in sufficient ice to keep it cold. Eating seafood that’s been left in the sun or stored at lukewarm temperatures could spell disaster for your stomach.
• Smell the goods. We all know fish smells, but it shouldn’t smell that bad. If it does, don’t eat it.

Fruit and vegetables

If you’re on a detox or looking to stay healthy on holiday, you’ll want to get your hands on some fresh local fruit and vegetables.

• Choose vegetables that have been cooked and are piping hot to ensure any bacteria they may have been carrying has been killed.
• Avoid any uncooked fruit that you can’t peel or shell yourself – bananas and oranges should be fine.
• Whilst fresh salads may look delicious, they’re likely to have been washed with local water which may be untreated and parasite-infected. Re-wash them yourself with bottled water or go for a cooked dish.

Street food

Holidays can be a great time to immerse yourself in a foreign culture and part of this may be sampling the exotic local delicacies available from markets or street stalls.

• Make sure you only sample cooked food that is piping hot – being able to see the food prepared in front of you is a good measure of safety.
• Avoid overly oily dishes which may upset stomachs and take care when ordering particularly spicy foods – they may be much more intense than British adaptations back home!

Buffets

Whilst an all-you-can-eat buffet might be a tempting option, careful you don’t over indulge!

• It’s very tempting to have a lot of everything on offer, but you can avoid indigestion simply by taking smaller portions… and going back for more, if you’re really still hungry!
• Warm conditions are breeding grounds for bacteria, so avoid eating food that has been left out in the sun or at lukewarm conditions for long periods of time. If you’re not sure how long food has been there, there’s no harm in asking.
• You’ll know how long foods have been in your fridge on a villa holiday, but it pays to avoid eating leftovers or re-heated foods which may not have been heated to high enough temperatures to kill any bacteria.

Water

Dietary troubles when travelling abroad are most commonly contracted by drinking contaminated water. With the potential to do a lot more than just ruin a week away, it really is better to be safe than sorry.

• Your hotel will be able to advise you as to whether the water is safe to drink. If not – or if you’re in any doubt – buy bottled water. Check the seal is intact to make sure the bottle hasn’t been refilled with untreated water.
• Beverages including boiled hot drinks, canned drinks and wine or beer are all safe.
• Avoid ice in your drinks as this will have been made from untreated water.
• If the hotel water is unsafe, brush your teeth with bottled water. The smallest amount of contaminated water has the potential to make you very ill.