Sonal Joshi, New Delhi: Italy is a great place to go on a holiday, however a confused holidaymaker usually finds it difficult to decide between a planned package tour or an independent travel.

The holiday bug bit the Gujrals, a family planning a holiday on Christmas, but they are faced with a dilemma on how to plan their holiday this time around.

"We are planning to go to Singapore on Christmas but still have to decide if we should plan our trip ourselves or should go for a tour operator," says Gujaral.

Planning a three-nights and four-days trip to Singapore on their own would mean they have to sort out the main things first, which are booking air tickets, airport transfers, getting the right hotel, sight-seeing spots, shopping venues, visa and immigration papers. The total cost of which will be anywhere between Rs 35,000-45,000 approximately.

Do it yourself holidays means more flexibility, but they also need more time to study all the options. However, it is time, which is something that many of us may not have or want to spare. Cost cutting becomes essential and saving time is almost a crucial element in planning a holiday.

However, planning the same package with a tour operator may turn out to be cheaper. Return airfare on the airline of your choice, accommodation in Singapore at a three star hotel, daily breakfast, half-day city tour by coach, visit to Jurong Bird Park, night safari and return airport transfers cost Rs 20,499.

"It is more expensive on your own but there is also more flexibility and freedom to choose what you want to do," says Amit Sabharwal, VP, Makemytrip.com.

The Gujrals, however decided to chose to go with the tour operator. However, there are still some potential money pitfalls. Additional airport & visa taxes, immigration, cost of meals, entry fees to some places, sudden hike in tariffs and airfare may also be passed on to you.

However, it seems that with both options, there are positives and negatives. But there is one common thumb rule, which is to do one’s own research, even in selecting the right tour operator, so that the holiday has no unpleasant surprises.