The Rise of the Independent Package
AUGUST 4, 2006. Cheapflights.com believes that today's travelers are sophisticated and well-informed. Using the Internet for information, inspiration and ideas, they search multiple travel websites before purchasing and are discerning about where they travel to and how they get there. Certainly there is a time and place for the package deal - low maintenance family vacations, short getaways and overnight business trips.
But for more adventurous travel experiences, why not immerse yourself in the local culture, stay in traditional inns, quaint bed and breakfasts or even more exotic lodgings from lighthouses to cave dwellings, ice hotels to treehouses. Try finding these options in a traditional package deal.
Cheapflights.com, is a strong advocate of the independent vacation. The popularity of its website and the fact that it exclusively provides airfare prices, supports a growing trend among US travelers to purchase airfare separately from their accommodation and/or car rental and tour options (the FIT traveler). According to a recent Forrester / Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) report*, 50% of U.S. leisure travelers booked their airfare online, but only 12% booked vacation packages. Interestingly, 70% of those surveyed researched their airfares online and purchased online, whereas only 22% of people who researched vacation packages online, actually booked them online.
Start planning an overseas jaunt by finding the best flight deal to suit your needs. If the specific date you travel on is less important than ticket price, Cheapflights.com will provide the widest selection of flight options from traditional and low cost airlines, travel agencies, consolidators and destination specialists.
Here are Cheapflights.com top 5 reasons for traveling without the package deal:
--Package deals don't give you access to smaller boutique lodging options.
--Pre-arranged tours and accommodation can pin you down and limit your ability to totally explore an area off the beaten path.
--Enjoy a more authentic travel experience - you deserve for your vacation to be unique 88% of leisure travelers say that they want total control and flexibility over their travel bookings.
--Package deals more often that not have fixed departure dates, travelers can't choose which airline they will be flying, where they will be seated on the flight or the type of room they will be staying in.
--Create your own package and know exactly what each element costs.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
