Is it cheaper to book a package holiday or arrange flights and hotel separately for Sharm El Sheikh?

One traveler estimates that a package deal is cheaper in about 95% of cases for a standard 10-night trip. The exception is when you manage to catch very cheap flight tickets on your own.

One traveler needed only flight tickets (had a separate cruise booked, no hotel needed). They found that buying an all-inclusive package with a hotel was actually cheaper than buying flight tickets alone — so they bought the package and simply skipped staying at the hotel.

One tip: for a cheaper package deal, check tours from the operator Sanmar — they come out cheaper because the flight is on Al Masria Airlines.

Several travelers say a package is often the better deal for Egypt because the flight is the biggest expense. Tour operators can include low-cost charter seats that are usually not available at the same price when booking independently.

Even if you prefer booking flights and hotel separately, a package to Sharm can still end up cheaper. Travelers note that insurance may already be included, local taxis are inexpensive, but the flight cost is usually what determines the final budget.

Package prices can change sharply: one traveler reported that by the time they were ready to book, the same holiday had become about RUB 80,000 more expensive, so they chose another option. If you are considering a package, it is worth tracking prices early and booking before they jump.

There are also cases where a package with a direct flight worked out slightly cheaper than a DIY trip, while the hotel standard was about the same. This matters especially for Sharm El Sheikh if a nonstop flight is important to you.