Families planning a sunshine break next summer are being urged to book a package holiday.
Consumer watchdog Which? found in eight out of 10 cases packages were cheaper than booking flights and accommodation separately.
And crucially trippers do not risk their cash if travel is banned due to Covid-19 or if the airline or hotel goes bust.
It found a holiday for two adults flying to Rhodes from Bristol for a fortnight cost £583 with Tui but £1,053 if flights and rooms were booked separately.
A couple flying from London Stansted for a fortnight on the Greek island could save £158 with Tui.
While a couple flying from Glasgow to Gran Canaria with Jet2 Holidays for two weeks in May will pay £702, not £936 saving £234.
The advice to use a travel agent or tour operator comes as millions will plan to escape after holidays were axed this year.
But following the industry’s painfully slow payouts for those who had trips cancelled, Which? urged selecting a firm with a track record of swift refunds.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “We’ve been urging holidaymakers to book a package for next year, given the unparalleled protections they offer. Also a package could save hundreds.
“Not all providers are equal though.
"Anyone planning on booking for 2021 should strongly consider a package with a reputable provider that has treated customers fairly in recent months.”
If a provider cancels a package, the customer is entitled to a full refund within 14 days.
Most packages including a flight booked through a UK provider are also protected under Atol, meaning if the operator goes bust before they travel, customers will get money back.
