What Is a Package Tour?

Definitions

Strictly speaking, the "official" definition of a package tour (or package holiday) is "a set of services offered by a tour operator." According to European regulations, the trip must last more than 24 hours, be sold at an all-inclusive price, and include at least two services (transport, accommodation, excursions, activities, etc.).

In a broader sense

As travel preferences become increasingly diverse, the definition can be expanded to include:

• Self-drive tours (accommodation + vehicle),

• Fly and drive (flight + hotel),

• Tours, stays, "all-inclusive" packages,

• Cruises,

• Hotels and holiday rentals,

• Car hire,

• "Train + hotel",

• Tailor-made or themed trips of all kinds.

Under this broader definition, a "package tour" theoretically applies to both groups and individuals. However, in practice, it is generally understood to include some form of group travel, often with features like group leaders.

Glossary of Package Travel

• See the glossary

Glossary of specific terms used in the package travel sector.

Regulations

Information the seller must provide to the customer

This is governed by Article L.211-8 of the Tourism Code and must be provided in writing before the contract is finalised. In addition to various mandatory details (see below), the agency must supply all necessary information for the trip, having verified its accuracy—particularly regarding safety, as well as the climatic, health, and political situation of the destination.

Mandatory information points

-# Entry requirements and health formalities for crossing borders (specify if you are not a French national).

-# Means and categories of all transport included, with dates and times.

-# The identity of the airline for each flight, or at least a list of three possible carriers.

-# The type(s) of accommodation, including key features and comfort level according to local standards.

-# Meal options provided.

-# A description of the itinerary for tours.

-# Visits, excursions, or other services included in the package.

-# Conditions related to the minimum number of participants for group travel, including the deadline for informing you of cancellation due to insufficient numbers. Typically, this is 21 days before departure.

-# The payment schedule, including the deposit amount and payment timeline.

-# Terms for price revisions of services.

-# Contractual cancellation conditions.

-# Similarly, cancellation conditions under regulations, such as changes to a significant element of the travel contract (e.g., a substantial price increase or cancellation by the seller).

-# The nature of the agency’s professional insurance, including covered risks and guarantee amounts.

-# Optional insurance types (cancellation, illness, repatriation, etc.) that you may purchase.

Insurance and assistance

• See the article in the guide "Insurance and assistance"

Cancellation-modification insurance, "trip interruption" insurance, baggage insurance, civil liability, and more—these contracts can prove useful when travelling on a package tour.

Your rights and obligations

• See the article in the guide "Travel law and case law"

In case of issues or disputes, a few key things to know when travelling on a package tour or purchasing individual services.