Booking yourself is the way to go...
For the last few years I have booked July/August breaks for my wife, two kids and myself. We always flew with Ryanair/Aer Lingus and usually stay in a 4 star hotel half board. Average cost about 1,400. The last package holiday I booked was with Falcon Premier Hotels and Villas. I paid 2,500 (A few years ago) for similar standard accomodation that I am booking myself now.
Some great websites out there for information on what hotels are good/bad, Resort reviews etc...
Also you generally get a good flight time (Not at midnight or 6am as with some of the charter flights)