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The best way to find a cheap package holiday abroad is to compare the full price of the package against booking flights and a hotel separately, stay flexible on dates and airports, and check what is and is not included before you pay. A package is not always cheaper, but it often gives better value and stronger protection when something goes wrong.
Prices, rules and protections can change, so treat this as general guidance and check the official details of the operator and any consumer advice sites before you book.
Is a package holiday cheaper?
Sometimes, but not always. Tour operators buy flights, rooms and transfers in bulk, which can make a package cheaper than the same pieces booked on their own, especially for popular resorts and all inclusive stays. On the other hand, booking separately can win for city breaks, short trips and destinations with lots of low cost flights and flexible hotels.
The only reliable way to know is to compare. Price the same dates, the same airport, the same number of nights and similar hotel standards in both ways. Include baggage, seat selection, transfers and meals in the comparison, since extras can flip the result.
Packages tend to win when:
- You want a beach resort with transfers and board included.
- You are travelling as a family and need baggage, seats and meals sorted in one price.
- You want financial protection and a single company to deal with.
- You are happy to travel on the operator’s dates and flight times.
Booking separately tends to win when:
- You want a short city break on a low cost airline.
- You want to stay in a small independent hotel not sold by operators.
- You are flexible and can pick the cheapest day to fly.
For city trips, see our city breaks guide, and for sun holidays see our all inclusive holidays guide.
Am I protected if something goes wrong?
One of the biggest advantages of a package holiday is protection. In the UK, many packages are covered by consumer rules that make the organiser responsible for delivering your holiday, and flight inclusive packages are often protected by schemes such as ATOL, which can help if a firm fails. Rules vary, so check the details of your booking and the official guidance.
Things to look for when you book:
- Whether your booking is described as a package and covered by financial protection.
- The ATOL certificate or other protection details on your confirmation.
- Who to contact if the hotel is not as described.
- The operator’s complaints and cancellation process.
Protection does not replace insurance. Travel insurance covers things like medical costs, lost baggage and some cancellations. See our travel insurance guide for what to check. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, our UK flight delay compensation guide explains what you may be able to claim.
What is usually included?
It varies, which is why two packages with similar headline prices can be very different in value. A typical package includes return flights, accommodation and often airport transfers. Meals depend on the board basis:
- Room only: no meals.
- Bed and breakfast: breakfast included.
- Half board: breakfast and dinner.
- Full board: three meals a day.
- All inclusive: meals, snacks and many drinks at the hotel.
Check whether hold luggage, seat selection and transfers are included, and whether the flight times are sensible. Some very cheap packages use awkward times, such as very early or late departures, which can add hidden costs for parking or hotels.
When is the best time to book?
There is no single best moment. Booking early gives you choice of hotels, rooms and flight times, and early booking offers can be good for peak dates such as summer holidays. Last minute deals can be cheaper when operators need to fill seats, but choice is smaller and popular dates may sell out. See our last minute holidays guide for how to approach this.
Some general patterns that usually hold:
- School holidays are the most expensive periods.
- Shoulder months such as May, June, September and October often have lower prices and milder weather.
- Midweek departures can be cheaper than weekends.
- Prices can change daily, so check more than once.
What are the hidden extras?
A low headline price can hide extras that add up. Before you book, look for:
- Baggage: some packages include only hand luggage.
- Seat selection: families who want to sit together may need to pay.
- Transfers: not always included, and taxis can be expensive.
- Resort fees and tourist taxes: some destinations charge locally, payable at the hotel.
- Airport parking or transport: factor in the cost of getting to the airport, particularly with early flights.
- Drinks and meals: on room only or bed and breakfast packages, food and drink costs add up.
- Card fees: some operators charge for certain payment methods.
If you fly from Gatwick, our holidays from Gatwick guide covers travel to the airport and planning around early departures.
How to find a cheap package holiday abroad
- Choose flexible dates. Moving by a day or two can cut the price.
- Compare departure airports. A short train or drive to another airport can save money.
- Pick value destinations. Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus are popular for UK package holidays, and prices vary by resort.
- Look at less famous resorts. Nearby towns can be cheaper than the headline resort.
- Check the board basis. All inclusive can be good value for families, but not always for light eaters.
- Read recent reviews. A cheap hotel with poor recent reviews is rarely a bargain.
- Use price alerts. Many comparison sites let you track a package price.
Our cheap holidays guide goes into more depth on saving money across all types of trip.
Package holiday, all inclusive or do it yourself?
These three approaches suit different travellers, and the cheapest is not always the best fit. A standard package gives you flights, a room and often transfers in one booking, with the option to choose your own meals. An all inclusive package adds food and drink, which makes budgeting simple but can be poor value if you plan to eat out. Doing it yourself gives the most freedom and can be cheapest for short trips, but you take on the risk of coordinating flights, rooms and transfers.
A useful way to decide is to think about what matters most. If it is certainty and protection, choose a package. If it is cost control with children, look at all inclusive. If it is flexibility and local experiences, build your own trip. Whichever you choose, compare at least three options before booking, and keep a record of what each includes so you are comparing like with like.
How to compare two packages fairly
When two offers look similar, line them up side by side. Note the departure airport and flight times, the number of nights, the board basis, the hotel rating and recent review score, and whether baggage and transfers are included. Then add any extra costs you would have to pay yourself, such as bags, seats and airport parking. The package with the lower total, not the lower headline price, is usually the better deal. It also helps to check how far the hotel is from the beach or centre, because a cheaper hotel further away can cost more in taxis and time than it saves.
Tips for families
- Check child prices carefully, as some packages charge full price for older children and discount younger ones.
- Look for family rooms or connecting rooms, which may cost less than two rooms.
- Check meal arrangements for children, especially on half board.
- Choose flight times that suit nap times and early starts.
- Look for resorts with a kids club or pool if you want activities included.
Questions to ask before you pay
- Is the total price final, including taxes and fees?
- Is the booking financially protected?
- What is the flight time and airport, including the return?
- What exactly does the board basis cover?
- How far is the hotel from the beach, centre or airport?
- What is the cancellation and change policy?
Frequently asked questions
Are package holidays cheaper than booking separately?
Not always. Compare both for your dates and include extras such as bags and transfers.
What does ATOL mean?
ATOL is a UK scheme that protects many flight inclusive holidays if the company fails. Check your booking documents for details.
Can I change a package holiday after booking?
Often, but there may be fees and limits. Check the terms before you pay.
Are cheap package holidays safe?
Many are, but check protection, recent reviews and what is included. A very low price can be a sign of a poor location or hidden extras.
Do package holidays include travel insurance?
Usually not. You normally arrange it separately.
What is the cheapest month for a package holiday?
It depends on the destination, but outside school holidays is usually cheaper. Check prices for your chosen resort over several months.
Final thoughts
A cheap package holiday abroad is about value rather than just the lowest price. Compare the whole cost, read recent reviews, check what protection you have and watch for hidden extras. Stay flexible on dates and airports, and you give yourself the best chance of a good deal.