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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Best website for cheap holidays

12 replies

FakeItUntilIMakeIt · 23/11/2025 15:57

I’ve got 2k spare to spend on a family holiday (possibly slightly more). I haven’t been able to take my two children (6 and 8 next summer) abroad before.

What is the best website for cheap family holidays? I would ideally want all inclusive. Not fussy on location.

OP posts:
PinkFootstool · 23/11/2025 16:00

Tui or Jet2 are probably the largest package holiday companies.

Websites like Holiday Pirates or Travelzoo will show you deals they have found but they don't sell you the holiday, probably take a commission for referring you to the sellers site. Many will not be packages though, often it's a cheap flight and cheap digs but you sort your own transfers etc.

Sprig1 · 23/11/2025 16:28

Agree re: Tui and Jet2. Look out for free child places.

boulevardofbrokendreamss · 23/11/2025 17:01

I’d drive to France, Siblu or eurocamp but it will be tight. P

DonicaLewinsky · 24/11/2025 08:03

Check Easyjet, Tui and Jet2. You can set the filters so it just shows AI. Sometimes one will be selling the same holiday hundreds of pounds cheaper/dearer than the other! And if you can consider May half term as well as summer, that'll increase your options. If it has to be summer, the last week of August is often cheaper than earlier in the month.

Also worth a look at the likes of Love Holidays and On The Beach, but be aware they charge separately for transfers and luggage so factor that in.

indoorplantqueen · 24/11/2025 08:33

You’ll struggle with your budget in school holidays for a decent AI. Go into TUI/ jet2 and filter by child free places/ beach destinations and see what comes up.

crumpetandcoffee · 24/11/2025 08:38

In general easyJet are cheaper. I've been away on their package holidays a few times and they've been great. I've never had a problem. Jet2 are also very reasonable but I've always found TUI the most expensive when I've searched.

ASongbirdAndAnOldHat · 24/11/2025 08:39

From what airports and what dates and is it just the three of you?

(I'm bored and love looking for holidays)

Zempy · 24/11/2025 08:40

I think Love Holidays are cheapest.

FakeItUntilIMakeIt · 24/11/2025 16:11

It would be two adult and two children. Closest airport in Exeter (but there are very few flights) so realistically Bristol. Half term is Friday 22nd May (last day of school to Tuesday 2nd June. Summer hols is Tuesday 28th July (last day of school) to Thursday 3rd September (first day back).

OP posts:
Nightlight8 · 24/11/2025 16:18

I find TUI NHS holiday heroes comes in the best price for me. Maybe 2026 seems to have some cheap deals for Spain.

bigbootsweather · 24/11/2025 16:43

I've found that there's not one single website/company that is reliably cheaper than others so if you're on a tight budget you need to search a selection. I usually check Jet2, Tui, EasyJet, Holiday Hypermarket and On The Beach. The prices can vary significantly depending on the exact departure date so I check for a range of possible dates. Free child places and sales/discounts can make a big difference so if I'm looking for a while I always re-check before I book. On a tight budget, make sure you look at the cost of transfers and baggage and check the total price, not price per person- I've often found that what appears to be a really cheap deal with On the Beach or similar is actually more expensive than a full package deal when these are included. If you are looking at a package that doesn't include baggage it's worth looking at the fees charged by different airlines as sometimes a slightly more expensive airline includes baggage for free (or for a lower extra cost). Also consider the total cost of your holiday (including any eating out, drinks, excursions) not just the package. If you are planning on AI, check reviews of the hotel to see what's actually included. The offerings from different hotels often sound very similar on the tour operator website but can vary significantly (eg. 'snacks' in some places are a snack bar with loads of hot and cold options open nearly all day, whereas at others it's just a small slice of cake or a few sandwiches). TripAdvisor often has reviews that include details/photos/photo of the drinks menu etc so you can get a much better idea of whether you'll want to buy extra food/drink. TripAdvisor also has a forum for each area, which often has posts with prices of food/drink/excursions etc so you can get an idea of what you might be spending when you leave the hotel.

You might be able to get AI for £2k during the school holidays but you'll probably find at that price it will be a hotel with a fairly limited offering. Depending on what you like to do/eat/drink you might find you get more for your money if you go for a self catering apartment and factor in some meals out.

DonicaLewinsky · 24/11/2025 16:46

Having Monday 1st June off is good, means you can go for the Monday to Monday options which are usually cheaper than weekend. I'd start there.

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