Compare cheap holidays and package deals

Booking a holiday isn’t just about snapping up a cheap price, it’s about finding your perfect fit – whether that’s a budget beach break in Benidorm or a no-expense-spared stay in New York.

And at TravelSupermarket, we're here to help you find it. Our easy and free-to-use comparison service brings together thousands of cheap package holidays from leading UK travel companies so you can see all your options side by side.

From star rating to board basis – and added inclusions such as baggage and transfers – you can see all the little details in one place, saving you valuable time and cash.

Once you've found your ideal break, we'll take you directly to the holiday company's site so you can finalise your booking.

So, whether you’re after an all-inclusive escape, a cheap beach holiday, last-minute holidays or city breaks, we’re your one-stop shop for comparing package deals.

What exactly is a package holiday? It sounds simple – and you've probably booked plenty of them over the years – but the definition is quite important, especially when it comes to your rights.

In short, a package holiday is defined as a combination of any two of the following:

• accommodation (a hotel, apartment, villa etc)
• transport (usually flights, but trains, coaches and ferries are also included)
• car hire
• another service (eg a tour that forms significant part of the holiday)

In addition, the package must involve an overnight stay or at least cover a period of 24 hours.

They can also be sold in different ways:

• a holiday that has been pre-put together by a travel agent – for example, flights and accommodation – for a single price
• a tailor-made trip – for example, where you choose from a range of services and pay for them as one

What about payment?

How you pay for a holiday also plays a big part as to whether it's a package or not. If you paid a single price in one payment, were charged an inclusive price for all of the services you bought, or agreed to pay for a combination of services that you selected, then it's a package.

Additionally, if your travel company sold you a service – for example, flights – and then transferred your payment details to another company, with whom you booked another service within 24 hours, this also counts as a package.

A holiday is also classed as a package if it was advertised or sold using the term “package” or similar wording.

Best places for cheap holidays

Spain: With so much variety across the mainland and its islands, finding a cheap holiday in Spain is simple. The Costa Brava is a great bet for an affordable getaway, but you’ll also have tons of options in the Costa del Sol, Tenerife and Majorca too.

Greece: Keep it cheap in Greece with a package holiday to Crete, where you’ll find a huge range of budget-friendly resorts on its north coast. Alternatively, consider the mainland. Capital Athens is a wonderfully cheap city break and the beach resorts near Thessaloniki offer great value.

Turkey: The Turquoise Coast in Turkey is exactly what it sounds like, with a brilliant shoreline lapped by an inviting blue-and-green sea. Stretching from Izmir to Alanya, expect tons of sandy beaches, hotels that range from the affordable to the opulent and plenty of cheap shopping and dining options.

Best places for family holidays

Portugal: The Algarve, on Portugal’s south coast, is a family holiday stalwart – and with good reason. Its golden, Blue Flag beaches are calm and safe, well-rated self-catering properties mean you can maintain home comforts for the little ones and there’s a handful of splash-tastic waterparks.

Florida: Home to the Theme Park Capital Of The World, Florida is fabulous for families. Go all out with a holiday to remember at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios or, for something more sedate, chill-out on kid-friendly sands at Clearwater Beach.

France: France also has its fair share of theme parks, and many are much less frenetic than Florida’s. As well as Disneyland Paris, try comic-themed Parc Astérix or the spectacular Puy du Fou near Nantes. For a family beach break, choose the Côte d'Azur.

Best destinations for all-inclusive breaks

Cyprus: Make a beeline for Cyprus if you’re looking for an amazing all-inclusive holiday in the Med. Paphos and Ayia Napa have a fantastic range of resorts that cater to all budgets and long summers mean you’re almost guaranteed excellent weather between May and September.

Barbados: For an all-inclusive holiday in the Caribbean, it’s got to be Barbados. The benefit here? Many resorts include a ton of watersports in their all-inclusive price so you’ll have just as much fun out on the water as you will in your hotel! Look to the southwest side of the island for the most options.

Maldives: The Maldives and all-inclusive are made for each other. Embrace the art of doing nothing at all and have everything taken care of on these idyllic islands. Just check what’s included before you book – all-inclusive packages can vary quite a bit between resorts.

Best destinations for beach holidays

Balearic Islands: Four islands, countless beaches. Alcudia on Majorca’s north coast will put you close to long, sandy beaches and quiet coves, while Palma Nova is great for families. Laidback and low-key, Formentera is great if you’re after that castaway feel.

Mexico: Cancun, on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, tends to steal the spotlight but it’s not the only pick for a beach holiday. Nearby islands Cozumel and Isla Mujeres are more chilled out, and there’s a host of Pacific coast resorts, such as Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, to discover.

Cape Verde: Ten islands make up this archipelagic nation in the middle of the Atlantic, but Sal and Boa Vista tend to draw in the most crowds. Choose Sal for your classic beach holiday (think sun-loungers and beach bars) and Boa Vista for unspoilt shores. It’s also excellent for windsurfing.

All our holidays are ATOL protected

When you search and compare package holidays with TravelSupermarket, you can browse safe in the knowledge that all companies on our site are protected by an Air Travel Organiser's Licence – more commonly known as ATOL.

This financial protection scheme is run by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and covers you in the case of your holiday company failing.

Basically, it ensures:

• you don't get stranded abroad if your holiday company fails while you're away
• you don't lose out financially if your holiday company fails before you travel

Most UK tour operators and holiday companies should have a valid licence, which means if it fails – for example, ceases trading suddenly – you are entitled to support and financial cover through ATOL.

Find out more about ATOL-protected holidays.