Cheap holidays
Booking a cheap holiday means trusting someone with your money and your time off. Most people just want the trip to go ahead as planned, and to be looked after if it doesn't.
Cheap holidays companies
65 companies
About Cheap holidays
The cheap holidays category covers package holidays, flight and hotel deals, budget resort stays, self-catering apartments, coach tours and last-minute getaways sold at lower prices than standard leisure travel. It takes in trips across Europe, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, Turkey, Egypt and long-haul destinations, booked for families, couples, students and older travellers alike.
The companies in this category include high-street travel agents, online-only tour operators, budget airlines that sell bundled accommodation, and independent holiday specialists. Most reach customers through websites and mobile apps, with some still selling through branches, comparison sites and telephone sales teams. Many work with partner hotels and airlines and sell their own packages alongside them.
Consumer protection for UK holidaymakers is shaped by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, which govern financial protection for package bookings. The Civil Aviation Authority oversees the ATOL scheme that protects flight-inclusive packages, and the Association of British Travel Agents, known as ABTA, runs a bonding scheme for members. The Advertising Standards Authority also rules on how holiday prices and offers are presented.
Questions about Cheap holidays
How do I choose a cheap holiday company I can trust?
Check whether the company is an ATOL holder if you are buying a flight-inclusive package, as the Civil Aviation Authority protects that money if the firm fails. Look for membership of ABTA or a statement that you are protected under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. Confirm the company's registered details on Companies House before you pay.
What should I compare when looking at cheap holiday deals?
Compare the total price including taxes, airport charges, baggage, transfers and any card payment fees, not just the headline figure. Check the departure times, the length of transfers, the room type and the distance to the beach or centre. Read the cancellation and change terms so you know what it will cost if your plans shift.
Is it safe to pay a deposit to book a cheap holiday?
Paying by credit card is safer than debit for purchases between £100 and £30,000, because Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes the card provider jointly liable if the supplier breaches the contract. Paying by credit card also lets you use chargeback if something goes wrong. Check whether the company charges a card surcharge before you pay.
How do I cancel a holiday booking and get my money back?
Read the cancellation terms in your booking confirmation and write to the company in good time, keeping a copy of your message. Under the Package Travel Regulations, if you cancel a package before departure because of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination, you are entitled to a full refund. For a non-package booking, the refund depends on the terms you agreed and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
What happens if the holiday company goes bust?
If you booked a flight-inclusive package with an ATOL-protected company, the Civil Aviation Authority requires the scheme to arrange a replacement holiday or refund you, and you will receive an ATOL certificate listing the protection. If the company is an ABTA member, ABTA's scheme will help you get a refund or arrange alternative travel. Bookings made without either protection carry a greater risk of losing your money.
How do I claim a refund if my holiday was not as described?
Tell the company in writing as soon as you spot the problem and give it a reasonable opportunity to put things right. Under the Package Travel Regulations, you can claim compensation for any lack of conformity, and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires that services are provided with reasonable care and skill. Keep photos, receipts and your booking confirmation to support your claim.
Who do I complain to about a cheap holiday company in the UK?
Start by using the company's official complaints process and keep a written record of every exchange. If you are not satisfied, escalate to ABTA or ATOL if the company is a member, or refer the matter to a free alternative dispute resolution service such as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute's Consumer Ombudsman. For card payments, you can also raise a claim with your card provider.
What are my rights if my holiday is cancelled or delayed?
Under the Package Travel Regulations, if a package holiday is cancelled or changed significantly, you can accept an alternative of equivalent quality or take a full refund. For flights that are cancelled or delayed by three hours or more, UK261 entitles you to assistance and in some cases compensation. You can also use the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to claim against the company for poor service.
Can I get compensation for a holiday that went wrong?
Yes, you can claim compensation for a package holiday that does not match the contract, and the amount depends on the seriousness of the failing and how long it lasted. Make your claim promptly and state what went wrong and what you want as a remedy. If the company refuses to pay, the complaints routes through ABTA, ATOL or your card provider can help you pursue it.
Are the reviews of cheap holiday companies reliable?
Read a range of reviews across different dates and look for specific detail about the destination, the resort and the company's response to problems. Be wary of a cluster of very similar praise posted in a short period, which can signal fake reviews. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 gives the Competition and Markets Authority powers to act against fake and misleading reviews.
Do cheap holiday companies have to show all the extra fees upfront?
Yes, under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015, companies must give clear, accurate information about the total price, including mandatory fees and charges. Optional extras such as seat selection or travel insurance must be shown as optional and cannot be pre-ticked. The Competition and Markets Authority and Trading Standards enforce these rules.
What should I check in the booking terms before I sign up?
Check the cancellation charges, the change fees, the rules on baggage and check-in times, and what protection applies if the company fails. Confirm the refund timescales and how you will be notified of any schedule changes. Read the sections on complaints and governing law so you know which route to follow if something goes wrong.