Booking a summer holiday for 2026 already feels like a competitive sport. With low deposits, app-only deals, and a wide range of destinations, On the Beach holidays remain a popular choice for UK travellers looking to secure a cheap package. But with mixed user reviews and strong competition from Jet2holidays, TUI, and loveholidays, many shoppers are asking the same question: is On the Beach any good, or is it better to pay a bit more for peace of mind?
On the Beach has been operating since 2003 and now offers holidays to Europe, North Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Its main draw is the headline price and a deposit that can be as low as £19 per person. However, like any intermediary, the final cost can shift once baggage, transfers, and room upgrades are factored in.
The following guide compares On the Beach against its main rivals on price, trust, all-inclusive inclusions, and app functionality, so you can decide whether it is the right choice for your 2026 trip.
Are On the Beach Holidays Good? An Honest Review & Comparison
The short answer is that On the Beach is a legitimate travel agent with ATOL protection, but its reputation in user forums and review sites is mixed. Many travellers report a smooth booking process and competitive pricing, while others express frustration when things go wrong, noting that resolving issues can be slower than with fully integrated operators like TUI or Jet2.
£19pp (On the Beach, loveholidays)
Competition on deposit is even; Jet2 and TUI require £60-£150pp
Yes (all major providers)
All listed carriers provide ATOL cover
From ~£350pp (On the Beach)
Varies by destination; TUI often higher base but includes more perks
Available (iOS/Android)
On the Beach app allows booking management; Jet2 also has strong app
- On the Beach competes primarily on low deposit (£19pp) and wide destination range, similar to loveholidays.
- User reviews indicate customer service experience varies widely; no clear winner over TUI or Jet2 in satisfaction.
- All-inclusive packages are comparable across providers, but TUI often includes premium brand resorts.
- The most common user need is price validation and trust confirmation before booking.
- On the Beach is founded in 2003 and headquartered in Stockport, UK.
- ATOL licence number 2524 confirms its status as a legitimate, protected travel agent.
- Deposits from £19 per person apply to most deals, making it one of the cheapest entries to the market.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Stockport, UK |
| ATOL Licence | Yes (licence number 2524) |
| Deposit | From £19 per person |
| App Rating | ~4.7 stars (App Store/Google Play) |
| Destinations | Europe, North Africa, Caribbean, Middle East |
| Main rivals | Jet2holidays, TUI, loveholidays, easyJet holidays |
| Package type | Flights, accommodation, transfers (optional) |
| Payment options | Low deposit + balance due approx. 12 weeks before departure |
| Mobile app features | Booking management, check-in, itinerary view |
How On the Beach Reviews Compare to loveholidays and easyJet Holidays
Forum discussions on TripAdvisor and other travel communities frequently compare On the Beach with loveholidays and easyJet holidays. The consensus is that both On the Beach and loveholidays are strong on price and deposit offers, but travellers often rank Jet2holidays and TUI higher for peace of mind, especially for family holidays or higher-value bookings.
On the Beach and loveholidays are both intermediaries that package flights and hotels, meaning that if a problem arises on the ground, the customer may need to coordinate between the airline and the hotel themselves. This is a recurring theme in user posts, with phrases such as “fine until something goes wrong” appearing in multiple discussion threads.
Travelers in forums often note that while On the Beach and loveholidays offer attractive headline prices, their post-booking support is perceived as less hands-on than that of fully integrated operators. The implication is that the booking process is smooth, but if issues occur airlines or hotels may handle them directly, leaving the customer to act as the middleman between different providers.
Is On the Beach a Legitimate Travel Agent? (ATOL Protection Explained)
Yes, On the Beach is a fully legitimate travel agent registered with the Civil Aviation Authority and holds an ATOL licence (number 2524). This means that all package holidays sold by On the Beach are covered by ATOL protection, which ensures you will not be stranded abroad or lose money if the company ceases trading.
It is also a member of ABTA, the travel industry trade body. The Package Travel Regulations 2024/2025 further strengthen consumer rights, requiring clear disclosure of pre-departure information and liability for package performance. On the Beach complies with these regulations.
Is On the Beach Cheaper Than Jet2 or TUI? Pricing & Deposit Breakdown
On headline price and deposit size, On the Beach frequently undercuts Jet2holidays and TUI. Its standard deposit of £19 per person is significantly lower than the £60 to £150 per person typically required by Jet2 and TUI. However, the final price can be different once baggage, transfers, and optional upgrades are added.
A common criticism found in forum posts is that On the Beach is not always cheaper once all extras are included. For example, a package that appears at £350 per person may rise to £450 or more when hold luggage and airport transfers are selected. Jet2holidays and TUI tend to include a higher baseline of services in their headline price, making the comparison less straightforward than it first appears.
Cheapest Beach Holidays UK 2026: On the Beach vs Jet2 vs TUI
For 2026, the cheapest beach holidays from the UK are largely found through On the Beach and loveholidays, both of which offer low deposits and competitive pricing on basic packages. Jet2holidays and TUI are usually more expensive on a like-for-like basis, but many travellers consider the higher upfront cost worth it for the integrated experience and reputation for reliability.
If price is your primary concern, On the Beach and loveholidays will generally give you the lowest upfront cost. If the total trip cost and service confidence matter more, Jet2 or TUI may be the better choice.
When comparing packages between On the Beach, Jet2, and TUI, look at the total cost including baggage (at least 22kg per person), transfers from the airport to the hotel, and the room board basis. A cheap all-inclusive package might exclude premium brand drinks or require a specific room type to get the best rate.
On the Beach Low Deposit: £19pp vs Competitors
The £19 per person deposit is On the Beach’s most visible marketing tool, and it matches the deposit offered by loveholidays. Jet2holidays typically asks for £60 per person, while TUI deposits can start from around £75 per person. For a family of four, the difference is significant at the booking stage: around £76 for On the Beach compared to £240 to £300 for Jet2 or TUI.
However, the balance due date is similar across all providers, usually around 12 weeks before departure. Low deposits do not mean lower total costs; they simply shift the payment schedule. You can also book On the Beach holidays via loveholidays and other comparison sites, though the deposit and terms are set by the brand you choose.
What is Included in an On the Beach All Inclusive Holiday?
The exact inclusions of an all inclusive holiday depend on the individual hotel and the specific package purchased. On the Beach offers a standard all inclusive package that typically includes flights, accommodation, and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and selected drinks). However, there is no single, standardised list of inclusions across all hotels.
Some hotels include premium branded drinks and snacks, while others limit the all inclusive offer to local beverages and set meals. It is essential to check the hotel’s specific policy before booking alerting you to what is actually included for the price.
On the Beach All Inclusive: What You Get
In general, an On the Beach all inclusive package includes return flights, accommodation, meals in the hotel’s main restaurant, and selected drinks (usually soft drinks, local alcohol, and house wines). Transfers are optional and incur an additional charge. Many hotels also list speciality restaurants or premium drinks as extra-cost items even within an all inclusive package.
This contrasts with TUI, which sometimes includes premium brands in its all inclusive offer at certain resorts hot. If you want a clear picture of what is covered, read the hotel’s description carefully on the On the Beach site before completing the booking.
Top Beach Destinations Available from the UK
On the Beach offers beach holidays across Europe (Spain, Greece, Portugal, Cyprus, Turkey, Italy), North Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia), the Caribbean (Jamaica, Dominican Republic), and the Middle East (UAE). Spanish destinations such as the Balearic and Canary Islands remain the most popular for UK travellers due to short flight times and extensive resort options.
For 2026, low deposit offers are available across most of these destinations. Jet2holidays also offers extensive beach packages to the Mediterranean and Canary Islands for 2026, with deposits from £60 per person, so it is worth cross-checking availability if a specific resort is important to you.
On the Beach: A Timeline of Key Milestones
- 2003: On the Beach founded in Stockport, UK.
- 2020: COVID-19 impact leads to introduction of flexible booking policies and enhanced customer communication.
- 2023: UK ATOL reform implemented; On the Beach remains fully compliant and holds ATOL licence 2524.
- 2024: New package travel regulations enforced under ABTA guidelines, strengthening consumer rights for package holiday buyers.
- 2025: Current summer booking surge; low deposit offers peak as travellers secure 2026 holidays early.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About On the Beach Holidays
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| On the Beach is a legitimate UK travel agent with ATOL protection (licence 2524). | Actual customer average satisfaction score vs Jet2/TUI — no transparent aggregated metric is publicly available. |
| Deposits start at £19 per person for most deals. | Final all-inclusive inclusions vary per hotel and are not standardised by On the Beach. |
| App is available on iOS and Android for booking management and itinerary access. | Contractual cancellation flexibility for 2026 depends on specific hotel policy, not a uniform On the Beach term. |
Background: The State of the UK Package Holiday Market
The package holiday market in the UK remains highly competitive, with low deposits driving early bookings for 2026. On the Beach’s primary differentiator is its price point, positioning itself as a value-led option alongside loveholidays. However, user trust appears to be a recurring friction point due to mixed reviews regarding post-booking support.
Comparative analysis with Jet2holidays, TUI, loveholidays, and easyJet holidays shows functional parity across most features: all offer ATOL protection, mobile apps, and all inclusive packages. The deciding factors for many travellers come down to customer service reputation and the depth of the all inclusive offering, areas where Jet2 and TUI tend to score higher in forum discussions and review sites.
What Users and Regulators Say: Sources and Quotes
The following sources inform this comparison:
- ABTA: Confirms package travel regulations for 2024/2025 and provides guidance on consumer rights for package bookings.
- On the Beach official site: Displays ATOL licence number, terms and conditions, and deposit information.
- loveholidays and Jet2: Official booking pages provide deposit and price comparison data used in this analysis.
- App store user reviews: Indicate an average rating of approximately 4.7 stars for the On the Beach app across iOS and Android.
Conclusion: Is On the Beach the Right Choice for Your 2026 Holiday?
On the Beach is a legitimate and ATOL-protected travel agent that offers some of the lowest deposits in the UK package holiday market. Its main appeal is cost and convenience, especially for travellers who are confident in making their own arrangements and do not anticipate needing extensive customer support. For those who prefer a more integrated experience with established customer service, Jet2holidays or TUI may be worth the higher upfront cost. For a deeper look at how On the Beach stacks up against other providers, see our guide on On the Beach vs other holiday providers – price, deposits, and ATOL protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact On the Beach holidays?
You can contact On the Beach via their website live chat, email (holidays@onthebeach.co.uk), or by calling 0330 024 3012.
Does On the Beach have a mobile app?
Yes, On the Beach offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android. It allows you to manage bookings, check in, and view your holiday itinerary.
Can I book a beach holiday with Jet2 for 2026?
Yes, Jet2holidays offers beach holiday packages for 2026, with deposits from £60 per person, and includes flights, transfers, and accommodation.
Are On the Beach holidays ATOL protected?
Yes, all package holidays sold by On the Beach are ATOL protected under licence number 2524, covering you financially if the company ceases trading.
What is the cheapest deposit for On the Beach holidays?
The standard low deposit on On the Beach is £19 per person, making it one of the most affordable entry points in the market.
Does On the Beach include transfers in its package price?
No, airport transfers are usually an optional extra and incur an additional charge. They are not included in the base package price.
How far in advance do I need to pay the balance for an On the Beach holiday?
The final balance is typically due around 12 weeks before departure, similar to most UK package holiday providers.
Is loveholidays better than On the Beach?
Both offer similar deposit levels and ATOL protection. loveholidays has strong app ratings and a best price promise, while On the Beach offers a wide range of destinations. User experience varies, so it is worth comparing specific packages.
Can I cancel my On the Beach holiday for free?
Cancellation terms vary depending on the individual holiday and hotel policy. Some packages may allow cancellation with a partial refund, but flight components are often non-refundable. Check your specific terms at the time of booking.
What destinations does On the Beach cover?
On the Beach covers Europe, North Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East, with popular destinations including Spain, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and the UAE.
How do On the Beach reviews compare to easyJet holidays?
Both receive mixed to positive reviews. easyJet holidays benefits from brand recognition and an integrated low-cost carrier system. On the Beach is often praised for low prices but sometimes criticised for post-booking support.
Fiona Caldwell is Managing Editor at TradeWireUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the newsroom workflow.