Beach Holidays

Your Complete Guide to Beach Holidays in 2026

A beach holiday remains one of the most popular ways to unwind, and for good reason. The combination of warm sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and the gentle sound of waves creates the perfect environment for relaxation. Whether you're seeking a week-long escape to the Mediterranean or an exotic Caribbean adventure, beach holiday packages offer outstanding value by bundling flights, accommodation, and often meals into one simple price. At TravelDealForge, we compare deals from the UK's leading tour operators so you can find the best beach holiday at the best price.

Choosing the Right Beach Destination

The ideal beach destination depends on when you travel, your budget, and what you want from the trip. For short-haul sunshine, Spain remains the UK's most popular choice—the Canary Islands offer year-round warmth, while the Costa del Sol and Costa Brava are perfect for summer. Greece is renowned for its stunning islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu, each offering a unique blend of beaches, history, and hospitality. Turkey's Antalya coast delivers exceptional all-inclusive value, while Portugal's Algarve combines dramatic cliffs with some of Europe's finest sandy coves.

For long-haul beach holidays, the Caribbean offers paradise-level beaches in destinations like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, typically with ultra-all-inclusive resorts. Egypt's Red Sea resorts at Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada combine beach relaxation with world-class snorkelling and diving at affordable prices—often cheaper than European alternatives during winter months.

All-Inclusive vs. Self-Catering Beach Holidays

The board basis you choose can dramatically affect both the cost and experience of your beach holiday. All-inclusive packages are the most popular choice for beach holidays, especially for families, because they eliminate the stress of budgeting for food and drinks on holiday. With most meals, snacks, and drinks included, you can simply relax by the pool without worrying about costs adding up. Many all-inclusive resorts now also include water sports, evening entertainment, and kids' clubs.

Half board (breakfast and dinner) strikes a balance—you're free to explore local restaurants at lunchtime while still having meals covered at the hotel. Self-catering gives maximum flexibility and is ideal for those who love discovering local food markets and beach-side tavernas. For couples without children, room-only or B&B can often work out cheaper if the destination has affordable local dining.

When to Book for the Best Beach Holiday Deals

Timing your booking is one of the most effective ways to save money on beach holidays. The traditional early-booking window—January to March—often yields the best prices for summer departures, with tour operators competing aggressively for early sales. Booking 4-6 months ahead typically secures the widest choice of hotels and flight times at competitive prices. However, if you're flexible on dates and destination, last-minute beach deals can offer remarkable savings of 30-50% off. The shoulder seasons of May/June and September/October offer the sweet spot: warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices than the peak July/August period.

Making the Most of Your Beach Holiday

Beyond sunbathing, the best beach holidays offer opportunities for tours and excursions, water sports, cultural day trips, and culinary discoveries. Consider combining a beach break with a city break—for example, a few days exploring Barcelona before heading to the Costa Brava coast. Booking your flights and hotels together in a package almost always saves money compared to booking separately, plus you benefit from ATOL protection. Don't forget travel insurance—it's essential for any overseas beach holiday.