Package holidays are pre-arranged combinations of travel services sold at an inclusive price. They've been a popular way to holiday since the 1950s and continue to evolve to meet changing consumer demands.
Key Definitions:
Thomas Cook organised the first package tour in 1841, taking 570 people from Leicester to Loughborough for a temperance meeting. By the 1950s and 60s, package holidays to Spain and other Mediterranean destinations became affordable for many British families, transforming the travel industry.
Package holidays typically include several of these components:
Flights, coach travel, ferry crossings or train journeys to and from the destination.
Hotels, apartments, villas, or other lodging options for the duration of the stay.
From self-catering to all-inclusive meal plans depending on the package type.
Excursions, entertainment and recreational activities included in the package.
Holiday representatives who provide assistance and information throughout the stay.
Airport transfers, travel insurance and other additional services.
Package holidays come in many forms to suit different traveller preferences, budgets and interests. Here are the main types:
Beach holidays are the most traditional and popular type of package holiday, especially for British tourists seeking sun.
These packages typically include flights, beachside accommodation and often have options for all-inclusive food and drink. Popular destinations include Spain's Costa del Sol, the Greek Islands and the Algarve in Portugal. They appeal to families, couples and groups looking for relaxation, sunshine and beach activities.
Example: TUI offers 7-night beach holidays to Majorca including flights, 4-star hotel accommodation and transfers from £399 per person.
City breaks are short holidays (typically 2-4 days) focused on exploring urban destinations.
These packages usually include flights and centrally-located hotel accommodation. Some may include city passes for public transport or attraction entry. Popular destinations include Paris, Barcelona, Rome and Amsterdam. They appeal to couples, friends and those interested in culture, history, shopping and dining.
Example: Jet2holidays offers 3-night city breaks to Prague including flights, 3-star hotel accommodation and 22kg baggage allowance from £299 per person.
Cruise holidays involve travelling on a cruise ship that visits multiple destinations.
These packages include accommodation on the ship, meals, entertainment and transport between destinations. Many cruise packages also include flights to and from the departure port. Popular cruise regions include the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Norwegian Fjords. They appeal to those who want to visit multiple destinations without repacking and enjoy onboard facilities.
Example: P&O Cruises offers 7-night Mediterranean cruises including full board accommodation, entertainment and kids' clubs from £699 per person.
All-inclusive holidays provide almost everything needed for the holiday in one pre-paid package.
These packages typically include flights, accommodation, all meals, snacks, drinks (including alcohol) and many activities and entertainment options. Popular destinations include resorts in Turkey, Egypt and the Caribbean. They appeal to families and those wanting a hassle-free holiday with predictable costs.
Example: First Choice specialises in all-inclusive holidays and offers 7 nights in Turkey including all meals, drinks, flights and transfers from £599 per person.
As the travel market has matured, many specialist package holidays have emerged to cater to specific interests or demographics:
Ski and snowboard holidays to resorts in the Alps, Pyrenees, or further afield, including lift passes and equipment hire.
Walking, cycling, water sports, or yoga retreats with specialist equipment and instruction.
Guided tours to remote or exotic destinations with experienced tour leaders.
Focused on historical sites, museums and cultural experiences with expert guides.
Specially designed romantic packages, often with ceremony arrangements included.
School trips and study tours with curriculum-related activities and learning opportunities.
Saga specialises in package holidays for travellers aged 50 and over. Their packages include:
This demonstrates how tour operators can target specific demographic segments with tailored package holidays.
The package holiday market continues to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences:
Allows consumers to create their own packages by selecting different components, offering more flexibility while maintaining legal protections.
Eco-friendly package holidays that minimise environmental impact and benefit local communities are growing in popularity.
Domestic package holidays have grown, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, offering local experiences without international travel.
Responsible Travel is a UK-based tour operator specialising in sustainable package holidays. They offer experiences like wildlife conservation holidays in Costa Rica, community tourism in Morocco and plastic-free holidays in Portugal. Their packages include accommodation in locally-owned properties, guides from the destination and activities that directly benefit conservation or community projects. This demonstrates how package holidays are adapting to meet growing demand for more ethical travel options.
Package holidays remain a popular choice for travellers seeking convenience, value and security. The main types include:
The package holiday industry continues to evolve, with increasing personalisation, sustainability focus and niche offerings to meet diverse consumer needs. Understanding the different types of package holidays helps both consumers make informed choices and tourism professionals develop attractive products.
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