UK Protected Travel

Package Holidays Explained

Everything you need to know about booking protected, hassle-free travel in the UK

What Are Package Holidays?

A package holiday is a trip where at least two travel components are bundled together and sold at a single price - typically including flights, accommodation, and transfers.

In the UK, these holidays are sold by tour operators who organise everything for you under one booking and one contract. This means one point of contact, one payment plan, and comprehensive legal protection.

What's Typically Included

Flights
Accommodation
Airport Transfers
Meals & Extras

6 Key Benefits for UK Travellers

01

Financial Protection

ATOL & ABTA Coverage

Most flight-inclusive packages are protected by ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence), run by the Civil Aviation Authority.

  • If the company goes bust before you travel, you get a full refund
  • If you're already abroad, you'll be brought home at no extra cost
  • ABTA membership offers additional dispute resolution

This protection is the #1 reason UK travellers prefer packages over DIY bookings.

02

One Booking, Less Hassle

Everything Through One Company

Instead of juggling multiple bookings across different websites, you manage everything through one company.

DIY Booking
  • Flights on one site
  • Hotel on another
  • Transfers separately
Package
  • One website
  • One booking
  • One contact

If something changes (flight delay, hotel issue), the operator handles coordination - you don't argue between providers.

03

Often Better Value

Bulk Purchasing Power

Large operators buy hotel rooms and aircraft seats in bulk, negotiating lower rates than individuals can access.

Especially good value for:

Mediterranean Canary Islands Greece Turkey Caribbean

Sometimes packages are actually cheaper than booking everything separately!

04

Flexible Payments

Spread the Cost

UK operators commonly offer payment plans that make expensive trips more manageable:

💷 Low deposits to secure your booking
📅 Monthly payment plans available
Balance due 8 - 12 weeks before departure
05

Reps & Local Support

Help When You Need It

Traditional package holidays often include:

  • Resort representatives at your destination
  • 24/7 support numbers for emergencies
  • Organised excursions and activities

If something goes wrong abroad, you're not on your own - expert help is just a phone call away.

06

Legal Rights

UK Package Travel Regulations

Package holidays are covered by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations:

  • Significant trip changes may entitle you to compensation
  • If your hotel isn't as described, the operator is responsible
  • Protection if your destination becomes unsafe

DIY bookings usually don't give you the same legal leverage.

Major UK Package Holiday Operators

These operators either use their own airline fleets or partner with airlines and hotels worldwide to offer protected packages.

TUI UK

Europe's largest tour operator

Jet2holidays

Award-winning family packages

easyJet Holidays

Budget-friendly city & beach breaks

British Airways Holidays

Premium worldwide destinations

Virgin Atlantic Holidays

Long-haul specialist

Blixen Travel

Bespoke tailor-made packages

Package Holidays vs DIY Booking

Packages Are Ideal For

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with children
  • 🌍 First-time international travellers
  • 😌 People who want low-stress holidays
  • 🏖️ Beach destination enthusiasts
  • 🛡️ Anyone who values financial protection
  • 👥 Groups needing coordinated travel

DIY Might Be Better For

  • 🗺️ Multi-city complex itineraries
  • 🎒 Backpacking adventures
  • 🏔️ Very niche or remote destinations
  • ✈️ Chasing specific flight deals with points
  • 🧭 Flexible, unstructured travel
  • 💡 Experienced independent travellers

Looking for a Bespoke Package Holiday?

At Blixen Travel, we combine the protection and convenience of package holidays with fully personalised itineraries. Get the best of both worlds.