Package holiday specialist On the Beach has announced two major booking changes designed to ease financial pressure on families, introducing its lowest-ever deposit requirement alongside complimentary stays for children on selected 2026 getaways.
Reduced Deposits and Free Child Places
Effective immediately, On the Beach has cut its per-person deposit from £30 to just £19, representing a significant £11 reduction. This move coincides with the launch of kids-stay-free promotions on hundreds of hotel stays across sought-after family destinations including Spain, Turkey, the Canary Islands, Egypt, the Balearics, and Portugal.
The timing is particularly relevant for many British households currently navigating the extended gap between pre-Christmas pay and late January salaries. By lowering the upfront cost of securing a holiday, the company aims to provide greater booking flexibility during this traditionally financially strained period.
Executive Commentary on Affordability
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, emphasised the company's commitment to making holidays more accessible. "This is a major step in making holidays more affordable for families," Harris stated. "By lowering our deposits to just £19 per person and introducing free stays for kids, we're reducing the upfront cost of booking and taking away some of the financial pressure that can come with securing a holiday."
She further explained the rationale behind the initiative: "We know family budgets are stretched right now, especially after the Christmas period, so this is about giving people confidence to book early, spread the cost, and enjoy something to look forward to without the stress."
Additional Booking Incentives for 2026
Beyond the reduced deposits and free child accommodation, On the Beach is offering additional guaranteed benefits for customers who book their 2026 holidays at least 60 days before departure. These incentives include:
- A choice of complimentary lounge entry, gadget cover, weather protection, or a £50 Amazon gift card
- Price Drop Protection to safeguard against price reductions after booking
- 1GB of complimentary mobile data for use during the holiday
Example Kids Stay Free Holiday Packages
The kids-stay-free promotion applies to numerous package holidays, with these examples based on two adults and two children sharing two rooms:
- Lanzarote, Canary Islands: A week-long all-inclusive stay at Sol Katmandu Park & Resort, departing 4 May 2026 from Bristol, priced at £473 per person including one free child place.
- Hurghada, Egypt: A seven-night all-inclusive stay at Titanic Beach and Spa, with flights departing 3 June 2026 from London Luton, available for £443 per person including one free child place.
- Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt: A seven-night bed and breakfast stay at Falcon Naama Star, with flights departing 3 June 2026 from London Gatwick, costing £325 per person including one free child place.
- Benidorm, Spain: An all-inclusive seven-night stay at Magic Aqua Rock Gardens, with flights departing 6 May 2026 from London Luton, priced at £495 per person including one free child place.
- Portugal: A seven-night all-inclusive stay at Ukino Palmeiras Village, with flights departing 2 May 2026 from Manchester, available for £468 per person including one free child place.
These strategic changes to On the Beach's booking system represent a concerted effort to address contemporary financial challenges facing British families while encouraging early planning for 2026 holidays. The combination of reduced financial barriers and added value through complimentary child places and additional benefits creates a compelling proposition for budget-conscious travellers seeking to secure their next family getaway.
