In a significant move to make overseas holidays more accessible for families, leading online travel agent On the Beach has announced a dual-pronged initiative that slashes upfront costs. The company has introduced its lowest-ever deposit requirement of just £19 per person for 2026 summer holidays, coupled with a new 'kids go free' offer on selected package breaks.
Making Holidays More Affordable for Stretched Budgets
The new £19 per person deposit represents a substantial reduction, cutting the previous minimum by £11. This change is specifically timed to assist British families grappling with the post-Christmas financial squeeze, a period when many are enduring a six-week gap between pay packets after receiving their December salary early.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, emphasised the company's commitment to easing financial pressure. "This is a major step in making holidays more affordable for families," she 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."
Complimentary Child Accommodation Added to the Mix
Alongside the reduced deposits, On the Beach is rolling out a complimentary children's accommodation promotion on a range of selected holidays. This initiative will provide hundreds of cost-free hotel stays for children at family-friendly resorts across popular destinations including the Canary Islands, Turkey, Spain, Egypt, the Balearics, and Portugal.
Harris added, "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 Free Perks for 2026 Bookings
The company's value-driven approach extends beyond just deposits and child places. On the Beach has confirmed that all holiday bookings made for 2026, when reserved up to 60 days before departure, will receive a bundle of three complimentary perks.
Travellers can choose from the following benefits:
- Complimentary airport lounge access
- Free gadget insurance for the duration of the trip
- Free weather protection coverage
- A £50 Amazon voucher
All bookings will also automatically include Price Drop Protection and 1GB of free mobile data for use abroad.
Example 'Kids Stay Free' Holiday Offers
To illustrate the new offers, On the Beach has provided several example package holidays based on two adults and two children sharing two rooms. These breaks include one complimentary child place:
- A seven-night all-inclusive stay at Sol Katmandu Park & Resort in Lanzarote, departing from Bristol on Monday 4th May, priced at £473 per person.
- A seven-night all-inclusive getaway at Titanic Beach and Spa in Hurghada, Egypt, departing from London Luton on Wednesday 3rd June, priced at £443 per person.
- A seven-night bed and breakfast break at Falcon Naama Star in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, departing from London Gatwick on Wednesday 3rd June, priced at £325 per person.
- A seven-night all-inclusive holiday at Magic Aqua Rock Gardens in Benidorm, departing from London Luton on Wednesday 6th May, priced at £495 per person.
- A seven-night all-inclusive break at Ukino Palmeiras Village in Portugal, departing from Manchester on Saturday 2nd May, priced at £468 per person.
This comprehensive suite of offers from On the Beach represents a strategic effort to stimulate early bookings for the 2026 summer season by significantly lowering the financial barriers to securing a family holiday abroad.
