NOW Christmas is over, thoughts switch to that other wallet-buster of an annual event – the summer holiday.
If you want to get your trip booked in but the bank account is looking pretty empty, there are plenty of travel companies that will let you book for next to nothing if you get booking NOW.
We’ve rounded up some of the businesses that offer Brits the chance to reserve their summer break from just a quid.
Sunshine.co.uk offers package holidays with deposits from £30 pp – and better yet, you can book hotel stays abroad with just a £1 deposit.
The final balance is due just four weeks before you travel, giving you plenty of time to get prepared with payments. And if you need to cancel your hotel booking, you’ll only lose the £1 deposit up to 2 weeks before you depart.
On the other hand, holiday companies TUI, First Choice and Expedia offer options for you to secure your holiday with a £0 deposit.
With TUI you can book a package holiday with a £0 deposit for both short haul and long haul trips. This includes your flights, transfers, accommodation and baggage allowance – all secured without spending a penny upfront.
If you book your holiday at least 6 months in advance and pay via their direct debit scheme, you’re eligible to book with £0 deposit.
First Choice have a similar scheme, offering £0 deposits for holidays booked at least 6 months in advance, as long as the flights are with TUI Airways. Or if you use their PayPal Credit payment option, the flights can be with any airline.
Lastly, Expedia‘s book now pay later option lets you book a hotel stay with no upfront costs – as you pay upon arrival at the hotel itself. Just filter your hotel search by “Reserve now, pay later” and make sure you tick the “Pay at property” option when booking.
These low and no deposit options are a stress-free way to get next year’s holidays sorted, without that initial dent in your wallet.
Whether it’s an action-packed family holiday or a romantic week away, here’s some of our top holiday picks that you can book with £1 or no deposit – so you can get something in the calendar to look forward to.
Stamos Hotel – Faliraki, Rhodes
This hotel in Faliraki on the island of Rhodes is just 10 minutes from the buzzy town centre – and 10 minutes from the beach.
It’s a typical Greek hotel with its whitewashed buildings, lush greenery and parasol-dotted poolside.
Faliraki in Rhodes is home to some beautiful coast including ‘Main beach’, which is a long sandy stretch with shallow waters that are perfect for families, as well as the quieter Kathara beach and Anthony Quinn Bay.
But the town really comes alive at night-time, as the resort is known for its nightlife scene, as its famous “Bar Street” is lined with bars and clubs pumping out pop music all night long.
Luckily, this hotel is located on the outskirts of the town – so once you’re done partying for the night you can be sure to get a good night’s sleep in peace and quiet.
Sunshine.co.uk offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay from £376.68 pp. Flights not included.
TUI SUNEO El Trébol – Costa Teguise, Lanzarote
Costa Teguise on the east coast of Lanzarote is an exciting resort that’s super popular with families.
It has an aquarium, Aquapark and water sports hub all in one action-packed place.
This hotel is part of TUI’S SUNEO collection of 3 and 4-star hotels that are handpicked for their affordable pricing, quality entertainment – and are often all-inclusive.
It’s also a 9-minute walk to Playa de los Charcos, a small, golden crescent of beach that’s much quieter than the nearby Playa de las Cucharas.
TUI offer 7 nights’ all inclusive stay in from £553 pp, based on 2 adults sharing. Price includes return flights from Birmingham.
Hard Rock Hotel, Marbella, Spain
If you’re looking for a party holiday, it doesn’t get much better than the Hard Rock Hotel in sunny Marbella.
The Hard Rock Hotel experience is one-of-a-kind, with live concerts, evening performances and rentable guitars and record players for your hotel room.
Food here is equally as exciting, as this hotel’s restaurants swap typical buffets for Asian fusions and Mexican flavours.
Nearby, there’s beach clubs and boat parties galore – plus your pick of multiple golf courses.
And for a day out sightseeing, wander the old city walls of Marbella castle and stroll down the Avenida del Mar to see sculptures by Salvador Dalí.
Expedia offers 7 nights’ room-only stay for £688 total, based on 2 adults sharing. Flights not included.
Hotel Rio Park – Benidorm
This hotel in buzzy Benidorm is popular for its modern interiors and glamorous entertainment programme.
There’s quizzes and aqua gym classes to keep you occupied during the day, and in the evenings you’ll catch performances from top-quality singers and dancers performing hit musical numbers.
Plus it’s a great choice for families with picky eaters.
The buffest restaurant serves up everything from roast dinners, to chicken curry, to apple crumble.
Meanwhile, the hotel sports bar shows the footie matches and pours British pints.
Hotel Rio Park is situated on a quiet road by Levante beach, a great spot to enjoy the best of Benidorm, without compromising on comfort.
TUI offers 7 nights’ half board stay from £304 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Price includes return flights from East Midlands Airport.
Grand Ideal Premium Hotel – Marmaris, Turkey
A 5-star all inclusive in Turkey for only £1 deposit and just over £500 pp? Yes please.
The Grand Ideal Premium Hotel sits in Marmaris, a resort in the Turkish Riviera known for its clear-water beaches backed by thick green forests and mountains.
This luxurious hotel has 272 spacious rooms including family suites, many overlooking the massive outdoor pool that snakes around the resort.
Spend your days on 4×4 mountainside safari tours, visiting Marmaris’ central market, or zipping down tube slides at Atlantis waterpark.
Sunshine.co.uk offers 7 nights’ all inclusive stay from £507 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Flights not included.
Corendon Playa Kemer, Antalya, Turkey
If you’re looking for a holiday with a mix of lazy beach days and outdoor adventure, this resort in Turkey’s Beldibi makes for the ideal destination.
This is the kind of place where you can stroll along soft sands, dip into ancient history, hike canyons – and still be back in time for cocktails by the pool.
The resort itself earns its popular rating with its 7 bars, 4 restaurants and 3 pools – plus its own theatre and nightclub.
Behind the beachfront resort is the Mountain of Ali, where you can hike endless pine trails to your heart’s content.
It’s also a 25-minute drive to the ancient ruins of Phaselis, a seaport with Greek and Roman history where you can still see the ancient Roman baths.
First Choice offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay at the Corendon Playa Kemer for £770 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Price includes return flights from London Luton.
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Orlando
If you’re dreaming of that once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip, TUI’s no-deposit and flexible payment plans make planning that big trip a whole lot easier.
The All-Star Movies accommodation in Florida‘s Walt Disney World Resort is a budget-friendly option with all the Disney magic.
As its name suggests, this place is a movie lover’s dream. Think huge Disney film themed zones, decorated with giant characters from Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians and more.
The resort also has a couple of good-sized pools, including the whimsical Fantasia Pool and the quieter Duck Pond Pool.
There’s a kids’ splash zone, a playground, a jogging trail, and even a video games arcade – plenty to keep families entertained when you’re not exploring the parks.
Rooms are simple and comfortable, with two queen beds or a king and a fold-out.
TUI offer 7 nights’ room-only stay for £975 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children sharing. Price includes flights from London Gatwick.
Coral Beach Hotel and Resort – Paphos, Cyprus
The Coral Beach Hotel in Cyprus’ Coral Bay has everything you could want from an all-inclusive resort and more.
There’s 7 restaurants and 3 bars to choose from here, including an Italian eatery and seafood tavern.
The property also has a private beach and its own harbour offering boat trips.
Plus, four tennis courts, a squash court, games room, kids activity programme and arts and crafts centre.
For day trips out, there’s the UNESCO-listed Akamas Peninsula on your doorstep to explore.
Sunshine.co.uk offers 7 nights’ all inclusive stay for £304 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Flights not included.
Ocean Dream Cancun by GuruHotel – Cancun, Mexico
This beachfront boho hotel is just steps away from soft white sands and crystal blue water in its location on the Punta Cancun – a popular resort area known for its bars and clubs.
The area has some of Mexico’s most pristine beaches, that look like they’ve walked out of the pages of a luxury magazine.
Activities include whale-watching, snorkelling and day trips to visit one of the seven wonders of the world – Chichen Itza.
Inside the hotel itself, there’s 68 air-conditioned for a pretty affordable price.
Expedia offers 7 nights’ room-only stay for £734 total, based on 2 adults. Flights not included.
Coral Sea Water World, Hurghada, Egypt
Coral Sea Water World sits on the luxurious Nabq Bay of Egypt‘s Sharm El Sheikh.
This all-inclusive resort is built for families, with an extensive entertainment programme and an on-site waterpark with 18 slides to try out.
Dining-wise you can expect a buffet that’s anything but repetitive, as the theme and food line-up change daily.
If you can bring yourself to leave the all-inclusive waterpark-come-resort, Sharm El Sheikh is an exciting resort area to explore.
There’s the King Tut Museum (which has free entry for kids up to age 11), plus the Red Sea is known for its clear waters full of colourful marine life, best seen via snorkel.
First Choice offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay at Coral Sea Water World from £328 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Price includes flights from Birmingham airport.
Arabian Park by Rotana Hotel, Dubai
This modern hotel in Dubai’s Al Jaddaf is a great base for exploring the city, just a short distance from Downtown Dubai and the Festival City.
Arabian Park Dubai has an outdoor pool decorated with loungers and palm trees, plus a gym and all-day dining restaurant serving international dishes.
The rooms are bright, modern and air-conditioned, with comfy beds and large windows that look out over the city skyline or pool area.
It’s a great spot to stay for sightseeing around Dubai, as the hotel offers a free shuttle service to La Mer Beach, Dubai Mall and Dubai International Airport.
Expedia offers 7 nights’ stay with breakfast for £632 total, based on one room for 2 adults. Flights not included.
Hilton Alexandria Corniche, Egypt
The Alexandria Corniche is one of Egypt’s most vibrant waterfronts – a curving promenade lined with cafés, shisha spots and seafood restaurants.
Here you’re also within easy reach of the city’s top sights, from the spectacular Library of Alexandria (20 minutes’ drive) to the centuries-old Citadel of Qaitbay (35 minutes).
Sat on this popular seafront is the Hilton Alexandria Corniche, a sleek hotel with a rooftop pool and six restaurants to keep you well fed between sightseeing.
The hotel even has its own private beach and wellness centre, where you can have a massage or relax in the hot tub after using the hotel gym.
Expedia offers 7 nights’ stay with breakfast for £631 total, based on one room for 2 adults. Flights not included.
Blue Lagoon Resort, Kos, Greece
This resort on the Greek island of Kos is ideal for families who are into waterparks.
There’s five pools here, including a kids activity pool and adults-only option – plus a waterpark with a lazy river.
The main attraction though is the lagoon-style outdoor pool, which is popular with kids and adults alike with its whirlpool baths and jets.
Once you’ve explored all the pools have to offer, there’s football, padel courts, basketball and two playgrounds for the kids to burn off the rest of their energy.
It’s also based right on the beachfront and under 10-minutes’ drive to Kos Old Town – where you can admire the historic Roman Odeon and Nerantzia Castle.
First Choice offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay at the Blue Lagoon Resort for £691 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Price includes return flights from London Stansted.
Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, Ajman, UAE
For a slice of all-inclusive affordable luxury, it’s worth checking out the Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel.
The 5-star property is all glamorous marble and arches, with its own private beach.
The area of Ajman offers a more calm and gentle pace than nearby Dubai, with long sandy beaches, calm waters and laid-back vibe.
Head into the streets of Ajman to discover its charming Old Town with traditional markets, or relax on its sweeping sandy beaches.
And if you fancy a day trip to the nearby glitzy city, Dubai is a 30-minute drive away.
Expedia offers 4 nights’ all-inclusive stay at the Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel for £646 total, based on 2 adults sharing. Flights not included.
Grand Cobra, Mexico
Mexico‘s Riviera Maya blends tropical forests with beaches where warm waves gently lap over sugar-white sand – plus some really fantastic activity-packed resorts.
Set amid lush jungle and just a short shuttle ride from the beach, Bahia Principe Grand Coba is a major family holiday base.
Think vast leafy grounds, big lake-style pools, plus a waterpark and lazy river set-up that keeps kids (and grown-ups) happily entertained.
If you fancy a change of scenery, you’re within reach of some pretty coastal areas like Akumal and trendy Tulum.
There’s also a golf course nearby for those who want to trade sunbathing for practising their swing.
First Choice offer 7 nights’ all inclusive stay at the Bahia Principe Grand Coba from £995 pp, based on 2 adults sharing. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick.
Monica Isabel Beach Club Aparthotel, Albufeira, Algarve
The Monica Isabel Beach Club is an aparthotel with simple, clean accommodation and everything you need for a chilled-out Algarve break.
There’s two outdoor pools plus a children’s pool, and a heated indoor option.
Rooms are studios or one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, with plenty of space and balconies or terraces.
The club-style resort offers a mix of activities: a fitness centre, tennis, games room, and a seasonal entertainment programme.
And when you fancy venturing out, you’re in a great spot. The lively New Town of Albufeira is on your doorstep, packed with bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife.
It’s a great pick if you want a well-located base where you can explore the Algarve at your own pace.
Sunshine.co.uk offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay at the Monica Isabel Beach Club Aparthotel for £493 pp, based on 2 adults sharing. Flights not included.
db Seabank Resort and Spa – All Inclusive, Malta
Mellieħa Bay is home to Malta’s biggest sandy beach, so you’re in a prime spot for the best of beach days at the db Seabank Resort and Spa.
This area is quieter than the island’s busier resorts like Bugibba and Qawra, but still has plenty of cafés, restaurants and coastal paths when you fancy a wander.
The family-friendly all-inclusive has three pools, a spa, gym and its own indoor soft play area as part of the excellent onsite kids club.
Kids will also love the jungle-themed restaurant, whilst adults can enjoy a sushi buffet at L’Orjent Asian restaurant.
Nearby, Mellieħa’s scenic hilltop village and the rest of the popular northern coast are just a short bus ride or drive away.
Sunshine.co.uk offer 7 nights’ half-board stay from £188 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Flights not included.
Catalonia Oro Negro, Tenerife
Sunshine-soaked and just a 10-minute walk from golden sand beaches, Catalonia Oro Negro gives you access to the best of Tenerife in one neat package.
The resort offers two outdoor pools (plus a rooftop pool for adults in premium rooms), a poolside bar and a buffet restaurant with live show-cooking.
Rooms are bright and comfortable with private balconies or terraces – great for a morning coffee or a quiet evening sunset overlooking the Atlantic.
Inside the hotel there’s table-tennis, billiards, darts and a kids’ playground – plenty to keep everyone entertained when you’re not on the beach or out exploring.
Step outside the hotel door and you’re in the heart of lively Playa de las Américas, one of Tenerife’s top holiday hotspots. Think beachfront promenades, vibrant nightlife, surf-style beach clubs, shops, restaurants and bars.
For a change of pace, you can rent a car or hop on a short taxi ride to explore volcanic landscapes and the island’s natural parks.
First Choice offer 7 nights’ half-board stay from £497 pp based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Price includes return flights from London Luton.
Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort, Crete, Greece
If you’re after a Greek resort for a big family holiday, Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort ticks a lot of boxes.
The complex is just a stone’s throw from the sea at Analipsi, where there’s a section reserved just for hotel guests.
The resort itself has two giant pools, a waterpark and a splash park which you’re able to use at the sister hotel, Stella Village.
You can pick from 267 modern rooms, some of which have their own hot tubs and doorstep pool access.
Throw in warm summer evenings with live music, movie nights and mini discos, and you’re all set for that big family summer holiday.
Sunshine.co.uk offer 7 nights’ half-board stay from £244 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Flights not included.
TUI MAGIC LIFE Fuerteventura
This massive resort in Fuerteventura hosts everything from sports tournaments to bike tours – and is backed by an impressive mountain.
This resort is truly a sports lover’s paradise, offering everything from mini football, to archery and trampolining.
And after all that exercise, there’s a sauna, steam bath and hot stone massages on offer to relax and rejuvenate.
Nearby, there’s the sandy stretch of Playa de Esquinzo beach, and the quaint Morro Jable fishing village to explore.
The resort is also close to Jandia (an 11-minute drive) popular for its cocktail bars, affordable restaurants and nightlife.
TUI offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay from £552 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children sharing. Price includes flights from London Luton.
Prices correct at the time of publication.