Booking a beach holiday for 2024 feels different this year — travellers are thinking harder about value, flexibility, and exactly what they’re paying for. On the Beach has positioned itself as a budget-friendly option with low deposits and a wide choice of destinations, but how do its packages actually stack up?
Average saving on package beach holidays 2024: up to 30% vs booking separately · Most booked destination for 2024 (On the Beach): Spain (Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands) · Typical January deposit for 2024 holiday: €10 per person · Number of UK & Ireland departure airports: over 20 · Year On the Beach was founded: 2004
Quick snapshot
- On the Beach is ATOL protected (On the Beach (ATOL info))
- Low deposits from €10 per person (On the Beach (deposit page))
- Trustpilot rating 4.3/5 (2024) (Trustpilot)
- Exact number of 2024 bookings made to date not publicly disclosed
- Future pricing changes beyond 2024 season not confirmed
- 2004: On the Beach founded in Manchester, UK
- 2024: current booking season for departures
- Peak booking window: Jan–Mar 2024 for summer departures
- Potential late-deal discounts from May onward
Here are the essential facts about On the Beach.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Company founded | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Manchester, UK |
| Deposit minimum | €10/£10 per person |
| ATOL protection | Yes |
| Trustpilot rating (2024) | 4.3/5 |
| Number of destinations | over 300 |
What on the beach holidays 2024 near Dublin are available?
Destinations including Spain, Portugal, Greece accessible from Dublin
- Flights from Dublin to popular beach destinations depart daily. According to On the Beach, direct flights to Spain’s Costa del Sol run year-round.
- Average flight time to Costa del Sol from Dublin is 3 hours (FlightRadar24 (flight time data)).
- Many package deals include return flights from Dublin, often with low-cost carriers like Ryanair (On the Beach (flight booking)).
How to filter by departure airport on the On the Beach website
- Go to onthebeach.ie, select “Flights” in the search bar, then choose “Dublin” or any other Irish departure airport.
- You can also set alerts for specific destinations and dates.
Dublin-based travellers have more direct beach options than they might think — the flight time to the Algarve or Costa Blanca is shorter than driving to Donegal, and package prices often undercut self-booked flights plus accommodation.
How can I find cheap beach holidays in the UK for 2024?
Using the ‘cheap deals’ filter on On the Beach
- On the Beach’s search tool includes a “Cheap deals” filter that surfaces packages under a set price.
- UK beach holidays can start from under £200 per person, especially for short breaks.
Comparing UK coastal resorts vs overseas options for budget
- On the Beach offers UK-based holidays under the ‘Staycation’ category, including resorts in Cornwall, Devon, and Norfolk.
- However, a 3-night overseas package to Spain can cost similar to a week in a UK seaside B&B — the all-inclusive structure often saves on meals and drinks (Click&Go Blog (all-inclusive value)).
While UK staycations avoid flight emissions, they often lack the all-inclusive price certainty that lets you fix your total spend before you leave.
Are all inclusive beach holidays for 2024 affordable?
Low deposit plans for all inclusive packages
- All inclusive packages from On the Beach start around €500 per person for 3-4 star resorts in Turkey or Bulgaria.
- Low deposits from €10 per person are available for all inclusive deals.
Popular all inclusive resorts bookable via On the Beach
- Resorts in Lanzarote, Tenerife, Majorca, and Salou are particularly common for all inclusive.
- Portugal’s Algarve has fewer all inclusive properties, but On the Beach lists self-catering and half-board alternatives.
How do On the Beach holidays compare to TUI beach holidays?
Three key differences stand out between the two major players in the UK/Ireland package market.
| Factor | On the Beach | TUI |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit minimum | €10/£10 per person | around €39/£39 per person (TUI Ireland (deposit info)) |
| Airline included | Scheduled airlines (Ryanair, Aer Lingus, etc.) | Own airline TUI Airways (TUI Ireland (flight info)) |
| Financial protection | ATOL protected | ATOL protected (TUI Ireland) |
The implication: On the Beach’s lower deposit appeals to budget-conscious bookers, but TUI’s own airline may offer more consistent seat availability and bundle flexibility.
Is On the Beach a reliable company for 2024 holidays?
Company background (founded 2004)
- On the Beach was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Manchester, UK.
Customer reviews and ratings
- Trustpilot rating is 4.3/5 (2024) based on over 50,000 reviews.
- Positive themes: easy booking, low deposits, good value. Negative themes: occasional booking amendments via third-party airlines.
Financial protection details
- On the Beach holds ATOL protection and is a member of ABTA (ABTA (member search)).
- All packages sold include ATOL protection, meaning your money is safe if the company fails.
On the Beach’s ATOL and ABTA memberships place it on equal footing with legacy operators like TUI for financial protection. The main risk is in third-party airline schedule changes, not the package itself.
What steps do I follow to book a beach holiday 2024 with On the Beach?
- Search using filters: Visit onthebeach.ie and enter your departure airport, destination, travel dates, and number of guests. Use the ‘Price’ slider to set your maximum budget per person.
- Comparison of packages: Results show package deals sorted by price. Each listing includes hotel rating, meal plan (all inclusive, half board, self-catering), and total price. Compare up to 5 packages using the ‘Add to compare’ button.
- Making a booking and low deposit payment: Select your package and choose ‘Low deposit’ to pay only €10/£10 per person now, with the balance due up to 10 weeks before departure. Enter passenger details and payment information to confirm.
- Managing booking via On the Beach login: After booking, create an account on the On the Beach website to manage your trip, add extras, and view receipts.
Timeline: On the Beach holidays 2024
- 2004: On the Beach founded in Manchester, UK
- 2010s: Expansion into Irish market (On the Beach IE)
- 2023: Launch of 2024 package holidays with low deposits
- 2024: Current booking season for 2024 departures
The timeline illustrates On the Beach’s steady growth into the Irish market and its focus on low-deposit offers for 2024.
Confirmed facts vs. What remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- On the Beach is ATOL protected
- Low deposits of €10 are offered for 2024
- Average customer rating 4.3/5 on Trustpilot
- Company founded in 2004
What’s unclear
- Exact number of 2024 bookings made to date not publicly disclosed
- Future pricing changes beyond 2024 season not confirmed
These confirmed facts give confidence in On the Beach’s protection, while the unknowns highlight areas to monitor.
What customers and the company say
“Book your perfect package holiday deal with low €10pp deposits.”
On the Beach official website
“Easy booking process, good value for money, but watch out for airline changes.”
Trustpilot user review (2024)
On the Beach’s message is about simplicity and low upfront cost. Customer feedback confirms that, but also highlights the risk of third-party airline disruption — not unique to On the Beach, but relevant for any agent bundling external flights.
For Irish and UK travellers asking themselves whether to book a 2024 beach holiday through On the Beach, the decision comes down to a single question: do you value low upfront cost and choice over the reassurance of a vertically integrated tour operator? On the Beach offers a genuine low-deposit path and a wide destination set, but the trade-off is that you are relying on a mix of scheduled carriers and hotel partners. For budget‑conscious holidaymakers who are comfortable managing minor changes or cancellations via a customer service line, the savings can be real. For those who want everything — flight, hotel, transfer — under one strict roof, TUI or a traditional package may still be the safer bet.
expedia.com, tuiholidays.ie, tripadvisor.com, expedia.com, greatvaluevacations.com, budgettravel.ie
Frequently asked questions
How do I find really cheap beach holidays for 2024?
Use the ‘Cheap deals’ filter on On the Beach, set your budget low, consider all inclusive packages in Turkey or Bulgaria, and book during off-peak weeks (May or September).
What is the best time to book a 2024 beach holiday for lowest price?
Generally, booking during January sales (e.g., €10 deposits) or waiting for last‑minute deals (May–June for summer departures) yields the lowest prices.
Can I change my booking after paying a deposit with On the Beach?
Yes, but amendment fees may apply. Check your booking terms via the On the Beach login portal. Changes often depend on the airline’s policy.
Do I need travel insurance for a beach holiday 2024?
It is strongly recommended. ATOL protection covers financial failure, but not cancellation due to illness, lost luggage, or medical emergencies.
What luggage allowance is included with On the Beach packages?
It varies by airline. Ryanair packages typically include a small cabin bag; hold luggage can be added at extra cost during booking.
How do I contact On the Beach customer service for holiday 2024?
You can call UK/Ireland numbers or use the live chat on the website. Contact details are on the ‘Contact Us’ page.
Are beach holidays 2024 with On the Beach suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, but the platform is optimised for double or family occupancy. Solo travellers may face single supplements; use the search filter for single rooms.
What happens if my flight is cancelled by the airline?
Contact On the Beach customer service. They will rebook you on an alternative flight or offer a refund, depending on the airline’s policy and availability.
Sophie Larkin is Music News Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering artist announcements, releases, charts, labels, streaming platforms and the UK music industry.