How I Stopped DIY-Booking European Trips (And Why Jet2holidays Wins Every Time)

If you have spent any time trying to plan a Mediterranean getaway from the UK recently, you know the drill: you find a cheap £35 flight, get excited, and then watch the total price double the second you add a cabin bag, seat selection and airport transfers.

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A few years ago, almost everyone I knew swore by self-booking flights and hotels separately on random aggregator sites. But between hidden extra fees, phantom flight delays, and zero support when things go wrong, a lot of us in the UK have quietly migrated back to package deals – specifically with Jet2holidays.

Here is a breakdown of why Jet2 has become my default choice for short-haul European trips, along with a few tips to get the most out of your booking.

The hidden extras that usually kill "cheap" self-bookings

The main reason I stopped booking European budget flights separately comes down to baggage allowance and ground transfers.

When you book a standard package through Jet2holidays, here is what actually comes baked into the upfront price:

• Real luggage allowance: you get a full 22kg checked bag per person, plus a 10kg hand bag. On a typical low-cost flight to Spain or Greece, adding a 22kg bag separately can easily run you £50 to £90 round-trip per person.
• Airport transfers that just work: for most resort packages, return coach transfers are already included. You land, walk out to the Jet2 desk, get pointed to a coach, and head straight to your hotel. No haggling with local taxis or trying to decipher foreign bus schedules at midnight.
• Low £60 deposit: you don't have to drop the full amount months in advance. Paying £60 per person locks in the price, which makes planning summer trips a lot easier on your bank account.
• ATOL and ABTA protection: if a flight gets cancelled or a hotel has an issue, your money is legally protected, and there's an actual human customer service team you can reach.

Best spots to fly to from UK regional airports

One of Jet2's biggest perks is their flight coverage out of regional hubs. You don't need to drag yourself to Heathrow or Gatwick if you live closer to Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Stansted or Edinburgh.

Some of the most straightforward and reliable destinations they fly to include:

• The Canaries and Balearics (Tenerife, Majorca, Ibiza): perfect if you just want guaranteed sunshine, good beaches and quick transfers.
• The Greek Islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu): great for a mix of coastal resorts, clear water and local tavernas.
• Portugal (Algarve): ideal for relaxed beach towns, dramatic cliffs and solid golf spots.
• Turkey (Antalya, Dalaman): generally offers the best value for money if you're looking for high-end all-inclusive resorts.

A few practical tips before you book

• Keep an eye out for "Free Child Places": if you're travelling with family, Jet2 drops Free Child Place slots throughout the year. They go fast during school holidays, so if you see one for a hotel you like, grab it early.
• Check alternative nearby departure airports: if you live between two hubs (for example, Leeds Bradford and Manchester, or London Stansted and Luton), search both. Flight times and package prices can vary quite a bit for the exact same hotel.
• Double check your board type: if you plan on eating out at local spots every night, stick with self-catering or bed and breakfast. But if you're heading to places like Turkey or Greece with kids, all-inclusive usually pays for itself within two days.

If you're planning your next sunny trip and want to skip the headache of piecing together five different bookings, take a look at current packages on Jet2holidays – it's usually cheaper and significantly less stressful.