Package holidays often get a bad reputation for being unoriginal, but there’s a reason they’ve stayed popular for decades. For most travellers, the appeal lies in the lack of stress. Booking flights, transfers, and accommodation separately takes hours of research and usually costs more in the long run.
These iconic spots have refined the process well enough that visitors know exactly what they’re getting before they even land. It’s about predictability and efficiency. From the volcanic landscapes of the Atlantic to the theme parks of America, these destinations provide a reliable framework for a break that actually feels just right.
Majorca
Majorca offers a lot more than the nightlife associated with Magaluf. The capital, Palma, is a working city with a massive Gothic cathedral and narrow streets that stay cool in the height of summer. Up in the north, Alcudia provides a much flatter, shallower coastline that works well for families with younger children. The Tramuntana mountains run along the west coast, offering steep, winding roads that lead to villages like Valldemossa and Deià, feeling far away from the beach resorts.
Public transport is surprisingly decent, with a vintage train running from Palma to Sóller through the orange groves. The local markets in towns like Sineu are worth a visit for leather goods and local cheese. Most holidaymakers stick to the south-east for the small coves, or calas, which get very busy by midday. It’s a versatile island where the experience depends entirely on which coast is chosen.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote has a distinct look that sets it apart from its neighbours. The landscape is dominated by dark, volcanic earth and low-rise white buildings, a result of strict local planning laws. Most people head towards Puerto del Carmen or the quieter Playa Blanca. The main draw is the Timanfaya National Park, where the ground is still hot enough to cook food over geothermal vents. It’s a dry, windy island, which makes the heat more manageable when walking along the coast.
Finding a place to stay is straightforward because the infrastructure is so established. Many visitors opt for Lanzarote all inclusive hotels located near Costa Teguise, which offer easy access to the local windsurfing beaches. These spots provide a decent base for exploring the Cueva de los Verdes or Jameos del Agua. The roads are well-maintained; hiring a car to see the northern cliffs or vineyards is quite easy now.
The Algarve
The southern coast of Portugal is defined by its limestone cliffs and Atlantic swells. Faro serves as the main entry point, but most travellers head west towards Albufeira or Lagos. The beaches around Lagos, like Praia de Dona Ana, are famous for their rock formations and clear water, though the Atlantic is always a few degrees colder than the Mediterranean. It’s a popular spot for golfers, with numerous world-class courses scattered around Vilamoura, which also features a large, modern marina full of restaurants.
Eating out is relatively affordable if visitors stick to local grilled sardines and chicken piri-piri. The inland hills of Monchique offer a break from the coastal heat, providing views right across the coastline. Coastal paths provide excellent hiking opportunities, particularly the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. The region feels rugged and a bit more exposed to the elements than the Spanish islands, which gives the landscape a much sharper, fresher feel overall.
Florida
Orlando is the primary engine of the Florida tourism industry. Most visitors arrive at MCO and head straight for the International Drive area or the resorts surrounding the major theme parks. The scale of the place is massive, requiring a fair bit of planning regarding transport and park tickets. It’s a humid environment, especially in the summer months, so most people spend their time jumping between air-conditioned buildings and water parks like Typhoon Lagoon.
The market for great package holidays to Florida stays busy because combining flights with car hire and park entry saves a lot of hassle. Beyond the rollercoasters, the Everglades offer a different pace, with airboat tours and alligator sightings. Kissimmee provides a good alternative for those who want larger villa-style accommodation rather than standard hotel rooms. It’s a functional destination designed for high volumes of people, where the logistics are handled with impressive, almost mechanical, American efficiency and speed.
Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and requires a significant amount of driving to see properly. Most package holidays land in Heraklion or Chania. Chania is generally preferred for its Venetian harbour and proximity to the White Mountains. The Samaria Gorge is a major draw for hikers, requiring a long day of walking down to the southern coast, where boats take travellers back to the nearest road. It’s a physical destination that rewards those who move away from the hotel pool.
The food in Crete is famously distinct from mainland Greece, focusing heavily on local olive oil, dakos, and wild greens. Knossos, the Minoan Palace located just outside Heraklion, is the main historical site, though it gets very crowded and offers little shade. Staying in the east, around Elounda, provides a calmer experience near the Spinalonga island colony. The island’s size means it never feels entirely dominated by the tourism industry out there now.
Is there still value in the traditional package deal?
The answer usually depends on how much time someone wants to spend managing their own logistics. These destinations have spent decades perfecting the art of the holiday, ensuring that the basics like transport and food are consistently handled.
While independent travel has its perks, the reliability of an established resort town is hard to beat for a genuine break from daily life. Choosing a classic destination doesn’t mean sacrificing a good experience; it often just means having more time to actually sit on the beach or explore the local hills without worrying about the small, annoying details of modern travel.