P

lanning a vacation can be overwhelming. Flights, hotels, tours, transfers, and activities all need to coordinate perfectly. That's where vacation package sites shine, bundling everything together at discounted rates while saving you from hours of research and booking headaches. The vacation package industry has evolved dramatically in recent years, with new players entering the market and established companies refining their offerings to meet changing traveler expectations.

Every service listed here offers comprehensive packages that include flights and accommodations at minimum, with most providing additional perks like tours, meals, and ground transportation. We've focused on sites that offer genuine value, reliable customer service, and transparent pricing without hidden fees... not to mention ones that'll whisk you away from your day-to-day for an unforgettable trip in some of the best places to travel in the world.

Our research included analyzing thousands of customer reviews, testing booking processes, and comparing prices across multiple destinations and travel dates.

Here are the best vacation package sites for 2026, ranked by overall value, reliability, and customer satisfaction:

#1 Great Value Vacations: Budget-Friendly Packages for Independent Travelers

📍 Headquartered: Rockville Centre, NY

snapshot of one of the many incredible destinations on one of the best vacation package sites out there, Great Value Vacations
      Just one of the many beautiful places you can visit! Image courtesy of Great Value Vacations.

Great Value Vacations specializes in budget-friendly packages for independent travelers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. They handle flights, hotels, tours, and car rentals while maintaining affordable pricing. Their expertly curated itineraries provide convenience without rigid group tour restrictions, making them ideal for travelers seeking both value and flexibility in their vacation planning.

Pros 👍

  • Competitive Pricing: Consistently offers some of the lowest package prices in the market with transparent pricing and no hidden fees, often beating competitors by 15-25%
  • Independent Travel Focus: Packages designed for self-guided exploration rather than rigid group tours, perfect for flexible travelers who want freedom to explore
  • Comprehensive Service: Handles flights, accommodations, tours, and ground transportation in one booking, streamlining the entire planning process
  • Worldwide Destinations: Extensive coverage of international destinations, particularly strong in Europe and Asia with over 200 destination options
  • Customer Support: Responsive customer service team with expertise in destination planning and 24/7 emergency assistance while traveling
  • Customizable Options: Ability to modify packages to fit specific travel dates and preferences, with options to extend stays or add activities

Cons 👎

  • Mixed Review History: Some customers have reported issues with customer support response times during peak booking periods like summer vacations and the holiday season
  • Refund Policy Complexity: Cancellation and refund policies can be restrictive, particularly for last-minute changes within 30 days of travel
  • Limited Luxury Options: Focus on budget-friendly travel means fewer high-end accommodation choices and premium service levels
  • Documentation Requirements: International packages require careful attention to passport and visa requirements, with limited assistance provided

#2 EF Go Ahead Tours: Immersive Vacation Packages Around the Globe

📍 Headquartered: Cambridge, MA 

happy travelers posing in the Swiss Alps on a vacation package booked through EF Go Ahead Tours
Group of first-time EF Go Ahead travelers, who gave the October 2025 “A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria” package a five-star rating. Image courtesy of EF Go Ahead Tours.

EF Education First is a family of brands that provides educational programs and travel options to people of all ages. With programs for students like study abroad, academic degree programs, and specific tours for young adult travelers as well as expansive options for travelers of all ages, EF is a family-owned global community dedicated to safety, education, and helping people learn about and experience the world they live in. 

Plus? They’ve got over 55 years of experience making it happen. 

Pros 👍

  • Strong emphasis on safety: With lots of experience, including experience coordinating student programs, safety is at the forefront of EF Go Ahead Tours. That makes them a popular option for families, solo travelers, and female travelers (solo or in groups). 
  • Responsive customer service: EF is proactive in communicating with travelers and answering questions to help ensure the trip goes smoothly even before you pack your bags.
  • Mix of guided and independent exploration: Most daily itineraries include some travel time to your next destination, guided exploration or tours, and then time to explore independently or the option of booking further tours and excursions so you can build a trip that fits your travel style.

Cons 👎

  • Luxury vs lackluster debate: While travelers agree that accommodations felt safe, feedback on the overall quality vary, with some people expecting greater luxury for the price point of these vacation packages and reporting feeling “underwhelmed.”
  • Difficult to get refunds: Be sure to read all relevant refund policies before putting any money down toward booking so you know what will and won’t be refunded and in what situations you might be able to get your money back, if needed.

#3 Costco Travel: Members-Only Vacation Value

📍 Headquartered: Issaquah, WA

members-only beach vacation package option from Costco Travel
A nice tropical beachfront. Image courtesy of Costco Travel.

Costco Travel uses the retail giant's buying power to negotiate exclusive member deals with unique perks that you can't find anywhere else. Their vacation packages are carefully vetted and offer unbeatable value, with travelers across the internet calling Costco Travel one of the biggest benefits of Costco membership that all too many people sleep on. You'll find the most impressive deals on international tours, Hawaii trips, and cruises, but a wide variety of travel options are available.

Costco Travel is only available to Costco members, but consider this: their cheapest membership is only $65 a year, which isn’t too steep. With no booking fees and incredible value provided through the company’s business partnerships, it’s hard to beat.

Expert tip: Costco members also have the option to sign up for the exclusive Costco Citi card, which gives 3% cash back on travel and restaurant purchases, which means cardholders can stack the savings. 

Pros 👍

  • Exceptional Value: Member-exclusive pricing often beats competitors by significant margins, with savings typically ranging from 10-30% below market rates
  • Exclusive Perks: Packages frequently include resort credits, room upgrades, or complimentary meals not available through other channels
  • Quality Assurance: Costco's reputation for quality extends to their travel partnerships, ensuring reliable service providers and vetted accommodations
  • No Booking Fees: Unlike many competitors, Costco doesn't charge additional booking or service fees, saving $25-75 per reservation
  • Cruise Specialization: Particularly strong in cruise packages with exceptional onboard credits and perks, often including specialty dining
  • Travel Insurance: Competitive travel insurance options available at discounted rates, with comprehensive coverage for medical and trip interruption

Cons 👎

  • Membership Required: Service is exclusively available to Costco members, limiting accessibility and requiring annual membership fees
  • Limited Last-Minute Options: Focus on quality partnerships means fewer spontaneous deal opportunities compared to mass-market competitors
  • Smaller Inventory: More curated selection means fewer choices compared to larger OTAs, particularly for boutique or unique properties
  • Booking Timeline: Best deals often require booking 60-90 days in advance, limiting flexibility for spontaneous travel plans

#4 Expedia: The All-in-One Travel Giant

📍 Headquartered: Seattle, WA

woman reclining in a hotel pool an a vacation she booked with vacation package site Expedia
Just picture yourself at that pool! Image courtesy of Expedia.

Expedia leverages massive inventory and partnerships to offer competitive vacation bundles worldwide. Their comprehensive platform combines flights, hotels, and activities with significant bundle discounts. With decades of experience and extensive rewards programs, Expedia provides one-stop shopping convenience backed by a trusted travel brand and industry-leading mobile technology.

Pros 👍

  • Massive Inventory: Unparalleled selection of flights, hotels, and activities across all price ranges and destinations, with over 500,000 hotel properties globally
  • Bundle Savings: Significant discounts when booking flight and hotel together, often saving 10-15% compared to separate bookings
  • Rewards Program: Expedia Rewards points can be earned and redeemed across all bookings, providing long-term value with VIP status
  • Mobile App Excellence: Industry-leading mobile app with offline access to confirmations and itineraries, plus real-time flight updates
  • 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock customer service with multiple contact methods including live chat, phone, and social media support
  • Last-Minute Deals: Excellent selection of discounted packages for spontaneous travelers, often with savings up to 40% for same-week bookings

Cons 👎

  • Overwhelming Options: The sheer volume of choices can make decision-making difficult for some travelers, with hundreds of results per search
  • Variable Quality: Wide range of hotel partners means quality can be inconsistent, requiring careful review reading and property research
  • Change Fees: Modifications to bookings often come with substantial fees from both Expedia and travel providers, sometimes exceeding $200 per change
  • Customer Service Wait Times: During peak travel periods, phone support can have extended hold times of 30+ minutes

#5 Priceline: Name Your Price Innovation

📍 Headquartered: Norwalk, CT

a whole group of friends hanging out poolside because they were able to book an affordable group trip with Priceline
Don’t be afraid to bring your friends! Image courtesy of Priceline.

Priceline continues innovating with Express Deals and mystery packages where travelers know general location and amenities but not specific hotels until booking. This approach offers substantial savings of 20-40% for flexible travelers. Their VIP program and price guarantees provide additional value for frequent bookers willing to embrace uncertainty.

Pros 👍

  • Substantial Savings: Express Deals and mystery packages can offer savings of 20-40% compared to standard bookings, with some deals reaching 60% off
  • VIP Program: Priceline VIP provides additional discounts and exclusive deals for frequent bookers, with benefits increasing based on annual spending
  • Flexible Search Options: Advanced filtering helps find packages that match specific preferences and budgets, including star ratings and amenity requirements
  • Price Guarantee: Various price matching and guarantee programs protect against price drops after booking, with automatic refunds for qualifying rate changes
  • Car Rental Integration: Excellent integration with rental car options, often with significant bundle discounts of 15-25% when added to packages
  • Tonight-Only Deals: Special last-minute offers for same-day bookings with savings up to 50% for flexible travelers

Cons 👎

  • Mystery Element: Express Deals mean you won't know your exact hotel until after booking, which may not suit travelers with specific property preferences
  • Limited Modifications: Once booked, changes to mystery packages are often impossible or extremely expensive, with rebooking fees sometimes exceeding savings
  • Customer Service Challenges: Some users report difficulty reaching helpful customer service for complex issues, particularly regarding mystery bookings
  • Neighborhood Uncertainty: While general area is disclosed, exact hotel location within that area remains unknown until confirmation

#5 Travelocity: Established Reliability with Gnome Guarantee

📍 Headquartered: Dallas, TX

woman checking Travelocity for deals on her phone
Deals at your fingertips! Image courtesy of Travelocity.

Travelocity emphasizes reliability and customer service with their famous "Roaming Gnome" guarantee. While not always the cheapest option, they prioritize dependable service with comprehensive 24/7 support. Their established airline and hotel partnerships often translate to better amenities and proactive travel communications for peace-of-mind focused travelers.

Pros 👍

  • Customer Service Excellence: Industry-leading customer support with 24/7 availability and high satisfaction ratings, consistently ranking in top 3 for travel customer service
  • Price Guarantee: Strong price matching policies and guarantees provide confidence in booking decisions, with automatic monitoring for price drops
  • Comprehensive Packages: Well-rounded vacation packages that include thoughtful extras like airport transfers and destination guides
  • Established Partnerships: Long-standing relationships with hotels and airlines often translate to better service, room upgrades, and priority check-in
  • User-Friendly Interface: Clean, intuitive website and app design makes booking straightforward for all users, with helpful comparison tools
  • Travel Alerts: Proactive communication about flight changes, weather issues, and travel disruptions via email, SMS, and app notifications

Cons 👎

  • Higher Prices: Focus on service quality often means prices are 5-15% higher than discount competitors for comparable packages
  • Limited Inventory: Smaller selection compared to mega-sites like Expedia, particularly for boutique properties and unique accommodations
  • Fewer Flash Deals: Less emphasis on daily deals and flash sales compared to other platforms, missing opportunities for spontaneous savings
  • Change Restrictions: Some package modifications require complete rebooking rather than simple changes, potentially losing favorable rates

#7 Cheap Caribbean: Caribbean & Mexico Vacation Packages 

📍 Headquartered:  Addison, TX

group of friends wearing colorful swimsuits in a hotel pool enjoying their all-inclusive Cheap Caribbean beach getaway
Cheap Caribbean specializes in all-inclusive beach vacations, whether you’re booking a family, solo, or group trip. Image courtesy of Cheap Caribbean.

 Cheap Caribbean is a company for beach bums, by beach bums. Since 2000, they’ve been proudly making travelers’ tropical daydreams come true with all inclusive getaways in Mexico and the Caribbean. Their goal is to handle the logistics so you can worry less about booking flights or figuring out how to make traveling affordable and spend more time thinking about which swimsuit to pack and which drink to order first at the swim-up bar!

Pros 👍

  • Discounts and programs based on profession: Certain professions like teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and military members can take advantage of additional savings, and Cheap Caribbean makes it easy. 
  • Budget Beach Finder makes it easy to compare prices: Instead of keeping a million tabs open as you search for your next beach getaway, you can use Cheap Caribbean’s Budget Beach Finder tool to compare all dates and destinations in a single search, helping you find the right vacation package for you.

Cons 👎

  • Limited destination options: As the name suggests, Cheap Caribbean focuses primarily on Caribbean destinations. They also offer some options in Mexico as well as U.S. beaches.
  • AI Vacation Planning assistant “Shelly”:  We’re all for tech that makes your life easier, but some things require a human touch. Shelly can be helpful for the planning phase, but we are a little concerned that adopting AI support means it will become harder and harder to reach a human customer care rep when you need to.

#8 Gate 1: Escorted Tours, River Cruises, and Vacation Packages

📍 Headquartered: Ft Washington, PA

experienced tour manager holding Gate1 Travel sign in front of Petra
Gate1 was founded by a former tour guide and places a high priority on choosing the right people to lead their experiences. Image courtesy of Gate 1 Travel.

Founded in 1981, Gate 1 Travel has over 45 years of experience in guiding travelers through unforgettable destinations around the globe. Originally offering tours to Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Greece, and Turkey, the company has been busy expanding over the last four decades and now proudly offers thousands of tours across all seven continents. 

Pros 👍

  • Around the clock support: Travelers can contact Gate 1’s emergency support line 24/7 via phone, text message, or WhatsApp at 215-572-7676.
  • Focus on affordability: After four decades of tour organization, Gate 1 has relationships with local vendors that allow them to snag great deals and pass the savings on to their travelers. 
  • See the big sights: Gate 1 tours prioritize centrally located accommodations, making it easy to access the must-see sights at your destination. 
  • Expert tour guides: All tours and river cruises include the services of a hand-picked destination expert who is there to provide practical day-to-day guidance as well as knowledge and information about your destination throughout the trip
  • ‍

Cons 👎

  • Semi-DIY travel arrangements: Gate 1 makes it easy to plan trips originating from several major travel hubs. However, they don’t handle coordinating an extra flight from your city to the travel hub where your tour departs, which can make the first and last leg of the trip a headache.  
  • Not a lot of solo time: This may be a pro or con depending on what you’re looking for in a trip, but Gate 1 rolls the price of excursions into your package. On the one hand, it’s convenient. On the other, you’re locked into spending the majority of your travel time with a group of 20-25 people if you want to get everything you paid for. 
  • Locked into touristy areas: While many guides have detailed knowledge of their tour areas and show you the “hidden” gems, it’s really hit or miss. The official agenda tends to heavily features tourist shopping areas.
  • Surprise fees: Several reviews of Gate 1 Travel recommend taking screen shots of every receipt and summary of services because they ended up receiving surprise fees after booking. 

#9 Apple Vacations: All-Inclusive Specialists

📍 Headquartered: Newtown Square, PA

book lying open on a beach thanks to an all-inclusive Apple Vacations
Feel the sand in your toes with this pick! Image courtesy of Apple Vacations.

Apple Vacations specializes in all-inclusive resort packages across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Hawaii with over 50 years of experience. Their expertise in resort destinations and exclusive property relationships make them ideal for hassle-free beach vacations. Charter flight options and resort credits enhance the all-inclusive experience for groups and couples alike.

Pros 👍

  • All-Inclusive Expertise: Unmatched knowledge and selection of all-inclusive resorts across popular beach destinations, with relationships at over 300 properties
  • Exclusive Packages: Many resorts offer special perks and amenities exclusively through Apple Vacations, including room upgrades and dining credits
  • Charter Flight Options: Direct charter flights to popular destinations often provide more convenient scheduling and departure cities not served by commercial airlines
  • Resort Credits: Packages frequently include resort credits for spa services, excursions, or dining upgrades, typically ranging from $50-300 per room
  • Group Specialists: Excellent service for wedding parties, family reunions, and other group travel needs with dedicated coordinators
  • Destination Expertise: Staff with firsthand knowledge of resorts and destinations provide valuable planning advice and insider tips

Cons 👎

  • Limited Destination Scope: Focus on all-inclusive beach destinations means fewer options for city breaks, adventure travel, or cultural experiences
  • Higher Price Points: All-inclusive packages typically require larger upfront investments of $2,000-8,000+ compared to Ă  la carte bookings
  • Less Flexibility: Resort-focused packages offer limited opportunity for independent exploration or significant itinerary changes
  • Seasonal Availability: Peak season bookings often require 6+ months advance planning, limiting spontaneous travel options

#10 Booking.com Packages: Global Reach with Local Expertise

📍 Headquartered: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Tokyo shopping district lit up at night
Nothing beats an overseas holiday! Image courtesy of Booking.com.

Booking.com has expanded beyond individual hotel bookings to offer comprehensive vacation packages leveraging their massive global inventory. With properties in virtually every destination worldwide, they combine local expertise with competitive pricing. Their platform excels in European destinations while maintaining strong coverage across all continents for travelers.

Pros 👍

  • Massive Global Inventory: Over 1.5 million properties worldwide, including unique accommodations like villas, apartments, and boutique hotels
  • No Booking Fees: Free cancellation on most bookings and no hidden fees, with transparent pricing throughout the booking process
  • Local Expertise: Strong relationships with local tour operators and activity providers, offering authentic experiences and insider access
  • Flexible Cancellation: Industry-leading cancellation policies with free changes up to 24-48 hours before arrival on most bookings
  • Genius Program: Loyalty program offering discounts of 10-20% at participating properties plus complimentary breakfast and room upgrades
  • Authentic Reviews: Extensive verified guest review system with photos helps ensure transparent property selection

Cons 👎

  • Package Complexity: Flight and hotel combinations can be complicated to modify, requiring separate changes to each component
  • Limited US Focus: Stronger in European and international markets, with fewer exclusive deals for domestic US travel
  • Customer Service Variability: Support quality can vary depending on destination and local partnerships, particularly in remote locations
  • Dynamic Pricing: Rates can fluctuate frequently, making it difficult to compare prices or secure consistent rates for group bookings

#11 Exoticaa: Online Tour Operator of All-Inclusive Value Vacation Packages

📍 Headquartered: Miami, FL 

happy customer Judy and her husband look out at Machu Picchu on a vacation package booked through Exoticaa
Snapshot by satisfied Exoticaa Travel customer Judy on a trip to Peru. Image courtesy of Exoticaa.

Exoticaa is an online tour operator, and they really lean into providing a modern tour experience with a polished user interface. Their website is easy-to-use with beautiful, updated images of destinations, and they even provide an app for travelers to make managing travel easy even when headed for international destinations. 

However many reviews raise concerns about the company’s logistic planning. Some bumps are to be expected when traveling, but frequent travelers have concerns about the way Exoticaa addresses those bumps when travelers bring them to the company’s attention.  

Pros 👍

  • Exoticaa Traveler’s App: Take your itinerary into the 21st-century with the Exoticaa app, which makes it easy to see the plan for the day ahead, get real-time updates, and contact support directly.
  • All-inclusive options: Whether you opt for a fully-escorted or self-guided package, most Exoticaa tours are all inclusive, which means the price you see includes flights, hotels, transfers, some tours, and some meals.

Cons 👎

  • Budget for a reason: Exoticaa is dedicated to keeping prices low, but sometimes that comes at the cost of convenience. You may encounter less than ideal flight schedules, lower quality accommodations, and logistic headaches during transfers and tours.
  • Spotty customer service: Travelers have easy around-the-clock access to customer service representatives, but many reviewers report receiving unsatisfactory support from those reps when reaching out with issues.
  • Poor communication: During issues with flight delays, layovers, and transfers, Exoticaa is not always proactive or responsive to customer issues and requests for support, particularly in getting to and from the destination. 
  • Excursions not included: While the base tour package does include all of your major expenses like hotels and flights, you’ll also be hit with optional excursions at the end of your booking process. Basic tours are included, but you’ll miss out on major sights if you don’t take advantage of the a la carte excursion booking… which can quickly drive the price up hundreds of dollars over the advertised bargain price (or even thousands, for longer tours).

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right vacation package site depends on your travel style, budget, and priorities. Great Value Vacations leads our list for their combination of affordability and independent travel focus, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want professional planning without premium prices. Established giants like Expedia and Costco Travel offer reliability and extensive options, while Priceline appeals to flexible travelers willing to embrace mystery for significant savings. For all-inclusive beach getaways, Apple Vacations remains unbeatable with their resort expertise and exclusive partnerships.

Consider your specific needs, whether that's budget constraints, destination preferences, service level expectations, or the degree of flexibility you require. Read the fine print carefully, understand cancellation policies, and consider travel insurance regardless of which platform you choose. The vacation package industry continues evolving with new technology and changing traveler expectations, making 2026 an excellent time to explore these comprehensive booking solutions.

‍

Originally published 8/26/2025. Last updated 2/3/2026.

Posted 
Feb 3, 2026
 in 
Life
 category