Low Deposit Holidays with GoToBeach
How our £30pp deposit works, when flight costs are paid, and when your remaining balance is due
The short version
GoToBeach offers low deposits from £30 per person on many holidays. However, if your holiday is built as a dynamic package, the flight element must normally be paid in full at the time of booking, because airline seats are live-priced and secured immediately. This means your first payment will usually be: £30 per person deposit + the full cost of the flights. The remaining balance for the hotel, transfers and any other package elements is usually payable 8 weeks before departure, unless your booking confirmation states otherwise.
On this page
What “low deposit” means
Our low deposit option is designed to make it easier to secure your holiday without paying the full balance immediately. For many GoToBeach holidays, the holiday deposit starts from £30 per person.
However, it is important to understand exactly what this means. A low deposit does not always mean that the only amount payable today is £30 per person. If your booking includes live-priced flights as part of a dynamic package, the flight element is usually paid in full at the time of booking.
The usual dynamic package first payment
For many dynamic package bookings, your first payment will normally be:
£30 per person deposit + the full cost of the flights
The rest of the package balance is then usually payable 8 weeks before departure, unless your booking confirmation states otherwise.
Why dynamic package flights are paid upfront
GoToBeach uses dynamic packaging for many holidays. This means your holiday is built using live flight, hotel and transfer availability for your exact dates, airport and destination.
Airline seats are not normally held at a quoted fare until they are booked and paid for. Once you decide to confirm, the flight is secured immediately. Because the airline requires payment for the flight element at that point, the flight cost is normally collected in full at the time of booking.
This protects the live airfare and secures the seats for your selected passengers. It also means the flight element may be subject to the airline’s own fare rules, including cancellation, amendment, baggage and seat selection conditions.
If your holiday is not built as a dynamic package, or if a specific supplier arrangement allows different payment terms, your first payment may be different. The exact amount payable today is always shown before you confirm.
Example payment breakdown
The example below is for illustration only. Your actual payment schedule depends on your destination, travel dates, airline, hotel, supplier terms and booking confirmation.
Example: two adults booking a dynamic package holiday
| Item | Example amount | When payable |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | £30 per person x 2 = £60 | At booking |
| Flight cost | Example: £420 total | At booking |
| Initial payment | £480 total | At booking |
| Remaining package balance | Hotel, transfers and any other package balance | Usually 8 weeks before departure |
In this example, the customer does not pay only £60 today. Because the booking is a dynamic package, the customer pays the £60 deposit plus the full flight cost at the time of booking.
When the remaining balance is due
For many GoToBeach holidays, the remaining package balance is payable 8 weeks before departure. This remaining balance normally covers the hotel, transfers and any other package elements not already paid in full at the time of booking.
Your exact balance due date and payment schedule will be shown on your booking confirmation. If your departure date is within 8 weeks, or if any supplier requires earlier full payment, a larger payment or full payment may be required at the time of booking.
| Booking situation | Typical payment position | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic package booked more than 8 weeks before departure | £30pp deposit + full flight cost at booking; remaining balance usually 8 weeks before departure | Exact payment schedule is shown before confirmation. |
| Booking within 8 weeks of departure | Full payment may be required at booking | Short-notice bookings often require immediate full settlement. |
| Non-refundable or special-rate hotel | Higher initial payment may be required | Supplier terms determine payment and cancellation conditions. |
| Extras added after booking | Usually payable when added | Examples: baggage, seat selection, private transfer upgrade or special equipment. |
What your first payment secures
Your first payment secures the confirmed elements of your booking according to the supplier terms shown at the time of booking. In a typical dynamic package, this means:
- Your selected flight seats are booked and paid for
- Your hotel booking is secured according to the rate and supplier terms
- Your transfer arrangements, where included, are added to the package
- Your ATOL-protected flight-inclusive package is confirmed where shown on your ATOL Certificate
- Your remaining payment schedule is set out on your booking confirmation
After booking, check your confirmation carefully. Names, travel dates, flight times, hotel, room type, board basis, baggage and transfer details should all be reviewed as soon as you receive your documents.
Changes, cancellation and non-refundable costs
Low deposit does not mean all parts of the booking are refundable. This is especially important with dynamic packages, because airlines often charge immediately and many airline fares are non-refundable or only partly refundable.
If you cancel after booking, cancellation charges are calculated according to the terms that apply to each part of your package. In many cases, the flight cost may be non-refundable from the time of booking. Hotel and transfer cancellation terms vary by supplier, date and rate type.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
ATOL protection and low deposit payment terms do not replace travel insurance. If you need to cancel for a personal reason such as illness, bereavement or another insured event, suitable travel insurance may help with non-refundable costs, depending on the policy terms. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance as soon as you book.
What to check before confirming
Before you confirm your holiday, check the payment details carefully. In particular, confirm:
- The initial payment amount due today
- Whether the booking is a dynamic package
- The full cost of the flights being paid upfront
- The remaining balance and balance due date
- Whether the remaining balance is due 8 weeks before departure or on another date
- Whether any hotel, flight, transfer or extra is non-refundable
- Whether baggage is included or needs to be added separately
- Whether your booking is ATOL protected and when your ATOL Certificate will be issued
If you are unsure how your first payment has been calculated, ask us before paying. We can explain the deposit, flight cost, remaining balance and supplier terms for your specific booking.
Linked customer information
This page explains GoToBeach low deposit and payment timing. For other parts of your booking, see also:
- Dynamic Packaging — how we build holidays using live flights, hotels and transfers.
- ATOL Protection — how financial protection works and what your ATOL Certificate means.
- Airlines and Flight Conditions — airline rules, fare classes and flight changes.
- Baggage — cabin baggage, hold luggage and baggage add-ons.
- Travel Insurance — why we strongly recommend insurance for every booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is the GoToBeach deposit really only £30 per person?
For many GoToBeach holidays, the holiday deposit starts from £30 per person. However, if your booking is a dynamic package, the flight element must normally be paid in full at the time of booking. This means your initial payment will usually be £30 per person plus the full cost of the flights. The remaining balance is then usually payable 8 weeks before departure, unless your booking confirmation states otherwise.
Why do I have to pay the flight cost upfront?
Airline seats are live-priced and normally secured only when payment is made. Once you confirm a dynamic package, the flight element is booked immediately and the airline usually requires full payment for the seats. This is why the flight cost is normally collected in full at booking.
When do I pay the remaining balance?
The remaining balance is usually payable 8 weeks before departure. Your booking confirmation shows the exact balance due date. If you book within 8 weeks of departure, or if supplier terms require earlier payment, full payment or a larger initial payment may be required at the time of booking.
What does the remaining balance usually cover?
The remaining balance usually covers the hotel, transfers and other package elements not already paid in full at booking. The flight element is normally paid upfront for dynamic packages. Your confirmation shows the payment schedule for your specific booking.
Are there payment plan fees?
GoToBeach does not normally charge an administration fee for splitting the remaining balance according to your booking confirmation. However, third-party card, bank, finance or payment provider charges may apply where relevant. Any applicable charges will be shown or explained before payment where they apply.
Can the price change after I pay the deposit?
Once your booking is confirmed, the confirmed package price is normally set, except for changes you request, optional extras you add later, supplier amendments, taxes or charges covered by your booking conditions. Before confirmation, live flight and hotel prices can change because dynamic package prices are based on live availability.
Is the flight cost refundable if I cancel?
Often not. Many airline fares used in dynamic packages are non-refundable or only partly refundable once booked. Refundability depends on the airline, fare class and ticket rules. This is why it is important to check cancellation terms before booking and arrange suitable travel insurance as soon as you book.
Can I pay the whole holiday in full?
Yes. If you prefer, you can usually pay the full package balance at the time of booking. This may be required if you are booking close to departure or if supplier terms require immediate full payment.
What happens if I miss the balance payment deadline?
If the remaining balance is not paid by the due date shown on your booking confirmation, your booking may be at risk of cancellation and cancellation charges may apply. If you think you may have difficulty paying on time, contact us as early as possible before the balance due date.
Will I receive an ATOL Certificate?
If your booking is sold and confirmed as an ATOL-protected flight-inclusive package, you will receive an ATOL Certificate showing exactly what is financially protected. Keep it with your booking documents and contact us before travel if you cannot locate it.
Need help understanding your payment schedule?
Our reservations team can explain your initial payment, flight cost, remaining balance, balance due date and any supplier terms before you confirm your booking.
Important — please read
This page provides general customer information about GoToBeach low deposit and payment arrangements. The exact amount payable at booking, the remaining balance, due dates and cancellation conditions depend on your specific booking, supplier terms, travel dates and confirmation documents.
For dynamic package bookings, the flight element is normally paid in full at the time of booking because airline seats are live-priced and secured immediately. Many flight fares are non-refundable or subject to airline amendment and cancellation conditions once booked.
The remaining balance is usually payable 8 weeks before departure unless your booking confirmation states otherwise. If your departure is within 8 weeks, or if a supplier requires earlier payment, full payment or a larger initial payment may be required at booking.
Low deposit payment terms do not replace travel insurance and do not make non-refundable costs refundable. We strongly recommend arranging suitable travel insurance as soon as you book.
General guidance only; deposit levels, payment dates, airline fare rules and supplier conditions may change. Last updated: May 2026. This page is reviewed on an annual basis or whenever a meaningful operational or supplier change makes a refresh necessary. Prepared by the GoToBeach Product Team.