Planning a stress-free family holiday can be a challenge, but TUI’s all-inclusive packages seemed to offer a solution for our trip to Atlantica Aegean Blue in Rhodes. In this review, I’ll share our honest TUI review of our experience, from check-in and flights to excursions and the return journey. From minor frustrations to helpful perks, here’s everything you should know if you’re considering TUI for your next family holiday.

Check-in with TUI, Outbound Flight, and Transfer to the Hotel

Our TUI experience began at Exeter Airport, where a long check-in queue revealed the need for more kiosks. Although we had already checked in online, there was no designated fast drop-off for online check-ins, so we queued with everyone else.

Once onboard, we appreciated the friendly TUI flight crew and enjoyed a smooth, spacious flight, which felt more comfortable than our last Ryanair experience. However, if you’re vegan, it’s best to bring backup food, as the only vegan option was a plant-based lasagna, which all four of us would have ordered, but they didn’t have any in stock!

Upon arrival in Rhodes, the transfer process was efficient. My TUI app provided a notification with our coach number, and two TUI reps helped direct us to the coach. The coach journey was pleasant with a friendly driver, though we had to stay alert for our hotel stop as there were multiple drop-offs and no announcements for each one. Tracking the journey on the app helped us know when to get off.

TUI Welcome Meeting at the Hotel

On our first proper day in Greece, as we had arrived in the evening, we met the TUI hotel rep. The welcome meeting at Atlantica Aegean Blue was brief but informative, lasting only about 10 minutes. We were introduced to the TUI app and the hotel’s app, both handy resources for all the information we needed during our stay. We learned about local excursions, and the rep offered a 10% discount for booking more than one trip through TUI, which was a nice surprise.

Although we didn’t need to use their services again, there were TUI representatives available at the hotel every day if we had any concerns. They could also be contacted 24/7 on the TUI app via a messaging service.

Read my full review of the Atlantica Aegean Blue hotel.

TUI Arranged Trips

We booked two excursions through TUI: a day trip to Chalki Island and Butterfly Valley, and the Hippo Submarine glass-bottom boat tour in Lindos. Booking was straightforward during the welcome meeting, where the TUI rep provided details and arranged easy payment by card. We received confirmation emails with all the necessary information. The coach pick-up from the hotel was prompt and comfortable, making it convenient to enjoy these trips without needing separate transport arrangements.

Read my full reviews of these TUI-arranged trips here:

• Chalki Island and Butterfly Valley TUI Trip Review
• Is it worth visiting Butterfly Valley in October when there are no butterflies?
• Hippo Submarine Boat Trip to Lindos and Navarone Bay

Returning Home: TUI Checkout Process and Inbound Flight

Two days before departure, our TUI app updated with the details of our transfer back to the airport, including collection time and coach number. At Rhodes Diagoras Airport, a TUI representative boarded the coach to direct passengers to the appropriate check-in gates based on their destination.

The check-in at Rhodes was efficient, with numerous desks open, and we breezed through the process without queuing. This was a vast improvement over the lengthy wait we had experienced at Exeter! Despite the airport’s busyness at Rhodes once we were through security, we’d never guessed it was so busy as the check-in and security process were impressively organised and quick.

Onboard, the TUI staff were as friendly as before, but once again, vegan meal options were lacking. Only one vegan lasagna was available, which our children had to share. TUI, if you’re listening, please consider offering more plant-based meal options on flights!

TUI Review Final Thoughts: Would We Book with TUI Again?

Overall, our experience with TUI was positive. Their organised approach, smooth processes, and attention to convenience made our family holiday easier and largely stress-free—exactly what we wanted. We’d certainly consider booking with TUI again for another package holiday if we need a similar hassle-free experience. However, we’re not sure we’d book an all-inclusive or this type of package deal again, due to personal preferences (you can find out why in my hotel review). That said, we have very few complaints about TUI’s service at all—we’d just have loved to see a wider selection of vegan in-flight meal options and a speedy check-in service at Exeter!

Read my Rhodes family travel diary to see what we did each day!

Before you go

Have you booked a holiday with TUI or visited Rhodes with your family? Share your experiences in the comments below—whether it’s about TUI flights, transfers, or excursions, your insights can help other readers make the most of their trips!

Not sure about Rhodes in the autumn? Here are 10 reasons to visit Rhodes in October and what the weather is like in Rhodes in October.

For more on our adventures, don’t miss our full review of Atlantica Aegean Blue and local walks to catch a sunset at Kolymbia Harbour as well as a hike up Tsambika Mountain from White Rock Beach.

Ever wondered why there are many unfinished houses in the Greek Islands? I explore the reasons why in my blog post why are there so many empty buildings in Rhodes.