£1 DOESN’T go all too far these days. Unless you’re using it to sign up to Travelzoo.
Travelzoo is a travel club that gives its members major discounts on holidays, as well as fancy airport lounge access if your flight gets delayed.
Enjoy free food and drinks inside an airport lounge instead of wandering the busy airportCredit: GettyTravelzoo connect holidaymakers with over 1,600 airport lounges when their flights are delayedCredit: Getty
Try Travelzoo for 30 days for £1
The membership usually costs £30 for a year, which is already a bargain.
But Sun readers can bag a 30 day free trial for only £1 by clicking here.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
There’s no worse feeling than looking up at the board in the airport to see your flight has been delayed, or being sat at the gate ready to board when it gets pushed back again.
Then comes the waiting game, and if you’ve ever wanted to swap those hard airport chairs for somewhere more comfortable, you’re in luck.
With Travelzoo, if your flight gets delayed by an hour or more, you’ll see airport lounge tickets pop up straight into your email inbox or via text.
Then you can simply head straight to the lounge to enjoy free Wi-Fi, somewhere to charge your phone, free food and drinks (including alcohol) as well as comfy seats.
Travelzoo are connected with the majority of airports, with access to more than 1,600 lounges across 500+ airports in 100+ countries. So if you’re just headed off on a standard holiday abroad, you’re more than likely covered.
Some locations even have showers and sleep pods, so you can freshen up or take a nap.
You can register up to three travel companions to enjoy the lounge with you, so no need to worry about splitting up your group.
So instead of sitting bored at the gate or squeezing onto a table in an expensive airport restaurant, you could treat the family to a comfy sofa with free-flowing food and drink.
Relax back into a soft chair in an airport lounge instead of trying to get comfortable at the gateCredit: Getty
Try Travelzoo for 30 days for £1
Airport lounge day passes typically cost between £30 – £40, whereas a Travelzoo membership costs £30 for an entire year.
That means just one delayed flight would justify the cost of an entire year’s membership.
Instead of blowing £30 on bottles of water, snacks and in overpriced airport shops, you could bag yourself an entire year of comfort when you most need it.
But there’s no need to pay the £30 without trialling it out first, when you can pay £1 to give Travelzoo a go for a month by clicking here.
But it’s not all about the stylish airport lounges. Travelzoo members also get access to super cheap holiday deals.
We’ve found UK breaks from£89pp, Portugal holidays from £127pp, and even an incredible 11-night River Nile cruise and hotel package for £549pp – package deals that are reserved for Travelzoo members.
One of the best deals this week is a three-night £151pp all inclusive holiday to Marrakesh including flights, staying the 4-star Aqua Mirage Club & Aqua Parc, set at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
The hotel has three swimming pools onsite, two of which are heated through winter, plus a wellness centre, tennis courts and football field.
And guests can take the daily shuttle into central Marrakesh to explore the souks and medina.
How to register for lounge access
Once you’re signed up to Travelzoo by clicking here, follow these steps:
Visit airportlounge.travelzoo.com and register your flight at least 24 hours before departure
Enter your flight number, travel date, and passenger details. You can register up to 3 travel companions on the same itinerary.
Each flight leg requires a separate registration (roundtrips and connections need individual entries).
If your flight is officially delayed by 1+ hour, you’ll automatically receive QR-code vouchers via email and text with participating lounge options.
Note: Cancelled flights or flights rescheduled to the next day do not qualify.
THE best holiday parks and resorts around the UK have been announced from luxury resorts to lakeside lodges with incredible views.
Which? has found the top stays by looking at price, accommodation, cleanliness, food and drink to value for money – so who is taking the top spot?
Some of the best holiday parks have lakeside lodges – like Keswick Reach Lodge RetreatCredit: TripAdvisorOthers like Hoburne Cotswold Reach have outdoor poolsCredit: TripAdvisor
In Hopton-on-Sea, guests can choose to stay in cosy bungalows, hotel rooms, or go all out with a stay in the Penthouse which has views over the Resort and out towards the sea.
At Five Lakes in Essex, there’s a choice of The Village, which is set within the grounds of the holiday park, hotel rooms and suites.
The holiday park came at the top of the table for recommended resorts with an average price of £87pppn.
It received five-stars for customer service, along with facilities, food and drink.
Second on Which?’s list is Hoburne Holidays which has seven resorts across the country in Dorset, Hampshire, the New Forest, Devon, the Cotswolds and Somerset.
Hoburne Park in Dorset was the very first to open in 1912 which is right by the coast and has cosy caravans and lodges.
Potters Resorts came in first place with its two resorts in Norfolk and EssexCredit: Potters Resorts Hopton on Sea
A few minutes away is the soft sandy Avon beach and further along is Mudeford Quay and Hengistbury Head.
When it comes to activities, there is a heated indoor pool, seasonal outdoor pool, adventure golf, games area, paddle boats, crafts as well as steam room sauna and a gym.
Another popular resort is in Gloucestershire, called Cotswolds Reach it has lovely lodges to settle down in – and a heated outdoor pool.
The average price starts from £63pppn and it received a customer score of 81 per cent.
Its highest star rating was in food and drink, followed by value for money, facilities, activities and entertainment, cleanliness and quality of accommodation – for which it got four-stars.
Darwin Escapes came third on the list – and some of its holiday parks have incredible lakeside lodges with mountain views.
Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat is a great spot for anyone wanting to see more of the Lake District.
There’s an on-site restaurant, spa, relaxation suite which you can book to have for yourself, a gym, and a corner shop.
Some of the self-catered, countryside-retreat style lodges have wooden beam ceilings and a woodburner with a deck to enjoy in the summer, even hot tubs.
Darwin Escapes had an average price of £50pppn with a customer score of 80 per cent – a family of four can book a lodge at Keswick Reach Lodge Retreat in November from £195 or £12.18pppn.
Dylan Coastal Resort in Wales looks over the Taf EstuaryCredit: LandalSome lodges at the Dylan Coastal Resort even have hut tubsCredit: Landal
Landal Green Parks in fourth place was also recommended by Which? and one of its most impressive holiday parks is Dylan Coastal Resort in South Wales.
The holiday lodges sit high up on a hilltop looking out over the Taf Estuary which make for very impressive views.
The lodges range from 1-4 person to six- person stays – and some with hot tubs too.
Below the holiday lodges is Milk Wood House, which is home to facilities including an infinity pool, outdoor spa area, and lots of therapy treatments.
It’s also where guests will find the bar and restaurant which can be enjoyed on one of the three terraces.
Nearby, guests can try out watersports and bouldering at Wild Lakes, explore the National Botanical Garde, n and the beautiful fishing village of Tenby.
It came fourth on the table with an average price of £58pppn and a customer score of 80 per cent.
Other well-known brands like Away Resorts were also mentioned – it came in seventh on the list with a customer score of 75 per cent.
In the last five places on the table were Center Parcs, Haven Holiday Parks, Parkdean, Butlins and Pontins.
These are the full list of the best UK holiday parks from Which?
GOING all-inclusive is CHEAPER than bed and breakfast in three popular holiday destinations, according to a new study.
Analysis of the average cost of 3H holiday prices from the beginning of June this year to the end of August found bottomless food and drink deals were actually cheaper in Malta, Egypt and Marrakech in Morocco.
Going all-inclusive is cheaper than bed and breakfast in three popular holiday destinationsCredit: GettyAn all-inclusive holiday in Marrakech is the best value compared to staying in a B&B
The new data-crunching from holiday comparison site Travel- Supermarket found the average seven-night all-inclusive holiday in Marrakech works out at £348pp — a saving of 26 per cent compared to the £479pp for B&B.
That means holidaymakers opting for the convenience of buffet dining end up paying £131 less overall while getting their meals and drinks thrown in for free.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Malta served up the next best savings, with a week eating and drinking all you want averaging £518pp compared with £565 for just your breakfast.
Egypt came in third, with non-stop catering coming in at £605pp, £9 cheaper than B&B.
The research also revealed that even if unlimited food and drink is more expensive than B&B, when you look at how much the upgrade costs, it’s little more than a couple of rounds of drinks.
The report found a week on the Thai island of Phuket costs just £15pp extra to unlock unlimited food and drink.
In Bodrum, Turkey, all-inclusive breaks were just £7 more for the week, Sri Lanka only £51, and Turkey’s Antalya area just £20 extra. Each adds about three per cent to the cost of the holiday.
But there are some destinations where it will still cost you a lot more for the convenience of non-stop food and drink.
In other locations, all- inclusive holiday would set you back more than the average B&B priceCredit: GettyNon-stop food and drinks on all-inclusive vacations is a huge perk for holidaymakersCredit: Getty
Sardinia tops the list of those where it will cost you the most, averaging £1,873pp compared to £818 for a week on B&B.
Florida also fared worse for all-inclusive, adding £1,300 to the average £1,104 B&B cost.
Cities are also not the best places for all-inclusive bargains. Athens breaks were, on average, £610 for B&B compared to £1,079 for all your food and drink, a 77 per cent increase.
While in Abu Dhabi, an all- inclusive holiday would set you back £818 more than the average B&B price of £1,148.
TravelSupermarket’s Chris Webber said: “Most people assume all-inclusive is always the pricier option, but in a handful of destinations it simply isn’t.
“At 3H level, where hotels are competing hard to fill rooms, all-inclusive is often the package they push hardest and the price reflects that.
“In Marrakech you’re paying less for a week of everything included than you would for a week of breakfast alone.
“The lesson for holidaymakers is to run both searches before booking rather than ruling all- inclusive out on price.”
Escape to Jamaica for 7 nights with a stay at the stunning 5* Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios.
12:00, 03 Sep 2026Updated 13:11, 03 Sep 2026
We’re giving Premium subscribers a chance to enjoy a luxury five-star holiday for two in Jamaica!
The lucky winner can look forward to relaxing at the five-star Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in a standard room on an All-Inclusive basis, surrounded by tropical gardens, beautiful pools and that unmistakable laid-back Jamaican atmosphere. Spend your days soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the resort’s restaurants and bars, or simply relaxing with a cocktail in hand.
The prize will also include round-trip flights from London (via Miami) as well as resort transfers to and from the airport.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the holiday of a lifetime! To enter, simply fill out your details using the form below.
This competition is open until 23:45pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
Escape to Jamaica for 7 nights with a stay at the stunning 5* Sandals Ochi in Ocho Rios.
08:00, 03 Sep 2026
We’re giving Premium subscribers a chance to enjoy a luxury five-star holiday for two in Jamaica!
The lucky winner can look forward to relaxing at the five-star Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in a standard room on an All-Inclusive basis, surrounded by tropical gardens, beautiful pools and that unmistakable laid-back Jamaican atmosphere. Spend your days soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the resort’s restaurants and bars, or simply relaxing with a cocktail in hand.
The prize will also include round-trip flights from London (via Miami) as well as resort transfers to and from the airport.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the holiday of a lifetime! To enter, simply fill out your details using the form below. This competition is open until 23:45pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
If you are unable to view the form below, please click here.
Terms and Conditions:
This competition closes at 23:45pm on Sunday, October 4, 2026. One winner will be selected at random from all submissions after the closing date and will be contacted by email within 7 days to arrange their prize. The winner has 48 hours to claim their prize. Failure to respond at this time will result in forfeiture of the prize/pick of another winner. The prize is non-transferable. The prize is a 7-night all-inclusive holiday for two to Jamaica. Flights will be from a London airport. This competition is only open to Premium/Plus/Gold Star Subscribers only. The winners’ details will be used to administer the competition and will be shared with the company’s prize fulfilment partner, Prizeshark to fulfil the prize. Prizeshark will contact the winner to further liaise on the fulfilment of the prize (please make sure all entry details provided are correct). The winners’ details (name and location) will also be published. Upon entering this competition, there is an option to opt in to receive various newsletters sent via email. If you do opt in, you will receive these newsletters in accordance with their sending schedule, for those who do not opt in to receive any email newsletters, your data will be solely used for the administration of this competition. By entering this competition, you are permitting Reach plc to use your personal data to contact you to arrange prize fulfilment only. Entry to the competition is restricted to one entry per person. Multiple entries will be disqualified. Automated entries, bulk entries or third-party entries will be disqualified. This competition is open to UK residents only. This competition is open to people over the age of 18, with the exception of employees of the promoter, their families, agents and anyone else connected with this promotion. This competition is syndicated across the following Premium Apps: Mirror+, Daily Express, Gold Star, Daily Record, MEN, Liverpool Echo, Wales Online, Chronicle Live, Birmingham Live, Belfast Live, Yorkshire Live, Bristol Live, Leicestershire Live, the Sentinel and Nottingham Post. By entering a competition, an entrant is indicating his/her agreement to be bound by these terms and conditions. Entry implies acceptance of these rules. These terms and conditions shall be governed by English law and the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes arising under these terms and conditions.
ALL-inclusive package holidays aren’t just for families squabbling over sunloungers – they also make great places for big group birthdays or stag and hen parties.
But as anyone who’s ever tried to organise one knows, finding a decent resort property that actually accepts group bookings without slapping you with ridiculous restrictions is an absolute nightmare.
Sometimes all you want on a big holiday is nearby cheap bars and huge hotel resortsCredit: On The Beach
That’s where being a Holiday Expert – like me – comes in handy.
Because I’ve studied the destinations, heard the inside track on the best deals and personally stayed in over 200 hotels across the world as a couple, solo, family and – most importantly – as part of a big group of rowdy Brits (my personal fave).
So using all that experience, I’ve found eight of the best group-friendly all-inclusive properties that give you massive value inside the hotel gates, with all of meals and drinks included to remove any arguments or maths over who is paying for dinner.
Not only that, but they put you within staggering distance of cheap local bars – and are complete with poolside sunbeds on standby, for when last night’s decisions catch up with you.
Read on for some inspiration for where to next book your mates’ holiday.
Prices correct at time of publication.
1. Dynastic Hotel, Benidorm, Spain
The Dynastic Hotel sits right in the heart of the lively Levante district of BenidormCredit: On The BeachThe hotel is a stone’s throw from the beach and surrounded by cabaret bars, sports pubs, and the legendary English SquareCredit: Getty
You don’t take a group of mates to Benidorm for a quiet retreat.
The Dynastic Hotel sits right in the heart of the lively Levante district, putting you a stone’s throw from the beach and surrounded by cabaret bars, sports pubs, and the legendary English Square.
Pints in the surrounding back-street bars are regularly advertised for as little as €1 (86p), making it an absolute goldmine for budget nights out.
And groups LOVE the Dynastic’s indoor spa and heated pool complex.
If someone in the group is suffering from a catastrophic hangover, you can retreat into the quiet, subterranean hydrotherapy circuit for a few hours to reboot before the evening session begins. Thank me later.
Muthu Clube Praia da Oura sits right on the edge of Praia da Oura beach and is literally two minutes’ walk from Albufeira’s famous StripCredit: On The BeachMuthu Clube Praia da Oura is two minutes’ walk from Albufeira’s famous StripCredit: On The Beach
If your group’s single requirement is “put us where the action is,” this is arguably the best-placed hotel on the entire list.
It sits right on the edge of Praia da Oura beach and is literally two minutes’ walk from Albufeira’s famous Strip – a neon mile of karaoke joints, sports bars and open-air clubs.
When I stayed, I’d jump into places like Wild & Co, Matt’s Bar and Liberto’s, where happy-hour cocktails can cost between €5 (£4.28) – €6 (£5.13), although head to sports bars for local beers from €3 (£2.57).
The standout feature here is that the property features a massive, elevated oceanfront sun terrace that steps directly down onto the sand.
It means you and your mates can load up on free all inclusive drinks from the pool bar and take them straight out to look over the Atlantic without spending a single euro on seafront bar prices.
The BLUESEA Montevista Hawai gives you a great pool set-up, buffet dining and multiple barsCredit: On The Beach
Lloret de Mar has been hosting big group trips for decades, and it remains one of the cheapest party enclaves in Europe – with shots in local spots frequently advertised for less than a quid.
The BLUESEA Montevista Hawai gives you a great pool set-up, buffet dining and multiple bars roughly a ten-minute stroll from the beach and main strip.
This is where where legendary late-night haunts like Disco Tropics and Moef Gaga keep things moving until sunrise.
The key perk at this hotel is its position slightly set back from the main strip noise.
You get all the rowdy benefits of Lloret’s legendary club scene by night, but the hotel courtyard itself stays remarkably calm during the day, giving your group an actual chance to sleep off the night before in peace.
And this is the cheapest deal on my entire list, because you can lock in three nights all inclusive here for just – wait for it – £175pp.
4. Las Piramides Resort, Playa de las Americas, Tenerife
Las Piramides sits right in central Las Americas within walking distance access to the Veronicas StripCredit: On The Beach
If your crew wants guaranteed sunshine paired with a proper night out, this is the move.
Las Piramides sits right in central Las Americas, surrounded by Supermercados, sports bars and walking-distance access to both the Veronicas Strip and the Starco Centre.
The intense competition between local bars means 2-for-1 drink deals and free shot tokens are everywhere.
And an underrated perk for groups staying here is the fact that you’re getting an apartment to yourselves.
Having separate living rooms and private balconies means your group has a proper central base to congregate and pre-drink before heading out, rather than trying to cram six people onto a couple of single beds in a standard hotel room.
The Qawra Palace sits right on the seafront with the waterfront pubs of Qawra and Bugibba Square stretching out right along the coastal pathCredit: On The BeachQawra Palace Resort & Spa gives your trip a high-end, luxury-resort feel for a basic budget priceCredit: On The Beach
Malta is a brilliant option for groups who want a buzzing nightlife scene without the wall-to-wall mega-club vibes in places like Ibiza.
The Qawra Palace sits right on the seafront with the waterfront pubs of Qawra and Bugibba Square stretching out right along the coastal path.
Local watering holes like Fat Harry’s Pub and the Royale Barrel Bistro run aggressive 2-for-1 happy hours and cheap pint-and-burger deals straight through the afternoon.
And I can guarantee that your group will love this hotel’s rooftop pool deck.
It gives you and your mates panoramic sea views over St Paul’s Bay while you make the most of the all inclusive bar, giving your trip a high-end, luxury-resort feel for a basic budget price.
Palma Nova in Majorca gives you a stunning beach by day, and walking-distance access to the famous party zone at nightCredit: On The BeachSol Palmanova hotel features outdoor pools, high-energy daytime sports activities, and a massive buffet footprintCredit: On The Beach
Palma Nova in Majorca gives you the ultimate group compromise: a stunning beach by day, and walking-distance access to the famous party zone in neighbouring Magaluf by night.
And the Sol Palmanova hotel features outdoor pools, high-energy daytime sports activities and a massive buffet footprint to fuel up before a night out.
The killer feature for groups here is the hotel’s special late-breakfast service.
Unlike standard rigid hotels that shut their morning buffets at 9.30am sharp, the schedule here caters brilliantly to late risers.
So nobody in your group has to miss out on hot food just because they stayed out past 3am…
The Ponient Dorada Palace sits a short walk from the main nightlife drag along Avinguda de Carles BuïgasCredit: On The BeachSalou flips into a massive party hub after darkCredit: On The Beach
While Salou is famous for theme parks by day, the resort flips into a massive party hub after dark.
With over 250 bars and 11 nightclubs packed into the resort, pint prices sit comfortably under £3.
The Ponient Dorada Palace sits a short walk from the main nightlife drag along Avinguda de Carles Buïgas, where spots like Danny Boy Irish Bar, Chaplins and Tropical Salou keep the energy high.
And this is another hotel with a rooftop pool section – only this time it’s adults-only.
It’s also equipped with loungers and a private bar, allowing your group to escape the family noise at the main pool deck and enjoy a sunbathing session overlooking the town.
8. BLUESEA Los Fiscos, Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
BLUESEA Los Fiscos sits elevated just above the historic Old TownCredit: On The BeachThe poolside bar terrace gives the group sweeping views straight out across the Atlantic Ocean.Credit: On The Beach
Puerto del Carmen is perfect for groups who want a buzzing atmosphere centred around live-music pubs, sports bars, and tavernas rather than multi-storey nightclubs.
BLUESEA Los Fiscos sits elevated just above the historic Old Town, putting you within an easy downhill stroll of both the harbour bars and the lively Avenida de las Playas strip.
Because the poolside bar terrace is all inclusive, sure, but also gives the group sweeping views straight out across the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s an unbeatable spot to grab your free all inclusive afternoon drinks while watching the boats come into the marina below.
Perhaps a hotel for the more sophisticated groups among us… If they’re out there?
AUGUST is traditionally seen as the sacred month for the big family holiday.
But a growing number of savvy parents are taking one look at the summer holiday mark-ups and deciding that October half-term will do very nicely instead.
Visit The Algarve in October for a holiday that is 33% cheaper than visiting in August – and still a sunny 23°CCredit: Getty
When I dug into the data, I spotted a huge trend among families who originally searched for an August getaway but ultimately booked October instead.
The maths is simple: lower package prices, far better hotel availability and no daily battles for the final poolside lounger.
In the Mediterranean and North Africa, the heat becomes significantly more bearable too – still plenty warm enough for swimming, but without feeling as though you’re stepping into an industrial oven every time you leave the air-conditioned lobby.
So, I crunched the numbers and mapped out seven major hotspots where families are saving up to a third on their bill by choosing October over August. Here’s where the smart money is going…
7. Hurghada, Egypt – 12.4% cheaper
October half-term holidays to Hurghada are about 12% cheaper than peak August holsCredit: Getty
Even the smallest saving on our list leaves a serious amount of cash back into your bank account.
October half-term packages to Hurghada are around 12% cheaper than peak August departures and, if I’m honest, the autumn weather is far better suited to children.
Hurghada in August is brutally hot – the pavement turns walking barefoot around the pool into an interpretive dance – whereas October serves up comfortable temperatures of 32°C and a sea that sits at a balmy 27°C.
You can book five nights all-inclusive at the four-star Royal Lagoons Aqua Park Resort & Spa from £625pp, based on a family of four flying on 27 October.
This hotel’s brilliant too, with its private lagoon beach set-up.
They run a free, continuous pontoon-boat shuttle straight to its private stretch of sand, giving you access to a world-class snorkelling spot away from the busier public beaches.
Book a holiday: Hurghada
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Royal Lagoons Aqua Park Resort & Spa from 27 October, with return flights, for £625pp.
Visit Antalya in October for savings and 26°C temperaturesCredit: Alamy
Antalya was the runaway favourite among families switching from August to October, accounting for 14% of all our autumn switchers, and a 20.2% price drop explains why.
For a family of four or five, taking a fifth off the total package price saves hundreds of pounds instantly.
The intense August heat gives way to a perfect 26°C, keeping the sea warm enough for swimming while making local day trips much more enjoyable.
I spotted five nights at the four-star, all-inclusive Sun Star Beach Hotel in Alanya from £405pp, based on a family of four departing from London Gatwick on 25 October.
The location of this hotel isn’t right on the beach, but its underground beach tunnel takes care of that problem for families.
It leads directly from the main pool deck, beneath the coastal road and straight onto the sand, meaning you don’t have to navigate busy resort traffic with toddlers in tow.
Book a holiday: Antalya
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Sun Star Beach Hotel from 25 October, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £405pp.
Holiday Expert Rob found a package holiday to Majorca for a family of four for £340ppCredit: Getty
Nearly 1 in 10 families making the seasonal switch chose Majorca, securing a huge 22.9% saving compared with August prices.
Majorca remains a stress-free staple because it’s familiar, the flights are short and the resorts are purpose-built for effortless parenting.
October temperatures average a comfortable 24°C, which is ideal for beach days without the suffocating peak-summer humidity.
I tracked down five nights at the four-star Hotel Mariant Park in S’Illot from £340pp, based on a family of four flying directly from East Midlands Airport on 25 October on an all-inclusive basis.
The standout perk at this property is its location between two beaches – you’re a flat, three-minute walk from both S’Illot and Sa Coma beaches, giving you easy access to sheltered, shallow water for young paddlers.
Book a holiday: Majorca
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Hotel Mariant Park from 25 October, with return flights from East Midlands Airport, for £340pp.
Visit Costa Dorada in October for 23°C temperatures, much more manageable than 35°C August heatCredit: Getty
Ditching August for October in the Costa Dorada cuts holiday costs by almost 26%.
This region is a huge hit with children because it combines golden beaches with Spain’s biggest theme park, PortAventura World.
October brings the daytime temperature down to a comfortable 23°C, which is infinitely better for walking around a theme park all day than queueing in 35°C August heat.
You can get five nights all-inclusive at the 4-star Ohtels Les Oliveres in El Perelló from £268pp, based on a family of four flying directly from London Stansted on 25 October.
And this hotel’s great for families in October with its huge indoor heated pool and spa area, giving you a built-in, weatherproof back-up plan if you get a cooler autumn afternoon.
Book a holiday: Costa Dorada
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Ohtels Les Oliveres from 25 October, with return flights from London Stansted, for £268pp.
Costa Blanca holidays work out 26% cheaper in October than during the peak summer periodCredit: Getty
Tied for the second-biggest saving on our radar is the Costa Blanca, where an October half-term holiday is a huge 26% cheaper than during the peak summer period.
On a typical £3,000 summer booking, that saving keeps almost £800 in your pocket.
Flight times from the UK are short, transfer options are effortless and competition among local resorts keeps hotel prices fiercely competitive.
I found five nights at the three-star Port Denia Hotel from £318pp, for a family of four staying all-inclusive too, with flights from London Stansted on 25 October.
And the top feature here is its location at the foot of Montgó Natural Park.
You get a quiet, tree-lined pool setting just 50 metres from La Marineta Cassiana beach, giving you a calm, shallow bay for young children without the noise of a high-rise resort.
Book a holiday: Costa Blanca
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Port Denia Hotel from 25 October, with return flights from London Stansted, for £318pp.
Both the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca are 26% cheaper to visit in October than in AugustCredit: Alamy
Matching the Costa Blanca with a 26% saving is the Costa del Sol.
In August, these resorts are packed to capacity and carry a hefty peak-season price-spike.
By October, the crowds have dispersed, the temperature has cooled to an easy 23°C and exploring nearby places such as Malaga or Marbella is an absolute breeze.
I found five nights all-inclusive at the four-star Bakour Oh Nice Costa del Sol in Estepona from £315pp, for a family of four flying directly from East Midlands Airport.
And, for me, what makes this place a brilliant base is its traditional, low-rise Andalusian village layout.
The rooms are spread across quiet, subtropical garden courtyards rather than housed in a sterile hotel block, giving families plenty of space to relax. Bliss.
Book a holiday: Costa del Sol
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Bakour Oh Nice Costa del Sol from 25 October, with return flights from East Midlands Airport, for £315pp.
Holiday Expert Rob found an all inclusive holiday to Albufeira for £355pp in OctoberCredit: Getty
Taking the crown for the biggest seasonal saving is the Algarve, where families can cut their package bill by a staggering 33% simply by moving their holiday to October.
August is peak season in southern Portugal, driving hotel rates through the roof.
By autumn, those same clifftop resorts have cut their prices by a third while still offering temperatures of 23°C and peaceful beaches.
You can book five nights at the four-star Muthu Clube Praia da Oura in Albufeira from £355pp, based on a family of four flying from Bristol on 25 October and, once again, this deal is all-inclusive.
The ultimate insider perk at this property is its direct, private sloping access to Praia da Oura beach.
You can step straight out of the tropical pool gardens and onto the golden sand, bypassing the steep coastal steps that usually make beach trips with buggies a nightmare.
Book a holiday: the Algarve
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night all-inclusive stay at Muthu Clube Praia da Oura from 25 October, with return flights from Bristol, for £355pp.
