Cheap holidays

If you’re looking to book your summer getaway for next year then look no further, as the cheapest holiday destination has been revealed and it’s a stunning Spanish region

A popular Spanish region with white sand beaches and pristine blue water has been named as the cheapest summer holiday destination for 2026.

As we look to book our summer getaways for next year, Which? has compared the prices of 5,393 package holidays from Jet2holidays and easyJet Holidays to reveal the most affordable options. This was based on a seven-night stay, including flights, departing around August 2, with two people sharing a room with various board types.

Following their extensive research, the experts found that Costa Blanca, along Spain’s Mediterranean coastline, was the most budget-friendly option for a holiday deal next year. For a stay in Costa Blanca during the height of summer, Which? discovered that it would cost, on average, £864 per person for a seven-night package.

This is partly due to its popular and affordable seaside resort of Benidorm, which has often been dubbed the ‘New York of the Mediterranean’ or the ‘Spanish Las Vegas’. Benidorm is undeniably appealing with its sprawling golden sand beaches and turquoise waters, while its cheap drinks, lively nightlife, family entertainment and towering buildings only add to its unique allure.

In its research, Which? found that Benidorm offered some of the cheapest holidays from £535 per person for a week’s self-catering at the two-star Playamar apartments. Meanwhile, an all-inclusive option at the four-star Flamingo Beach Resort, featuring three outdoor pools, would cost £886pp with EasyJet Holidays.

But there’s much more to Costa Blanca than Benidorm, with quieter Spanish areas away from the tourist crowds. One option is the charming and picturesque hilltop town of Altea, offering sensational views over the Mediterranean, with room-only options available for £ 1,033 per person at the luxurious five-star SH Villa Gadea.

Costa Blanca was the only destination Which? found to be less than £900 for a week’s stay in August. Elsewhere in the research, the second most affordable package holiday was revealed as Tuscany, nestled in the heart of Italy.

Tuscany is renowned for its rolling hills, Renaissance masterpieces, and iconic cities such as Florence, Siena, and Pisa. A week-long stay in this captivating Italian region would set you back £929 per person, inclusive of flights and accommodation.

Coming in third on the list of budget-friendly summer escapes is the breathtaking Agadir coast in Morocco, famed for its expansive sandy beaches and status as a prime resort destination. With an abundance of accommodation choices along the coastline, centred around beach days, a stay here would amount to £946pp.

According to Which?, six of the top ten cheapest holiday destinations for 2026 are located in Spain, with Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria among them. Additionally, Zante in Greece, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, lush landscapes and vibrant nightlife, also secured a spot in the top 10.

Here are the cheapest package holiday destinations for 2026, as outlined by Which? The results show the average price, per person, for a seven-night package stay.

1. Costa Blanca, Spain – £864
2. Tuscany, Italy – £929
3. Agadir coast, Morocco – £946
4. Dalaman area, Turkey – £1,048
5. Tenerife, Canary Islands – £1,073
6. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – £1,119
7. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands – £1,121
8. Costa Brava, Spain – £1,125
9. Costa Dorada, Spain – £1,133
10. Zante, Greece – £1,142

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Often dubbed ‘Europe’s answer to Hawaii’, this region boasts dramatic landscapes, volcanic black sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for a winter getaway

With darker evenings drawing in and temperatures plummeting, it’s little wonder many Brits are fantasising about a sunshine escape to welcome in the new year. While countless warm destinations lie within easy reach for a lavish winter retreat, there’s one particular gem that’s earned the nickname “Europe’s answer to Hawaii” – and return flights start from a mere £40.

Nestled off Africa’s northwest coast and celebrated for its subtropical climate, is Madeira, in the Portuguese region. This volcanic archipelago consists of four islands, with Madeira being the principal one, and showcases striking scenery featuring mountain peaks, natural lava swimming spots, distinctive sandy shores and sparkling azure seas.

READ MORE: Virgin Atlantic launching flights to ‘world’s best destination for millennials’ in 2026

January proves an excellent month to explore this Portuguese paradise, with daytime temperatures climbing to a pleasant 19C. Historical records from January 2025 reveal Madeira even hit highs of 23C, while summer months can deliver balmy 28C conditions.

Thanks to its breathtaking volcanic landscape, mild climate and lush greenery, it’s unofficially crowned ‘Europe’s answer to Hawaii’, positioning it as an ideal winter getaway. Better still, travellers can snap up direct return flights from London Stansted to Madeira starting at just £40 with Ryanair throughout January, as shown on Skyscanner.

READ MORE: Best destinations where it’s hot and sunny in January, February and March

Madeira is home to some truly stunning beaches, many of which are adorned with unique pebbles or volcanic black sand, making them a must-visit. Among these is Praia Formosa, the largest beach in the capital, Funchal, and Seixal Beach, renowned for its soft, volcanic sand and dramatic backdrop of verdant cliffs.

Further afield, there’s Porto Moniz, famed for its extraordinary natural lava rock pools, and an ideal spot for a swim, or Machico Beach, with its golden sands and tranquil, turquoise waters. Another favourite is the breathtaking Complexo Balnear do Lido in Funchal, where you can take a dip in two seawater pools that gaze out over the majestic ocean.

READ MORE: ‘We’ve ditched the UK for Thailand by selling everything we owned’

Beyond the beaches, Madeira offers plenty more to explore. The capital, Funchal, boasts historical allure, serene botanical gardens, and bustling markets, while the Zona Velha district features quaint cobbled streets and charming independent shops. Come evening, it transforms into a lively hub, with bars and restaurants offering outdoor terraces perfect for watching the sunset over the North Atlantic Ocean.

Venture around the island, and you’ll find waterfalls to discover, world-class wine to taste, and boat tours to take, offering the chance to marvel at whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. While summer is often the prime time to spot these magnificent creatures, visitors have been known to catch sight of them earlier in the year.

The island is also a haven for hiking enthusiasts, with one of its most frequented trails being the cliffside path of Ponta de São Lourenço at the easternmost tip. The hike spans just under four miles and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete along some uneven terrain, but the reward is breathtaking panoramic views across Madeira.

Another trail at Pico do Arieiro takes you to one of the island’s highest peaks, standing at an altitude of 1,818 metres. Although it’s a more strenuous hike, it offers a prime opportunity to soak in the stunning green mountain vistas, and there’s a shuttle bus available for the descent.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The cheapest destinations for package holidays in summer 2026 have been revealed, with five Spanish getaways making the list, with a seven-night stay starting from £864 per person

As we near the end of 2025, there’s no better time to think about booking your sun-soaked getaway for next year, and some popular holiday hotspots have been revealed as the cheapest.

Whether you’re dreaming of a well-deserved trip under the Mediterranean sun on a golden sand beach or time spent wandering around European streets soaking up a city’s vibrant culture, there’s a bundle of desirable holiday destinations on offer. In a bid to help you choose your next getaway, the experts at Which? have revealed the 10 cheapest destinations to book for a package holiday for the summer of 2026.

For the results, they compared the prices of 5,393 package holidays from Jet2holidays and easyJet Holidays. This was based on a seven-night stay, including flights, departing on or around August 2, with two people sharing a room with various board types.

The winner

With its white-sand beaches and sprawling resorts, Which? found Costa Blanca along Spain’s Mediterranean coastline as the cheapest option for a package for next year. Known as the White Coast, it boasts popular resorts like Benidorm, Alicante, and Altea, each offering its own unique allure.

For a stay in Costa Blanca during the peak of summer, Which? found that it would cost, on average, £864 per person for a seven-night package. This was the only destination they found to be less than £900 for a week’s stay in August.

The second-cheapest package holiday was to Tuscany in central Italy, famed for its rolling hills, Renaissance art, and cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa. A week’s stay in the gorgeous Italian region would cost £929pp per week, including flights and accommodation – what’s not to love?

This is in stark contrast to the Italian region of Sardinia, which would cost around £1,508pp for the same stay, saving you a whopping £579. Tuscany is said to be more affordable due to its wide range of accommodations available, from self-catering to bed-and-breakfast, room-only, as well as all-inclusive and full-board packages.

Ranked as the third cheapest for a summer getaway was the stunning Agadir coast in Morocco, known for its sprawling sand beaches and as a major resort destination. With plenty of accommodation options along the coast, with beach days at its core, a stay here would cost £946pp.

Following the research from Which? they found that six of the cheapest holiday hotspots for 2026 were in Spain, with Tenerife, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria also on the list. Elsewhere, Zante in Greece, with its pristine blue waters, fruity landscapes and lively nightlife, also made the top 10.

Here are the cheapest package holiday destinations for 2026, as outlined by Which? The results show the average price, per person, for a seven-night package stay.

1. Costa Blanca, Spain – £864
2. Tuscany, Italy – £929
3. Agadir coast, Morocco – £946
4. Dalaman area, Turkey – £1,048
5. Tenerife, Canary Islands – £1,073
6. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands – £1,119
7. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands – £1,121
8. Costa Brava, Spain – £1,125
9. Costa Dorada, Spain – £1,133
10. Zante, Greece – £1,142

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Brits looking for cheap holidays in 2026 may want to check out Loveholidays latest deals which includes some winter sun breaks under £150pp in January and February

January can be a gloomy month, and it helps to have something to look forward to. If you’re looking for an inexpensive break in early 2026, loveholidays currently have a sale on that includes winter sun escapes for less than £150 per person.

The bargains on offer include short breaks to Portugal, Malta, and sunny southern Spain, with dates between January and March. While you may not get the same intense heat as the summer, these are great spots to enjoy sunny days and mild spring weather.

These bargain breaks could even be the perfect last-minute gift for those difficult to buy for people who already have everything they need. Loveholidays are also offering packages with deposits from £19 per person and pay monthly plans.

Here are some of the package deals on offer for those dreaming of winter sun in the New Year.

Algarve, Portugal

Portugal’s Algarve can be packed during the summer, but early in the year it’s much more peaceful and laidback. Mild days reach about 16C in January and February, and you’ll enjoy six hours of sunshine to top up your vitamin D. While there can be rain, it’s generally short showers that pass quickly.

Loveholidays’ current Portugal offers include four nights at Muthu Clube Praia Da Oura, flying from London Gatwick, which comes in at £119 per person for February dates. Or there’s a package offering four nights at Vilamoura Golf Apartments, flying from East Midlands, from £129 per person in January.

Malta

The island of Malta has long been a winter sun favourite thanks to its 16C weather and five to six hours of sunshine a day in the early months of the year. Loveholidays have a package that includes four nights at Xemxija Bay Hotel in St Paul’s Bay, flying from London Gatwick, from £129pp in March.

Spring is a great time to visit Malta and enjoy its cultural attractions. Explore the historic cities of Valletta and Mdina, which include medieval buildings and fascinating museums. The island has some of the most ancient religious sites on Earth, including Ħaġar Qim, a megalithic temple complex which dates back as far as 3600–3200 BC.

Spain

Spanish resorts such as Benidorm are still buzzing in the winter months, and while it’s not usually the weather to lie on the beach, there’s still plenty of sunshine and fun to be had. Stay at the Benidorm City Olympia for four nights, flying from Manchester, from £139 per person in February.

If you prefer the quieter parts of Spain, try Costa de la Luz, which is a great place to experience authentic Andalusian culture. Coastal Cádiz has a lovely mix of sandy beaches and culture, and one offer includes four nights at Hipotels Gran Conil & Spa, flying from Bristol, priced at just £149 per person in February.

Prices are subject to availability and may change. Find more package holidays in the loveholidays sale.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

It’s never too late to book a ski trip for early next year, and there are plenty of all-inclusive package deals available across a list of desirable European destinations

Amidst the Christmas chaos, many of us start planning our trips for 2026, with skiing being one of the most popular holiday activities during the first few months of the year. However, by the time you factor in your ski pass, they can become notoriously expensive. Happily, there are four European resorts that start from just £320 per person, with everything included.

A booking website called Heidi allows travellers to search for their desired skiing package holiday with any dates or locations they prefer, bringing up the best deals. Users can also choose specific filters for a package, such as beginners, advanced, families, large ski areas, apres-ski, or opt for a short transfer.

To help holidaymakers find the best deal for booking a last-minute ski package holiday for January, Heidi has revealed their most affordable deals, including those from their most popular destinations. The packages include a three-night stay for two in January, with flights, accommodation, transfers and lift passes all included.

These are the most affordable package deals for January 2026:

1. Bansko, Bulgaria – £320pp

• Sunday, 18 January – Wednesday, 21 January
• Includes: Three nights B&B at Hotel Dzhangal, return London – Sofia flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass

2. Les Houches, France – £332pp

• Sunday, 11 January – Wednesday, 14 January
• Includes: Three nights’ accommodation at Les Campanules, return London – Geneva flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass

3. Zakopane, Poland – £342pp

• Sunday, 11 January to Wednesday, 14 January
• Includes: Three nights B&B at Hotel Nosalowy Dwór, return London – Krakow flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass

4. Arinsal, Andorra – £350pp

• Tuesday, 13 January to Friday, 16 January
• Includes: Three nights’ accommodation at Sant Gothard, return London – Barcelona flights, airport transfers, two-day ski lift pass

Heidi noted that for those who don’t want ski passes included in the package, prices are expected to be even cheaper. Travellers can also search ‘anywhere’ on the Heidi website for further deals if they’re flexible on their location.

Co-founder of Heidi, Marcus Blunt shared: “If you’re not restricted to school holidays, go skiing in January – it’s off-peak and therefore usually the cheapest time and the slopes are quieter. Snow conditions are great in January, so you can also choose from lower altitude resorts, which can be cheaper than some of the bigger, higher-altitude resorts.

“If budgets are tight, go for a long weekend or short mid-week break. It may sound obvious, but with 4 or 5 nights instead of a full week, you still get lots of skiing in, but it really brings the overall cost down. If you’re flexible with your dates, use our flexible dates search filter – you could save hundreds by flying on mid-week days versus over a weekend.

“Everyone loves a bargain, but our customers prioritise getting great value over just the lowest price. Price matters, of course, but getting the quality experience they want for their money – with flexibility, convenience, and peace of mind – matters more. That’s where Heidi helps travellers make smart choices.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com