Cheap holidays

Important message for anyone with a package holiday booked

Travel expert Simon Calder has shared important advice for anyone with a package holiday booked, as people are being urged to act ‘as soon as possible’. His message comes ahead of the peak travel season, and as new research by Citizens Advice has revealed that four million people have faced issues with their package holiday over the last year.

On today’s (June 8) episode of ITV’s Good Morning Britain, TV host Kate Garraway spoke to correspondent Nick Dixon about the findings. He said: “The complaints that we’ve been hearing about were involving all-inclusive holidays, with many saying they just didn’t ultimately match up to the glossy brochures we see online, or indeed at the travel agents.

“Citizens Advice say that they found 33% of holiday-related complaints ultimately were about things like poor quality hotels, bad food, facilities being unavailable as well – 19% down to customer service.” He added: “Things like long waits on the phone, complaints ignored and administration errors, and 25% of complaints ultimately led to stress, anxiety or upset.

“And if your dream holiday does turn into a wee bit of a nightmare, there are steps you can take… Many of us with these kinds of complaints about our holidays end up trying to fight for compensation, which is why it is so important to keep a record of everything just in case to have any chance of getting money back.”

British travel journalist and broadcaster Simon Calder then spoke to viewers, sharing a crucial message for those with a package holiday, especially if they encounter problems during their trip. He urged holidaymakers to act ‘immediately’.

He said: “If you get to your destination and things aren’t right, maybe there’s a problem with your room, maybe the facilities are simply not as described, then you have to give the travel company immediate notice and allow them the opportunity to sort things out.”

How can I claim compensation for a holiday?

Reporting a problem right away is a legal concept called “mitigating your losses”. If you don’t allow the travel provider to address the room or facilities issue while you’re there, you could really hurt your chances of receiving a full refund or compensation.

Citizens Advice says: “If you’re still on holiday, tell the company or travel agent about the problem as soon as possible. You might be able to get it sorted quicker – like if there’s a problem with the room. If you don’t say anything until you get home, you might get less compensation or none at all.”

The person you need to contact depends on how you arranged your holiday. If you went for a package holiday, reach out to the customer service team of the tour operator you chose.

However, if you organised it yourself or set up a linked travel arrangement, you should contact the accommodation or service provider directly, such as the hotel or the company offering excursions. Make sure you include:

• your booking reference
• clear details of what went wrong
• copies any evidence you have – like photos
• copies of receipts
• how much compensation you want

Citizens Advice adds: “It’s a good idea to send the letter by registered post and keep a copy, so you have proof that the holiday company received it. You can also email them – some of them have online forms. Keep a copy of what you send. If the company makes you an offer that you think is too low, you can ask for more. They might come back to you with a higher offer.”

Expiry dates aren’t the only passport detail holidaymakers need to check before flying – another overlooked rule could derail your travel plans

Preparing for a trip abroad can be stressful enough. From making sure you’ve packed everything you need to checking airport liquid restrictions and ensuring your passport is still valid, there is plenty for holidaymakers to think about before they travel.

However, some holidaymakers could face an unwelcome surprise at check-in even if their document have months to years left before it expires.

This relates to the number of blank pages remaining in a passport. While many people focus on expiry dates, some countries require visitors to have one, two or even more completely blank pages available for entry stamps or visa stickers.

Travel experts warn that passengers who fail to meet these requirements could be denied boarding by airlines or refused entry on arrival.

Airlines are often responsible for ensuring passengers meet a destination’s entry requirements and can face penalties for transporting travellers who do not qualify for entry.

According to travel guidance published by Schengen, some destinations require at least two blank passport pages for visas and border stamps. The guidance warns that airlines may refuse boarding if passengers do not have sufficient space remaining in their passport.

The requirement can catch out frequent travellers whose passports are filled with entry and exit stamps from previous trips. Experts say many people mistakenly assume a passport is suitable for travel provided it remains in date.

For travel to the Schengen Area, for instance, passport rules already require Brits to ensure their passport was issued within the previous 10 years and remains valid for at least three months after their planned departure date. Some guidance also notes that travellers may need at least two blank pages available for visas and stamps where applicable.

A recent travel warning highlighted that a lack of blank pages can become a particular issue for frequent flyers and those taking multi-country trips. Countries may require empty pages for visa stickers, while immigration officials also need room for entry and exit stamps.

Travel experts recommend checking passport validity, issue dates and the number of remaining blank pages well in advance of departure. Unlike an expired passport, extra pages cannot simply be added to a modern British passport, meaning travellers who are running out of space may need to renew the document before travelling.

According to guidance cited by travel experts, some countries require between two and four blank pages depending on the destination and visa requirements. Travellers planning complex itineraries involving multiple countries are therefore advised to check entry rules carefully before travelling.

According to Abs Mechial, there is a specific minute every day in which holidays can be booked for cheaper on average – but you may need to set your alarm to take advantage of it

If you are yet to book a getaway this year and are wondering when the ideal moment might be to do so, a financial expert has identified precisely when you should – and shouldn’t – make your move. Abs Mechial turned to TikTok to reveal that not only are certain days preferable for booking, but specific times of day matter too.

“When is the worst time to book a holiday and when is it actually cheapest? he asked his followers in a video. Surprisingly, according to research, Abs claimed there is a one-hour window in each day when holidays can cost you significantly more money to book.” he asked his followers.

“According to the data, the most expensive time to book is between 9am and 10am,” he explained. “Bookings in that window came in around 30 per cent more than the cheapest time of the day – so no more booking holidays as soon as you log in for the day.”

As for the most economical time of day, Abs warned that you might need to set your alarm. “Early… and I mean really early,” he said. “Between 4am and 5am – and the logic does make sense.”

Abs highlighted that overnight, demand “drops off” and consequently prices “reset” to their baseline.

He elaborated: “Then as the day goes on, the more searches and more clicks result in prices starting to creep back up again.”

For those reluctant to wake up before sunrise, however, Abs provided guidance for anyone wanting to book during “more realistic hours”.

“Late evening, around 8pm to 10pm tends to be noticeably cheaper than the morning rush,” he enthused. “But if you want to go even further and want the exact moment – not just the hour, but the minute – according to the data, the single cheapest minute to book a holiday is 2:48am.”

Surprisingly, bookings made at that precise time worked out up to 60 per cent cheaper on average, according to Abs.

He concluded with a word of caution, however: “Now, definitely take that with a pinch of salt – booking at 2:48am isn’t going to make every holiday 60 per cent cheaper, but the pattern is clear – if you want to save money, avoid peak booking hours because timing, just like everything else with money, makes a massive difference.”

Responding in the comments, one TikTok user offered their own unverified tip: “Best to search in private browser so prices do not increase if you are searching for same destinations. Prices increase with demand so private searching will prevent this.”

A second person added: “I usually book mine within 72 hours of departure… like 50% cheaper! I find the hotels I want and then I wait for them to deal them off.”

A third exclaimed: “Wow that’s crazy how the time of day can cost you!”

While a fourth TikTok user pointed out: “Doesn’t change if you want a certain resort at a certain time of year.”

She shared how to make the most of your luggage allowance when travelling as a family

TV star Stacey Solomon shared a handful of essentials parents should pack before a flight in a previous partnership with Jet2. She said: “When I’m packing hand luggage, it’s one of those things that I really need to think about because I know, when you’re on a flight with kids, you just want to be prepared for any eventuality.”

Stacey’s hand luggage “staples” when travelling with kids include a variety of things that can keep little ones occupied and make the flight go a lot smoother for the parents and other passengers.

Packing your own snacks is an excellent way to keep kids occupied, save money on airport prices, and avoid limited options once in the air. Make sure that it follows airport security rules (such as no liquids over 100ml).

Bringing any games to play can help keep little ones occupied without the need for devices. Stacey suggested card games, as they avoid the need for fiddly plastic pieces or dice flying about the cabin.

She said: “Another thing I love bringing in [the kids] hand luggage is sticker books. My kids will sit and do sticker books for ages. They love colouring, but if you don’t want to pick up pencils from under everyone’s seat the entire flight, go with stickers – it’s a better option!”

Another thing to remember for a fun memory is a cuddly toy. Stacey said that Jet2 has a “really cute” offer for a free ‘Teddy Passport’ that can be filled out in the airport.

The scheme was launched in October 2023, and it’s still offered in 2026. Simply ask one of the check-in agents at the desk when you arrive to drop off your bags, and they will provide you with a complimentary passport.

A Jet2 spokesperson said: “After receiving a teddy bear passport, holidaymakers can then give their teddy’s passport to Cabin Crew when boarding. As well as being a fun start to the holiday, parents have reported that it has helped their children feel a sense of independence and given them some understanding about the process of travelling overseas from a young age.”

Stacey’s top tips for packing

Make a list: Stacey says to keep a list of everything you want and need to take away with you. Following a list means you will not forget things, overpack or potentially leave something behind at home. She said: “I know exactly what I’ve got if I refer to my list.”

Use packing cubes: Stacey said that she “genuinely swears by these” and they can be bought from places like Amazon, Argos, Dunelm, Primark and more. In her Jet2 video, the mum of five had her items sorted into categories such as cosmetics and sun safety.

Plan crease-free outfits: By not worrying if clothes will end up wrinkled, Stacey said items can be packed much tighter in a suitcase and can therefore mean extra room. She joked: “Stop going on holiday in linen – you’ll be ironing the whole time!”

A passenger revealed that the tip ‘really helped’ when they encountered a common travel problem

Passengers have been advised to pack an extra item in their hold luggage before travelling. The ‘helpful’ travel tip was shared by an airline passenger who swears by the method. The recommendation was shared on Reddit’s r/airport forum. Sharing a question for social media users, a travel fan asked: “What are the best airport tips?”

The post read: “My trick is to always carry an empty bottle. After passing through security at every airport, I look for a drinking fountain. Most airports have a couple of them. I discovered a nice website called Water at Airport. If I can’t find one, I just do a quick search on the website.

“This is just a recommendation. Let me know if you have any other trips to the airport. I’m planning some new trips and will definitely need them!” In response, passengers shared several recommendations, including a tip that could be useful for anyone flying with hold luggage.

A traveller wrote: “I might be old school, but I not only tag my bag on the outside but I also put my name and address identification on the inside.” They explained: “This really became helpful when my bag was delayed and then the exterior luggage tag somehow got ripped off.

“I was able to describe the bag, its contents, as well as the additional tag information in the bag – it really helped! This can be as simple as writing your name, address and phone number on a piece of paper and then putting it inside a Ziploc bag and then putting it somewhere inside your checked luggage.”

Most airlines recommend that passengers include a label inside and outside their luggage. While the inner label is not often needed, it could be helpful if the exterior label falls off.

For instance, easyJet advises customers to add a luggage label to their bags and leave contact information inside the luggage. Recommending the idea to passengers, easyJet’s website says: “Make sure your bags stand out from the crowd on the carousel!

“We advise attaching something noticeable and unique to your luggage like a colourful ribbon, eye-catching sticker or personalised tag. This will make it easier for you to spot your luggage on the carousel at arrivals and avoid any confusion with similar bags.

“We also recommend adding a label to your luggage with your name and contact details such as address, email and phone number and put a copy of these details inside your bag too! This would really help us reunite you with your bag in the unlikely event of the exterior tags falling off.”

British Airways offers similar advice. The airline’s website says: “Label your bags inside and out with your name, destination address, email address and mobile number.”

The budget airline is offering a range of discounted flights from UK airports

Brits planning a holiday abroad have the next few days to book discounted flights. Budget airline easyJet is currently offering up to 15 per cent off certain trips.

The reduction applies to selected flights between June 1 and September 30. However, the deal only runs until June 3. On the easyJet website, it said: “For the next five days easyJet is offering customers up to 15 per cent off selected flights to and from the UK, giving Brits the opportunity to secure great value fares for their summer holidays. The promo applies to flights between 1 June 2026 and 30 September 2026, covering the peak summer season and school holidays.

“With flights available to a wide range of popular beach and city destinations across easyJet’s unrivalled European network ensuring there are options for all the family.” Going into more detail, it said: “Customers can book discounted fares between 8am on Friday 29 May until 8am on Wednesday 3 June 2026 via easyJet.com or the easyJet mobile app.”

The offer includes flights from airports across the UK, with thousands of seats available at reduced prices with fares starting from £19.99. Examples of some of the routes on offer include:

• London Gatwick to Paris and Reus from £31.99
• London Luton to Lyon from £22.99
• London Southend to Geneva and Pisa from £19.99
• Bristol to Malaga and Palma from £25.99
• Manchester to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Bordeaux, Paris, Copenhagen, Geneva, Hamburg, La Rochelle, Nice, Oslo, Prague, Rennes, and Zurich from £31.99
• Liverpool to Amsterdam from £25.99, Barcelona, Split, Malaga, Palma, Naples and Nice from £25.99, Faro from £26.49

On top of this, easyJet holidays is also offering thousands of packages to popular city and beach destinations in Europe and North Africa this summer. “Customers can save £50 per person on beach holidays departing before 31 July 2027 when using code BEACH50, and £20 per person on city breaks departing before 31 August 2026 when using code CITIES20,” easyJet said.

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, commented: “We know customers are always looking for great value when booking their summer holiday and with thousands of discounted seats available across our network, now is a great time to book a trip and enjoy Europe’s most popular destinations for less.

“To ensure people feel confident to book, we’ve launched our Book with Confidence Promise which guarantees that the cost of flights and package holidays will stay fixed after booking and we will not add fuel surcharges, protecting customers from increased fuel cost.

“We are operating as normal, not making cancellations and are looking forward to taking millions of people on their well-deserved holidays this summer.” For more information, visit teh easyJet website here.

I expected a no-frills Caribbean cruise – but instead found white-sand beaches, all-inclusive perks and surprisingly luxurious touches that felt far beyond the price tag

Stretched out on the top deck of a catamaran, after a dip in impossibly clear water, I looked back at the white sands of an uninhabited Caribbean island that was ours for the day. This felt a long way from the so-called “budget” cruise I had imagined. For my first trip to the Caribbean, I boarded Marella Discovery, one of five ships in TUI’s all-inclusive fleet. Flights, transfers, food, drinks, and tips are included in the price. On paper, it promised value for money but in reality, it felt like far more. The Tropical Isles itinerary offers something different, even for seasoned Caribbean travellers. Instead of the usual tourist trail, we stopped at newer ports including Puerto Rico’s second city, Ponce, and the tiny island of Isla Catalina. After a short tender ride to shore we were welcomed with a live band and dancers before being waved to rows of neatly lined sunbeds, an all-inclusive beach bar and grills preparing a complimentary barbecue. Best known for its snorkelling, Isla Catalina’s crystal-clear waters looked too good to miss. I headed out on a catamaran excursion along the milky-white coast, swimming among shoals of tropical fish before drying off in the sun with fresh fruit as merengue music played.

By the time we returned, the smell of grilled seafood was drifting across the sand. Passengers helped themselves before retreating to shaded loungers – where there was little left to do but switch off and listen to the waves. Back on board, The Marella Discovery doesn’t try to compete with the Caribbean’s mega- cruise liners brimming with waterslides, waterfalls and ziplines. Instead, it offers something more relaxed – and for many, far more appealing. With nine restaurants, seven bars, two pools and a packed entertainment programme, there’s more to do than most passengers will manage in a week. Entertainment leans towards easy-going fun appealing to all ages with an outdoor cinema, mini golf and in the evening, West End-style shows to fill your day. Before my trip I’d been warned it was easy to get lost on a huge cruise ship, but the Discovery layout is very manageable and centred around a five storey atrium. Within a day, I had my bearings – starting with my cabin. For the week, I stayed in a recently refurbished balcony room. It was spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of storage. From summer 2026, Marella customers can upgrade further with premium Elemis products as part of the new “Suite Service Max” package – one of several add-ons available to elevate the experience.

Food is a big part of any cruise – and here it’s a major selling point. There are nine dining options included and three specialty restaurants for those wanting to really push the boat out. On the first night, I opted for one of the all inclusive options, Piccadilly’s, a British-style gastropub menu where the show-stopper was a rich, slow-cooked steak and ale pie. Over the week I worked my way through nearly every restaurant on board. Gallery 47, the Italian venue, was a favourite thanks to its varied and regular changing menu. While The Glass House, a casual poolside spot, was ideal for lunches, offering everything from pasta and roast chicken to salads and freshly baked cakes. One evening, I tried Kora La, the ship’s pan-Asian restaurant (at a cost of £18.95 for three courses). With fragrant curries and beautifully presented Vietnamese-style dishes, it was worth the extra cost and a popular choice among diners wishing to celebrate a special occasion.

Marella’s fun-filled and friendly vibes continued ashore with each stop on this relatively new itinerary. In Puerto Rico, I joined an excursion to El Yunque National Forest, swapping blue seas for lush rainforest, waterfalls and birdsong. Our helpful guide offered insight that brought the island to life, something you don’t always get when travelling independently. Back in capital city San Juan, I wandered the cobbled streets where pastel-coloured buildings led the way to lively squares.

I followed our guide’s recommendation for lunch at Café Manolín, a must for authentic food, the place was packed with locals and dock workers. I ordered the Mofongo, a Puerto Rican comfort dish made from mashed green plantains, garlic and steak. It was every bit as good as the queue suggested.

Later it was time to try another Puerto Rican export. At the Ron del Barrilito rum distillery, we swapped the city for something slower-paced. Set within the historic Hacienda Santa Ana, we were served up a welcome cocktail of choice in the stunning gardens listening to the blissful sounds of the birds. The experience included a tour of the ageing warehouses and a guided tasting of several rums, including one from a £700 bottle. Another standout was a visit to the stunning Magens Bay on the island of St Thomas. This horseshoe shaped beach delivered exactly what you’d hope for from the Caribbean – powdery sand, sparkling waters and turtles swimming just offshore. With the help of our local guide Derek, we were able to swim with the stunning creatures as they glided through the shallows.

The final stop, Ponce, offered a glimpse of a more authentic Puerto Rico on our return to another side of the island. With cruise ships only arriving in January 2026 it felt refreshingly un-touristy. I found colourful buildings, a relaxed square and latin music drifting from every bar. Throughout the trip, what stood out most was how easy everything felt – from the relaxed feel of the ship, the organised excursions to the stress-free all-inclusive drinks and dining. The atmosphere among fellow passengers was sociable and lively. The ship came alive in the evening with live shows and packed dancefloors – even into the small hours at Bar 11.

At the Broadway Show Lounge, live performances became my nightly post-dinner treat. Being a massive fan of the Fab Four, I could not miss Marella’s newest show Life Story: The Beatles, a theatrical retelling of their rise to fame. While the West-End to Broadway show, a celebration of a number of hit musicals, led to a roaring standing ovation after a finale of Les Miserables classics brought the house down. After feeling inspired, on our final day at sea I indulged in the Great Musicals Afternoon tea – a must for any theatre fan. The weekly event brings the West End to Marella cruises with dishes inspired by famous musicals, served alongside a live pianist and special performances – the perfect end to the holiday.

Marella Cruises has built a reputation on affordable and straightforward holidays – but this trip proved it delivers far more than the price tag suggests in comparison to its competitors.

If the aim is a stress-free, fun-filled Caribbean escape with fantastic food, easy island-hopping and a sociable atmosphere, Marella’s Tropical Isles itinerary is hard to beat. It’s ideal for first-time cruisers, and will also impress seasoned explorers thanks to its brand new port destinations that have something special to offer beyond a well-trodden tourist trail. And while it may be sold as a ‘budget’ cruise, it delivers an experience that feels far more premium – proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to experience the Caribbean in style.

Book the holiday

Marella Cruises offers a seven-night Tropical Isles round trip from La Romana, Dominican Republic on Marella Discovery from £1573 per person. Price based on two adults sharing a Deck 2/3 inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis. Includes flights from London Gatwick, 20kg of luggage per person, transfers, tips, and service charges. Find out more at tui.co.uk/cruise.

It works for breaks across Europe and even long-haul holidays

Holidaymakers could snap up bargain return flights from as low as £30 to the most popular holiday hotspots thanks to a little-known TUI Airways booking trick. The ‘insider trick’, revealed by TUI UK’s Commercial Director Chris Logan, reveals how travellers can snap up last-minute flights weeks before departure which include bargain breaks across Europe and even long-haul escapes for a fraction of the usual price.

On TUI’s dedicated ‘ Cheap Flights ’ page Brits can find seats on return routes which are regularly released at heavily reduced prices in the weeks and months leading up to departure. “If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, this is one of the easiest ways to find a great-value getaway. It’s not something everyone knows about, but checking our flights page regularly can uncover some genuinely low fares, especially closer to departure as we look to fill remaining seats,” said Chris Logan.

“We’re talking everything from quick European breaks to long-haul trips across the Caribbean, Mexico and Thailand. Because TUI Airways flies from 22 airports across the UK, it makes it easy to pick a date, pack a bag and fly from your closest regional airport.”

The best deals tend to be snapped up by those who can be flexible on dates and airports, with flights leaving from more than 22 UK airports. And it’s not just quick getaways. The deals can stretch from short breaks to two-week holidays or even longer.

Chris added: “For customers who don’t mind when or where they go, it can be a really simple way to save money on flights and land some of the best-value fares”.

Right now, Brits can find deals such as: