THE UK might still be getting a last burst of heat but now is the time to lock in a winter sun holiday to get through the dark nights of December.
And new research has revealed which holiday destinations are much cheaper to go to this year compared to last year – and the ones to avoid which have jumped in price.
The study, conducted by TravelSupermarket, looked at holiday prices between December 1 and January 31, looking at seven-night breaks.
And the biggest drop in prices was Gambia in West Africa.
The average holiday price last year was £299 each a night, while this winter it has dropped to £219 – a fall of nearly 27 per cent.
This was followed by Ras Al-Khaimah in the UAE, which fell 19.41 per cent £64 to £52.
Others that saw prices drop include Las Vegas (-13.05 per cent), Bali (-11.78 per cent), and Dominican Republic (8.82 per cent).
Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “This winter‘s package prices show that it pays to look beyond your usual destination.
“These are averages across different hotels and board bases, so individual holidays still need comparing carefully, but the picture is far more varied than winter sun simply becoming more expensive everywhere.
“There are savings further afield , with average package prices to the Dominican Republic down 8.8% and Jamaica down 6.1%.”
Sadly, it’s the destinations closer to home that have risen in price this year.
Tenerife, one of the hottest Spanish islands in winter, is up nearly 25 per cent compared to last year with average prices per person, per night going from £91 to £113.
The Algarve was close behind, with prices up from £81 to £99, a rise in 22.8 per cent.
The Bahamas (+18.67 per cent), Costa Blanca (+16.92 per cent) and Madeira and Porto Sando (+15.43 per cent) rounded up the top five.
Chris added: “Average prices for Tenerife are up 10.5% year on year and Gran Canaria 8.2%, while Cape Verde is down 6% and Gambia nearly 27%.
“Neither is a new destination, but those contrasting price movements give travellers a reason to widen their search.
“Egypt also stands out because its average package price has barely moved, rising just 0.3%.
“At around £117 per person per night, it remains below the averages for Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote in our analysis.”
PUBS, watersports, outdoor decks with hot tubs and saunas, who said holiday parks are just for kids?
And the even better part is going with a group of friends can mean the break is SO much cheaper than going with kids – some by as much as £887 and these are the best ones we’ve found.
Let’s start with the classic – a Butlin’s Big Weekender, they’re big, bold and made purely for adults.
You can forget the kids’s shows or character meet-and-greets and instead opt for bottomless brunches and pool parties.
Don’t miss Bingo Bango either. The adult twist on the game has competitors dancing to party anthems and competing in interactive games to win prizes like giant inflatable unicorns.
There are lots of themed weekenders too, with music ranging from the 60s up to the 2000s.
During October there are 14 Halloweenenders at all three locations (Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness) where the classic Big Weekender has a spooky twist.
There’s 80s thriller nights to 90s music-themed fright nights and – if you love all kinds of music – there’s the Replay Time Warp Terror which is a “monster mash-up of the 80s, 90s, 2000s.”
We all know Butlin’s for being cheap, cheerful and full of fun, but going as adults seriously has its perks.
Adults can stay in Butlin’s Minehead Resort for a Back to the 2000s Big Weekender for three nights from October 2 from £49pp.
Meanwhile, for a family of four to go away during October half-term this year in Minehead prices start from £374 or £93.50pp.
If a coastal break is on the cards, consider a Parkdean break to Lizard Point.
It has a large indoor and outdoor pool with adult-only swim sessions, so you won’t be splashed by kids all the time.
There’s also brunch club for holiday feasts and wine tasting.
Crafting is on the cards too from jewellery making to designing cards, creating mosaics, and sip and paint sessions.
During the evening, put your boots on for country and western evenings, go all Cluedo at murder mystery events, and get competitive during quiz nights or grab the mic at adult-karaoke.
It’s also a few minutes away from the beach.
A four-night break at Lizard Point for four adults from October 5-9 in a Bronze Two Bedroom Caravan starts from £99.
Meanwhile, for a family of four to stay in a Bronze Two Bedroom Caravan between October 26-30 starts from £215.
For almost the same price, four adults could upgrade to a Gold Premium 3 Bedroom Caravan which is the best in the caravan range.
It has three bedrooms, dedicated parking and even bring a pet for £119 (between October 5-9).
Tattershall Lakes is ideal for an action-packed holiday full of watersports, and no, it’s not all for kids.
The holiday park in Lincolnshire has a lakeside lido, paddleboarding, kayaking, an aqua park with a huge inflatable, pedalo hire and make sure to try out the jet skis too.
There’s a chance to get up high on the high-ropes course or the zip wire.
When it comes to entertainment, there are silent discos, karaoke and crowdeoke (where everyone sings so no one goes solo).
Guest acts take to the stage from tribute acts to DJs, there’s an outdoor cinema and a cash bingo that’s specifically for over 18s.
After all the activities, head to the spa which offers facials, pedicures, manicures and massages which start from £39.
Pop into the Tattershall Park Pub & Kitchen for a drink, or head to the rooftop Bar 49 for a classic cocktail.
A family of up to six can stay in a value caravan for four nights during half-term from £384 – or £16pppn.
Meanwhile, across five nights in early October, a group of up to eight guests can stay in a Superior Caravan from £299.
Or for a more luxury stay, book The Shadow Wood Lodge with a hot tub which sleeps up to eight guests in early October from £677 – or £21.15pppn.
While it’s slightly more expensive, The Shadow Wood has an enclosed decking with outdoor furniture perfect for a drink in the evening.
The cosy lounge has a large flatscreen TV and there’s allocated parking too.
The Primrose Valley Holiday Park in Yorkshire is perfect for anyone looking for a beach break with friends.
It has direct and easy access to the large, award-winning sandy beach stretching along Filey Bay.
Back on-site, there are two heated swimming pools and a huge outdoor pool which will reopen for the summer season in 2027.
Haven’s first-ever J D Wetherspoon pub called The Five Stones is there too and open all-day, whether you’re after a fry-up breakfast or a pint.
If you’re after fried food, head to Slim Chickens for buttermilk chicken tenders, wings, and milkshakes.
There are chains as well if you want a familiar face from Burger King to Starbucks, Papa Johns and Millie’s Cookies.
When it comes to activities, test out the fear factor with ‘The Jump’ where you literally take a leap of faith off a raised platform.
It also has a lake where guests can rent out pedalos or try their hand at kayaking, plus a designated fishing lake too.
Afterwards, head to the LakeHouse Restaurant and Bar for a bite to eat with views across the water.
Evening shows include live music, and adult-friendly entertainment like Never Forget with all the boy band tunes, and 80s Electric Nights.
In October half-term, a family of four can stay in a Saver Caravan from £385.
For four adults, a four-night break from October 9-12 starts from £269 in a Silver Caravan.
Both stays include swimming pool access, access to activities, entry to arcade and entertainment venues, as well as access to restaurants and takeaways.
Center Parcs has never been cheap – but there is a reason why it’s a top holiday park, and it costs much less to go during term-time, so grab your friends and head over.
And as an adult, there’s no reason to be bored because there are 132 activities.
For high-energy thrills, try out the treetop glider or get competitive with a game of sports like football, badminton, glow table tennis and golf (and crazy golf).
If you want to give karaoke a go, but want to avoid the crowds and just sing with your mates instead, book a SingPod which is a soundproof pod where you can pick your own tunes.
It has a Subtropical Swimming Paradise with multiple swimming pools including a wave pool, slides, and whirlpools.
For some privacy, book a Cabana Cove where food and drink from Canopy Café and Bar will be delivered direct to your cabana.
Each cabana comes with a large Sky HD TV, fluffy towels, a safe and cold drinks.
Of course, the Center Parcs has Aqua Sana Forest Spa which has steam rooms and saunas, a heated outdoor pool, an ice cave and relaxation rooms.
Elveden Forest has the largest watersports lake of all its villages, with electric boats or rowing boat hire, paddleboards and kayaks.
During October half-term, a Woodland Lodge for a family of four across four-nights costs £1,899.
Inside, it has a double bedroom, twin bedroom, terraced lodge and access from 4pm.
Four friends could book a Forest Lodge for four-night between October 5-9 from £1,339.
A lodge has three bedrooms, two with double beds, one twin – all of which have en-suites. The best part is that this Forest Lodge comes with its own sauna and hot tub.
For a more sophisticated break, Sandhills in Christchurch is a great choice for those wanting to spend time quality together by the seaside.
Found in Dorset, Sandhills has direct access to Avon Beach which holds a Seaside Award (which is awarded to the best UK beaches for being clean, safe, and well-managed).
It also has a heated outdoor pool (open until October 31), as well as a gym fitted out with weights and elliptical machines.
During the evenings, head to the on-site bar and lounge which serves drinks and light snacks.
When there’s good weather, head outside to enjoy the sunshine on the terrace.
Nearby there’s more to explore like Chichester Watersports, Fruzey Gardens, Osborne House and the New Forest.
A three-night stay from October 26 in a Lymington Luxury Apartment starts from £432.
However a stay in the same apartment for three nights from October 11 costs £309.
You can even upgrade to a Lyndhurst Luxury Apartment which has two bedrooms from £354.
Landal Green Parks was recently voted the fourth place best holiday park Which? – and one of its most impressive holiday parks is Dylan Coastal Resort in South Wales.
The holiday lodges sit high on a hilltop looking out over the Taf Estuary which make for incredible views.
The lodges range from one to four person to six-person stays – and some have hot tubs too.
Below the holiday lodges is Milk Wood House where guests will find all the 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, try out watersports and bouldering at Wild Lakes or explore the National Botanical Garden and the beautiful fishing village of Tenby.
For a family of four to book a four-night stay during half-term in a four-person lodge is £1,291.
The four-person lodge – Sonnet 2 Spa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms with a decking area and hot tub.
But for adults to book a holiday during the school holidays, it’s much cheaper.
A four-night stay in a Milk Wood four-person lodge from October 12 can be booked from £404.
On the same dates, a six-person lodge Sonnet 3 Roof Terrace Spa lodge which has three bedrooms, a hot tub and huge enclosed rooftop with deck chairs starts from £564.
Tucked away in Pembrokeshire woodland is the Bluestone National Park and with so much to do, it’s a hit with both children and adults.
Often considered the crown jewel of Bluestone is its Blue Lagoon Water Park.
It’s a huge heated, subtropical indoor pool complex and guests can use it at no extra cost.
The subtropical waterpark has a huge wave machine, four twisting, high-speed flumes, a lazy river.
Outside of the pool, try out the zipline, take an electric bike tour through the woods, or try and tackle a climbing wall.
The spa has lots of relaxing treatments from massages to manicures, pedicures, facials – and finish off the day with an afternoon tea.
A four-night stay during October half-term in a Caldey Lodge starts from £1,240.
It’s a single-storey, open-plan stay with a living area, dining room and kitchen, and spacious bathroom along with an outdoor patio.
However, for a stay outside of school holiday, the price significantly drops.
A stay for four adults across four nights from October 5 in the same Caldey Lodge is £320.
You can even upgrade to a Carningli Lodge, which sleeps up to eight people for £800.
Included in the stay with the Carningli Lodge is a six-seater buggy to navigate the park – the lodge has an open-plan living and dining, a sunroom with a Juliet balcony.
Each double room includes an en-suite with roll-top bath and shower, and there’s a separate bathroom for the twin rooms.
IF you’re looking for winter sun, but don’t want to spend a fortune on flights, check out these destinations from Spanish cities to Greek islands.
Skyscanner has found the cheapest spots to jet off to between October and February next year – some of which have return flights from £30.
Starting off with the best value destinations for autumn and winter flights, Skyscanner have found it’s Tangier.
The Moroccan city is just over two hours away from the UK – it’s quicker than heading to southern Spain and in October can see highs of 30C.
According to Skyscanner, return flights on average cost £105 – but from the UK to Tangier in November and December these can be as little as £30.
The city itself has plenty to see, from a whitewashed medina to its busy souk, and landmarks like the Kasbah and the Caves of Hercules.
In fact, it’s believed that Tangier was created by the son of Hercules, with the god himself staying in one of the caves.
It has a vibrant café culture thanks to its French influence, tapas culture from Spain – and a mix of languages too.
Thanks to its position in the north of the country, it has long, sandy beaches too like Plage de Tanger and Achakkar Beach.
The second cheapest for return flights is Seville which has an average price of £151.
Seville is Spain’s fourth-largest city – and is one of the hottest during the autumn, winter season.
During October, Seville can still reach highs of 26C and even in January can see highs of 16C.
These are the destinations and the average economy return flight price, according to Skyscanner…
Some of the top attractions include the Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral and Plaza de Espana.
Rhodes in Greece has seen the biggest drop in flight prices year-on-year – it’s down 21 per cent.
The average return flight price is £218 – but in October, we found return flights for less than £60 with Ryanair.
The island is the fourth-largest in Greece, the biggest in the Dodecanese – and it’s considered quieter and cheaper than the likes of Santorini and Mykonos.
Lindos is a popular spot for visitors, the coastal village sits on the eastern coast with a clifftop Acropolis, whitewashed alleys, and sandy beaches.
Greece has incredible summers, but also mild winters with highs of 15C in January and February.
Further afield, long-haul journeys that have cheap return flight include Montego Bay in Jamaica which from the UK has an average price £764.
Montego Bay on north-west coast of Jamaica is the capital of the parish of Saint James and is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island.
Of course Brits flock there for its great weather and beautiful bays like Doctor’s Cave Beach which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country with white sand and bright turquoise waters.
Aside from sunbathing and paddling, snorkelling is popular too as swimmers are likely to spot parrotfish, turtles, and small sharks.
Looking on Skyscanner, October is the cheapest month for flights with returns from £364.
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ONE airport express bus fare has dropped by a whopping £9 thanks to a new government scheme.
It’s great news for holidaymakers heading to a major Scottish airport, as passengers can now get a single journey for just £2 rather than £11.
The regional bus fare cap has recently come into force in Glasgow meaning prices has been significantly reduced.
Mostly it’s across public buses in the areas towns or cities – but that also applies to the Glasgow Airport Express service.
So anyone travelling to Glasgow Airport can now get there for £2.
The fare was introduced in Glasgow and the majority of West Scotland from September 7.
The cap has been funded by Transport Scotland and applies across Glasgow, Ayrshire, Dunbartonshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and Inverclyde.
On its website, First Bus states: “All single journeys on First Bus services across Glasgow and the surrounding areas are capped at just £2 from 7 September no matter how far you’re travelling.
“That’s £2 to get to work. £2 to meet friends. £2 to head into town. Even £2 to start your journey to the airport on the Glasgow Airport Express.”
It’s good news too as Glasgow Airport recently increased its drop-off charge up to £7 for 15 minutes.
The £2 bus fare cap is set to come into force in parts of England too from next year.
The government announced in July 2026 that single bus tickets will be capped at £2 in areas of England outside London from January 1 until December 31 2027.
