IF you thought that ditching long-haul holiday for destinations closer to home will save you money, you’re wrong.
Majorca is just a few hours from the UK and a trusted holiday spot – but in some cases it’s actually cheaper to go to the Caribbean.
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It’s cheaper for Brits to go to the Dominican Republic than MajorcaCredit: Getty ImagesThe island of Majorca has all-inclusive holidays in August from £953ppCredit: Alamy
The Spanish island has always been a top holiday destination, with two million British tourists going there every year.
It’s not hard to see why – the flight is short at around two and a half hours long, it’s got great weather and lots of pretty beaches.
But if you want to get more bang for your buck, you might want to look elsewhere – like the Caribbean.
In some cases, a two-week holiday to the Dominican Republic came in cheaper than a one-week break to Majorca.
This was highlighted by Pedro Fiol, the president of the Aviba association of travel agencies in the Balearics.
Talking to Majorca Daily on behalf of Spanish citizens, he said: “At certain times of the year it is more affordable to spend 15 days in the Caribbean than to enjoy a week in our own country.”
He continued to add: “For one of the most popular weeks of the year, around August 15, this can cost some €2,300 (£2,000) per person.
“In contrast, for the same dates a trip to the Caribbean, for example to Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), for14 nights in five-star all-inclusive hotelscan be found for around €2,250 (£1,957) per person.”
While Pedro Fiol highlighted the expense for Spanish citizens to go on holiday in their own country – the same applies for Brits heading there too.
Looking at the likes of TUI, a one-week all-inclusive in Majorca during the week of August 17, 2026 can be as high as £3,793per person.
To have an all-inclusive break on the seafront – in similar looking locations to the Dominican Republic – you can book a break from £1,921 per person.
This is for a seven-night all-inclusive stay at the Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa departing on August 15, 2026, which has multiple swimming pools and beach access.
Meanwhile, 14-day all-inclusive to Bahia Principe Explore La Romana in the Dominican Republic departing on August 17, 2026, works out at £1,832 per person.
The Bahia Principe Explore La Romana has everything from multiple swimming pools to bars, a kids’ club and five on-site restaurants.
Overall the trip to the Dominican Republic is £89 cheaper – and you get to stay for twice as long.
At a day-rate, the break to the Dominican Republic resort works out at £130pppn, and the one in Majorca is £274pppn.
A one-week all-inclusive in Majorca in August 17, 2026 starts from £953per personCredit: TUI
Here are some of our favourite Caribbean holidays…
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Hotel Capriccio Mare, Dominican Republic
Facing the calm, crystal waters of the Caribbean Sea, Hotel Capriccio Mare looks like a bright white island villa. The hotel’s position on Bavaro’s coastline is perfect for exploring the popular resort town of Punta Cana. Whether it’s strolling the sands to grab a fresh coconut with a straw, or venturing out on a catamaran trip to Saona Island, this dreamy Caribbean resort is not one to miss.
This friendly, family-run hotel is a slice of Caribbean paradise. This hotel sits smak-bang on a sugar-white beach with warm turquoise waters. Enjoy both the beaches of Barbados and its plethora of rum bars – there are about 1,500 of them on the island.
Set on the quiet side of St Kitts’ Frigate Bay, the boutique Sugar Bay Club offers superb value and wonderful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Staff are on hand to assist with island tours, from catamaran cruises to scenic railway excursions.
Amazing Antigua has 365 beaches – one for every day of the year – as well as a fascinating history. This resort in Falmouth Harbour is perfect for exploring the beautiful local area, including Pigeon Point, Nelson’s Dockyard and English Harbour.
Bahia Principe Explore La Romana in the Dominican Republic is much cheaperCredit: Unknown
All-inclusive breaks to Majorca don’t have to be that expensive though – with TUI they start from £953 per person.
At this price you can stay for seven-nights at the Hotel Stil Picafort Park which has an adults-only pool, to entertainment like cabaret and comedy performances as well as bars and a restaurants.
It has four-stars and includes return flights to London Gatwick departing on August 17, 2026.
But, it still works out cheaper to go to the Caribbean island though by £6 a day.
The Dominican Republic is one of the cheapest Caribbean islands, so it’s fairly inexpensive to explore when you get there too.
The average price of coffee in the Dominican Republic is £1.54 and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant can start from as little as £4.96, according to Wise.
In Majorca, a coffee can be as much as £3.04 with a meal ranging from £26 to £43.
The flight to the Dominican Republic is, of course, longer, taking on average nine hours and 15 minutes.
But you can expect better weather all year round too – even its coldest month, the average low is 23C.
Canto de la Playa in the Dominican Repubic is one of the world’s best beachesCredit: Alamy Stock Photo
One of the world’s best is Canto de la Playa which is found on Saona Island and is considered ‘one of the Caribbean‘s best-kept secrets’.
It’s been described as having noticeably soft sand with calm waters for swimmers and vibrant coral reefs just offshore.
Saona Island is found off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic and forms part of the East National Park which is known for its mangroves coral reefs and palm-fringed beaches.
In the waters around the island, visitors can expect to see sea turtles, dolphins and even humpback whales.
This destination is a ‘like for like’ alternative to pricey Italian hotspots with beer under £2
Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer
02:10, 12 Apr 2026
This stunning region is a perfect ‘dupe’ for the Amalfi Coast(Image: Getty)
While a trip to the Amalfi Coast might seem like the ideal getaway, it’s one that can prove rather pricey, particularly once you account for spending money while you’re there. Yet elsewhere across Europe, there’s another breathtaking coastal spot that serves as an excellent alternative.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at Eurochange, has noted a substantial rise in British tourists visiting Bulgaria, with Sozopol emerging as a fantastic alternative to the Amalfi Coast.
Laura says: “Although Bulgaria has joined the euro, prices for things like food, accommodation and drinks are still particularly low compared to other popular holiday destinations like Greece, Spain and Italy.”
For example, you can expect to pay less than €2 (£1.7) for a beer and around €10 (£8.7) for a meal.
“And, Brits don’t need to compromise on the beautiful scenery and beaches these popular hotspots offer. In fact, there are plenty of destinations in Bulgaria that are almost a ‘like for like’ but at a fraction of the cost.”
Championing Sozopol specifically, she added: “This gorgeous coastal town has a really similar feel to the likes of Positano and Cinque Terre, in Italy’s famous Riviera.
“Sozopol’s old town is dotted with quaint wooden houses and cobbled streets that overlook the stunning coastline and bright blue waters.” Stunning Sozopol ranks among Bulgaria’s most ancient coastal towns and remains far less crowded than many other European hotspots.
Sozopol boasts Kavastie and Harmani beaches, along with several beach bars, ensuring that whether you’re after a family outing or an evening of drinks, you’ll find exactly what you need.
And if you fancy a change from lounging on the sandy coastline, there’s no shortage of alternative activities, from discovering the town’s historic churches, to soaking up some culture at Ravadinovo Castle or Sozopol Archaeological Museum, or enjoying a fun-packed day at Aquapark Neptun.
A recent visitor to Kavastie Beach posted on Tripadvisor: “Fantastic beach, one of the very best that I’ve ever been to. Extremely clean, wonderful sand and safe sea ideal for children. Decent bars and restaurants. We’ll definitely be back next year.”
Meanwhile, a tourist who explored Ravadinovo Castle wrote: “A very eclectic castle, but a marvel to behold. A place of wonder. Around every corner was an amazing sight and a surprise. The floors inside the chapel and the ceiling were incredible. A stunning day out.”
And a visitor to the Sozopol Archaeological Museum added: “We spent a few hours at the museum this summer. Although it’s not a huge museum, they have interesting exhibitions. The lady who was in charge of the museum was very nice and told us some peculiar facts about the history of Apolonia. Recommend taking a look at the second floor, where you can find an ancient ‘vampire’ skeleton.”
IF you want the beauty of the Amalfi coast but without the hefty price tag, then there is an alternative to consider.
The pretty fishing village of Camogli in northern Italy has beautiful multi-coloured houses and has even been dubbed a gem of the Italian Riviera.
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Pretty Camogli is a cheaper alternative to jetting off to the Amalfi CoastCredit: AlamyCamogli has similar qualities to Positano town on Amalfi CoastCredit: Alamy
Camogli sits on the Ligurian Riviera and its main stretch of beach is lined with pretty pastel buildings – much like towns on the Amalfi Coast.
Spiaggia di Camogli is the village’s pebbled beach that is lined with restaurants, cafes as well as sunloungers and parasols.
It’s quite a famous spot so it can get quite busy, especially on the weekend when there are daytrippers from Portofino.
One visitor who recommends visiting in low season said: “Camogli seafront always offers a bit of magic.”
Summers on the Amalfi coast are known for being hot and dry – Positano can reach highs of 33C.
It’s a tad cooler in the north of Italy and Camogli has average highs of 27C in July and August.
Another multi-coloured town along the coastline that you might want to tag onto your trip is Boccadasse.
Like Camogli, it has pastel-coloured houses built on top of cliffs and was a former fishing village.
It’s said to look like it’s ‘frozen in time’, and sits outside the city of Genoa and is a 30-minute drive from Camogli.
You’ll get the best views of the coastline if you walk along Corso Italia which connects Boccadasse to Genoa.
Boccadasse is also has independentrestaurantsthat you’ll want to pop into and try Ligurian specialities like focaccia and pesto-based pasta dishes are served.
While Center Parcs is a great family choice, it’s certainly not the cheapest. So, could a short journey to Europe actually save you money? We compared the price of a break in the school holidays at the two holiday parks
Could a stay at Center Parcs Europe be cheaper than the UK?(Image: Center Parcs Europe )
Center Parcs may be famous for its massive swimming pools, endless family activities, and beautiful lodges, but it’s also notorious for being a bit expensive, especially once you hit the school holidays.
Despite its prices, the five Center Parcs in the UK and one in Ireland has no trouble attracting families. But if you’re on a budget, you might be wondering if it’s possible to enjoy the Center Parcs experience without the premium prices.
One option that many families with school-aged kids will be looking at is staying in a European Center Parcs.
Although it is run by a different company, there are 28 Center Parcs holiday parks across Europe, and they can be found on the Belgian and Dutch coast, deep in Germany’s forests, and even close to Disneyland Paris, so there are lots of locations to choose from.
While accommodation prices are lower than those at Center Parcs in the UK, I was curious whether, once travel costs were included, it would still be a cheaper option.
Firstly, I looked at a short break in May half-term week, from Monday, May 25, for four nights. I priced this up as a family of four with two school-aged children and looked for the cheapest options.
In the UK, the cheapest park seemed to be Whinfell Forest, Cumbria, and the least expensive accommodation was a two-bedroom Woodland Lodge, which comes with a dishwasher, private patio, and pretty much everything you need for a family staycation.
This came in at £1,349 and the price includes entry to the famous subtropical swimming pool, adventure playgrounds, and cycle routes.
It does sting a little that the same break a week before is £599, showing just how dramatically the price differences can be for the school holidays.
Onto France, and for a short break, most parents would likely opt for somewhere without too long a journey. Center Parcs Les Bois-Francs is about two hours from Le Havre ferry port or three-and-a-half hours from Calais. For the same four nights in a Premium Cottage, the price is €440 (about £380), for about the same grade of accommodation as the UK.
Of course, you then also have your travel costs. A ferry from Dover to Calais can be found on those dates for four plus a car at £164, if you don’t mind driving in France. Fuel costs can vary a lot, especially with the current global situation, but a quick calculation shows the journey to and from Calais in my car would cost about £70 in fuel.
This puts the cost of a Center Parcs break in France for four at £614, including accommodation and travel, nearly half the cost of the UK. If you don’t live near the south coast, then your travel times could vary, but if you’re close to a ferry port and enjoy the adventure of exploring a new country, it could be a fun break.
Next, I looked at a longer break in the six-week holidays, which are notoriously expensive wherever you go. I wanted to see how a seven-night break would compare in Center Parcs UK versus Europe on these premium dates.
I chose breaks starting Friday, August 7, in the middle of the summer holidays, and again looked at prices for a family of four. A Woodland Lodge in Woburn Forest, Bedfordshire, is priced at £2,378 for a week.
But would the cost of a European break be any less painful on your pocket?
One of the cheaper European options for this week is Le Lac d’Ailette in the Picardy region of France. This pretty lakeside park is big on indoor and outdoor water activities, and being at the heart of the Champagne region means adults can enjoy stocking up on bottles to take home.
A Comfort Cottage is €1872 for the week (about £1,634) plus the cost of fuel to and from Calais, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive. A return ferry from Dover to Calais on these dates comes in at about £241 for four people in a standard car, so again, it’s cheaper than the UK option, but involves a longer journey.
While my basic calculations show that a Center Parcs holiday in Europe could be cheaper, it’s worth also bearing in mind the additional costs of travel abroad such as passports. And for families short on time and annual leave, the UK parks are likely a better option simply because it’s a shorter drive.
Food in supermarkets also tends to be more expensive in France than the UK, apart from the wine, although you can often eat out more affordably thanks to prix fixe menus.
However, if you’re a Center Parcs fan and fancy a change, or don’t mind the extra time spent on a ferry and in the car, you might want to consider trying one of the parks on the continent for your next break.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
IF your typical weekend involves a night out, a takeaway and somehow spending more than you planned… this might annoy you a bit.
Because right now, it’s officially cheaper to fly abroad for the weekend than it is to stay in the UK.
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You could stay at BLUESEA Gran Playa, Majorca from just £87.50pp per nightCredit: Onthebeach
I know – it sounds ridiculous. But the numbers back it up.
The average Brit is spending around £127 each on a weekend at home. Meanwhile, I’m seeing full package holidays – flights, hotel, food and drink included – coming in from roughly £80 per person, per night.
And that’s exactly what’s driving one of the fastest-growing travel trends I’ve seen in years.
It’s called an All-Inclusive Weekender – and bookings for them have doubled in the last year alone.
And the idea’s simple. You finish work on Friday, head straight to the airport, and by that evening you’re poolside with a drink in hand.
Saturday is a full day of sunshine, food and doing absolutely nothing. Then Sunday you squeeze in one last breakfast and a dip before flying home – back in time for work on Monday.
And once you see the prices, it makes total sense why people are doing it.
So I’ve gone through the latest data and pulled together 10 of the best all-inclusive weekenders you can book right now – the kind where you’ll spend less than you would at home… but get a full holiday out of it.
BLUESEA Gran Playa, Majorca – £87.50pp per night
2 nights all-inclusive at the 3* BLUESEA Gran Playa, flying from Birmingham on Friday 15 May – Sunday 17 May 2026.
This is your classic Majorca weekender setup – short flight, quick transfer, and straight into pool-and-pint mode by Friday evening.
The hotel itself keeps things simple but does the job well with a big pool, solid all-inclusive offering, and walking distance to the beach.
The Oceanis Park Hotel in Rhodes is a four-star stunning hotel with a premium feelCredit: Onthebeach
Oceanis Park Hotel, Rhodes – £85pp per night
2 nights all-inclusive at the 4* Oceanis Park Hotel, flying from London Gatwick on Friday 17 April – Sunday 19 April 2026.
Rhodes is one of those places that just works for a quick hit of sun – reliable weather, short transfer, no faff.
This hotel feels a bit more premium than the price suggests too, with a modern finish, great pool setup, and strong food options for a short stay.
£85pp per night for a full all-inclusive weekend is borderline ridiculous.
SMY Isla Cristina, Costa de la Luz – £110pp per night
2 nights all-inclusive at the 4* SMY Isla Cristina, flying from Bournemouth on Friday 17 April – Sunday 19 April 2026.
This one’s a bit more under-the-radar – Costa de la Luz instead of the usual Costa del Sol crowds.
The hotel’s a proper relaxed beachfront setup with loads of space, big pools and a quieter vibe – ideal if you want a chilled weekend rather than chaos.
£110pp per night all-in feels very fair for somewhere this peaceful.
SMY Isla Cristina is in Costa de la Luz, which can be a quieter alternative to Costa del SolCredit: OnthebeachMare Garden in Crete is a beachfront resort with breaks from £92.50pp per nightCredit: Onthebeach
Mare Garden, Crete – £92.50pp per night
2 nights all-inclusive at the 4* Mare Garden, flying from Manchester on Friday 17 April – Sunday 19 April 2026.
Crete is always a safe bet with loads of flight options, good weather early in the season, and proper all-inclusive value.
The hotel’s got a clean, modern feel with beachfront access and plenty of space to just switch off for 48 hours.
£92.50pp per night for Crete, all-in, is exactly why this trend is taking off.
Occidental Cala Viñas, Majorca – £105pp per night
2 nights all-inclusive at the 4* Occidental Cala Viñas, flying from Liverpool on Friday 8 May – Sunday 10 May 2026.
This is where the weekender starts to feel a bit more “treat yourself”.
It’s tucked into its own little cove, so you get that slightly more premium, secluded feel without paying five-star prices.
£105pp per night for that setup, all-inclusive, is still cheaper than most UK weekends.
You could spend a weekend at the Occidental Cala Viñas in Majorca instead of a big night outCredit: OnthebeachStay at the Panorama Sidari Village in Corfu and visit the Cape Drastis cliffsCredit: Getty
Panorama Sidari Village, Corfu – £115pp per night
2 nights all-inclusive at the 3* Panorama Sidari Village, flying from Manchester on Friday 8 May – Sunday 10 May 2026.
Corfu is one of the easiest Greek islands to dip into for a quick break because there’s loads of flights at all hours of the day and everything there is close together.
This hotel’s more laid-back and spacious, set slightly up in the hills with great views and a proper relaxed atmosphere.
£115pp pernight gets you sunshine, food, drinks and a full switch-off.
BLUESEA Club Marthas, Majorca – £82.50pp per night
2 nights all-inclusive at the 3* BLUESEA Club Marthas, flying from Manchester on Friday 8 May – Sunday 10 May 2026
One of the cheapest on the list and this is exactly what you want for a quick getaway.
Multiple pools, loads of space, and a no-frills all-inclusive setup that lets you just get stuck in from the moment you arrive.
This is on the quieter side of the island, so you get the sunshine and scenery without feeling like you’ve accidentally booked into a club.
Great pool, sea views, and a solid all-inclusive setup for a short stay.
£95pp per night for Ibiza is doing an all-inclusive weekender properly.
BLUESEA Club Marthas in Majorca offers stays from £82.50pp per nightCredit: OnthebeachHotel Vibra Riviera is an affordable option on the island of IbizaCredit: Onthebeach
Grand Muthu Golf Plaza Hotel & Spa, Tenerife – £90pp per night
2 nights all-inclusive at the 4* Grand Muthu Golf Plaza, flying from Liverpool on Friday 15 May – Sunday 17 May 2026.
Tenerife is one of the most reliable weekenders full stop, with sunshine pretty much guaranteed every week of the year.
And this hotel leans into the resort feel – big pool, spa, loads of space – ideal if you just want to park yourself somewhere warm and not move.
Filion Suites Resort & Spa, Crete – £80pp per night
2 nights all-inclusive at the 5* Filion Suites Resort & Spa, flying from London Luton on Friday 15 May – Sunday 17 May 2026.
This is the one that almost feels wrong.
A 5* all-inclusive in Crete, with proper resort facilities like multiple pools, a luxury spa and big spacious rooms – all for less than a night on the town.
It’s slightly more tucked away, but for a weekend, that just means peace and quiet.
£80pp per night for 5* all-inclusive is about as good as it gets.
Holiday at a 5-star all-inclusive for just £80pp per night at Filion Suites Resort and Spa in CreteCredit: Onthebeach
If you want to experience the Italian charm, cuisine and history without facing major crowds, swap Rome for a hidden gem on the southeastern heel of the country.
In Lecce, explore the historic buildings, churches and the archaeological amphitheatre that was discovered in the early 1900s
Rome is one of the most popular travel destinations on Earth, thanks to its history, architecture, weather and style.
But for those of us who are tired of navigating hordes of tourists to catch a glimpse of the Fontana di Trevi or queuing up for the best restaurants, there is an alternative.
The southeastern tip of Italy is home to the comune of Lecce, rich in baroque architecture and with the same historical charm that draws millions to the Capital.
Nicknamed the ‘Florence of the South’ for its characteristic style, Lecce has a rich history that is still tangible today in the form of places such as the Church of the Holy Cross (Chiesa di Santa Croce), built in 1353 and completed in 1695, and the Church of Saints Niccolo’ and Cataldo, initially built in 1180.
You’ll also find convents, the Column of St. Oronzo – built to mark the end of the plague – a major Roman-era amphitheatre, three archaeological museums, and Lecce’s own Arc de Triomphe (Arco di Trionfo), said to stand over St. Giusto’s tomb.
You’ll also find an imposing castle – Il Castello di Carlo V – in which tourists can enjoy cultural tours and seasonal events, originally built by Charles V in the 1500s.
If you like to experience a city by strolling around it, you’re spoiled for choice of where to go in Lecce. The city centre is full of sandstone-coloured grand piazzas, – the biggest one is Piazza del Duomo – ruins and ornate baroque buildings that sit in preserved Roman roads.
Visitors also enjoy the southern Italian tradition of the evening passeggiata, when families stroll at dusk to mark the end of the workday.
It is a city rooted in its artisanal culture, with olive oil and wine being Lecce’s main exports. That reflects in the local food and produce, making local eats accessible and fresh. For a truly authentic taste of Lecce, visit Mercato di Piazza Libertini, the lively central market.
You can also enjoy wine tours, cooking classes, and sample peppery olive oil, known for converting doubters into enthusiasts.
Other delicacies include pasticciotto – pastries filled with custard, ricotta, or, in Lecce, vanilla. You’ll easily find them at the multiple bakeries spread across the centre, with reviewers highlighting Pasticceria Natale and Caffè Alvino.
And if you manage to explore the entire place and still have time to spare, guides recommend taking a bus to the nearby beaches of San Cataldo, Porto Cesareo or Punta Prosciutto, reachable in as little as 40 minutes.
To enjoy optimal weather in Lecce, avoid June, July and August – as temperatures can easily go above 40C – but don’t worry about any other month, as temperatures range from 14C to 28C year-round. Avoiding grey skies is easy, as it doesn’t usually rain more than a week per month, but you’ll have the best luck in May, September, and October.
When looking for a place to stay, many like to enjoy Lecce while dwelling in scenic villas that offer a luxurious experience for a slightly higher price – from around £415 a night. If you’re budgeting, you can still have a great experience at local hotels for around £60 per night.
Overall, Lecce is more affordable than Italy’s major destinations but offers the same rich atmosphere, culture, and cuisine.
To reach Lecce, fly from London to Brindisi Airport, a journey of about three hours. From Brindisi, Lecce is approximately 30 minutes away by straightforward bus or car rides that can be booked in advance.
Once you get to the city, you’ll be able to comfortably reach most sites on foot, but public buses are available to help tourists navigate as well as reach neighbouring towns.
Return flights between London Stansted and Brindisi can cost as little as £30 per person during the milder seasons. If flying from London City Airport or Gatwick, fares typically start at £200.
If you’re already planning a trip to Italy, Lecce is a good day-trip option, as frequent trains connect Lecce with major Italian cities, making access easy.
There are some overlooked UK seaside destinations that offer a serene escape with golden sand beaches and dramatic scenery that are set to rival those in Cornwall
There are some beautiful UK seaside spots set to rival those in Cornwall(Image: Getty Images)
A travel expert has outlined some underrated UK seaside escapes that are a far cry from the crowds in Cornwall.
Cornwall is one of the most popular UK seaside destinations, with its sprawling golden-sand beaches, surfing waves, culinary scene, and charming towns like St Ives and Falmouth. Every year, it’s thought to welcome around 4million overnight visitors and a whopping 14million day trippers.
Its busiest time is notoriously during the school holidays and summer months, as thousands of Brits flock down to the coast to soak up the rays on the picturesque coastline. According to ONS figures, a staggering 710,860 short-time holiday let nights were recorded in August alone.
Not only can a break to the Cornish coast become overrun by tourists, but it can also come with a hefty price tag for the privilege, as demand soars. But all is not lost for that desirable escape to the British coast, as there are some underrated UK destinations that are just as beautiful, and far quieter.
“Cornwall is magnificent, and the popularity is completely understandable,” Mark Hutchins, founder of Beach Stays, said. “But there are stretches of coastline in this country that are just as stunning, far less crowded, and meaningfully cheaper. Most people never consider them simply because they’re less familiar. That’s their loss, and the gain of anyone willing to look a little further.”
Mark argues that some lesser-known locations are not a compromise and still offer picturesque coastal vistas alongside stunning beaches. The travel expert recommends West Wales and Northumberland for a seaside escape, and they’ll be a fraction of the price you’d pay for the same time in Cornwall.
West Wales is characterised by its dramatic cliffs, stretches of pristine beaches, secluded coves, and charming seaside towns, such as Cardigan and Aberaeron. Some of the most well-known beaches in the area include Barafundle Bay, Pendine Sands, and Whitesands Bay, which have miles of golden sand shores against the blue waters.
One visitor to Pendine Sands shared on TripAdvisor: “What a beautiful beach, miles of beach, beautiful views, plenty of parking, loads of shops to visit, there is also a museum of speed there, lots of food options to choose from, I would highly recommend.”
Following a trip to their favourite spot in West Wales, another holidaymaker said: “We have been coming to Whitsand Bay for our holiday almost every year. Beautiful, gorgeous, sandy beaches, still unspoiled, hardly anyone around. So peaceful.”
The region of Wales is also home to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only one of its kind in the UK, which stretches 186 miles along the scenic coastline. It offers ample hiking opportunities and some of the most breathtaking views of winding estuaries, enormous beaches, and rugged cliffs.
Northumberland is also home to some of the most spectacular scenery, with unspoilt sand beaches lined by dunes, rolling hills, and heather moorlands. One of its most famous beaches is the dramatic Bamburgh, with golden sand that stretches for around three miles, backed by the majestic Bamburgh Castle, and offering panoramic views of the Farne Islands.
It’s an uncrowded paradise and a haven for dog walkers, much like the beaches in Northumberland, which are often open to dogs year-round. Following a visit to Bamburgh beach this year, one holidaymaker noted: “A fantastic beach with breathtaking views of the Farne Islands and Holy Island with Lindisfarne castle.
“It was a lovely walk where you could easily spend hours with family, and it’s great to tire the dogs out! Overlooked by Bamburgh castle, it also offers great photo opportunities, and is near a few local cafes for after your walk.”
Other notable beaches in Northumberland include the sweeping coast of Budle Bay, the horseshoe-shaped Beadnell Bay, and Embleton Bay, which is overlooked by the ancient ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Known as the ‘castle county’, there’s also the famed Alnwick Castle that has been used as a filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
There are also plenty of charming towns to explore, including the historic Alnwick and Hexham, which has been named as one of the happiest places to live in the UK. There’s also the village of Corbridge, offering scenic riverside walks, along with the coastal towns of Bamburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed, with their mix of English and Scottish heritage.
With West Wales and Northumberland offering a catalogue of pristine beaches, delightful towns and picture-postcard coastal vistas, it might just be the time to switch it up from the Cornish coast.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
Experts say families could save more than £100, though Ryanair disagrees
09:08, 29 Mar 2026Updated 09:13, 29 Mar 2026
Ryanair has disputed the claims(Image: turbo83 via Getty Images)
Passengers flying with Ryanair are being encouraged to follow several steps to reduce costs on their journeys, though the airline has responded by dismissing the advice as “fake news”.
Consumer champion platform Which? claimed its research revealed travellers may have been spending more than necessary. Last month, Which? suggested families could potentially save over £100 on their next Ryanair flight by simply disregarding the airline’s “recommended” fare option. When arranging a summer journey from London to Alicante for a family of four, Ryanair promoted its “Regular” fare as the “ideal” selection.
But opting for this choice would have cost £59 more than picking the “Basic” fare and adding the identical seats and luggage manually later during the booking process, Which? claimed. The article continues: “If our family decided that we could get by with four cabin bags instead of the eight included in Ryanair’s ‘Regular’ fare, then we could reduce the fare by £163 from Ryanair’s recommendation.
“The Regular fare comes with priority boarding, carry-on luggage and free standard seat selection included, but on around 30 checks over the past two years we’ve only once found it cheaper. We looked at 15 flights to a range of locations in February 2026 and only once was the Regular ticket cheaper, even if we wanted all those extras.”
Ryanair has made its feelings on Which?’s findings abundantly clear. A spokesperson for the airline told Sky News: “This is more fake news from Which? Thankfully no one reads, or takes any notice of Which’s fake recycled news articles or your spurious ‘advice’, as our traffic growth from 200 million to 208 million passengers in 2025 proves.”
I SPEND a lot of my time looking at holiday prices – comparing deals, breaking down packages, and figuring out where the strange little pricing tricks are hiding.
There’s one trend I keep seeing again and again. In some family resorts, it can actually work out cheaper to stay as an adult and a child than as one adult on their own.
Holiday expert Rob Brooks has scoured the internet for holidays that are cheaper with childrenCredit: Robb Brooks
That’s not because flights suddenly get cheaper, but because the hotel part of the package drops in price.
It sounds odd, but when you look at how hotels price their rooms, it starts to make sense.
Why does this strange holiday pricing trick happen? The main reason is something called a single supplement.
Most hotel rooms are priced for two people sharing, so when just one person stays, hotels often increase the price to make up for the empty bed.
Solo travellers can end up paying a hidden surcharge, but when you add a child, the pricing works differently.
Family resorts – especially in places like Turkey, Spain and Greece – are built around rooms designed for two adults and a child, and children usually cost hotels less to accommodate.
They often sleep on sofa beds, eat smaller portions and have discounted all-inclusive rates.
Because of that, hotels often price children very cheaply – and sometimes the total hotel cost actually drops compared with a solo booking.
Hotels are usually happy with this because families tend to spend more around the resort, from drinks and snacks to activities and excursions.
So, filling a room with an adult and a child can be more valuable than one guest travelling alone, which occasionally leads to the strange situation where bringing a child makes the hotel portion of the holiday cheaper.
When I looked at the data, I found several resorts where this pricing quirk shows up.
I compared the price of a 7-night stay as a solo traveller versus the cost when bringing one child at a variety of holiday resorts.
Here are some of the best examples, and the biggest savings of up to £698.
Labranda Targa Club Aquapark, Marrakech
Average saving: £30
Just outside Marrakech, Labranda Targa Club Aquapark combines Moroccan sunshine with a proper family-friendly resort setup.
Kids get water slides and splash pools, while adults can explore the markets and gardens of the city nearby.
And the pricing still shows a small advantage, with adult and child bookings averaging £30 cheaper for a 7-night stay than solo travellers.
Labranda Targa Club Aquapark is a family-friendly option in sunny Marrakech, MoroccoCredit: On the Beach
BLUESEA Puerto Caleta, Fuerteventura
Average saving: £43
Located in Caleta de Fuste, Puerto Caleta is a relaxed apartment complex perfect for an adult and child beach holiday.
You’ve got sandy beaches, boat trips and plenty of restaurants right on your doorstep.
When I priced it up, holidays average a £43 saving for an adult and child per 7-night stay compared with travelling alone.
Sol Barbados, Majorca
Average saving: £45
Sol Barbados in Magaluf is one of the most family-friendly resorts in Majorca.
There’s a huge waterpark-style pool area, kids’ entertainment and easy access to the beach.
For an adult travelling with a child, it’s a simple sun-and-pool holiday – and the pricing shows an average saving of around £45 for a 7-night stay compared to booking solo.
BLUESEA Puerto Caleta in Fuerteventura is just steps away from a golden sand beachCredit: Alamy
At Staycity Aparthotels near Disneyland Paris, you’re just minutes from the Disney parks, which makes it ideal for an adult taking a child on their first big theme park trip.
And the pricing structure means the average holiday can come out around £60 cheaper for a 7-night stay when you book as an adult and child instead of travelling alone.
The Staycity Aparthotels are just minutes’ walk from Disneyland ParisCredit: Alamy
Oludeniz Beach Resort by Z Hotels, Dalaman
Average saving: £81
Oludeniz Beach Resort sits right by one of Turkey’s most famous beaches – the stunning Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz.
It’s an easygoing, all-inclusive resort where an adult and child can spend the day swimming, exploring the beach or watching the paragliders drift down from the mountains.
And package bookings for this hotel show an average saving of £81 for a 7-night stay when adding a child versus travelling solo.
There is an average saving of £81 when you bring a child to Oludeniz Beach ResortCredit: On the Beach
Gran Castillo Tagoro, Lanzarote
Average saving: £212
This five-star resort in Lanzarote is practically designed for family holidays.
Gran Castillo Tagoro has dedicated kids zones, family pools and incredible views over the volcanic coastline near Playa Blanca.
For an adult and child travelling together, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and activities.
Bookings here show an average saving of around £212 when bringing a child for a 7-night stay compared with a solo holiday.
You can save up to £212 on a stay at the five-star Gran Castillo Tagoro in LanzaroteCredit: On the Beach
It’s close to the beaches of Salou and just minutes from PortAventura theme park, which makes it perfect for a trip packed with rides, waterparks and ice cream stops.
Thanks to family-friendly pricing, the average holiday price drops by about £251 per 7-night stay when a child is added to the booking.
Golden Port Salou is just a short walk away from the Spanish theme park PortAventuraCredit: On the Beach
Rixos Radamis Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Average saving: £279
If you’re looking for something more luxury, Rixos Radamis in Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most impressive resorts in Egypt.
Huge pools, beach access on the Red Sea, kids clubs and endless all-inclusive food options make it a dream for families.
And the pricing structure here means an adult travelling with a child can save around £279 for a 7-night break on average compared with booking the same trip alone.
Auramar Beach Resort, Algarve
Average saving: £349
Over in Portugal, Auramar Beach Resort sits right above the cliffs near Albufeira with incredible sea views.
It’s a laid-back all-inclusive hotel where an adult and child can spend the day between the beach, the pools and the buffet before watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
Because it’s built for families, adding a child actually brings the average holiday price down by around £349 for a 7-night break compared with travelling solo.
The Auramar Beach Resort in Albufeira has stunning views over sapphire seasCredit: On the Beach
Eftalia Blue, Antalya
Average saving: £698
One of the biggest differences I found was at Eftalia Blue on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
This is a classic big Turkish all-inclusive resort with huge pools, slides, and easy access to the famous Eftalia Island beach complex.
For an adult and child travelling together, it’s ideal – kids get waterparks and entertainment all day while parents can relax by the pool or head down to the beach.
And the pricing quirk here is huge, with holidays averaging almost £700 cheaper for an adult and child for a 7-night stay compared to travelling alone.
Here’s my key takeaways for travellers.
Holidays can become nearly £700 cheaper at Eftalia Blue if you bring a child rather than go soloCredit: Eftalia Hotels
I should make it clear: holidays aren’t always cheaper with kids.
Flights are still one of your biggest spends, and plenty of hotels price things normally.
But when you start digging through package holiday deals, you occasionally find this strange pricing quirk.
Because of single supplements and heavily discounted child rates, this is one of those travel industry secrets you only really notice when you spend your days digging through holiday data.
The old fishing townfeatures a long, crescent shaped beach with white sand and crystal clear water.
And this is one of the spots in the town where you will find surfers tackling huge waves.
In fact, it is the Nazaré Canyon that is the largest underwater canyon in Europe, that produces the town’s colossal waves.
Away from the water, the town also has a lot of narrow streets to explore with cosy restaurants serving fresh seafood.
For example, you could head to Restaurante Maria do Mar, which is the best-rated restaurant on TripAdvisor in the area, serving ‘Maria do Mar’ fish stew for just €9.50 (£8.20).
Surfers should also head to Ericeira, which is another popular surf town.
It is widely known as the ‘surfing capital of Europe‘ and is home to one of only two World Surfing Reserves in Europe.
If you are not a surfer, then simply enjoy the town’s beautiful beaches such as Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) or Praia do Norte.
There’s also Obidos, which has a charming, medieval walled town.
In the picturesque town you can walk through Moorish gates and see colourful houses covered in bright pink flowers in summer.
Across the coastline, there are a number of towns and cities to explore including one spot dubbed the ‘Venice of Portugal’Credit: Getty
The medieval walls encircle the entire village, which you can explore.
There’s even a spot that is dubbed the ‘Venice of Portugal’ – Aveiro.
The nickname comes from the colourful boats that sail down canals in the town.
Originally, the boats – called moliceiros – were used to carry seaweed that had been harvested, but now they offer tours to visitors along the canals and past Art Nouveau buildings.
In the Old Town, you’ll find cobblestone streets with small fish and coastal images embedded into the cobbles.
Make sure to visit Ponte dos Laços de Amizade (Bridge of Friendship Ties) where couples tie ribbons on to the bridge.
And definitely grab some Ovos Moles which are sweets from the area.
They are egg yolk and sugar mixed together and then moulded into different shapes, like seashells.
Drop by Confeitaria Peixinho, the oldest Ovos Moles shop in Aveiro, which has been running since 1856 – each Ovos Mole costs about €1.60 (£1.38).
You can also see a village full of striped housesCredit: Getty
Nearby Aveiro there is another spot worth visiting called Costa Nova.
Here you will find rows upon rows of colourful striped beach cottages.
Elsewhere along the Silver Coast, you can visit the coastal village of Foz do Arelho and two beaches created by a saltwater lagoon.
Both feature white sand and are the ideal places to go paddleboarding.
If you want to grab a bite to eat, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the promenade.
Several of the pubs and bars along the Silver Coast sell beers for €1.25 (£1.08), like at Marcianus 3.0 in Foz do Arelho, where you can pick up a bottle of Imperial beer for this price.
One of the towns is home to the biggest surfing waves in the worldCredit: Getty
Depending on where you wish to go on the Silver Coast, you can fly into either Lisbon or Porto Airports.
One-way flights from the UK to Lisbon or Porto cost as little as £15 per person in April.
Also, depending on where you want to visit, there are a number of different accommodation options.
The average cost for a night in a four-star hotel in the region costs between £65 and £80.
A lesser-known Spanish resort is shaping up to be one of the more affordable escapes, with £3 pints and £15 flights, combined with its allure of reliable sunshine and dramatic landscapes
This Spanish region offers a sun-soaked getaway with a cheaper price tag(Image: First Choice/2015 lunamarina/Shutterstock)
A beautiful Spanish region that enjoys a tropical climate is ‘cheaper than Costa del Sol’ with £3 pints and £15 flights, just three hours from the UK.
Costa del Sol is a popular tourist destination, with the city of Marbella attracting thousands of holidaymakers each year, yet it’s not always the cheapest. While there are more affordable areas to visit in Costa del Sol, there’s another beautiful resort in Spain while worth exploring, and it could save you almost £300.
Known as the ‘desert coast’, Costa de Almería offers almost year-round sunshine and is one of the driest climates on the continent, so you’ll rarely need to worry about the weather. With stunning volcanic beaches, azure waters and desert landscapes, it’s a haven for travellers seeking a quieter escape from the tourist crowds.
Often overlooked by Brits, Costa de Almería has been hailed by the experts at First Choice as “significantly cheaper than Spain’s main holiday hotspots”. First Choice found that a seven-night stay at the four-star Best Oasis Tropical hotel in Almería during early May costs £281 per person, including flights – that’s around £290 cheaper per couple than a similar break in the Costa del Sol.
The travel experts also found that a beer could set you back just £3 (€3.50) in Almería, compared to the holiday hotspots of Marbella, which could cost as much as £5.19 (€6) per beer.
They also found that a three-course meal for two in Almería would typically cost between £25 (€30) and £30 (€35). This is in stark contrast to the same meal in Marbella, which could range from £51 (€60) to £86 (€100), saving around £61 (€70) per meal in Almería, and a total of £427 (€493) during a seven-night stay.
If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, Costa de Almería welcomes more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and only sees around 26 days of rainfall a year. It also receives 93 per cent less rain in May than the Costa del Sol, averaging just 1mm compared to 15mm.
Thanks to its location near the Tabernas Desert, the experts at First Choice say the region enjoys a warmer climate and sun-soaked rays “weeks before neighbouring areas.” Alongside its tropical climate and cost-cutting benefits, Almería offers plenty to explore, including diverse landscapes and golden-sand beaches.
The protected Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park is well worth a visit, with its volcanic cliffs, hidden coves and some of the most picturesque Spanish beaches. There’s also the stunning Tabernas Desert to explore on a guided day tour, as well as the charming whitewashed hilltop village of Mojácar.
Some may recognise Mojácar, which was famously used as the backdrop for major Hollywood movies, including Indiana Jones, as well as the hit TV series Game of Thrones. For film buffs, there’s the opportunity to visit the preserved Wild West film set of MiniHollywood Oasys, with shows and attractions, to feel as though you’ve stepped directly into Indiana Jones.
As a lesser-known destination compared to the Costa del Sol, there are few high-rise hotels towering over the beach, and quieter beaches, so you’ll often be able to find the perfect sun-soaked spot. What’s more, flights from London Stansted to Almería start from as little as £15 one-way, according to Sky Scanner.
Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at First Choice, said: “Costa Almería quietly delivers some of the most reliable spring sunshine in mainland Europe, yet it hasn’t caught up in price. That gap between weather and cost is what makes it stand out”
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