destinations

IT’S a very, very long time between now and being able to enjoy T-shirt weather here in the UK.

So if you’re finding the prospect of several months of dark afternoons and cloudy skies a bit depressing – we’ve found some VERY cheap sunshine holidays to break up the grey.

I’m a holiday expert who spends all day searching through customer reviews, hotel prices and live holiday bookings – and when I’m not doing that I’m on the ground, reviewing all inclusive hotels.

So here I am, sharing what I’ve learnt about some of the best places to go for a cheap bit of sun between now and late spring.

I’ve picked my favourite five-night escapes every single month, from November 2026 through to April 2027, that all cost less than £150pp.

The £150 covers the flights and accommodation, so you’ll still need spending money, but it’s an incredible starting point.

I’ve found the deals and made sure to mix in places where there’s plenty to explore with somewhere to slow down, get by the sea and enjoy a change of scenery.

Something different each month, with the next trip already waiting when you get home. Here’s how I’d do it…

November: Marrakech, Morocco, from £105pp

I’d kick things off somewhere that feels a very long way from a British November.

And Marrakech does that in heaps: spice stalls, colourful courtyards, rooftop cafés and the bustle of Jemaa el-Fna.

You can spend hours exploring the souks, watching craftspeople at work and trying to convince yourself you’ve got room in your luggage for that Moroccan lamp.

With average daytime highs around 23C in November, there’s a very appealing prospect of sitting outside in the sunshine while everyone back home is discussing whether to put the heating on.

The deal I found is five nights, room only, at Hotel Aday from £105pp, including direct return flights from Manchester on November 28, 2026.

The hotel is in the medina, a few minutes from Jemaa el-Fna and, for this trip, that’s where the value lies: you’re staying close to the action, with the markets and historic centre ready to explore.

I’d spend the first day getting my bearings, then work through the souks and sights at my own pace, then come evening, I’d find somewhere overlooking the square and watch the city put on its show.

At £210 for two people, including flights, that’s quite the opening act.

December: Bugibba, Malta, from £110pp

December’s escape is Malta, where five nights gives you time to combine a seaside base with some brill days out.

I’d use Bugibba as the starting point, then head into Valletta for a day in the capital and make another trip to Mdina (both are accessible by bus from Bugibba, so you can get a good taste of the island without hiring a car).

There’s something particularly satisfying about spending a December afternoon having coffee outside with the sea nearby, and Malta gives you the opportunity to do exactly that, with sightseeing to fill the rest of the diary.

The deal I found is five nights, room only, at Topaz from £110pp, including direct return flights from Bournemouth on December 7, 2026.

One hotel feature I especially like for these dates is the indoor pool, available during the colder months.

There’s also a lounge with a small library for anyone whose holiday ambitions include finally finishing their book.

That’s £220 for two people, including flights, for five nights away before Christmas.

So leave space in your suitcase as it’s a great place for some Christmas shopping too.

January: Naples, Italy, from £110pp

January needs a better plan than sitting around, waiting for payday, and my ideal plan would involve Naples and a considerable amount of pizza – for just over £100.

This is the month I’d definitely lean into a city break: beautiful churches, delicious coffee stops and the only decision to be made is which pasta dish to try on the menu.

Five nights gives you time to get beyond the first few sights and start finding your own favourite corners.

The deal I found is five nights, room only, at Royal Art House H Duomo from £110pp, including direct return flights from London Stansted on January 9, 2027.

The property is on Corso Umberto I, putting you close to the historic centre, although its transport connections also make Pompeii or Herculaneum very possible additions to the itinerary.

January’s typical daytime temperatures are around 12–13C, which suits a trip where you’re out exploring rather than planning everything around a sunlounger.

Catch a bright afternoon and I’d make time for an outdoor cocktail between sights.

I’d explore Naples itself for a few days, then consider one bigger excursion – there’s no need to rush back after a single night when five nights and the flights cost £220 for two.

February: Alanya, Turkey, from £135pp

February takes us to Alanya, where I’d make the most of the mix of history, Turkish food and decent weather in a gorgeous location.

The castle is the obvious place to start, with the harbour and town giving you plenty more to explore.

It’s a holiday where you can do something interesting in the morning, then spend the afternoon deciding how much or how little you fancy doing next.

Average daytime highs are around 15C in February, giving you some welcome mild-weather potential for getting out and about.

The deal I found is five nights, room only, at Villa Sonata Hotel from £135pp, including direct return flights from Manchester on February 23, 2027.

Villa Sonata is one of a villa complex, and there’s an on-site restaurant for meals at a modest extra cost.

It has the sort of setting I’d enjoy returning to after a day exploring: somewhere to sit down, order something and declare myself finished for the afternoon.

For £270 for two people, including flights, you’ve got five nights to enjoy Alanya’s sights, sample Turkish dishes and take February at a much more agreeable pace.

March: Lloret de Mar, Spain, from £145pp

For March, I’d head to the Costa Brava and give Lloret de Mar a go – and the Santa Clotilde Gardens would be high on my list.

They’re perched above the Mediterranean, with terraces, greenery and sea views that make a very convincing case for taking your time.

If you watched House of the Dragon, you might even recognise the setting as scenes were filmed here!

The deal I found is five nights, self catering, at Els Llorers Apartments from £145pp, including direct return flights from London Luton on March 14, 2027.

The apartments have kitchens with a fridge and microwave, so breakfast, snacks and cold drinks are easy to sort yourself – that leaves more of the spending money available for the things you actually want to do.

I’d build this trip around exploring the town and making the most of bright spring afternoons by the sea.

Having your own apartment also makes the slower days easy: breakfast when you fancy it, a book and no pressing reason to check the time.

All for just £290 for two people, including flights. Crazy deal!

April: Albufeira, Portugal, from £145pp

I’d finish the six-month run soaking up the sun in the Algarve.

Albufeira gives you beaches, an old town to explore and plenty of choice when it comes to eating out – Fishermen’s Beach sits directly in front of the historic centre, so you can combine a morning around town with an afternoon on the sand.

With average daytime highs around 20C in April, this is one where I’d be hoping to get plenty of use out of the sunglasses.

The deal I found is five nights, room only, at Areias Senses (Adults Only 16+) from £145pp, including direct return flights from London Luton on 25 April 2027.

There’s an outdoor pool with sunloungers, giving you somewhere to settle on those sunny afternoons.

And the room only basis also means you can try different places for breakfast and dinner rather than organising the day around set mealtimes.

I’d mix exploring Albufeira with beach time and a couple of afternoons doing very little around the hotel.

Plus, by holiday number six, I’d expect to be quite accomplished at that. And for £290 for two people, including flights, it’s a very, very tempting finish.

IF you want a winter sun holiday that’s worth the money, where should you ACTUALLY go?

I look at cheap holiday deals every day, and certain destinations become automatic recommendations based on my experience alone.

But I also love checking whether the numbers agree with me.

So I’ve dug deep into the booking data at On The Beach to rank the official top ten winter sun destinations – down to the exact resort – by what holidaymakers paid per person, per night to stay.

The result takes us through the Canaries, Egypt and Morocco, with holiday deals for as little as £170 each.

Here’s the countdown, starting at number ten.

10. Costa Teguise, Lanzarote

Costa Teguise earns its place by giving you plenty of ways to spend the week – Las Cucharas is the beach to stick on your list if you fancy trying a water sport, while Pueblo Marinero brings restaurants, markets and live music into the mix.

And that’s what I like about it – there’s enough going on to give each day a bit of variety, with plenty of opportunity to settle into a favourite spot and stay there.

Holidaymakers paid £93 per person per night on average, putting Costa Teguise in tenth place on this shortlist.

Personally, I’d look for a hotel or apartment that makes it easy to enjoy the resort, because when you’ve got beaches, places to eat and activities nearby, the location factors into the value.

The best deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at Tabaiba Center from £205pp, including direct return flights from East Midlands on January 9, 2027.

There’s a pool for those afternoons lazing near your accommodation, while self-catering gives you the freedom to decide which meals to sort yourself and when to head out.

9. Los Cristianos, Tenerife

Los Cristianos is one I’d recommend when someone wants a holiday with plenty on the doorstep.

You’ve got beaches, obviously, but also a working harbour and the option of taking a ferry to La Gomera for a completely different day out.

It gives you the choice between staying happily put and adding a little island-hopping to the itinerary.

For me, the appeal is being able to have a full holiday without having to organise a big excursion every morning.

The booking data puts Los Cristianos at £87 per person per night on average.

I’d consider it for couples, friends or anyone who likes having a choice of places to eat and somewhere to go after dinner.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at Coral Los Alisios from £280pp, including direct return flights from London Gatwick on January 8, 2027.

The four-star complex has a pool and sun terrace, giving you somewhere to relax between outings. And with self-catering, you can keep breakfast simple before heading out to enjoy Tenerife.

8. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Maspalomas gives you holiday views that make getting on a plane feel immediately worthwhile.

The dunes are stunning here: a protected landscape of sand, palms and a lagoon beside the Atlantic.

I’d make time for the viewpoints, the beach and an evening around the lighthouse.

But the beauty of the resort is you don’t need to fill every day with paid attractions when the surroundings provide so much of the entertainment.

At £85 per person per night on average, Maspalomas takes eighth place.

And here, I’d choose a base that suits how you want to spend the days, so I went looking for a decent apartment set up in a great location.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at Apartamentos Koala Garden LIVVO Home Collection from £255pp, including direct return flights from Manchester on January 18, 2027.

The hotel gives you a pool and space to enjoy the sunshine, with the flexibility of sorting some meals yourself.

7. Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada is one I regularly check when someone wants the hotel to be a big part of the holiday.

My instinct here is to go all inclusive and book a hotel you’re excited to spend time in, your main meals sorted with drinks included.

Then you’ve got the Red Sea to explore, plus the marina and traditional markets when you fancy getting out. 

Hurghada offers plenty of scope for combining resort time with something more adventurous.

And British holidaymakers paid £84 per person per night on average in the booking data.

For a deal in the wider Hurghada area, I found five nights’ all inclusive at Lemon & Soul Makadi Garden in Makadi Bay from £295pp, including direct return flights from London Luton on January 20, 2027.

This hotel is in Makadi Bay and it’s a great option with a generous pool area, and the hotel even boasts a whopping 4.5/5 Tripadvisor score from more than 2,500 reviews.

Flights, five nights’ accommodation, main meals and selected drinks for £590 for two people? That’s a lot of the holiday sorted before you even arrive.

6. Naama Bay, Sharm El Sheikh

Naama Bay is where I’d look for a Sharm holiday with a lively centre.

Beach time comes with the option of bars, restaurants and shopping, giving you somewhere to head when you fancy an evening beyond the hotel.

It’s a good fit for anyone who enjoys having a resort to get involved in.

The average amount paid was £83 per person per night, putting it just ahead of Hurghada.

I’d choose it for a perfect winter sun combination: time to relax during the day, then the freedom to go out and see what takes your fancy.

The deal I found is five nights’ all inclusive at Sharm Holiday Resort from £270pp, including direct return flights from London Gatwick on January 26, 2027.

The four-star hotel has a massive pool area, giving you somewhere to spend those slower days.

And with your meals and drinks included, you can budget separately for any evenings out if you fancy a drink outside of the resort.

5. Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

Puerto del Carmen makes the top five, and I can see why it deserves a place on the shortlist.

Its old harbour gives you a flavour of the fishing village the resort grew from, alongside the beaches and holiday facilities that make it such an established Lanzarote choice.

I like somewhere that gives you options without requiring much planning – a beach afternoon, an evening around the harbour, somewhere different for dinner, and enough variety to keep things interesting while still feeling like a proper break.

Holidaymakers paid £80 per person per night on average according to the booking data.

For this one, I’d compare self-catering and B&B packages, because having a place to prepare your own breakfast can work well when you’re keen to try different restaurants during the trip.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at San Francisco Park – Adults Only from £240pp, including direct return flights from Dublin on January 17, 2027.

The adults-only complex has a pool surrounded by apartments, giving you a relaxed base for a trip built around enjoying Puerto del Carmen.

For £480 for two people, including flights, you can keep things flexible: breakfast in, dinner out and the rest decided as you go.

4. Om El Sid, Sharm El Sheikh

Om El Sid is a lesser known area of Sharm El Sheikh.

But this is the name I’d look for if getting swimming in the sea is high on your holiday wish list.

The Ras Um Sid area is known for its reef and diving, giving you the opportunity to make the underwater scenery a memorable part of the trip.

That’s where I’d focus my hotel search: what beach access it offers, how you reach the water and whether it suits the kind of swimming or snorkelling you want to do.

The booking data puts Om El Sid at £77 per person per night on average, making it the highest-placed Egyptian destination on this shortlist.

The deal I found is five nights’ Bed & Breakfast at Falcon Hills from £250pp, including direct return flights from London Luton on January 18, 2027.

Breakfast included takes the pressure our of finding somewhere to eat when you’ve just woken up, while leaving the rest of the itinerary open.

I’d use it as a base for a mix of hotel time, exploring and taking a dip in the sea as often as possible.

3. Nuevo Horizonte, Fuerteventura

Nuevo Horizonte is a useful name to have up your sleeve when you’re searching for an affordable Canary Islands holiday.

It sits around two kilometres north of Caleta de Fuste, and I’d consider it for a relaxed base.

Yet you still havethe option of heading into the neighbouring resort when you fancy a change.

At £74 per person per night on average, it takes third place in this ranking.

And for me, I’d be looking for an apartment hotel here – having your own space, a fridge and somewhere to sort breakfast can help you shape the spending around what matters to you.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel from £210pp, including direct return flights from Bristol on 11 January 2027.

There’s a large pool area, so you’ve got somewhere to settle on those afternoons when the diary is deliberately empty.

And the self-catering basis also leaves you in charge of how often you eat in or head out.

2. Caleta de Fuste, Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura takes silver as well as bronze, with Caleta de Fuste coming in at an average of just £73 per person per night on average.

It’s a particularly useful option for families because the resort has sheltered beaches, a marina and activities including diving excursions and golf, giving different members of the group something to get excited about.

It’s also only around seven kilometres from the airport and this is a practical advantage worth having.

I’m very much in favour of spending more of the holiday enjoying the destination.

I’d look for accommodation that makes the most of the resort’s convenience – somewhere with the facilities you’ll use, easy access to the places you want to visit and a board basis that fits your budget.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at Fuertesol from £185pp, including direct return flights from Bristol on January 11, 2027.

The accommodation is arranged around a pool, giving you a holiday base with somewhere to enjoy the sunshine between outings.

For £370 for two people, including flights, this is the sort of starting price that gets my attention. 

1. Agadir, Morocco

And the lowest average on this shortlist belongs to Agadir – at £71 per person per night, Morocco’s Atlantic beach city takes the top spot.

What I like about Agadir is that you can combine a beach holiday with experiences that give the trip a completely different flavour.

Spend time browsing Souk El Had, try Moroccan dishes and visit the Agadir Oufella kasbah for history and views over the city.

The winning combination here is the price and the variety – you can relax, explore, shop and eat well, with a beach to return to whenever the mood takes you.

The deal I found is five nights’ Bed & Breakfast at Tildi Hotel & Spa from £170pp, including direct return flights from Edinburgh on January 11, 2027.

It’s a four-star hotel with a pool and gardens, giving you somewhere to unwind between exploring Agadir.

Breakfast included means you can start each day fed and ready to go, with the rest of the meals left open for trying different places.

That’s £340 for two people, including flights and breakfast, so for someone asking where I’d start the search for an affordable winter escape, I’d happily recommend Agadir.

TIRED of the cold weather already? Check out these 10 destinations that are the hottest resorts for summer holidays next year with cheap pints and waterparks.

Jet2 has revealed the most popular resorts for holidays in 2027 with plenty of bookings already – and leading the charge is a firm favourite for Brits.

In number one spot is Benidorm, the resort city in Alicante well-known for cheap food and drink, party strips and golden beaches.

With the price of a pint as high as £5.50 in the UK, it’s no wonder Brits flock to the boozy destination where it can be as little as €1.80 (£1.50) – and there’s plenty of deals to be had at happy hour.

One man even moved from the UK to Benidorm after one visit, claiming it’s like “paradise” with its “laid-back vibe”.

One-way flights in the summer to Alicante can be as little as £28 and take less than two and a half hours.

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Holiday resorts most-loved by Brits – from Greek 2* hotel to Turkish all inclusive

With loveholidays, breaks to Benidorm cost from £289pp – this is for a seven-night holiday in the Camposol Hotel which comes with its own pool and includes flights from London Luton.

Other Spanish resorts that made the list of being the most-booked include Salou and Benalmadena.

Salou which sits on the Costa Daurada coastline came in eighth position.

The destination is popular particularly with families as it’s near one of Europe’s largest theme parks, PortAventura World.

The theme park has record-breaking rollercoasters in Ferrari Land as well as lots of attractions and live shows.

Meanwhile, Benalmadena is a coastal town in Southern Spain and is another spot near a theme park, this time it’s Tivoli World.

It’s also known for its popular Puerto Marina which is lined with seaside restaurants, bars and clubs.

Two destinations in Tenerife are also amongst some of the most popular which isn’t too surprising considering its short flight time and high summer temperatures.

From the UK, the island can be reached in four and a half hours and temperatures sit at 30C during between July and September.

The coastal resort areas of Costa Adeje on the southwestern coast came in second place on the most-booked list.

Any waterpark fans will love it as Costa Adeje is home to Siam Park – a Thai-themed waterpark with huge racing slides, waterfalls and a wave pool.

If you head 12-minutes up the coast by car to Playa del Duque, you’ll be in a spot loved by celebrities thanks to its beautiful beach and upmarket shops.

It’s been reported that singers Shakira, Mariah Carey and Queen’s Brian May have all stayed in a nearby hotel.

One-way flights in the summer start from £44 and with loveholidays, breaks start from £329pp.

This is for a seven-night stay at the Duque Nest Hotel which has a private swimming pool and includes flights from London Stansted.

Also in Tenerife is Playa de las Americas which came in sixth spot.

The purpose- built holiday resort has bars, nightclubs, restaurants and beaches with either golden or black volcanic sand.

The third most-booked resort for summer next year is Alanya in Turkey.

The historic beach city on the coast can be as high as 34C in the summer and when its time to cool off, visitors can head to the biggest waterpark in the region.

Called Water Planet Aqua Park, it has 24 water slides, a wave pool, splash parks for younger children and even a man-made rafting course.

When it comes to beaches, Kleopatra Beach is considered one of the best in Turkey.

The 1.2 mile stretch of sand has clear blue waters – and it is named after the Queen of Egypt.

Other spots to make it onto the list include Marmaris along the Turkish Riviera and Cyprus which has around 320 days of sunshine per year.

Another is Palma Nova in Majorca which has three pretty beaches all connected by one long promenade lined with souvenir shops and hotels.

The 10 most-booked resorts for Summer 2027…

1. Benidorm, Spain
2. Costa Adeje, Tenerife
3. Alanya, Türkiye
4. Paphos, Cyprus
5. Marmaris, Türkiye
6. Playa de las Americas, Tenerife
7. Protaras, Cyprus
8. Salou, Spain
9. Palma Nova, Majorca
10. Benalmadena, Spain

IT’S BAD news for Brits wanting to head to Spain this winter as there will be thousands of fewer plane seats on sale.

Seats have been reduced across flights to a number of popular Spanish destinations over the coming months.

Lanzarote will be one spot that is getting fewer seats, with the total number of seats cut for the 2026/2027 winter season being 33,928.

And Lanzarote isn’t the only destination in the archipelago that is experiencing fewer seats for the winter season.

Gran Canaria will also have fewer seats – around 22,000 in total between December and February.

Across the entire archipelago, around 104,000 seats have been cut in total.

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Outside of the Canary Islands, Malaga Airport will also have five per cent fewer seats over the next six months – between 60,000 and 70,000 seats.

With that totalling nearly 174,000 seats, that could be as many as 1,160 flights, if based on short haul planes carrying around 150 passengers.

While the reasons for the cut in seats haven’t been explained, experts believe it is due to the current economic climate in the UK, as well as the high cost of fuel.

For travellers, fewer seats usually means lower flight frequencies as opposed to widespread cancellations.

It follows Ryanair cutting a number of flights over the summer months.

The budget airline cut 1.2million seats across regional Spain and entirely scrapped all Asturias flights.

Thankfully, some airlines are adding flights to some of the popular Spanish cities.

Wizz Air has introduced three new routes between the UK and Spain.

The routes, which operate from London Luton, go to Malaga, Grenada and Asturias with single fares starting from just £26.99 per person.

LOOKING for a holiday where your cash goes further? These destinations have been revealed as the best value for money.

Skyscanner recently unveiled its list of top spots across the world where the price of flights has dropped the most – and in some cases, hotels too.

At the very top of the Skyscanner list is the city of Bilbao which has seen a 66 per cent drop in flight prices from last year.

It’s a great choice for Brits too as it’s the closest Spanish city to the UK taking less than two hours to get there.

One-way flights to Bilbao can be as little as £20 with with the cost of hotels down by 63 per cent from last year, rooms start from £29 on Booking.com.

If you fancy booking a whole trip, with loveholidays the cost of a seven-night break to Bilbao in April 2027 starts from £42pppn.

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As Bilbao is that it doesn’t get as many tourists as lots of other Spanish cities, it’s a lot quieter than its neighbours.

In 2025, just 1.6 million visited Bilbao last year compared to 16 million in Barcelona.

There’s lots to see too like the neighbourhood of Iralabarri which has been compared to Notting Hill thanks to its colourful town houses.

Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey who visited earlier this year suggested heading its top attraction, the Guggenheim Bilbao museum which is filled with modern and contemporary art.

When it comes to food, Kara attempted the art of txikiteo which is where you hop between tapas bars for snacks and drinks.

Kara added: “My number one spot was Cafe Bar Bilbao for its tasty pork sliders, as well as Taberna Ona for freshly sliced Iberian ham. 

“The most famous Bilbao drink is txakoli, a Basque white wine which you can find pretty much anywhere.

“Squeeze into the family-run Taberna Basaras, a tiny bar with barrels for tables and bottles from floor to ceiling, for a hearty glass. You might also spot the locals ordering a mariano, a vermouth “daytime” cocktail that’s lighter than a negroni.”

The second city on the list is Wrocław in Poland which has had a flight price drop of 47 per cent.

One writer who recently visited called it one of Europe’s ‘best-kept city-break secrets‘.

The Polish city has colourful market squares with cobbled streets and tall pastel townhouses.

It’s known as a city of festivals with lots going on throughout the year from films and jazz to classical music.

If you fancy visiting during the festive period, Wroclaw’s Christmas market is one of the largest in Poland.

One-way flights to Wroclaw start from £27.

With loveholidays, a three-night break in the city starts from £149pp or £50pppn.

Another place not far from the UK that has seen a drop in price is Bordeaux in France where air fares have decreased by 34 per cent.

The port city in southwestern France is known for its 18th-century architecture and wine culture.

Make sure to pop into Bassins des Lumières – a former World War Two submarine base which has been transformed into a digital art installation.

If you’re planning a summer holiday next year, a trip to Rhodes in Greece shouldn’t put a dent in your wallet.

The beautiful island is the largest of the Dodecanese and is known for having pretty beach resorts, ancient ruins and it has highs of over 30C in the summertime.

It’s seen a drop in flight prices by 22 per cent and on Skyscanner, one-way tickets are as cheap as £28.

Pula, which is considered the ‘Rome of Croatia‘ came in seventh spot.

The city on the tip of the Istrian Peninsula got its nickname from its ruins – the amphitheatre is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world.

The spot on the Adriatic coast has lots of history and it’s under three hours from the UK too with flights having dropped in price by 20 per cent.

Fez in Morocco came in eighth on the list with a drop of 19 per cent when it comes to flights, which are as cheap as £15.

The city in northern Morocco is known for its vibrant markets and attractions, including its ancient medina.

It’s a popular winter sun city with highs of 20C in November.

For more on Fez, Travel Reporter Jenna Stevens recently visited the city to try out cooking classes and pottery.

For more travel inspiration, Skyscanner has also revealed the 10 holiday destinations that are set to be huge next year.

This includes far-flung Kyrgyzstan to Hurghada in Egypt and pretty Greek islands.

Top 10 destinations where airfares have fallen the most…

1. Bilbao, Spain (-66%)
2. Wrocław, Poland (-47%)
3. Bordeaux, France (-34%)
4. Zürich, Switzerland (-33%)
5. Ancona, Italy (-31%)
6. Rhodes, Greece (-22%)
7. Pula, Croatia (-20%)
8. Carcassonne, France (-20%)
9. Fez, Morocco (-19%)
10. Krabi, Thailand (-15%)

WHEN someone tells me holidays have got more expensive, my first question is usually: where are you looking?

Because holidays – and winter sun ones especially – don’t always come with the steep price tag… if you know where to look.

Even on the same island, holidaymakers can end up paying more in one resort while spending less in another.

And knowing which names to put into the search box can make all the difference.

So I’ve been digging through the booking data, comparing this winter with the winter before, to find the destinations where holidaymakers actually paid less on average.

From Tenerife, to Egypt, to long-haul luxury in Mexico – I’ve found a holiday alternative in every destination where the prices are considerably lower right now, compared to how much they were last year.

And with up to 18 per cent slashed off the price of a five-night stay, there’s no excuse not to consider a little pre-Christmas getaway…

10. El Medano, Tenerife – 1% less

El Medano earns its name for offering a completely different flavour of Tenerife.

Beach and water sports are a big deal here, making it a good option for someone who likes an active seaside holiday alongside the usual eating, relaxing and enjoying being away.

I’d put it on the shortlist if you want the beach to be the centre of the trip, with plenty of opportunity to get outside.

The average amount paid here edged down one per cent year on year, with a small dip in the nightly average too.

The deal I found is at Hotel KN Arenas del Mar Beach & Spa, a four-star, adults-only hotel with a pool overlooking the sea.

It’s a five night Bed & Breakfast break from £315pp, including direct return flights from Manchester on December 14, 2026 – a perfect pre-Christmas seaside break.

9. Matagorda, Lanzarote – 2% less

Matagorda is somewhere I’d suggest for a simple, classic Lanzarote beach break – the long stretch of golden sand gives you the perfect starting point for a winter holiday.

The average amount paid here dipped two per cent, keeping spending down between the two winters.

That’s a result, especially when you consider Playa Blanca – also on Lanzarote – saw average costs rise seven per cent.

For someone who already likes Lanzarote, Matagorda is another name worth checking before deciding where to stay.

The deal I found is five nights’ Self Catering at San Marcial from £200pp, including direct return flights from Bristol on December 12, 2026.

There’s a pool for spending time around the accommodation, while the self-catering basis gives you control over the food budget.

This means popping to the local supermarket – one of my favourite things to do on holiday – for your food, while having the option to eat out without feeling like you are wasting a meal at the hotel.

And at just £400 for two people, including flights, you’ve got a very tempting starting price for a winter escape.

8. Makadi Bay, Egypt – 6% less

Makadi Bay is one I’d check out for a Hurghada holiday this year, and it’s perfect for a holiday where leaving the hotel isn’t top of your list between cocktails and swimming.

Think time by the pool, trips down to the beach and making the most of having your main meals sorted if you choose all inclusive.

It suits the sort of break where getting extremely comfortable for a week is the whole plan.

And the average amount paid here between winters fell six per cent.

What makes that especially sweet is the contrast with Hurghada itself, where holidaymakers paid nine per cent more on average.

It’s just another example of why I’d always compare individual resort areas rather than searching for one destination and assuming the job is done.

The deal I found is at the five-star Stella Beach Resort & Spa Makadi Bay: a five night all inclusive stay from £415pp, including direct return flights from London Luton on December 12, 2026.

Five-star accommodation, all inclusive and flights for £83 per person per night across the package? That deserves real consideration, even from me.

7. Sharm El Sheikh (town) – 6% less

Sharm El Sheikh is one I regularly consider when someone asks for a winter holiday recommendation.

There’s a massive choice of resorts, with an endless coast of gorgeous beaches right on your doorstep.

The booking figures make this result particularly interesting – Brits paid six per cent less on average, year on year.

And, I should say, this was a spot attracting substantially more bookings compared to the year before. Yet still, the average costs came down.

The deal I found is five nights, all inclusive at Amwaj Oyoun Hotel and Resort from £345pp, including direct return flights from London Gatwick on December 6, 2026.

It’s a five-star hotel with a massive pool area, and it’s the sort of place where I’d happily build my day around which pool and which restaurant I’m liking the look of.

That’s £690 for two people, with flights, accommodation, meals and drinks covered.

Remind me why we spend winter in the UK again?

6. Nuevo Horizonte, Fuerteventura – 7% less

Nuevo Horizonte, also known as Costa de Antigua, is a useful name to know if you’re keen to get away this winter for a good price.

It’s on Fuerteventura’s east coast, close to Caleta de Fuste, and I’d consider it for a relaxed holiday with plenty of warmth.

For a budget-conscious trip, I’d look closely at apartment options.

This means more control over your spending by having breakfast in your apartment, keeping beers in the fridge and choosing when to eat out.

This had the lowest average amount paid of anywhere on the list, with holidaymakers spending seven per cent less on average than the winter before.

The deal I found is five nights self catering at Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel from £200pp, including direct return flights from Newcastle on December 12, 2026.

There’s a large pool area to enjoy, and as mentioned, the self-catering basis lets you decide how much of the holiday involves eating in or heading out.

Five nights in Fuerteventura for £400 for two, including flights, is a very sweet deal to have on your radar.

5. Playa del Carmen, Mexico – 8% less

If you’re thinking about a bigger, flashier winter escape, this is the spot I’d pay close attention to.

Playa del Carmen puts Mexico’s Caribbean coast on this shortlist, with plenty of beach time and the option to explore the Riviera Maya.

However, I would always look particularly closely at what the hotel includes here.

On a longer trip, an all inclusive package can cover a substantial part of your holiday spending before you arrive.

The average amount paid fell eight per cent, which meant a reduction of over £170 per person on average – the largest cash decrease on this list.

For two people, the difference between those averages was more than £350.

The deal I found is ten nights all inclusive at the five-star Bluebay Grand Esmeralda from £1,250pp, including direct return flights from London Gatwick on December 2, 2026.

That gives you a longer stay to settle into, with your main meals and selected drinks already part of the booking – a tantalising way to spend the run-up to Christmas.

4. Om El Sid, Sharm El Sheikh – 8% less

Om El Sid is one of my favourite parts of Egypt.

The area is known for its coral reefs and snorkelling, giving you something rather more interesting to look at than the bottom of a swimming pool.

For me, that’s a good reason to be specific about where in Sharm you stay – the location and beach access can become a major part of what makes the hotel worth booking.

Holidaymakers paid eight per cent less on average here too.

The deal I found is a five night all inclusive break at Old Vic Sharm Resort & Spa from £295pp, including direct return flights from Newcastle on December 9, 2026.

The hotel has a gorgeous pool if you don’t fancy a snorkel, and the all inclusive basis means your meals and drinks are covered while you’re there.

That’s £590 for two people, including flights – or £59 per person per night across the package.

So you’re bagging five nights away with a huge chunk of the everyday spending sorted. It’s easily one of the best deals I’ve spotted all year!

3. Golf del Sur, Tenerife – 9% less

Golf del Sur is worth a look if you fancy a much slower-than-usual Tenerife holiday, particularly if you like the idea of spending plenty of time enjoying your hotel.

And, as the name rather helpfully suggests, golfers have an obvious reason to take a closer look.

The area’s course combines volcanic scenery with Atlantic views, making a round here a very different proposition from searching for your ball in a wet British hedge.

But I’d also consider the area for a straightforward week of pool time, leisurely meals and a change of scenery.

The average cost here fell nine per cent, giving you another Tenerife name worth comparing when you’re searching.

The deal I found is five nights’ Bed & Breakfast at Grand Muthu Golf Plaza Hotel & Spa from £250pp, including direct return flights from Liverpool on December 13, 2026.

With breakfast included, you’ve got the first meal of the day sorted before you’ve had to make any meaningful decisions.

That’s £500 for two people for five nights away, including flights – I’d happily start planning around that.

2. Playa de la Arena, Tenerife – 13% less

Playa de la Arena is another spot in Tenerife that gives you something different to what you’d expect.

The black-sand beach is the centrepiece here, with places to eat nearby and lovely sunset views towards La Gomera.

Holidaymakers paid 13 per cent less on average.

This is the largest fall among the three Tenerife resorts on this list.

The deal I found is five nights including Bed & Breakfast at Sholeo Lodges Los Gigantes from £250pp, including direct return flights from London Stansted on December 5, 2026.

It’s an adults-recommended hotel so perfect if you want a break without any kids splashing you from the pool.

It comes high recommended too, with a very impressive 4.7 out of 5 Tripadvisor score.

Breakfast sorted, five nights in Tenerife and flights for £500 for two – hard to argue with that. 

1. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria – 18% less

Las Palmas gives you two very good reasons to get on a plane: a proper city break and a beach holiday in the same place.

You’ve got the restaurants, cafés and everyday life of Gran Canaria’s capital, alongside Las Canteras – a long city beach with a promenade made for chilled-out walks and stopping for something to eat.

I’d recommend it to someone who wants winter sunshine but also likes having plenty on the doorstep.

By that, I mean each in the morning, lunch somewhere different and an afternoon where the world is your oyster.

And handily, this was the biggest mover in my analysis with Brits paying a whopping 18 per cent less on average!

The deal I found is five nights self catering at URBANSEA Holiday Homes from £245pp, including direct return flights from Manchester on December 10, 2026.

I like the self-catering option for this sort of trip because you can sort some meals and drinks yourself, leaving more spending money for trying different places around the city.

That’s £490 for two people, including flights, for five nights combining Gran Canaria with a city break. My pick of the bunch!

THERE is nothing sinister about Tenerife or the capital of romance Paris. Or is there? With Halloween finally here, we uncover the spooky sides of European destinations.

From a cursed canalside palace in Venice to headless ghosts in Malta, Lisa Minot and Sophie Swietochowski share their pick of surprisingly scary holiday hotspots.

PARIS

THE French capital is reportedly home to the world’s largest underground ossuary — where the remains of six million people are buried beneath the streets.

Thrillseekers can stroll the network of underground tunnels, which are embedded with human skulls and bones.

You may see the City of Love in a whole other light after this.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 3H Explorers Hotel is from £459pp including flights from Leeds Bradford on November 9.

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Includes a 22kg baggage allowance. Approximately £28 in tourist tax is payable at the property. See jet2holidays.com.

ROME

DESCEND into the Capuchin Crypt beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini on the bustling Via Veneto and you’re greeted with a stunningly creepy sight — the bones of nearly 4,000 friars decorate five subterranean chapels.

The bones are laid out in intricate patterns across walls and archways and have even been turned into chandeliers.

GO: Two nights’ B&B at the 5H Villa Agrippina is from £399pp including flights from Heathrow on select dates in December. Price includes 23kg luggage. See britishairways.com/rome.

PRAGUE

IT may be famous for its pretty cobbled squares and fairytale spires but its medieval past has some chilling folklore.

The 14th-century Charles Bridge is said to be haunted by headless ghosts of executed nobles.

And the Old Town is famous for the legend of the Headless Templar Knight — a ghost who rides a white horse through the streets after midnight.

GO: Three nights’ B&B at the 3H Comfort Hotel Prague City East is from £419pp including flights from Bristol on November 27 and 22kg luggage. See jet2holidays.com.

TENERIFE

ANCIENT spirits lurk in one of Tenerife’s oldest buildings, the Palacio de Lercaro.

This is the former home of Catalina Lercaro, the daughter of a wealthy businessman who was forced into a loveless marriage.

Catalina tragically took her own life by throwing herself down a well, and rumour has it that she still walks the building today. Holidaymakers can explore the building, with a traditional stone staircase, before venturing into the gorgeous old town for a bit of light respite.

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3H Coral Compostela Beach Golf & Siam Park Waterpark is from £429pp based on four sharing and including flights from Manchester on November 1. Includes a 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers. See jet2holidays.com.

DUBROVNIK

JUST 600 metres off the shore of Dubrovnik lies the isle of Lokrum.

It may look like a lush paradise but local folklore has it that Benedictine monks placed a curse on anyone who tries to take control of the island, after they were forced out by French forces in the late 18th century.

A string of former owners suffered mysterious deaths and tragedies, and today you can visit the eerie ruins of the abandoned monastery.

GO: Three nights’ B&B at the Hotel Porto is from £338pp with flights from Gatwick on November 14. See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

MALTA

LISTEN out for whispers when you stroll in fortified medieval hilltop city Mdina — the headless ghost of Katrina still wanders the narrow lanes, calling to passers-by.

Traditional folklore claims she was sentenced to death for killing a knight in self-defence.

She was granted one final wish — to marry her true love — before being marched to her death immediately after the ceremony.

Mdina, known as the Silent City, is a spooky place to explore and many have claimed to see a woman in a bridal gown disappearing into the walls.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 3+H Mayflower Hotel is from £519pp including flights from London Stansted on November 6, plus 22kg baggage and return transfers.

Approximately £18 in tourist tax is payable at the property for this holiday. See jet2holidays.com.

VENICE

IF you visit Venice, you may want to steer clear of the 15th-century Ca’ Dario that borders the Grand Canal. Many believe the palace is cursed, after seven owners and visitors have met tragic ends since the 1980s.

People became so suspicious that the property remained empty for many years until 2026 . . . when it was listed for sale.

GO: Three nights’ B&B at the 3H Il Mercante di Venezia is from £182pp including flights from London Stansted on December 13 and hand luggage. See tui.co.uk.

CRETE

GREECE is full of gory history so it’s no surprise that one of its fortresses is said to be crawling with an army of ghosts.

Head to Frangokastello, on the island of Crete, and you’ll find a restored Venetian castle overlooking a sandy beach.

At first glance, it may look peaceful but visit in the morning in May and you might be able to spot shadowy figures emerging from the misty waters.

They are said to be the ghosts of fighters who died in an horrific battle in 1828.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Creta Palm Resort is from £799pp including flights from from East Midlands on May 4 next year. Includes 22kg baggage and return transfers.

Approximately £58 in tourist tax is payable at the property. See jet2holidays.com.

Travel experts at Adventure360 which runs gap years for 18-30 year olds have revealed the three destinations that are well worth having on your radar next year

Gone are the days when a gap year often meant travelling around on a tight budget, partying as much as possible and ticking off a couple of landmarks. Nowadays, younger travellers are looking for activity holidays full of memorable experiences, decent accommodation, and activities that aren’t centred around alcohol, according to travel insiders at Adventure360.

Jane McLellan-Green, one of the firm’s co-founders, and Amy Calthorpe, a Travel Advisor at the brand, spend their days looking for hidden gems, unique experiences and other adventures for intrepid explorers aged 18-30.

“Adventure tours is our big thing,” Jane told the Mirror exclusively. “Whereas back in the day it was working, volunteering – which we still offer – but the group tours is the biggie.” She explained that the firm increasingly receives requests from young professionals as well as students and graduates. She added that they do “have some customers that just want to party”, but noted “there has been a shift as well where a lot of young people are not drinking anymore, and they kind of want to do more sort of hiking, or yoga lessons, or surfing”.

So, where are the emerging destinations for an adventure in 2027? The travel pros shared some of their top picks with the Mirror…

The ‘Stans’

BBC’s Race Across the World has sparked a surge of interest in Central Asia’s “-stans” (aka Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan), after they featured on one of the legs of the recent series. “[The contestants] went through it, and suddenly everyone was like, ‘I want to go there!’,” explained Jane. “So we are going to be adding new trips. We’re still educating ourselves but the landscapes are insane, and I think you don’t go to the Stans to party. It is for the customers who want to sort of get off the beaten track, go to the places that aren’t kind of visited as much.”

Social media has also played a key part to the emerging popularity, according to Amy. “The Stans are all over Tiktok, so many people are going there now,” the travel pro added. “I definitely think that’s on the rise. I think that will be really popular next year once there’s a little bit more knowledge about it and everything.”

She added: “We’ve got activities included like horseback riding, which you wouldn’t necessarily get on a normal tour. You stay in different accommodations like in the tents. I think it’s just really cool, and I think it’s probably a destination as well that people probably wouldn’t necessarily feel comfortable doing solo, like completely independently, so that’s why the tours are a little bit more popular.”

China

China recently eased up its visa requirements for Brits, meaning that until December 31, 2026, UK passport holders can enter China visa free for stays of up to 30 days. “China’s become really, really popular,” Amy explained, adding that “everyone wants to do it”, with the firm’s China tours quickly selling out.

Amy explained: “China is so popular. Honestly before, like maybe a couple of months ago, China wouldn’t ever have been somewhere that was on my list to even consider.” Both Amy and Jane reckon that the country’s appearance on TV shows – including Race Across the World – have opened up audiences to the various destinations on offer in the country, other than classic hotspots such as the Great Wall. For example, Avatar fans have been flocking to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the Hunan Province, which are believed to have inspired filmmakers behind the world of Pandora.

Morocco

Morocco isn’t a hidden gem, but according to the travel pros, it’s been enjoying a surge of interest from adventure travellers, who want to make the most of the bustling souks, but also explore some of the country’s breathtaking deserts. When asked what might be causing its popularity, Jane said there were two big factors. The first, was price. “It’s cheap!” she said, pointing to the flight and accommodation options you can find on a budget. The second factor? The Middle East conflict which saw travel plans disrupted earlier this year, with the Foreign Office still issuing travel advice to countries close to the ‘unpredictable’ tensions.

With Morocco being a short flight but boasting year-round sunshine and hot weather, as well as a plethora of unique experiences including camping in the desert, it offers an exciting alternative to some classic European city breaks that might not entice Brits. (Not to mention it’s got a flight time of around four hours, so it’s easy to do for a week’s break). “It’s a little bit further than doing a European trip but you’re also not having to venture too far from home,” said Amy.

Jane added: “For someone who wants to have a cheeky week away or have an adventure, it’s a really great holiday and you don’t have to spend much money.”

FROM big cities to waterfront towns in the Lake District – these destinations are the top places to visit this winter.

The Tripadvisor Travel Index has found places on the up based on searches for travel between November 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027.

At the very top of the list is the city of Cardiff which “transforms into a winter wonderland at Christmas.”

Tripadvisor suggests a walking tour of the city, or if you want to explore further afield, take this day trip by steam train.

The capital of Wales has plenty to explore from its historic castles to museums and shopping arcades.

Cardiff Market, which is housed under a Victorian glass ceiling is a market that spans across two floors with lots of food stalls underneath.

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Another popular spot is Caroline Street which is known locally as Chip Alley as it’s where you’ll find the majority of fish and chip shops and fast food takeaways.

For those wanting to visit in time for the Christmas market, the Cardiff Christmas Market runs from November 12 until December 23.

In second place is Pitlochry in Scotland which has deep ties with the royal family.

It dates back to the 1840s when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Pitlochry.

Queen Victoria praised the town for having fresh ‘Highland air’ which transformed the quiet village into a thriving Victorian holiday resort.

One suggested attraction is a trip to Blair Athol Distillery which is a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice winner.

In third spot is Keswick which was praised for its “stunning scenery” particularly around Derwentwater.

It’s framed by mountains like Skiddaw which is the fourth-highest mountain in the Lake District.

For those who want to get out on the water visitors can book onto a Keswick lake cruise – this has views of Skiddaw and ‘Jaws of Borrowdale’ which is a dramatic and narrow gorge.

Another spot on the list is the seaside town of Newquay which while it’s popular for its beaches in the summer, is proving to be a top winter choice too.

When it’s a little darker, take a stroll around the town which has cosy cafes, pubs and shops.

One of the trending cities includes Durham, the historic city sits on the River Wear and has thousands of years of history including its castle and cathedral.

Other cities on the list include Bristol, Leeds and Norwich.

Top Trending UK Destinations…

1. Cardiff, Wales
2. Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross
3. Keswick, Cumbria
4. Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne
5. Bristol
6. St Andrews, Fife
7. Norwich, Norfolk
8. Stratford-upon-Avon, West Midlands
9. Newquay, Cornwall
10. Leeds, Yorkshire

AS the nights draw in and the days become colder, sunny warm days seem like a distant memory – so there couldn’t be a better time to book a winter sun holiday.

And the good news is that it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.

New research by TravelSupermarket has revealed the most affordable winter sun destinations from the UK’s biggest airports.

Comparing prices for a week in the sun between November and February 2027, results found that some airports cost twice as much as others – so if you live near two airports, one might be cheaper to fly from than the other.

Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Where you fly from makes a huge difference to the cost of winter sun this year – even neighbouring airports can vary wildly as Agadir averages £598 per person from Edinburgh but £784 from Glasgow, a difference of £186 for the same destination.”

Here’s a full run- down of the best deals at each of the UK’s major airports:

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London airports

If heading out of London, Sousse on Tunisia’s Mediterranean coast came out on top as the most affordable winter sun spot.

A seven-night holiday in Sousse costs from £380 per person, which also makes it the cheapest winter sun deal across all UK airports researched.

Hammamet, also in Tunisia, followed behind with a week away cost from £436 per person.

Agadir in Morocco then rounded out the top three, costing on average £606 per person.

Manchester Airport

If you want to fly out of Manchester Airport, Sousse in Tunisia once again came out on top as the most affordable winter sun destination.

A week away costs on average £399 per person.

And again, Hammamet followed with the average price per person spending seven days there costing £513 per person.

Agadir in Morocco again came third, costing an average of £644 per person.

Bristol Airport

In the south of the country, travellers flying from Bristol Airport will get the most affordable winter sun break in Hammamet, Tunisia.

A week’s holiday in the winter sun spot costs on average £413 per person – just £33 more than the cheapest deal from London (which is less than the train fare to London).

Marrakesh, Morocco, came in second costing on average £787 per person.

And rounding out the top three was Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, costing an average of £814 per person for seven nights away.

Edinburgh Airport

If you are located near the Scottish capital, you should book to go to Agadir in Morocco, with a week away costing on average £598 per person.

Morocco also took the second most affordable spot at Edinburgh Airport, with Marrakesh, where a week away will set you back £749 per person, on average.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands then rounded out the top three costing on average of £814 per person.

Birmingham Airport

For Birmingham Airport, Agadir in Morocco is the most affordable option costing on average of £661 per person for seven nights.

This is followed by Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, costing on average £811 per person for a week away.

And then another Canary Islands destination rounded out the top three – Lanzarote – averaging at £933 per person for seven nights away.

East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport passengers should head to Agadir as well, with a week away costing on average £734 per person.

Agadir is followed by Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, costing on average of £898 per person.

Lanzarote followed in third costing on average of £942 per person for seven nights.

Belfast Airport

Over in Belfast, Egypt is the most affordable spot to travel to, with a seven-night holiday costing an average of £754 per person.

Fuerteventura once again followed, costing an average of £794 per person for a week away.

And then Lanzarote rounded out the top three, costing on average £936 per person for a week away.

Leeds Airport

If you are based near Leeds, Agadir was found to be the most affordable spot with a week’s holiday averaging £778 per person.

Fuerteventura came in second costing on average £842 per person for seven nights away.

And a second Canary Islands spot rounded the top three – Lanzarote – costing on average of £965 per person.

Glasgow Airport

Back in Scotland, if you are based near Glasgow your best bet for an affordable winter break in the sun is also Agadir in Morocco, costing on average of £784 per person for seven nights.

Marrakesh in Morocco followed in second place, costing £846 per person, on average, for a week away.

Canary Islands spot Fuerteventura then came in third, costing £857 per person on average for a week away.

Newcastle Airport

From Newcastle, you should travel to Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, costing on average £827 per person for a week.

Egypt then came in second costing an average of £928 per person.

And rounding out the top three was another Canary Islands spot, Lanzarote, costing on average £938 per person for a week away.

Liverpool Airport

And finally in Liverpool, Fuerteventura came out on top with a week’s holiday in the winter sun spot costing on average £840 per person.

Egypt came in second, costing just £7 more at £847 per person, on average for a week away.

And Lanzarote came in third costing on average of £899 per person, for a week away.

SPAIN has long reigned as the most popular holiday destination for Brits – but a cheaper alternative is set to rival it, according to easyJet.

Destinations across North Africa are seeing a huge boom in bookings, as holidaymakers look for better value holidays.

North African holiday destinations include Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia – which all offer great winter sun options as well.

EasyJet holidays CEO Garry Wilson said at the recent ABTA convention in Madeira: “When we look at demand for next year, places like North Africa, we will see that continue to grow in popularity. 

“Spain has been a bit overheated and we will see capacity demand slow down a bit.”

Luxury five star hotels are much cheaper across North Africa compared to mainland Europe.

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For example, a five-star, all-inclusive week in Egypt can be found for under £450 each in November with loveholidays – the same in Spain is over £1,000.

Tunisia is even cheaper, with five star, all inclusive breaks just £249pp each in November for seven nights, while Morocco is around £509pp.

The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explained further: “Holidaymakers looking for the best value this winter and into next summer should be honing in on the emerging – and wallet-friendly – North African destinations of Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt.

“With the number of flights from the UK more than doubling since 2019, they have become a serious contender to our traditional Spanish favourites.

“Now tour operators are joining the fray with easyJet Holidays, TUI and the UK’s largest tour operator Jet2 all offering even greater choice – at very competitive prices.”

She added that Brits are “recognising the value they offer as the cost of living crisis continues to hit family budgets,” which is despite the conflict in the Middle East.

Lisa continued: “I saw for myself the premium offering in Marsa Alam on a trip in February and holiday prices for this winter to the Red Sea resort are lower than before the escalating tensions.”

Egypt recently announced they had welcomed a record 14.4million international tourists in 2026, an increase of four per cent compared to last year.

With a target of 30million by 2030, hotel capacity is set to double, with plans for 35,000 extra hotel rooms.

When it comes to Morocco, not only was Fez named a trending destination for 2027 by Skyscanner, but Rabat was named a top place to go next year by Lonely Planet.

EasyJet, Ryanair and TUI have all launched new flights to Morocco this year too.

And a new study by TravelSupermarket found that Tunisia holidays have dropped in price compared to last year.

Jet2 is launching more holiday packages to Tunisia next year, after restarting routes from the UK this summer.

The top trending travel destinations for 2027 according to Expedia – and one UK location features among the top holiday spots

The hottest holiday destinations for 2027 include South Lake Tahoe in California, Hyogo in Japan and Punta del Este in Uruguay, according to Expedia Group.

The global marketplace has analysed flight and accommodation search data to pinpoint where traveller interest is soaring. Between 1 September 2025 and 27 July 2026, compared to 1 September 2024 to 27 July 2025, searches for “South Lake Tahoe” in California, USA, jumped by 195%.

The resort city nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains is described as ideal for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from skiing to picturesque hiking trails. Coming in second place is Hyogo in Japan, with searches climbing 95%, while Punta del Este, Uruguay secured third spot, with searches rising 65%.

The destinations form part of Expedia and Hotels.com’s “Unpack’27: The Trends in Travel” report, which details the destinations and travel behaviours expected to shape the year ahead.

Other locations making the top 10 include Sedona, Arizona, USA (up 55%), Busan, South Korea (up 50%) and Holbox, Mexico (up 45%). Perugia, Italy (up 35%), The Tweed, New South Wales, Australia (up 35%), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada (up 35%) and Chichester, UK (up 30%) also made the list.

CEO of Expedia Group Ariane Gorin said: “Travel is about creating memories, and Unpack ’27 uncovers the destinations and experiences shaping those moments.

“In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.”

The report from the global marketplace also surveyed 26,000 respondents worldwide, including 2,000 from the UK, all of whom have previously been on holiday and plan to do so within the next three years.

Adults from 16 countries took part – including the UK, USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Norway and Sweden.

Both the research and search data were used to determine 2027 travel trends, including the ‘2027 Destinations of the Year’, ‘Un-Adulting’, ‘Trip Snacking’, ‘Gothic Getaways’ and ‘The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast’.

‘Un-Adulting’ emerged as a standout trend, with 57% saying they are “likely” to book an over 18s trip to an amusement park next year, a figure that climbs to 71% amongst Gen Z and Millennials.

For UK travellers in particular, these trips are all about having fun and enjoying a carefree day out (74%) and spending quality time with their partner, friends or other loved ones (64%). Escaping the pressures of everyday responsibilities (60%) also plays a significant role.

The ‘Trip Snacking’ trend has come to light as searches on Hotels.com for one-night stays between Thursday and Sunday soared by nearly 10% over the past 12 months compared to the previous year . The poll revealed that 79% of travellers are planning to book a one-night stay in the coming year, with this figure climbing to 83% amongst Gen Z and Millennials.

The surge in popularity is driven by a desire to attend concerts, shows and sporting events (49%), to mark life milestones (42%) and to enjoy a break between ‘normal’ holidays (23%).

‘Gothic Getaways’ have also emerged as a major trend, with 65% of respondents expressing a specific interest in booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027 – rising to 71% amongst Gen Z and Millennials. Some 56% have previously chosen hotels purely for their atmosphere or aesthetic.

Amongst the 54% of UK travellers keen on booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027, 51% favour historic hotels, castles, or properties steeped in a rich past.

Furthermore, 41% are drawn to destinations associated with folklore, legends or the supernatural, while 40% find the dramatic architecture and striking visual atmosphere of Gothic-style hotels particularly appealing.

Finally, ‘The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast’ comes as searches for Monaco soared by more than 120% in the 30 days after Emily in Paris season six was confirmed to be filming there.

It also emerged that 18% have booked a trip to a destination after seeing it featured on television or in films.

Meanwhile, 46% of those who watch TV or films have researched or booked trips to locations featured in yet-to-be-released shows and films – rising to 58% amongst Gen Z and Millennials. On average, UK respondents said they would splash out £600 to visit a set location – rising to £629 for those with children in tow.

Gorin added: “We’re making it easier to discover, plan, and book the right trip, so travellers can spend less time managing the details and more time enjoying the moments that matter.”