Family Holiday Deals

STANDING on a small wooden platform way up in the treetops, I don’t want to make the leap.

My next foothold will be another ledge high in the branches, about 50 metres away.

To reach it, I need to hurl myself on a zip wire over a lake, praying that my harness will hold after all the croissants I’ve demolished since arriving in France.

I’m sorely tempted to back out, but my husband Chris is chasing my tail. If

I don’t jump soon, he’ll come flying into me feet-first.

Meanwhile, our four-year-old twins are safely on the ground, playing games and crafting in the kids’ club.

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And to think we could have spent this precious, child-free morning sipping panache (French shandy) at our holiday parc’s lakeside brasserie . . .

But here we are, clipped on to the treetop adventure course at Eurocamp’s Domaine des Ormes, near Dol-de-Bretagne in Brittany.

The parc is within easy reach of ferry ports including Saint Malo and Roscoff, making it ideal for those not wanting to travel too far.

But there are far better reasons to stay here, including the pretty woodland setting, impressive range of activities and epic pool complex, complete with waterslides and lazy river.

For my family of four, this is our first Eurocamp experience.

I’d heard good things about the outdoor holiday specialist from friends raving about their bakeries and swimming pools. And it was time to see it for myself.

With two weeks to spare, we chose a two-point holiday, opting for a first week on France’s west coast before a second in Brittany.

Our adventure began on the overnight ferry to France. While the kids excitedly leapt between bunks in our cabin, I watched through the porthole as Plymouth slipped away beneath the sunset.

The next morning, we woke up in the French port of Roscoff, known for its pink onions and crepes, before clambering into our car and starting the six-and-a-half-hour drive south.

Our destination for the first week was Eurocamp’s La Pinede parc, near the seaside resort of Les Mathes in Charente-Maritime.

Sandwiched between the Atlantic and the Gironde estuary, the campsite has a laid-back vibe, with holiday homes scattered through the pine forest, as well as entertainment on tap for all ages.

Outdoor yoga

Pulling up outside our two-bed holiday home, complete with private decking, I quickly notice how relaxed our new neighbours seem.

Children cycle between pools to get their final swim before bedtime (which is much later than at home).

Parents sit on the terraces of their cabins playing cards and drinking red wine (which costs less than a tenner for a decent supermarket bottle).

Barbecues sizzle, swimwear is hung out to dry, more wine is poured.

Later, families stroll to the evening entertainment, which ranges from cabaret shows to “full-moon parties”.

We adjust very easily to the slowed-down pace at La Pinede, ditching our car and hiring bikes to get around.

Each morning, I cycle to the on-site shop to buy croissants and local melons for breakfast, loving the simplicity of it.

Our days are mainly spent together as a family, whooshing down slides in the aquapark, playing mini golf and eating on our deck (although there is also a restaurant for those times when we cannot be bothered to cook).

One afternoon, we took the kids on tagalong bikes, pedalling four miles to La Palmyre beach for ice creams and sandcastle-building.

But, for tired parents, the free children’s club for ages four to 17 offers some very welcome respite.

While the waves near La Coubre Lighthouse beckon for surf-mad Chris, I’m keen for something more zen, in the shape of outdoor yoga.

Chloe Mafana is a local yoga teacher who runs weekly classes at La Pinede (€10 per person).

And after an hour of mindful breathing and stretching, and a final relaxation to the sound of Chloe’s wind chimes, I feel blissed out.

Our second week has a different feel. Around 250 miles north of La Pinede, Domaine des Ormes is a bigger parc with even more activities, including wakeboarding, archery and horse riding.

Nearby attractions include the fortified abbey of Mont Saint-Michel.

While Chris and I were impressed by its 12th-century cobbled streets and bay views, the kids were wowed by the fact this tidal island inspired the kingdom in Disney movie Tangled.

Although Domaine des Ormes is a bigger site, the simple pleasures of our first week — evening barbecues, children playing outside and chilled-out parents sipping wine — were still there.

But back on that treetop ledge, way above ground, I felt far from chilled out.

With no option to turn back, though, I took a deep breath and leapt forward into the void.

The line caught me and I picked up speed, seeing the woods and lake rush by beneath me.

Then I started to get into it, jumping from successive platforms with increasing confidence.

After countless whoops, the final platform zoomed into view — and it was all over too soon.

Adrenaline rushed through me and my heart was pumping as I unclipped from the course.

My feet may have been back on the ground, but I was still on a high.

NOW Christmas is over, thoughts switch to that other wallet-buster of an annual event – the summer holiday.

If you want to get your trip booked in but the bank account is looking pretty empty, there are plenty of travel companies that will let you book for next to nothing if you get booking NOW.

We’ve rounded up some of the businesses that offer Brits the chance to reserve their summer break from just a quid.

Sunshine.co.uk offers package holidays with deposits from £30 pp – and better yet, you can book hotel stays abroad with just a £1 deposit.

The final balance is due just four weeks before you travel, giving you plenty of time to get prepared with payments. And if you need to cancel your hotel booking, you’ll only lose the £1 deposit up to 2 weeks before you depart.

On the other hand, holiday companies TUI, First Choice and Expedia offer options for you to secure your holiday with a £0 deposit.

With TUI you can book a package holiday with a £0 deposit for both short haul and long haul trips. This includes your flights, transfers, accommodation and baggage allowance – all secured without spending a penny upfront.

If you book your holiday at least 6 months in advance and pay via their direct debit scheme, you’re eligible to book with £0 deposit.

First Choice have a similar scheme, offering £0 deposits for holidays booked at least 6 months in advance, as long as the flights are with TUI Airways. Or if you use their PayPal Credit payment option, the flights can be with any airline.

Lastly, Expedia‘s book now pay later option lets you book a hotel stay with no upfront costs – as you pay upon arrival at the hotel itself. Just filter your hotel search by “Reserve now, pay later” and make sure you tick the “Pay at property” option when booking.

These low and no deposit options are a stress-free way to get next year’s holidays sorted, without that initial dent in your wallet.

Whether it’s an action-packed family holiday or a romantic week away, here’s some of our top holiday picks that you can book with £1 or no deposit – so you can get something in the calendar to look forward to.

Stamos Hotel – Faliraki, Rhodes

This hotel in Faliraki on the island of Rhodes is just 10 minutes from the buzzy town centre – and 10 minutes from the beach.

It’s a typical Greek hotel with its whitewashed buildings, lush greenery and parasol-dotted poolside.

Faliraki in Rhodes is home to some beautiful coast including ‘Main beach’, which is a long sandy stretch with shallow waters that are perfect for families, as well as the quieter Kathara beach and Anthony Quinn Bay.

But the town really comes alive at night-time, as the resort is known for its nightlife scene, as its famous “Bar Street” is lined with bars and clubs pumping out pop music all night long.

Luckily, this hotel is located on the outskirts of the town – so once you’re done partying for the night you can be sure to get a good night’s sleep in peace and quiet.

Sunshine.co.uk offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay from £376.68 pp. Flights not included.

TUI SUNEO El Trébol – Costa Teguise, Lanzarote

Costa Teguise on the east coast of Lanzarote is an exciting resort that’s super popular with families.

It has an aquarium, Aquapark and water sports hub all in one action-packed place.

This hotel is part of TUI’S SUNEO collection of 3 and 4-star hotels that are handpicked for their affordable pricing, quality entertainment – and are often all-inclusive.

It’s also a 9-minute walk to Playa de los Charcos, a small, golden crescent of beach that’s much quieter than the nearby Playa de las Cucharas.

TUI offer 7 nights’ all inclusive stay in from £553 pp, based on 2 adults sharing. Price includes return flights from Birmingham.

Hard Rock Hotel, Marbella, Spain

If you’re looking for a party holiday, it doesn’t get much better than the Hard Rock Hotel in sunny Marbella.

The Hard Rock Hotel experience is one-of-a-kind, with live concerts, evening performances and rentable guitars and record players for your hotel room.

Food here is equally as exciting, as this hotel’s restaurants swap typical buffets for Asian fusions and Mexican flavours.

Nearby, there’s beach clubs and boat parties galore – plus your pick of multiple golf courses.

And for a day out sightseeing, wander the old city walls of Marbella castle and stroll down the Avenida del Mar to see sculptures by Salvador Dalí.

Expedia offers 7 nights’ room-only stay for £688 total, based on 2 adults sharing. Flights not included.

Hotel Rio Park – Benidorm

This hotel in buzzy Benidorm is popular for its modern interiors and glamorous entertainment programme.

There’s quizzes and aqua gym classes to keep you occupied during the day, and in the evenings you’ll catch performances from top-quality singers and dancers performing hit musical numbers.

Plus it’s a great choice for families with picky eaters.

The buffest restaurant serves up everything from roast dinners, to chicken curry, to apple crumble.

Meanwhile, the hotel sports bar shows the footie matches and pours British pints.

Hotel Rio Park is situated on a quiet road by Levante beach, a great spot to enjoy the best of Benidorm, without compromising on comfort.

TUI offers 7 nights’ half board stay from £304 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Price includes return flights from East Midlands Airport.

Grand Ideal Premium Hotel – Marmaris, Turkey

A 5-star all inclusive in Turkey for only £1 deposit and just over £500 pp? Yes please.

The Grand Ideal Premium Hotel sits in Marmaris, a resort in the Turkish Riviera known for its clear-water beaches backed by thick green forests and mountains.

This luxurious hotel has 272 spacious rooms including family suites, many overlooking the massive outdoor pool that snakes around the resort.

Spend your days on 4×4 mountainside safari tours, visiting Marmaris’ central market, or zipping down tube slides at Atlantis waterpark.

Sunshine.co.uk offers 7 nights’ all inclusive stay from £507 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Flights not included.

Corendon Playa Kemer, Antalya, Turkey

If you’re looking for a holiday with a mix of lazy beach days and outdoor adventure, this resort in Turkey’s Beldibi makes for the ideal destination.

This is the kind of place where you can stroll along soft sands, dip into ancient history, hike canyons – and still be back in time for cocktails by the pool.

The resort itself earns its popular rating with its 7 bars, 4 restaurants and 3 pools – plus its own theatre and nightclub.

Behind the beachfront resort is the Mountain of Ali, where you can hike endless pine trails to your heart’s content.

It’s also a 25-minute drive to the ancient ruins of Phaselis, a seaport with Greek and Roman history where you can still see the ancient Roman baths.

First Choice offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay at the Corendon Playa Kemer for £770 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Price includes return flights from London Luton.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Orlando

If you’re dreaming of that once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip, TUI’s no-deposit and flexible payment plans make planning that big trip a whole lot easier.

The All-Star Movies accommodation in Florida‘s Walt Disney World Resort is a budget-friendly option with all the Disney magic.

As its name suggests, this place is a movie lover’s dream. Think huge Disney film themed zones, decorated with giant characters from Toy Story, 101 Dalmatians and more.

The resort also has a couple of good-sized pools, including the whimsical Fantasia Pool and the quieter Duck Pond Pool.

There’s a kids’ splash zone, a playground, a jogging trail, and even a video games arcade – plenty to keep families entertained when you’re not exploring the parks.

Rooms are simple and comfortable, with two queen beds or a king and a fold-out.

TUI offer 7 nights’ room-only stay for £975 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children sharing. Price includes flights from London Gatwick.

Coral Beach Hotel and Resort – Paphos, Cyprus

The Coral Beach Hotel in Cyprus’ Coral Bay has everything you could want from an all-inclusive resort and more.

There’s 7 restaurants and 3 bars to choose from here, including an Italian eatery and seafood tavern.

The property also has a private beach and its own harbour offering boat trips.

Plus, four tennis courts, a squash court, games room, kids activity programme and arts and crafts centre.

For day trips out, there’s the UNESCO-listed Akamas Peninsula on your doorstep to explore.

Sunshine.co.uk offers 7 nights’ all inclusive stay for £304 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Flights not included.

Ocean Dream Cancun by GuruHotel – Cancun, Mexico

This beachfront boho hotel is just steps away from soft white sands and crystal blue water in its location on the Punta Cancun – a popular resort area known for its bars and clubs.

The area has some of Mexico’s most pristine beaches, that look like they’ve walked out of the pages of a luxury magazine.

Activities include whale-watching, snorkelling and day trips to visit one of the seven wonders of the world – Chichen Itza.

Inside the hotel itself, there’s 68 air-conditioned for a pretty affordable price.

Expedia offers 7 nights’ room-only stay for £734 total, based on 2 adults. Flights not included.

Coral Sea Water World, Hurghada, Egypt

Coral Sea Water World sits on the luxurious Nabq Bay of Egypt‘s Sharm El Sheikh.

This all-inclusive resort is built for families, with an extensive entertainment programme and an on-site waterpark with 18 slides to try out.

Dining-wise you can expect a buffet that’s anything but repetitive, as the theme and food line-up change daily.

If you can bring yourself to leave the all-inclusive waterpark-come-resort, Sharm El Sheikh is an exciting resort area to explore.

There’s the King Tut Museum (which has free entry for kids up to age 11), plus the Red Sea is known for its clear waters full of colourful marine life, best seen via snorkel.

First Choice offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay at Coral Sea Water World from £328 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Price includes flights from Birmingham airport.

Arabian Park by Rotana Hotel, Dubai

This modern hotel in Dubai’s Al Jaddaf is a great base for exploring the city, just a short distance from Downtown Dubai and the Festival City.

Arabian Park Dubai has an outdoor pool decorated with loungers and palm trees, plus a gym and all-day dining restaurant serving international dishes.

The rooms are bright, modern and air-conditioned, with comfy beds and large windows that look out over the city skyline or pool area.

It’s a great spot to stay for sightseeing around Dubai, as the hotel offers a free shuttle service to La Mer Beach, Dubai Mall and Dubai International Airport.

Expedia offers 7 nights’ stay with breakfast for £632 total, based on one room for 2 adults. Flights not included.

Hilton Alexandria Corniche, Egypt

The Alexandria Corniche is one of Egypt’s most vibrant waterfronts – a curving promenade lined with cafés, shisha spots and seafood restaurants.

Here you’re also within easy reach of the city’s top sights, from the spectacular Library of Alexandria (20 minutes’ drive) to the centuries-old Citadel of Qaitbay (35 minutes).

Sat on this popular seafront is the Hilton Alexandria Corniche, a sleek hotel with a rooftop pool and six restaurants to keep you well fed between sightseeing.

The hotel even has its own private beach and wellness centre, where you can have a massage or relax in the hot tub after using the hotel gym.

Expedia offers 7 nights’ stay with breakfast for £631 total, based on one room for 2 adults. Flights not included.

Blue Lagoon Resort, Kos, Greece

This resort on the Greek island of Kos is ideal for families who are into waterparks.

There’s five pools here, including a kids activity pool and adults-only option – plus a waterpark with a lazy river.

The main attraction though is the lagoon-style outdoor pool, which is popular with kids and adults alike with its whirlpool baths and jets.

Once you’ve explored all the pools have to offer, there’s football, padel courts, basketball and two playgrounds for the kids to burn off the rest of their energy.

It’s also based right on the beachfront and under 10-minutes’ drive to Kos Old Town – where you can admire the historic Roman Odeon and Nerantzia Castle.

First Choice offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay at the Blue Lagoon Resort for £691 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Price includes return flights from London Stansted.

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, Ajman, UAE

For a slice of all-inclusive affordable luxury, it’s worth checking out the Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel.

The 5-star property is all glamorous marble and arches, with its own private beach.

The area of Ajman offers a more calm and gentle pace than nearby Dubai, with long sandy beaches, calm waters and laid-back vibe.

Head into the streets of Ajman to discover its charming Old Town with traditional markets, or relax on its sweeping sandy beaches.

And if you fancy a day trip to the nearby glitzy city, Dubai is a 30-minute drive away.

Expedia offers 4 nights’ all-inclusive stay at the Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel for £646 total, based on 2 adults sharing. Flights not included.

Grand Cobra, Mexico

Mexico‘s Riviera Maya blends tropical forests with beaches where warm waves gently lap over sugar-white sand – plus some really fantastic activity-packed resorts.

Set amid lush jungle and just a short shuttle ride from the beach, Bahia Principe Grand Coba is a major family holiday base.

Think vast leafy grounds, big lake-style pools, plus a waterpark and lazy river set-up that keeps kids (and grown-ups) happily entertained.

If you fancy a change of scenery, you’re within reach of some pretty coastal areas like Akumal and trendy Tulum.

There’s also a golf course nearby for those who want to trade sunbathing for practising their swing.

First Choice offer 7 nights’ all inclusive stay at the Bahia Principe Grand Coba from £995 pp, based on 2 adults sharing. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick.

Monica Isabel Beach Club Aparthotel, Albufeira, Algarve

The Monica Isabel Beach Club is an aparthotel with simple, clean accommodation and everything you need for a chilled-out Algarve break.

There’s two outdoor pools plus a children’s pool, and a heated indoor option.

Rooms are studios or one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, with plenty of space and balconies or terraces.

The club-style resort offers a mix of activities: a fitness centre, tennis, games room, and a seasonal entertainment programme.

And when you fancy venturing out, you’re in a great spot. The lively New Town of Albufeira is on your doorstep, packed with bars, restaurants, shops and nightlife.

It’s a great pick if you want a well-located base where you can explore the Algarve at your own pace.

Sunshine.co.uk offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay at the Monica Isabel Beach Club Aparthotel for £493 pp, based on 2 adults sharing. Flights not included.

db Seabank Resort and Spa – All Inclusive, Malta

Mellieħa Bay is home to Malta’s biggest sandy beach, so you’re in a prime spot for the best of beach days at the db Seabank Resort and Spa.

This area is quieter than the island’s busier resorts like Bugibba and Qawra, but still has plenty of cafés, restaurants and coastal paths when you fancy a wander.

The family-friendly all-inclusive has three pools, a spa, gym and its own indoor soft play area as part of the excellent onsite kids club.

Kids will also love the jungle-themed restaurant, whilst adults can enjoy a sushi buffet at L’Orjent Asian restaurant.

Nearby, Mellieħa’s scenic hilltop village and the rest of the popular northern coast are just a short bus ride or drive away.

Sunshine.co.uk offer 7 nights’ half-board stay from £188 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Flights not included.

Catalonia Oro Negro, Tenerife

Sunshine-soaked and just a 10-minute walk from golden sand beaches, Catalonia Oro Negro gives you access to the best of Tenerife in one neat package.

The resort offers two outdoor pools (plus a rooftop pool for adults in premium rooms), a poolside bar and a buffet restaurant with live show-cooking.

Rooms are bright and comfortable with private balconies or terraces – great for a morning coffee or a quiet evening sunset overlooking the Atlantic.

Inside the hotel there’s table-tennis, billiards, darts and a kids’ playground – plenty to keep everyone entertained when you’re not on the beach or out exploring.

Step outside the hotel door and you’re in the heart of lively Playa de las Américas, one of Tenerife’s top holiday hotspots. Think beachfront promenades, vibrant nightlife, surf-style beach clubs, shops, restaurants and bars.

For a change of pace, you can rent a car or hop on a short taxi ride to explore volcanic landscapes and the island’s natural parks.

First Choice offer 7 nights’ half-board stay from £497 pp based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Price includes return flights from London Luton.

Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort, Crete, Greece

If you’re after a Greek resort for a big family holiday, Stella Palace Aqua Park Resort ticks a lot of boxes.

The complex is just a stone’s throw from the sea at Analipsi, where there’s a section reserved just for hotel guests.

The resort itself has two giant pools, a waterpark and a splash park which you’re able to use at the sister hotel, Stella Village.

You can pick from 267 modern rooms, some of which have their own hot tubs and doorstep pool access.

Throw in warm summer evenings with live music, movie nights and mini discos, and you’re all set for that big family summer holiday.

Sunshine.co.uk offer 7 nights’ half-board stay from £244 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Flights not included.

TUI MAGIC LIFE Fuerteventura

This massive resort in Fuerteventura hosts everything from sports tournaments to bike tours – and is backed by an impressive mountain.

This resort is truly a sports lover’s paradise, offering everything from mini football, to archery and trampolining.

And after all that exercise, there’s a sauna, steam bath and hot stone massages on offer to relax and rejuvenate.

Nearby, there’s the sandy stretch of Playa de Esquinzo beach, and the quaint Morro Jable fishing village to explore.

The resort is also close to Jandia (an 11-minute drive) popular for its cocktail bars, affordable restaurants and nightlife.

TUI offer 7 nights’ all-inclusive stay from £552 pp, based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children sharing. Price includes flights from London Luton.

_{Prices correct at the time of publication.}

NOW that we’re in the midst of the 12 days of Christmas, it’s time to take a look at my 12 months of thriftmas.

I’m a queen of money-saving when it comes to holidays and days out – and here’s my calendar of little-known dates for getting money off tickets.

Some years I’ve saved £1000, just by following my thriftmas calendar.

Obviously we all know about the January sales and Black Friday, but there’s also other deals that pop up month by month that you can make the most of.

In January, cashback sites often boost the amount they offer when booking holiday accommodation or package deals, so you can make a hefty saving while getting your family trip away sorted.

One year, I booked a fortnight all-inclusive in Fuerteventura for my family of five and paid £1,930 upfront for the hotel and meal package, receiving £216 back in my Quidco account a few months later once my cashback had tracked.

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ALL IN

I found the best value all inclusive London hotel… just £55pp with free food & booze

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

For February, my top tip would be to take a look at which theme parks will be giving out a pair of free tickets on Sun Club or Sunsavers and make a note of when each offer will be launched.

I managed to bag tickets to Chessington in the summer holidays this year by booking as soon as they were on offer on Sun Club in February.

One date that most parents overlook is World Book Day in March.

I’ve got my boys into soft plays and trampoline parks free before, just by turning up as a book character or taking part in a story-related activity.

You need to keep an eye out for posters at the venue or social media posts to see what pops up.

Easter can be a brilliant time to get early season two-for-one tickets as summer attractions start to open and want to bump up visitor numbers.

Sign up to the social media pages of your favourite days out and you’ll be surprised what discount codes pop up on there in April.

And you might even get some early season deals for theme parks at home and abroad.

One Easter we went to Parc Asterix near Paris and kids got in free with paying adults in the first couple of weeks of its season.

May half-term is fantastic for getting ahead before the big summer break if you plan a family day out wisely.

Lots of places convert your day ticket into an annual pass now, which means you’ll be able to use it several times during the summer season.

So if you choose a place like the Space Centre in Leicester and visit it in half-term, you can go back multiple times over the following year.

June is my time for planning days out for the long summer break.

I take a look at how much I have saved in supermarket loyalty schemes like Tesco Clubcard and work out how I can put that to best use over the summer.

Earlier this year, there was even a Clubcard boost that meant if you converted £5 of points into a voucher for a day out, you would get an extra £10 of Clubcard points in your account by October.

Some schools plan inset days in July so you can use these to get into big attractions for term-time prices rather than paying a premium during the school holidays.

We often visit Warwick Castle in the early summer to beat the crowds.

In August, lots of indoor attractions like soft plays or adventure golf have offers to get visitors through the doors, as it can be quiet during holiday season with people away or making the most of the summer weather to get some fresh air.

September is when you get early bird deals for Santa’s grottos and winter wonderland experiences.

One year, I booked to see Santa at Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes for just £29 for five people, using a discount code.

If you fancy a cheeky little UK staycation, October half-term can be the perfect time to get a deal, because the school holidays are often staggered over three weeks so everyone is not trying to book the same week off, keeping prices lower.

We love visiting a caravan park for Halloween or Bonfire Night as you usually get lots of themed activities or even a fireworks display included.

We all know about Black Friday in November and this can be the perfect time to grab discounted tickets to family attractions.

This year, I spotted half-price tickets to my local water park that could be used until the end of the year, so perfect for the Christmas holidays.

December is a great time to check any membership schemes you are signed up to, like Blue Light Card.

They often boost their offers in the run-up to Christmas.

This year, my favourite deal was children go free with paying adults to the Twycross Zoo winter light trail.

Now is the perfect time to get organised for the year ahead and think about what you want to book and when.

A little bit of planning can save you loads over the course of the year.

For other travel deals, here are 15 things to do now to save on your 2026 holiday – how to shave £300 off hotels and save £393 at the airport.

Plus, how to get a cheaper holiday – four tips and tricks revealed by travel experts.

AFTER the expense of Christmas, planning a summer holiday might be the last thing on your mind. But did you know booking now could actually knock HUNDREDS off the price?

From choosing when to travel to how you pack, our expert suggestions will make your trip substantially more affordable. Don’t lose out by waiting until the last minute – do these 15 things NOW to bag the best summer bargain.

1. Set up price alerts for flights

If you haven’t got set dates that you need to travel, you can set up price alerts on flights to find the best deals. 

To do this, click the “price alerts” button on your results page on comparison sites like Skyscanner, Kayak or Google Flights. 

You then need to enter your email address to be alerted if prices drop. 

It’s important to remember that, while comparison sites are great for checking prices across many different airlines, it’s usually cheaper to book directly with the airline, especially after adding on checked bags and seat selection.

2. Book flights at least two months in advance

Don’t wait until the last minute to book your flight – it rarely pays off. 

Instead, book your flights well ahead. 

According to research by Skyscanner, the cheapest time to book international flights is normally two to six months before you travel – meaning that you should be booking as early as January or February if you plan to fly in July or August.

Skyscanner’s Savings Generator tool can help you find the best time to book your flights.

3. Fly midweek if possible

If you can fly midweek, do. 

Opting for a flight on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often cheaper than on weekends due to lower demand. 

According to research by Skyscanner, the most expensive days to fly are Fridays, Sundays and Mondays due to business and weekend travel demand. 

So if you have flexibility, go for a midweek flight to save money.

4. Join hotel loyalty schemes

Hotel loyalty programmes make your holiday spend spread further. 

Member benefits include discounts on bookings, earning points for free nights or upgrades, and redeeming points or vouchers for flights, hotels or other travel expenses. 

In fact, research by Which? suggests that loyalty schemes are the cheapest way to book hotels – outstripping even popular platforms like Booking.com and Hotels.com. 

Most chain hotels have loyalty schemes, which are free to join and promise instant access to discounted room rates. 

Free membership with the likes of Hilton and Accor can save you up to £40 a night – that’s around £300 for a week in Dubai via the Hilton Honors loyalty scheme.

5. Collect air miles and loyalty points

Your weekly shop could help pay for your summer holiday, as long as you sign up to the right loyalty scheme. 

Tesco Clubcard points can be converted into Virgin points: £1.50 of Clubcard vouchers will get you 300 Virgin Points, which can be used for flights and upgrades. 

Meanwhile, Nectar points can be changed into Avios points, with one Avios per 1.6 Nectar points. 

You can use this as currency towards flights with airlines including British Airways, Qatar Airways and Iberia. 

But you’ll need to get spending in Nectar retailers for that flight – with around 18,500 Avios needed for a short-haul economy return flight.

6. Pick a budget-friendly holiday destination

The Algarve, in Portugal, is Europe’s best value-for-money destination, according to a report by the Post Office. 

For the ninth year running, it emerged as the cheapest holiday destination in 2025, thanks to low-cost meals and drinks. 

A three-course meal for two with wine will set you back just £40.33 in this sun-drenched region. 

Resorts in Cape Town, Bulgaria and Spain’s Costa del Sol, where a beer costs around £2.07, £2.47 and £2.46 respectively, also ranked well for affordability. 

Before homing in on your destination, it’s worth checking roughly how much you may spend while you’re away via the report and other cost of living databases like numbeo.com.

7. Research where to get cheap eats

It’s always a good idea to research your destination before you travel – especially if you’re looking to cut costs when you arrive. 

Eating out can burn a serious hole in your pocket, so swot up on best bargain restaurants, food trucks and markets ahead of time. 

Google Maps allows you to filter by price, while review sites like Tripadvisor or OpenTable have value-focused lists. 

When you arrive at your destination, make lunch your main meal – this is when many restaurants offer good value set menus – and avoid eating near the main tourist hotspots.

Sites like TheFork, Time Out and Groupon offer discounts on dining in cities around the world.

8. Snap up free kids’ places… by January

When researching your summer holiday, look out for free children’s places on package holidays. 

These allow one child (aged up to 16) to travel for free with two full-paying adults on a holiday package. 

This includes their flights and accommodation. 

Many holiday operators, such as Tui and Jet2Holidays, also include transfers, food and drink and entertainment like kids’ clubs. 

But you’ll need to be quick – free child places are in high demand and can be limited, so book early to bag the bargain. 

If you’re travelling in peak summer, it’s a good idea to book in early January to get the holiday you’re after.

9. Weigh up a package holiday against a DIY break

Depending on where and when you travel, a package holiday might be the cheapest option, particularly if you’re staying on an all-inclusive basis. 

This means you won’t have to splash out on meals, snacks and drinks locally. 

However, it’s always worth comparing the cost with a DIY break. 

According to MoneySavingExpert, booking late (no more than 10 weeks before departure) is normally the cheapest way to get a package. 

But doing this means you run the risk of losing out on other discounts, such as free kids’ places, which you usually need to book well in advance – so weigh up all your options.

10. Start a savings pot

Parents fork out over £1,000 extra per week during the school holidays, according to research from life insurance broker Reassured. 

This is before they add on an extra £481 per person for a holiday abroad. 

So it’s a good idea to start putting money aside for next year’s summer holiday now. 

Decide how much you want to spend next summer, factoring in the cost of food and experiences while you’re away, and start saving gradually. 

Divide the total into however many pay days you have left until your holiday, and set aside part of the budget in a savings account, repeating the process every payday. 

This should help reduce the financial stress of the holiday when it rolls around.

11. Book airport parking early

The cost of booking airport parking can creep up if left until the last minute. 

The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find the best price. 

For instance, if you turn up at Manchester Airport’s multi-storey car park to park for a week, you’ll fork out £406 – quadruple the price of a booking made four months in advance (£95).

Heathrow’s short-stay car parks cost £616 per week at the turn-up price – £393 more than if you book a month in advance (£223). 

Even booking just a couple of hours ahead can be far cheaper than the price if you pay on arrival. 

Other tips to cut the cost of airport parking include using trusted off-site providers, such as APH, I Love Meet and Greet and Sentinel Car Park, which are usually cheaper than the official airport car parks. 

If you have an early flight or live far from the airport, seek out airport parking hotel deals, which often offer a better rate for parking.

12. Dodge tourist trap destinations

Popular hotspots tend to cost more – so look to lesser-known alternatives for cheaper rates.

For instance, if you’re heading to France, consider Lille instead of Paris for a more affordable French experience. 

In Lille, the average daily cost per person (including accommodation, food, transport and entertainment) is about £128 (€146). 

Meanwhile, the same will cost you £230 (€265) in the French capital, according to budgetyourtrip.com. 

Lesser-known spots help you stretch your budget by offering lower accommodation and dining costs.

13. Keep baggage costs under control

Make sure you know your luggage allowance – and stick to them – to avoid unnecessary baggage fees. 

Each airline has its own restrictions, so check yours well in advance to avoid hefty fees of going over the limit. 

For instance, easyJet charges around £10 per extra kilo at the desk, while Ryanair charges an extra £10.50 per kilo that you go over. 

The cheapest way is to travel light and take hand luggage only. 

Create a packing list in advance, and only pack what you will realistically use. 

Roll, instead of fold, your clothes to maximize space and take travel-sized toiletries instead of bulky bottles. 

If you can’t be this ruthless with your packing then add your checked bag at the time you book your flight – it will cost less than adding it on later.

14. Book hotels on your smartphone for a cheaper rate

This simple trick could save you hundreds of pounds when booking a hotel stay – make the booking on your mobile phone instead of your laptop or computer. 

Which? Travel discovered that this can give you a much better price. 

Platforms such as Booking.com, Expedia and Hotels.com offer mobile-only discounts on selected hotels with up to 40 per cent off stays – but only if your booking is made on a smartphone.

The research found you could slash £270 off the cost of an apartment in Amsterdam on Booking.com, and save £60 on a weekend in Edinburgh with Expedia thanks to these mobile-exclusive prices. 

So to make sure you’ve found the best deal, it’s always worth double checking a mobile and laptop price.

15. Book at the end of the summer season

As demand increases, so does the price. 

Being flexible about when you travel can lead to huge savings. 

If you want to get the best deals on flights and accommodation, consider a holiday later in the summer season. 

Many Brits escape in the early summer months, leading to price peaks in June and July.

Prices become less steep in late August and early September, as it is less popular. 

In 2023, average ticket prices dropped by £94 from their peak in early July to August, according to Expedia. 

Some airlines and hotels will tempt you with discounts to encourage booking in the less popular months. 

So, to save on your sunshine, scheduling your trip for the end of August could be the way to go.

EVERYONE deserves a luxury holiday, but few of us have the wallet to fund it.

Unless, that is, you opt for one particular country that takes just three hours to fly to from the UK, with year-round t-shirt temperatures and some VERY cheap all-inclusive hotels.

If you want to get away from the obvious – and the crowds – without sacrificing any indulgence, Tunisia hits the right note. 

This North African country welcomed a far smaller number of Brits in 2024 – 326,874 according to Bradt Travel Guide to Tunisia. 

And when you compare it to Spain, the top holiday destination for British tourists, welcoming 17.8 million of us in 2024, Tunisia has far fewer.

It may be a lesser-visited country, but it has big bargains for holidaymakers.

According to TravelSupermarket, Tunisia offers some of the very cheapest 5-star holidays on the market, averaging at £614pp.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive stay at the 5-star Hotel Tour Khalef costs as little as £553 with TUI, including return flights from London Gatwick.

In sunny Sousse, seven nights’ B&B at the 5-star Movenpick Resort & Marine Spa Sousse is available from just £233 pp with Thomas Cook. Price includes return flights from Southend.

If you settle for four stars, you can make it even cheaper. Seven nights’ B&B at the 4-star Iberostar Waves Averroes in Hammamet is bookable from £173 pp with Holiday Best, including return flights from London Luton.

Meanwhile, seven nights’ half board at the 5-star Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace in Monastir is bookable from £239 pp with Loveholidays, including return flights from London Southend.

Here you have the wide sands of Monastir Beach and a wide range of activities on offer, from jet skiing to parasailing. 

If you’re looking for something off the beaten track, you could stretch your legs in the landscaped gardens of Falaise Park, set on the cliffside.

Or head 34 miles down the road to Moknine to see local artisans making traditional earthenware jars and jugs.

Despite its relatively small size (roughly the same as Greece), Tunisia packs a punch. 

With the blue of the Med meeting the heat of North Africa, it’s perfect for a sun-kissed break.

Its most famous beaches include Hammamet, Sousse, Monastir and Mahdia, which have long stretches of golden sand backed by palm trees and all-inclusive resorts.

There’s also Djerba, an island just off the south coast of Tunisia that is still relatively undiscovered by Brits.

It has a Mediterranean feel, with cobbled streets lined with white-washed buildings, blue window shutters and vibrant pink bougainvillea.

And despite its resemblance to trendy Greek islands, it’s also a great-value option, with a cup of strong coffee setting you back just 25p.

If you venture away from the coast, you’ll find a photographer’s dream – Pink Flamingo Lake.

Ignored by most tourists, it turns pink at sunset as flamingos feed in the shallows.

Back on the mainland, further north, the hilltop village of Sidi Bou Said would also be right at home on a Greek isle.

The town is picture postcard pretty with its blue-and-white painted houses and panoramic sea views.

Grab a mint tea on the terrace at Café des Nattes (£2) or queue at the doughnut stand for the freshly made Tunisian treats, which cost just 40p.

The capital, Tunis, is found on the northeastern coast.

It’s home to an ancient Medina, Roman Mosaics and plenty of bars and restaurants.

While most tourists wander the main souks of the Medina, the historic Jewish quarter, Hara is often overlooked. 

Visit the last surviving synagogue, explore the tailoring shops and try Jewish-Tunisian pastries made with dates and semolina. 

Other alternative takes on the capital include watching an independent film at the art-deco Cinema Le Rio, which is barely visited by tourists, or visiting Mornag, a major wine-producing region.

You can’t leave Tunisia without discovering more about its ancient civilisations. 

It’s a fascinating melting pot of Berber, Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, Arab and French influences – with nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The country has some of the best Roman sites outside Italy, including Dougga, a Roman city on a hilltop surrounded by olive groves.

There’s also El Djem Amphitheatre, the largest colosseum in North Africa, where Ridley Scott shot parts of his Oscar-winning movie Gladiator.

It is better preserved – and far less crowded – than its more famous cousin in Rome.

Nearby, the small theatre ruins and restored underground villas are even quieter, yet still beautifully conserved. 

Most tourists dip into Berber culture with a quick stop in Matmata’s cave houses, used as a filming location for Star Wars.

But you can take a deeper dive by trekking the Dahar Trails and exploring the hidden granary forts around Tataouine.

Tunisia’s long wellness tradition means you’re perfectly placed for a spot of pampering.

Try swapping lounging on the beach for some natural hot springs relaxation.

On the northern cliffs of Cap Bon, Korbous Hot Springs flow straight into the sea – join locals who come for therapeutic dips.

Benefits of soaking in the mineral-rich waters include improved circulation, pain and stress reduction and better skin health.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

THE turkey leftovers are nearly finished and the Christmas tree might be looking past its best.

While we have still got all the fun of New Year’s Eve this week, our thoughts will no doubt be turning to something we can look forward to in 2026.

And, of course, that has to be a holiday.

Travel companies are going all out this year to encourage us to get planning and there are some great deals to be had in their New Year sales.

Lisa Minot takes a look at some of the bargains to be bagged before Big Ben’s chimes usher in 2026.

British Airways

BRITISH Airways and BA Holidays’ January sale offers savings on trips to some of its most-searched holiday destinations in 2025, including New York, Orlando, Dubai, the Maldives and Barbados.

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With 2026 marking the centenary of America’s Route 66 and the World Cup kicking off, there are return flights from £411 to Los Angeles, £427 to San Francisco and £439 to Miami.

Flights to Dubai start from £449 and Cancun from £482.

British Airways Holidays has seven-night packages to European destinations including Malaga, the Algarve, Malta and Majorca from £299pp.

And for a cheeky city break, there are deals in hot spots including Barcelona, Nice and Venice from £199pp.

There are also discounted holidays to the US, with Florida and Los Angeles from £599pp.

Deals include seven nights’ room-only at the 4H Pestana Alvor Beach Villas in Alvor, Portugal, from £299pp including Gatwick flights on dates in March and 23kg luggage.

Or seven nights’ room-only at 3.5H The STRAT Hotel, Casino and Tower in Las Vegas from £649pp including Heathrow flights on select dates in November.

To book, go to ba.com/sale.

Virgin Atlantic

THERE are savings of up to £120 per couple and £210 for a family of four on Virgin Holidays packages to the Caribbean, Orlando and Tampa with a low deposit of just £75pp.

Deals include 14 nights’ room-only at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando from £908pp including Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow on March 4, 2026.

There are also holidays to new route Cancun in Mexico, with seven nights’ B&B at The Fives Downtown Hotel from £1,086pp including Virgin flights from Heathrow on September 19, 2026.

In Virgin Atlantic’s sale there are return flights to New York from £373 on select dates in February 2026, as well as return fares to Phuket in Thailand from £648pp on selected departure dates in October 2026.

You can also get return flights to Cape Town, South Africa, from £729pp on selected dates in January and February 2026.

See virginatlantic.com.

TUI

TOUR giant TUI is touting its biggest sale ever with up to £500 off holidays, zero deposits with direct debits to spread the cost and thousands of free kids’ places in the school holidays.

There are flexible departures from more than 20 local airports and hundreds of free room upgrades.

The sale offers savings of ten per cent with the code SALE up to a maximum saving of £500 as long as you download the TUI app and create an account.

As well as land-based holidays, there is up to £300 off TUI River Cruises when you spend over £3,500, or £200 off if you spend over £2,500 on sailings departing between March 2026 and the end of October 2027.

The deal is valid on sailings of five nights or longer on Europe’s River Rhine, Douro or Danube and River Nile in Egypt.

Or you can head long- haul to the Caribbean with seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5H Riu Negril in Jamaica.

It costs from £1,420pp including flights from Gatwick on June 16, 20kg hold luggage and transfers.

To book, go to tui.co.uk.

Jet 2

THE UK’s largest tour operator is sharing the love with £100 off ALL holidays booked in its sale, with a low deposit of just £25 needed to lock in a great deal.

The sale, running until January 12, also includes 20 per cent off all flight-only bookings on jet2.com, including on one-way flights.

All package holiday deals include 22kg luggage, 10kg hand luggage, under-seat bag, return transfers, plus ABTA and ATOL protection.

There are millions of free child places, as well as pay monthly plans to spread the cost.

Deals are available on more than 75 destinations across Europe, the Med, North Africa and the Canary Islands.

Offers include seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 3H Club Mac Alcudia Resort and Waterpark in Majorca from £579pp with flights from Leeds Bradford on April 18.

And seven nights’ B&B at the 3H Hotel La Barracuda, Costa del Sol, from £389pp including flights from Stansted on February 27.

See jet2holidays.com.

easyJet

THE Big Orange Sale from easyJet holidays is promising up to £400 off city breaks and beach escapes.

Holidaymakers can get £50 off a minimum spend of £500, £100 off an £800 minimum, £150 off a minimum of £1,500, £300 off a £3,000 minimum spend and £400 off a £4,000 spend with the code BIGSALE.

The deal is valid on 8,000 hand-picked hotels in more than 100 destinations in Europe and North Africa, from popular cities including Amsterdam and Prague, and beach spots from the Canaries to Cape Verde.

All holidays include flights and hotels, and beach packages also come with a 23kg luggage allowance and transfers.

Deals include four nights’ room-only at the 3H Espresso City Centre in Amsterdam from £227pp including flights from Southend on February 1.

And seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4H Valeria Dar Atlas Resort in Marrakech from £435pp including flights from Liverpool on February 5, with 23kg luggage and transfers.

Book with a £60 deposit at easyjet.com/en/holidays.

THE all-inclusive holiday is more popular than ever, three quarters of a century since Brits first went on one.

To mark 75 years of the budget-friendly way to holiday, we’ve looked at the very best deals around at the moment. From beautiful beaches to lavish cruises, here are 75 stonking all-inclusives you can book now – you can even bag one to the Maldives, perfect timing as the bad weather sets in at home.

The first ever overseas package holiday was created by Vladimir Raitz, who founded Horizon Holidays.

It was to Corsica from London in 1950, with 300 holidaymakers paying £32 and ten shillings. This works out to around £971 in today’s money.

Rather than a resort, however, guests would be staying in ex-army surplus tents as rationing was still in place.

It was Gerard Blitz, a Belgian sportsman, who then created the concept of the all-inclusive hotel resort in 1950, with the first Club Med in Spain.

And despite it being 75 years later, all-inclusive holiday packages can still be found for a fraction of the price.

So we’ve found 75 of the best all-inclusive deals on the market, which include your flights, hotel and your food and drink.

Deals include TUI, easyJet Holidays, Thomas Cook, Loveholidays and On The Beach, as well as a number of ski holidays, cruise holidays and even some mystery holidays.

From Turkey bargains for £189pp, to long-haul blow-the-budget trips to The Maldives, here are our top picks.

Under £200

When it comes to the cheapest all-inclusive breaks, you’ll want to head to Turkey.

You could spend seven nights in the Prenses Sealine Beach Hotel in February 2026.

For £189 each it includes all food and drink and your return flights from London Southend. Find the deal here.

Or there is seven nights at the Grand Barhan, also in Antalya in Turkey for £199 each when travelling from London Gatwick in March 2026. Find the deal here.

There is also Belpoint Beach Hotel for £199pp if you fly from London Gatwick in April 2026. Find the deal here.

Another affordable holiday destination for all-inclusive holidays is Tunisia.

TUI has a three-night stay in TUI SUNEO Royal Kenz in Tunisia for £179pp, when flying in January 2026 from London Southend. Find the deal here.

Another three night stay is at Paradis Palace Hotel in Hamamet for £191pp, also in January 2026 from London Southend. Find the deal here.

Four nights at Riviera Hotel with Birmingham flights in February 2026 is just £158 each. Find the deal here.

For under £200 you could also head to Morocco.

Three-night stays in Morocco for under £200 – the TUI SUNEO Kenzi Europa is around £193pp, with flights from London Stansted in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or for £197pp, the trip includes a three-night break in Marrakech with return flights from London Stansted in February 2026. Find the deal here.

Four nights at Allegro Agadir in January 2026 is just £199 each when flying from London Gatwick. Find the deal here.

If you don’t mind a budget hotel, there are a few all inclusive deals in Spain for under £200 each.

Fly in July to Hotel Mariant Park in Majorca for seven nights, from £186 each. Find the deal here.

Four nights in BLUESEA Copacabana in Costa Brava is £199 each in April. Find the deal here.

When it comes to Portugal, seven nights at Albufeira Sol Hotel & Spa is £186 each from East Midlands in April 2026. Find the deal here.

If you don’t mind a shorter trip, spend fur nights at Mutha Oura Praia Hotel in February from Bristol Airport for £179 each. Find the deal here.

Under £300

Tunisia remains a bargain for cheap all-inclusive deals under £300 too.

Loveholidays has a steal with seven nights at the Vincci Helya Beach in Skanes for £209 each when travelling from London Southend in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or four nights at Cesar Thalasso with easyJet in January 2026 from Manchester is £254pp. Find the deal here.

TUI has some bargains for Tunisia with a three-night stay in January from London Southend for £218 each. Find the deal here.

Stay a bit longer with four night stays from £236pp. Find the deal here.

Greece has some cheap all-inclusive breaks too, especially in Crete.

A seven night stay in Bali Beach & Sofia Village with return Luton flights can be found for £250 each a night in April 2026 Find the deal here.

Or there is the adult-only City Green Hotel for £275pp, with return flights from London Gatwick in April 2026. Find the deal here.

First Choice has seven nights in Crete’s Mediterraneo Hotel in April from London Gatwick for £212 each. Find the deal here.

Or head over to Rhodes for £213 each, with seven nights at Tsampika Hotel along with London Luton flights in April as well. Find the deal here.

Want to try Corfu? Seven nights at Mareblue beach with Gatwick flights in April is just £250 each. Find the deal here.

Otherwise there are some affordable Egypt holidays under £300 each too.

Seven nights in Sharm Cliff Resort is around £212pp when flying from London Luton in January 2026. Find the deal here.

You can even find some Spanish deals if you know where to look.

First Choice has six nights in the TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical from Birmingham in January from £298 each. Find the deal here.

Portugal is another great cheap destination under £300pp, especially with TUI.

There is three nights at Alvor Baia with London Stansted flights in march for £274 each. Find the deal here.

Or fly from Manchester to AP Cabanas Beach and Nature for three nights in January for £281 each. Find the deal here.

Prefer Albufeira? For £295 each, there are three nights at AP ADRIANA BEACH RESORT. Find the deal here.

Or why not try a trip to Montenegro? For £289 each, you can spend four nights at Carine Hotel Park in April 2026, with flights from London Gatwick. Find the deal here.

Under £500

Most of your all-inclusive Spanish holidays will be in the under £500 range.

For example, there is the HSM Canarios Park in Majorca which is £315pp for seven nights and return flights from London Gatwick in May 2026. Find the deal here.

If you prefer Costa Blanca, there is the Magic Cristal Park, with seven nights and London Luton flights in March 2026 for £320 each. Find the deal here.

Or for Costa del Azahar, spend seven nights in Magic Sports for £365 each in March 2026 when flying from London Stansted in March 2026. Find the deal here.

For a Jet2 holiday, there are seven nights at Sandos Griego in the Costa Del Sol in march from £479 each. Find the deal here.

Cyprus is one of the best for sunshine all year round, with some great deals next year too,

Seven nights at Tsokkos Gardens Apartment with London Gatwick flights in May 2026 is just £499pp. Find the deal here.

EasyJet Holidays has some Egypt bargains too for under £500 each.

There is four nights at the Aster Aqua Park in Hurghada for £340 each, with London Gatwick flights in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or travel in March 2026 from Manchester to Caves Beach Resort, with four nights from £472pp. Find the deal here.

Thomas Cook‘s Egypt deals can be found for £305 each, with seven nights at Royal Lagoons Resort when flying from London Luton in January 2026. Find the deal here.

Or also in January is seven nights at Pyramisa Beach Resort is £442pp with London Luton flights. Find the deal here.

You can even get some all-inclusive cruises for a bargain.

For example. you can spend three nights on a Marella Explorer 2 ship for £486 each, with drinks, food and stops in Tenerife and Malaga, as long as you fly next month. Find the deal here.

Ambassador’s mini cruises are all inclusive from £399 each, with three days onboard. Find the deal here.

Wowcher’s Mystery All Inclusive seven night holidays are £349 each. Find the deal here.

Under £800

Around the £800pp mark is where you can start to find some longer-haul holidays.

For example, seven nights in Cuba at the Allegro Palma Real with London Gatwick flights can be found for £779 each when flying in October 2026. Find the deal here.

In the same month, seven nights at Club Kawama is just £769pp with Gatwick flights too. Find the deal here.

Or in September 2026, seven nights at Rose Rayhaan by Rotana in Dubai with London Stansted flights is £779 each as well. Find the deal here.

TUI has seven nights in Cape Verde’s Boa Vista, at the Hotel Riu Touareg with London Gatwick flights in January 2026 for £778pp. Find the deal here.

You can even find some bargains for Mexico, with seven nights in January 2026 at All Ritmo Cancun Resort for £759 each with London Gatwick flights. Find the deal here.

Wowcher has some cheap trips on offer as well, with a seven night stay at a five star hotel in the Dominican Republic with return flights from £789 each. Find the deal here.

But if you are looking to stay in a bit closer, you can find some five star luxury for this price.

Seven nights at Dreams Corfu Resort & Spa in April 2026 with London Gatwick flights is £769 each. Find the deal here.

Another week-long trip, staying at Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort in Rhodes with London Gatwick flights in April 2026 is £759pp. Find the deal here.

British Airways has lots of Egypt trips, with seven nights at Parrotel Beach Resort in Sharm el Sheikh for £657 each with London flights in January. Find the deal here.

They also have Morocco with the Pickalbatros Palais des Roses for £634 each in January. Find the deal here.

Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel is one of Egypt‘s fanciest hotels, and Loveholidays has seven night stays in January for £769 each. Find the deal here.

And the luxury Rixos Premium Gocek in Turkey is £769pp too, with flights in March. Find the deal here.

Under £1,000

Finding an all-inclusive under £1,000 to long-haul destinations can be tricky – but it’s doable.

HolidayPirates has a seven night stay at Riu Bambu in the Dominican Republic if you fly from Manchester in February 2026 for £980 each. Find the deal here.

Or fly from London Gatwick in June 2026 to spend seven nights at Coral Costa Caribe Resort & Spa for £969pp. Find the deal here.

Fly in April 2026 from London Gatwick to Whala! Boca Chica for seven nights for £970 each. Find the deal here.

Or there is a whopping 14-night stay in Royal Palms Beach Hotel in Sri Lanka for £974 each, when flying from London Gatwick in May 2026. Find the deal here.

Fancy Tanzania? Seven nights at AHG Waridi Beach Resort in May 2026 from London Gatwick is just £989pp. Find the deal here.

Or seven nights at Paradise Beach Resort on the same island is £959pp with London Gatwick flights in May 2026. Find the deal here.

Otherwise Thomas Cook has a number of cheap Mexico deals under £1,000.

There’s seven nights at The Reef Coco beach Resort from London Gatwick in January 2026 for £998pp. Find the deal here.

Or fly from London Gatwick to Hotel Maya Caribe Faranda also in January for £955 each. Find the deal here.

If you’re a snow lover there are some great ski holidays too, with seven night all-inclusives under £1,00 each.

One of Crystal Ski’s most affordable deals is seven nights at Belambra Club Panorama in France, when flying from London Gatwick next month, for £846pp. Find the deal here.

Head to Bansko in Bulgaria for £881 each, with flights from Birmingham next month. Find the deal here.

Or Sunweb has eight day ski holidays in Austria for £844 each when travelling in March. Find the deal here.

Over £1,000

If you are happy to have a big blow out holiday, then there are some fantastic deals to splash out on too.

For example, Tropical Sky have seven nights in Zanzibar from £1,499 each, including flights. Find the deal here.

Their Platinum Collection holidays, which are five star hotels, can be found for £2,799 each. Find the deal here.

Talking of African islands, British Airways has some fantastic trips to Mauritius too.

Seven nights with return flights start from London Heathrow to the Veranda Palmar Beach hotel for £1,508, when travelling in September 2026. Find the deal here.

Or there is the five star Club Med La Plantation D’Albion for £2,004 each, when travelling the same month. Find the deal here.

And one of the biggest bucket list destinations is The Maldives.

Virgin Atlantic has seven night trips from £1,841 each, which includes flights from London Heathrow and stays at the OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi in September 2026. Find the deal here.

Want to stay longer? Travel in June 2026 at the same resort for an 11-night trip for £2,549pp. Find the deal here.

Fourteen night stays start from £3,091pp when flying from London Stansted in September 2026 to Cinnamon Dhonveli. Find the deal here.

If you have the time, how about a month-long, all-inclusive holiday?

Jet2holidays has some bargain long stay trips with everything included.

You could spend 28 days at Grand Park Lara in Turkey in March, with return flights included from £1,470 each. Find the deal here.

Or there is a month-long stay in Majorca’s Universal Hotel Romantica for £1,017pp in February. Find the deal here.

Tenerife’s Grand Castillo Tagora is £2,247 each for 28-day stays. Find the deal here.

And HD Lobos Natura Fuerteventura is from £2,923. Find the deal here.

Morocco is a bargain too, with 28 nights at Hotel Club Sungo by Pickalbatros in February for £1,890 each. Find the deal here.

WE all know Wowcher is good for offers, but did you know you could go on holiday for just £89 and it is all-inclusive?

Holidays really can add up – by the time you book flights, airport transfers, and accommodation, you may have already spent hundreds.

Then add in the costs when you are there, like eating and seeing paid-for attractions.

Often, holidays aren’t cheap.

But this is what makes all-inclusive so appealing, as it takes away that stress.

And Wowcher now has deals as cheap as £89 for an all-inclusive break away.

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I tried Wowcher’s £99 Mystery Christmas Market – everything you need to know

TAKING OFF

I’ve visited 50 countries & this much-loathed budget airline is the world’s best

For example, you could head to a four-star all-inclusive resort in Tunisia.

The package includes return flights, two nights at a four-star hotel and all your meals and drinks.

The hotel is the Occidental Sousse Marhaba, which has recently been refurbished according to Wowcher.

At the hotel, guests will find two outdoor pools, a wellness centre, direct beach access, kids’ pools, on-site bars, and a sauna and hammam.

Rooms at the hotel include en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and either have a garden or sea view.

When it comes to food and drink, you get your daily meals, snacks and drinks included.

One recent guest said: “Lovely hotel, good choice of food, staff very pleasant.

“Evening entertainment was good. We paid extra for a sea view and it was well worth it.

“Five min walk through the grounds to the beach. Has a lovely pool.

“You can book trips out by speaking to the lovely Lee who explains the trips in detail. We did the Sahara Explorer, it was amazing.

“Would return to this hotel. Sousse is a beautiful place.”

Nearby you can explore the medina of Sousse, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are a number of souks as well, such as Sousse Medina Souk.

One recent visitor said: “Needs at least a couple of hours to soak up the atmosphere and wander.

“I love wandering around a souk. This one is easy to navigate and not overlarge.

“Also very pretty in parts as this is a very ancient medina area, where people have been trading and living since ancient times.”

History lovers should head to the Ribat of Sousse, a small fort that was built in the eighth century and has a tower boasting panoramic views.

Or head to the Sousse Archaeological Museum, where you can explore a collection of mosaics and statues, as well as sit in a pretty courtyard.

There is one date left in January, from January 18 to 20.

But there are several dates still available in February, including February 1 to 3, 8 to 10, 23 to 25 and 25 to 27.

Or for £99, you could head off on February 24 for two nights.

Prices then rise from March onwards.

Alternatively, you could head to Majorca in Spain, staying at the Bluesea Mediodia for £99 for two nights.

The hotel includes meals, snacks and unlimited drinks and your flights will be from either London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol or Edinburgh.

At the hotel, there is a swimming pool, restaurants and beach access.

One recent guest said: “Considering the price and the services offered, I was very satisfied!

“The hotel is in an excellent location, very close to the beach. The food is varied and can satisfy both those with simple tastes and those who are more demanding.

“The rooms have air conditioning, which is a great plus during hot days.”

The hotel is just a 16-minute drive from Palma, so is a great spot for exploring the city, but also soaking up sunshine on the coast.

Dates available for the £99 offer include January 19 to 21, and the 26 to 28.

Or if you travelled in February, you could go on the 4 to 6, 23 to 25 or 25 to 27.

Prices then rise from March onwards.

For more getaway inspiration, there’s an all-inclusive hotel that’s just been named best in Europe with ten swimming pools, free childcare and Jet2 flights.

Plus, 10 winter sun holidays for all budgets – with 7 nights from £193pp.

CHRISTMAS is nearly here, but hot on its heels is what seems to be the year’s, longest, most miserable month: January.

The UK endures some of the dimmest winter light in Europe, says travel company First Choice, with just 41 to 62 hours of sun in the WHOLE of January, equating to only between 90 minutes and two hours a day.

So there couldn’t be a better month to escape abroad.

Lisa Minot suggests sunny escapes that will boost your mood without hurting your bank balance.

CYPRUS

You’ll get three times more sunshine on this sun-drenched island that enjoys 3,4000 hours of blue skies a year.

Temperatures in January are still a very acceptable 18C to 20C and the sun shines an average of five to six hours a day.

WAIL OF A TIME

I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

SNOW SLOPES

I went to the all-inclusive ski resort with 300 days of sunshine

Get your fix with a cheeky short stay at the 4* Louis Phaethon Beach right on the seafront near Paphos.

The hotel has two fabulous pools and three restaurants.

Four nights’ all-inclusive is from £337pp including flights from Manchester on January 14.

Check out firstchoice.co.uk.

LANZAROTE

Laze the day away beside your own sparkling private pool at the Rubi Mar village near Playa Blanca.

Here in the Canary Islands, you can expect six to seven hours of sunshine a day in January, with temperatures a balmy 20C or 21C.

The three-bed villa sits in lovely grounds and is within walking distance of a shop and restaurant.

Seven nights’ self-catering is from £240pp, based on six sharing and including flights from Gatwick on January 8.

See solmarvillas.com.

FLORIDA & CARIBBEAN CRUISE

This is the ultimate holiday for sun-seekers.

An incredible 15-night deal twins an Orlando stay with the chance to cruise the sun-soaked islands of the Caribbean.

Expect temperatures in the high twenties throughout, and seven to nine hours of sunshine.

This trip of a lifetime includes a five-night stay in Orlando, with a ticket to the new Epic Universe theme park as well as a seven-night full-board Caribbean cruise aboard the new Star Princess with ports of call in Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic.

And that’s not all — there’s also a two-night stay in Miami included as well a tour of the Everglades.

The price, £1,699, includes return flights from London on January 12 and dedicated transfers throughout.

To book, go to cruise.co.uk or call 0870 990 8824.

MOROCCO

Soak up Moroccan sunshine in magical Marrakech as you visit the bustling souks then enjoy a dip in the rooftop plunge pool at your traditional riad hotel.

Temperatures are 18C to 20C in January and you can expect seven hours of sunshine a day.

This Travelbag deal includes seven nights’ B&B at the boutique Riad Vert, in the heart of the old town and a ten-minute stroll from the souks.

Prices from £649pp include flights from Gatwick on January 11 and private transfers. See travelbag.co.uk or call 0203 944 3694.

THAILAND

It’s a little farther to fly but you’ll be rewarded by sizzling temperatures from 28C to 32C and nine hours of sunshine a day if you head to the tropical paradise of Hua Hin this January.

The 3* Ibis Hua Hin hotel is just a five-minute stroll from a sandy shore and has an outdoor pool and great restaurant.

It’s also close to the Cicada Market and Vana Nava Water Jungle.

Seven nights’ room-only is from £760pp including flights from Stansted On January 20.

Check out onthebeach.co.uk.

EGYPT

The Red Sea resort of Hurghada promises guaranteed sun in January, with eight to ten hours of clear skies a day and temperatures ranging from 19C to 22C.

The 4* Sea Star Beau Rivage hotel sits right on its own sandy beach and features two huge pools set in palm-lined gardens.

The spa and hammam on site is perfect for pampering too.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £378pp including flights from Gatwick on January 21.

Check out travelsupermarket.com.

MADEIRA

Enjoy sub-tropical temperatures and abundant nature on this stunning island in the Atlantic.

Expect daily temperatures of around 19C in January, and five or six hours of sunshine a day.

The 3* Mathu Raga Madeira Hotel is just a short stroll from Funchal’s popular Lido promenade.

The hotel’s pool is heated in winter and while the Mathu Raga has a lovely buffet restaurant, the delights of the town’s many restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance.

Seven nights’ room-only is from £439pp including flights from Birmingham on January 26, 22kg luggage and transfers.

To book, see jet2holidays.com.

FUERTEVENTURA

Treat yourself on this lovely Canary Island with average daytime highs of 20C and six to seven hours of sunshine.

The 4* Occidental Jandia Playa hotel has panoramic seaside views as well as two beautiful pools to lounge beside.

A ten-minute walk from Jandia Beach there’s also two restaurants, four bars and evening entertainment to keep you busy.

Seven nights’ half-board is from £600pp including flights from Stansted on January 16, 20kg hold luggage and transfers.

See tui.co.uk.