THIS travel club can save you a whole lot of money when going on holiday – and Sun readers can try it out for just £1.
Ever wanted to swap those noisy airport cafes and hard airport seats for somewhere a little more comfy and relaxed, where free food and drink is flowing?
Swap the overcrowded airport seating for glam lounges with unlimited food and drinkCredit: Getty
Try Travelzoo for 30 days for £1
For £1, you could bypass the airport chaos entirely and kick back in a stylish, comfy airport lounge with ice-cold drinks, super-fast Wi-Fi and somewhere to put your feet up
Travelzoo are a money-saving club where members can bag a load of travel benefits, including free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The membership costs £30 for the year, which is already a steal.
But Sun readers can bag a 30 day free trial for only £1 by clicking here.
So before your next holiday, you could be chilling in an airport lounge with bottomless food and drinks (including alcohol) in exchange for that quid rattling around in your pocket.
We all know the dreaded feeling. You’ve dragged your bags through the terminal, braved the queues, and finally made it to the gate – only to look up at the screen and see the dreaded words: DELAYED.
Suddenly, you’re searching for a seat in a packed airport terminal, clutching a soggy-yet-expensive airport sandwich.
But if you’re a Travelzoo member, you get access to over 1,600 lounges across 500+ airports in more than 100 countries.
The way this works is simple. When your flight is delayed by one hour or more, you get airport lounge tickets automatically sent to you by email or text.
Inside these stylish lounges you’ll find things like private and comfy seating, free Wi-Fi and charging points, and even showers, desks and sleep pods in some locations.
Complimentary drinks even include alcohol across some of the airport loungesCredit: Getty
Try Travelzoo for 30 days for £1
You’ll also get complimentary food and drink, which includes alcohol.
So even if your flight is delayed for multiple hours, you know you’ll have access to good-quality food, drinks and even somewhere to nap.
“As soon as I got the delay notification from Delta, I received an email with lounge pass PDFs” writes one Travelzoo member, Holly.
“Our flight ended up being delayed six times and the lounge pass was a lifesaver.
“This lounge had free food, drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, showers, etc. It was worth it!”.
Another member, Angela, said she used it at London Heathrow after a delayed flight saga.
She said: “Travelzoo notified me of our delay and sent vouchers to a lounge that was way better than the one my credit card had.”
Usually, access to these airport lounges would require an elite membership status with an airline, or an expensive day pass.
However you can access these lounges with Travelzoo no matter who you are flying with, even with economy class tickets.
Flight delays are made much easier when you have somewhere comfortable to sit and relaxCredit: Getty
Airport lounge day passed typically cost between £30 – £40, whereas a Travelzoo membership costs £30 for an entire year.
That means just one delayed flight would justify the cost of an entire year’s membership.
You could easily spend over £30 on meals and drinks for the family in the airport Wetherspoons, but instead you’ll have your own less-crowded, more comfy zone with access to all the snacks and drinks you’ll need.
Best of all, you can register up to three travel companions on your itinerary for free – meaning your family or mates get the VIP treatment right alongside you.
Travelzoo members don’t just get airport lounge benefits – they also get access to super cheap holidays.
There are members-only sales and hand-picked holiday deals that give members access to some of the best holiday bargains out there.
For example, members can bag Benidorm package holidays for £179pp, a two-night staycation for two in Northumberland for £89, or a charming English inn stay for £59.
Members will be alerted when flash holiday sales go live, and can bag these exclusive discounts before anyone else.
How to register for lounge access
Once you’re signed up to Travelzoo by clicking here, follow these steps:
Visit airportlounge.travelzoo.com and register your flight at least 24 hours before departure
Enter your flight number, travel date, and passenger details. You can register up to 3 travel companions on the same itinerary.
Each flight leg requires a separate registration (roundtrips and connections need individual entries).
If your flight is officially delayed by 1+ hour, you’ll automatically receive QR-code vouchers via email and text with participating lounge options.
Note: Cancelled flights or flights rescheduled to the next day do not qualify.
Sun readers can try Travelzoo for 30 days for just £1 by clicking the button below.
YOU don’t need a huge holiday budget to jet off on an amazing European city break.
With flights from £13.99 each way and hotel rooms from under £40 a night, a weekend escape to Spain, Italy, or France can easily cost less than a big night out at home.
Lyon is known as the food capital of France – and there are plenty of inexpensive dining optionsCredit: Getty
Whether you fancy sipping €3 (£2.50) wine by the river in Porto, grabbing fresh beachside tapas in Malaga, or drinking in views from a 360-degree rotating bar in Tirana, you can do it all while on a budget.
Here are the best bargain European city breaks you can book right now for under £18 a flight, with ridiculously cheap hotel stays to match.
Lyon, France
Bag a cheap city break to Lyon where you can sip a drink on a floating bar at the River Banks, wander Renaissance-era cobblestone streets in Old Lyon, and sample some of the best food in France.
Known as the food capital of France, it isn’t hard to find somewhere good to eat here – even on a budget.
Head to Marronniers Street at lunchtime and take your pick of Bouchons, which are traditional, local restaurants serving high-quality authentic meals for as little as €10 (£8.50).
You can fly to Lyon with Wizz Air from £17.99 each way. Sometimes the return flight from Lyon can be as low as £13.99.
The People Lyon offers rooms from £37 a night. The building used to be a secondary school, and has now become a vibrant spot for people to sit and enjoy views of the Fourvière Basilica.
Milan, Italy
Milan makes for an affordable city break with £14.99 flights and plenty of free sightsCredit: Getty
While famous for high fashion and luxury, Milan is surprisingly easy to do on a budget if you know where to look.
The city’s aperitivo culture is ideal for inexpensive light snacking and drinking – especially in the vibrant, canal-side district of Navigli.
Soak up world-class architecture for free by wandering through the mall Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, admiring Sforzesco Castle, and of course taking in the views of the famous Milan Cathedral.
With super cheap flights, an affordable metro system and plenty to do for free once you’re there, you can book a city break to Milan knowing it won’t dent your wallet.
Enjoy jugs of wine in Porto for as little as €3.50 in local neighbourhood tascasCredit: Getty
Cheap wine, unique architecture, amazing city viewpoints – Porto is the ideal pick for a walkable city break packed with affordable things to do.
Spend a day strolling through the Ribeira District where medieval colourful houses and charming cafes line the riverfront.
Another top free sight is to watch the sun set behind the huge steel Dom Luis I Bridge from the Jardmin do Morro, to the sound of local street musicians.
As for cheap wine, pop into neighbourhood tascas for a bite to eat and a drink – here you can enjoy local wine by the jug for €3.50 (£3)!
The ever-reliable ibis budget Porto Gaia has rooms from £55 a night.
Tirana, Albania
Tirana in Albania is fully of cheap and quirky things to do, including a bunker turned underground art museumCredit: Alamy
Tirana is easily one of Europe’s most underrated and budget-friendly capitals, buzzing with pastel-painted buildings and an amazing coffee culture.
You can explore giant, Communist-era nuclear bunkers turned underground art museums at Bunk’Art, or catch a cheap cable car ride up Mount Dajti for sweeping views across the valley.
Nights are best spent in the trendy Blloku district – a neighbourhood once off-limits to locals as it was an restricted zone for communist regime leaders – now it’s open to everyone with lively cocktail lounges and traditional grill houses that serve up dishes and drinks for pocket change.
The four-star Sky Hotel Tirana has rooms from £38 per night, and is home to the largest rotating bar in the Balkans.
The revolving rooftop bar completes a 360° turn every hour, giving you sweeping city and mountain views alongside your meal.
Dublin, Ireland
Take a quick weekend break to Dublin with a £14.99 Ryanair flightCredit: Getty
When you can hop over to Dublin on a £14.99 hour-long flight, this might just be the quickest and easiest city break to tick off in a weekend.
While Temple Bar is certainly worth a visit to walk its pretty cobbled streets and grab a pic outside the famous red pub, save your pint of Guinness for elsewhere.
Head to South William Street to find cheaper beer at spots like Pygmalion and Grogan’s, where all the atmosphere comes from taking your pint back out into the street to listen to buskers.
For an affordable yet delicious lunch, head to Pablo Picante. Dublin has a huge burrito culture, and this Mexican chain offers well-stuffed wraps that will keep you full all day from €10.75 (£9.20).
Stay at the Wetherspoons-owned Keaven’s Port Hotel from £82 per night. The hotel sits on Camden Street, which packed with some of the city’s best bars, pubs and clubs.
Alicante, Spain
Alicante in Spain sees 300 days of sunshine per yearCredit: Getty
With year-round warmth and 300 days of sunshine per year, Alicante is a solid bet when it comes to booking a sunny Spanish city break.
Spend your days wandering the whitewashed, flower-filled lanes of Barrio Santa Cruz, or taking in sweeping Mediterranean views from the hilltop Santa Barbara Castle for free.
Eating well can be remarkably cheap if you visit Mercado Central for fresh tapas, or tuck into authentic regional paellas at backstreet neighbourhood bars.
You can book a stay at the Travelodge Alicante Puerto from £39 per night, which is conveniently located a short walk from Alicante Harbour and the Explanada de España.
BOOKING is open to secure your 2027 £9.50 holiday before anyone else.
Hundreds of new breaks across £9.50 holiday parks have landed on The Sun’s £9.50 Holidays website – including autumn getaways and dates you can pre-book for 2027.
Skirlington Coast is a £9.50 holiday park that underwent a multi-million pound makeover this yearCredit: Skirlington Coast
Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club – for £1.99 per month or £12 per year
Haven’t been collecting codes from the paper? Don’t worry – you can instantly unlock the holidays by signing up to Sun Club.
Simply sign up to Sun Club and you will gain access to a special Offers Page, where you can access the new £9.50 holidays instantly.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Sun Club membership costs £1.99 per month (or £12 for the year), and also includes benefits like two-for-one attraction tickets, free darts and horse racing tickets, and freebies like books, skincare kits and more.
We’ve rounded up popular £9.50 holiday parks that have had major glow-ups recently, plus picks like the largest holiday park in the UK and resorts packed with kids’ activities.
Seal Bay is a £9.50 holiday park with beachfront pods, private hot tubs and a surfing simulatorCredit: Destination Selsey
Seal Bay Resort, Selsey
Crowned as the most popular £9.50 holiday park last year, Seal Bay is one of the most action-packed resorts on England‘s south coast.
Its £18 million ‘White Horse‘ complex is home to a large entertainment venue, multi-level soft play, sports courts, an arcade, bowling, an outdoor pool and more rolled into one action-packed zone.
Not to mention this park has its own mile-long stretch of private beach. On a clear day, you can see the Isle of Wight from across the water.
Forget a standard swimming pool – this park boasts a massive indoor water complex complete with a surf simulator, plus an outdoor lido for sunny days.
The park is built like a mini village, with plenty of shops and amenities on each corner, meaning you can easily spend an entire week here without ever needing to leave the gates.
Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club – for £1.99 per month or £12 per year
Skirlington Coast holiday park has a brand new lido, waterpark and festival gardens areaCredit: Skirlington Coast
Skirlington Coast, Yorkshire
Sitting atop rugged East Yorkshire cliffs, Skirlington Leisure Park offers sweeping sea views and direct access to beautiful beaches.
This park recently received a £10 million cash injection, with a brand new waterpark, lido and activities like axe throwing and a mini bike pump track introduced this year.
Thewaterparkspans both indoor and outdoor areas, centred around two large swimming pools.
Indoors, kids can splash about under the umbrella-shaped water feature, while grown-ups can unwind in the sauna or hot tub.
The large outdoor lido is the perfect place to cool off on a sunny day, but if theweatherdoes take a turn, it is sheltered by a large yellow-striped roof.
Next to the lido there are plenty of colourful deck chairs, parasols, loungers and even some beach huts that give the area that seaside holiday feel.
The lido and outdoor waterpark sit in the Festival Gardens area, a brand new section of the holiday park which is filled with brightly-coloured decorations and pretty fairy lights.
Unity Beach has a newly-upgraded waterpark plus a huge free-entry theme park next doorCredit: Pitch Up
Unity Beach
Following a major £10 million refurbishment, Unity Beach now has a new lido, waterpark and festival gardens.
There’s also plans to upgrade the site’s entertainment complex with a new showbar that will seat over 1,000, so securing your £9.50 holiday for next year now gives you the best chances of seeing all these new upgrades in-person.
The site’s waterpark pairs indoor and outdoor splash zones with high-speed flumes and rubber-ring rides.
Just next door, guests can access Brean Theme Park, which is the UK’s largest free-to-enter theme park. It packs in over 40 rides, ranging from white-knuckle rollercoasters to classic bumper cars.
Best of all, seven miles of open sand at Brean Sands sit directly opposite the resort grounds.
How to book your £9.50 holiday
There are FIVE ways to book our Hols From £9.50:
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 a month by clicking here. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub (here) and find the Hols from £9.50 deal. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens at midnight on Sunday, August 23.
Book with Codewords: Simply collect two codewords printed in The Sun daily from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter them on the £9.50 holiday website to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect two Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper from Saturday, August 22toFriday, August 28. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking fromSunday, August 23.
Book by post: Collect two of the codewords printed in The Sun each day from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on Saturday, August 22 or online at club950.co.uk.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens on Sunday, August 23.
Billing Aquadrome is one of the most popular £9.50 Holiday parks with loads to do for kidsCredit: meadow bay
Billing Aquadrome, Northampton
Sprawling across 235 acres of lakes and countryside in Northamptonshire, Billing Aquadrome is designed to keep even hard-to-please teenagers off their phones.
Where else can kids feed alpacas, ride on a BMX pump track, learn TikTok dances, and ride a miniature railway all in one afternoon?
Kids can go full Total Wipeout on the lake’s massive inflatable obstacle course, while younger ones get stuck into slime-making and outdoor survival workshops.
When the sun goes down, the outdoor cinema becomes a popular spot with its open-air cinema screenings, plus there’s also silent discos and live shows in a giant outdoor amphitheatre.
Refuelling the family is easy thanks to loaded burgers at Smash’d Town and sweet snacks from the Bak’D & Swirls dessert shop.
To top it all off, you can fall asleep right on the water’s edge by booking a stay in a cosy lakeside pod.
Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, Porthcawl
Trecco Bay is the UK’s largest holiday park, and is also one of the biggest in EuropeCredit: Parkdean Resorts
As the UK’sbiggest holiday park– and one of the largest in Europe – Trecco Bay is a colossal coastal playground.
Sitting in the seaside town of Porthcawl, here you’ve got a classic promenade, a seaside funfair, and a choice of stunning Blue Flag beaches right on your doorstep.
But there’s no need to leave site when you’ve got a NERF gun battlefield, bumper zorbing, pirate-themed crazy golf, and a Make a Bear station and more to pick from.
Plus the pool complex has high-powered aqua jets that twist you through the water, as well as inflatable jet skis and mini aqua paddler boats for little ones.
Even the pickiest of eaters can find something here, with top-tier high-street brands like Burger King, Papa Johns, Thunderbird Fried Chicken, and Costa Coffee ready to refuel the whole family.
Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club – for £1.99 per month or £12 per year
Sunny Golden Sands in Rhyl sits on the North Wales coast, near LlandudnoCredit: Alamy
Golden Sands, Rhyl
Golden Sands Holiday Park in the seaside town of Rhyl is the ideal base to explore North Wales.
This park puts you within short driving distance of legendary castles such as Gwyrch and Bodelwyddan, plus there’s beautiful nature spots like Dyserth Waterfall on your doorstep.
When you aren’t out exploring, on-site there’s a heated indoor pool, arcades, a sports court, plus a soft play area.
Plus there’s plenty of activities that kids will love such as slime workshops and NERF gun battles.
Grab some dinner from the site’s traditional fish and chip shop before settling down to watch the live entertainment kick off in the evening.
The fantastic evening entertainment includes family-friendly live shows, glow parties, bingo nights and mini discos.
Newquay Bay Holidar Park gives you direct access to the glorious Cornish coastCredit: Alamy
Newquay Bay Holiday Resort
Newquay Bay is one of the fancier holiday parks available with Hols from £9.50, and feels more like an expensive coastal retreat.
Take a dip in its serene indoor and outdoor heated pools, or take lessons with the on-site surf school, prepping you to hit the waves at nearby Porth beach.
If you fancy a pamper, there’s a hair and beauty salon, alongside a sauna and steam room to truly unwind.
You can even walk across the beach’s narrow footbridge to Porth Island to explore an ancient Iron Age fort, before grabbing a pint at The Mermaid Inn, which sits directly on the beach.
Unlock the hols by signing up to Sun Club – for £1.99 per month or £12 per year
THE final £9.50 holidays for 2026 are being released this weekend – meaning it’s your last chance to book an amazing autumn break.
Popular parks like Trecco Bay, Vauxhall and Unity Beach are but a few that you will be able to book from this Sunday, with plenty of October and November breaks opening up.
Hundreds of new dates across £9.50 holiday parks are set to drop this weekendCredit: Getty Images
Sign up to Sun Club to get the first pick of £9.50 Hols this Sunday
We’ve rounded up the £9.50 holiday parks that are perfect to book for an autumn break – with Monster Ball Halloween parties, coastal castles, ghost walks and plenty of indoor action for the wet weather.
When it comes to booking, you can completely skip the hassle of collecting daily newspaper codes by joining Sun Club. Plus you can book your holiday from midnight while those collecting codes have to wait until the morning.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
For £1.99 a month or £12 a year, Sun Club members unlock instant access to the £9.50 Hols booking from midnight this Sunday, August 23. That means you can bag the most popular parks before dates sell out.
Whether you’re treating the kids to an action-packed Halloween break, or craving a cosy couples’ escape surrounded by crunching orange leaves, here are our top £9.50 Holiday parks for an autumn getaway.
Take a day-trip to the narrow cobbled streets of Rye during a £9.50 break at Camber SandsCredit: Alamy
Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands boasts not one but four indoor heated swimming pools as well as waterslides, meaning pool time doesn’t have to end when the weather cools down.
There’s loads for adventurous kids here, like the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, an outdoor high-ropes course, a virtual reality gaming suite and laser tag arenas.
Venture outdoors for a brisk coastal walk along the five mile-long beach – it will make heading back for a warming hot chocolate all the more rewarding.
This park is also a 10-minute drive from the medieval hilltop town of Rye, where ghost tours take place along its lantern-lit cobblestone streets and a chilling castle museum overlooks the marshes.
Vauxhall, Great Yarmouth
You could isit the Halloween Spooktacular at the Hippodrome on holiday in Great YarmouthCredit: david@streetview-marketing.co.ukk
Parkdean Resorts Vauxhall in Great Yarmouth is built for indoor family fun, perfect for unpredictable British weather.
Kids can spend hours in the Tropical Waterworld – complete with slides and a splash zone – or burn off energy tackling the indoor soft play.
During October half-term, the park hosts Halloween events such as ghost walks, fancy dress contests, arts and crafts sessions and even the Monster Ball party – which takes place across all Parkdean resorts.
Out in Great Yarmouth you can stop by Fairground Frights at Pleasure Beach for a spooky theme park takeover, or even sit down to the Halloween Spooktacular at the Hippodrome Circus.
Sign up to Sun Club to get the first pick of £9.50 Hols this Sunday
Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay, Scarborough
Visit nearby Whitby to stroll its harbour, visit its spooky abbey and try award-winning fish and chipsCredit: Getty
Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay sits on the North Yorkshire coast, just a 30-minute drive from Whitby, the home of Dracula.
Here families can tour the withered ruins of Whitby Abbey, or join Dracula-themed ghost walks.
Whitby is also home to the best fish and chip shop in the UK, so you can sit down to an award-winning chippy tea with pretty harbour views after a full day’s exploring.
If you’re not into the spooky stuff, this action-packed park has a heated indoor pool with water flumes, an indoor high-ropes course, and an on-site arcade.
How to book your £9.50 holiday
There are FIVE ways to book our Hols From £9.50:
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 a month by clicking here. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub (here) and find the Hols from £9.50 deal. Booking opens on Sunday, August 23.
Book with Codewords: Simply collect two codewords printed in The Sun daily from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter them on the £9.50 holiday website to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect two Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper from Saturday, August 22toFriday, August 28. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking fromSunday, August 23.
Book by post: Collect two of the codewords printed in The Sun each day from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on Saturday, August 22 or online at club950.co.uk.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens on Sunday, August 23.
Park Holidays UK Bowland Fell, Yorkshire
Park Holidays’ Bowland Fell is surrounded by 130 acres of stunning woodland to exploreCredit: TripAdvisor
This park sits at the edge of 130 acres of Bowland forest, giving you direct access to endless woodland trails – which burst with beautiful orange leaves in autumn.
The park even sits within an officially designated dark sky reserve, meaning stargazing here is particularly spectacular, making for the perfect October or November break.
As for accommodation, you can pick between classic caravans, modern apartments, spacious lodges and even the cosy Bowland Fell Cottage.
On-site, you can eat at the 17th-century Crowtrees Inn, a refurbished traditional stone pub with open log fires and local pints.
Bowland Fell offers a relaxed break centred around local nature and fantastic walking trails, perfect for couples and outdoors-y families.
Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, Porthcawl
Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay are hosting a plethora of Halloween activities for kids this OctoberCredit: Parkdean Resorts
As one of Europe’s largest holiday parks, Trecco Bay is certianly equipped with enough activities to handle rainy days.
The resort houses a massive indoor Splashland, a full-sized bowling alley, an arcade, and a soft play area to name but a few things to do here.
Throughout October half term, the entertainment team runs daily Halloween craft sessions, spooky game shows, and pumpkin carving workshops.
There’s over 2,000 caravans and lodges here, ranging from affordable, comfy caravans to luxurious lodges with hot tubs.
Sign up to Sun Club to get the first pick of £9.50 Hols this Sunday
5 more £9.50 parks to book for autumn
Tattershall Lakes, Lincolnshire
With an indoor pool and splash zone for the kids, plus an on-site spa with a steam room and sauna for grown-ups, there’s really no need to brave the outdoors here.
But if you do fancy it, there’s high-ropes courses and lake walks alongside an action-packed Halloween entertainment schedule, plus you’ve got the medieval Tattershall Castle on your doorstep.
Parkdean Resorts Ty Mawr, Conwy
Positioned at the foot of Snowdonia, the park offers direct access to Betws-y-Coed’s autumn forest walks and red-leafed mountain trails.
It also sits minutes from seasonal Halloween events at nearby Gwrych Castle and ghost tours along Conwy’s medieval town walls.
Park Holidays UK Hengar Manor, Cornwall
Set on a 35-acre country estate with large fishing lakes, this park offers a quiet autumnal retreat.
It sits directly next to Bodmin Moor’s walking trails and the immersive Halloween events hosted at nearby historic Bodmin Jail.
Parkdean Resorts Sandford, Dorset
Hiding in Wareham Forest, the park provides doorstep access to pine-scented walking trails, plus you can go deer-spotting at nearby RSPB Arne.
It’s also minutes from the ruins of Corfe Castle and glorious autumn walks along the Jurassic Coast.
Seal Bay Resort, West Sussex
£9.50 Holidays’ most popular park houses a massive indoor entertainment complex, packed with waterslides, bowling, arcades, a surf machine and more.
The park runs October half-term Halloween stage shows and cosy pottery painting sessions.
THIS weekend will be the last chance for Sun readers to book a £9.50 holiday this year.
There are still plenty of bargains to be booked with The Sun’s £9.50 holidays – and you’ll get first pick if you’re a Sun Club member.
Holiday parks such as Golden Coast will be available to book this weekend with £9.50 HolidaysCredit: golden coast devon
Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month or £12 per year
Traditionally, Sun readers collect codes in the newspaper to enter onto the Hols from £9.50 website to unlock access to booking.
But if you’re a Sun Club member, there’s no need to collect any codes – you’ll get automatic access earlier than those collecting codes
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Sun Club Members can skip collecting codes in the paper and go straight to the booking page to bag a last-minute break at their choice of park.
Members can access the hols from midnight on Sunday, August 23, whereas those collecting codes in the paper will have to wait until the morning to purchase a paper to collect their final codeword.
Once you’re signed up, head to the Sun Club offers hub- or click here.
Gain automatic access to the booking your hols from midnight on Sunday, August 23.
Booking opens on Sunday, August 23 and closes on September 21.
However, you’ll want to be logged on and ready as soon as it opens, so that you can bag the holiday park you want before it sells out.
The Sun’s £9.50 Holiday Agony Aunt Tracy Kennedy recommends using the ‘Midnight Service’ trick to bag your holiday.
This means being logged on and ready with the parks and dates you want in mind from around 11:55pm on Saturday night, so that once it hits midnight you can go straight to booking.
Some popular UK parks with new dates available include Parkdean Resorts’ Kessingland Beach, Trecco Bay, Camber Sands and Vauxhall in Great Yarmouth.
You can also book a Park Holidays resort like Sand le Mere or Lossiemouth, as well as Lyons resorts like Sunnysands or stay at Hendra and Unity Beach.
There are even European breaks available at resorts in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.
There will be Park Holidays resorts available to book for this autumn or for next yearCredit: park holidays uk
Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month or £12 per year
How to book your £9.50 holiday
There are FIVE ways to book our Hols From £9.50:
Book with Sun Club: Join Sun Club for £1.99 a month by clicking here. Then go to the Sun Club Offers hub (here) and find the Hols from £9.50 deal. You do not need to collect any codewords or Sun Savers codes. Booking opens at midnight on Sunday, August 23.
Book with Codewords: Simply collect two codewords printed in The Sun daily from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Then enter them on the £9.50 holiday website to unlock booking from Sunday, August 23.
Book with Sun Savers: Download the Sun Savers app or register at sunsavers.co.uk. Then go to the ‘Offers’ section of Sun Savers and click ‘Start Collecting’ on the ‘Hols From £9.50’ page. Collect two Sun Savers codes from those printed at the bottom of the Sun Savers page in the newspaper from Saturday, August 22toFriday, August 28. Then enter or scan the codes on Sun Savers to unlock booking fromSunday, August 23.
Book by post: Collect two of the codewords printed in The Sun each day from Saturday, August 22 to Friday, August 28. Cut the codeword out and send it back with the booking form – found in paper on Saturday, August 22 or online at club950.co.uk.
Book with The Sun Digital Newspaper: Sign up to The Sun Digital Newspaper at thesun.co.uk/newspaper. Then download the Sun Savers app or sign up at sunsavers.co.uk, log in to Sun Savers with your Sun account details (the same email and password you use for your Digital Newspaper) and enjoy automatic access to Hols, without the need to collect Sun Savers codes daily. Booking opens on Sunday, August 23.
These parks still have availability to book a break this autumn, so whether you’re looking to jet off abroad for some last-minute sun, or book a cosy UK Halloween break, the choice is yours.
You can even book ahead and secure a holiday for next year, which is a nifty trick to avoid the January £9.50 holiday rush.
Not only does it make booking your £9.50 holiday a lot easier, but there are plenty more benefits and freebies exclusive to Sun Club members.
Savvy Sun Club member (and Queen of the £9.50 holiday) Tracy Kennedy saved nearly £1,000 in one year on family hols and days out by being a Sun Club member.
This is because being a member gets you discounts on attractions, holidays, and there are even some freebie goodies thrown in there, too.
Sun Club members can currently bag 2-for-1 Diggerland tickets, four free tickets to the races per year and free goodies like skincare kits and audio books.
Once you’re a member, check out the Offers Hub to see the full list of goodies you can claim.
Parkdean Resorts Highfield Grange is among the parks to have new dates added from this weekendCredit: Parkdean Holidays
Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month or £12 per year
BEFORE I had kids, my holiday checklist was blissfully simple: how far is the pool, is it near a beach and, more importantly, how far will I have to carry four pints back from the bar?
Now I’m a dad to two kids under two, the goalposts have been shifted completely.
Holidays with toddlers are far removed from my single days – instead looking for short transfers, simple buffets and of course a great swimming pool or water parkCredit: Trip Advisor/Atlantica Mikri Poli Rhodes ManagementI’ve tried and tested all these resorts and they tick the boxesCredit: Rob Brooks
My checklist now demands shallow splash pools, food they’ll actually eat instead of throwing it on the floor, separate bedrooms so my wife and I don’t have to sit in the dark from 7.30pm, and enough safe green space for them to burn off every ounce of relentless energy.
And a toddler-friendly holiday starts long before you reach reception – a brilliant kids’ pool means nothing if you’ve suffered a four-hour flight delay followed by two hours trapped on a sweaty transfer coach, or if you land only to realise the nearest shop selling nappies is three towns away.
That’s why all six of these properties hit my strict travel criteria: easy UK flight links, short airport transfers and pushchair-friendly resorts packed with local supermarkets and bakeries.
Having personally stayed at all six with my own young family, these are the ones that actually deliver for babies, toddlers, and weary parents.
6. Zafiro Ca’n Picafort, Majorca
There are multiple swimming zones, including two brilliant splash pools that kept my toddler entertained for hoursCredit: Trip Advisor/Zafiro Ca’n Picafort ManagementThe main buffet includes all the essential toddler safety nets including plain pasta and chipCredit: Trip Advisor/Zafiro Ca’n Picafort Management
This was one of the single easiest stays I’ve managed with a toddler because it hits two absolute non-negotiables: elite pool options and hassle-free dining.
There are multiple swimming zones, including two brilliant splash pools that kept my toddler entertained for hours without us having to camp out in one noisy, crowded area all day.
The food options here are a massive win for parents too.
While the barbecue station serves up proper, high-end grilled meats for adults, the main buffet includes all the essential toddler safety nets including plain pasta and chips (when your child has rejected every new food offered to them, a familiar bowl of penne is worth more than a Michelin star).
The real insider perk here though is the low-rise apartment layout, thanks to the separate living room and a private ground-floor garden terrace.
This means you can put the kids down for bed, step outside with a glass of wine, and ACTUALLY enjoy your evening without whispering in the dark.
Ca’n Picafort itself is flat, exceptionally pushchair-friendly, and sits just a manageable 50-minute drive from Palma Airport.
I spotted a five-night, self-catering stay here from £233pp, flying direct from Bristol on September 30.
5. H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens, Lanzarote
At H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens, you can pre-book potties, baby baths, and stair gates straight to your roomCredit: Trip Advisor/H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens ManagementThe pools feature gentle, splashy slides rather than terrifying drops designed for teenagersCredit: Trip Advisor/H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens Management
Travelling with a baby often feels like managing the logistics of a small company, but H10 Suites Lanzarote Gardens completely removes the heavy lifting.
You can pre-book potties, baby baths, and stair gates straight to your room, meaning half your bulky nursery gear stays at home.
The absolute highlight for us was the hotel’s specialised baby club which lets parents stay with their toddlers.
This is a game-changer for toddlers who want access to brand-new toys and soft play, but aren’t quite old enough to be dropped off with strangers.
The pools feature gentle, splashy slides rather than terrifying drops designed for teenagers, and the location in Costa Teguise is ideal.
It’s completely flat and surrounded by supermercados for emergency nappy runs.
Not only that, but it sits just a painless 20-minute transfer from Arrecife Airport – meaning you go from baggage reclaim to the poolside before a meltdown hits.
You can lock in a five-night holiday here with breakfast included from £333pp, flying direct from London Stansted on September 30.
4. Atlantica Mikri Poli Rhodes, Rhodes
Atlantica Mikri Poli Rhodes is spread across five poolsCredit: Trip Advisor/Atlantica Mikri Poli Rhodes ManagementThe waterpark is lively if parents fancy a go on the waterslides every now and thenCredit: Trip Advisor/Atlantica Mikri Poli Rhodes Management
Some massive family resorts look incredible in brochures but feel like an overcrowded theme park the second you walk through reception.
The Atlantica Mikri Poli in Kolymbia completely avoids that trap by being across five distinct swimming spots.
This includes a dedicated toddler splash park and a quiet, adult-friendly pool.
Because the resort footprint is so spread out, we could easily move between the lively waterpark sections and the quiet, shaded gardens depending on where we were in the daily nap cycle.
The top-tier insider trick at this hotel is the location of the main playground – it sits directly adjacent to the outdoor evening entertainment stage, surrounded by shaded seating.
You can sit back with a drink from the all inclusive bar while keeping direct line-of-sight on your toddlers as they burn off their final energy reserves before bed.
Transfer-wise, it’s a smooth 25-minute drive from Rhodes Airport, entirely cutting out long coach tours across the island.
I found a five-night all inclusive package from £443pp, flying direct from London Luton on September 29.
3. Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, Majorca
Iberostar Selection Albufera Park is right by the beachCredit: Trip Advisor/Iberostar Selection Albufera Park ManagementAll of these resorts have enough to keep kids busy and parents chilled outCredit: Trip Advisor/Iberostar Selection Albufera Park Management
If you want a property that makes younger children feel like the entire resort was designed specifically for them, Iberostar Selection Albufera Park is it.
Even on arrival, you will spot the soft play slide directly inside the reception lobby – a small detail that perfectly sums up the hotel’s family-first ethos.
The children’s buffet section is built at eye-level for toddlers, allowing them to actually see and choose their own food.
There’s even a dedicated fresh fruit market counter to keep things healthy.
The ultimate parent perk here is direct access to Playa de Muro beach.
The sand is powder-soft and the walk into the sea slopes so gently that the water stays ankle-deep for yards out, making it infinitely safer for paddling with a one-year-old than steep, pebbly coastlines.
The transfer from Palma takes around 50 minutes along direct main roads, dropping you straight into one of the island’s calmest family pockets.
I clocked a five-night all inclusive stay here from £563pp, flying direct from Bristol on September 30.
2. Mediterranean Palace Hotel, Tenerife
I loved the big splash park at Mediterranean Palace HotelCredit: Trip Advisor/Mediterranean Palace Hotel ManagementThe hotel kids’ club is fully supervisedCredit: Trip Advisor/Mediterranean Palace Hotel Management
The Mediterranean Palace earns its spot on my shortlist purely for its world-class facilities.
Its supervised kids’ club includes a massive soft-play arena, cinema room, and dedicated baby-changing bays.
Not only that, but the outdoor splash park gives toddlers a safe way to cool off without needing to tread water in a deep pool.
This property is my absolute go-to recommendation for winter sun – the hotel sits right on the border of Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, giving you direct access to miles of flat, paved seafront promenade.
My best insight for parents here is the tactical “nap walk” route.
You can wheel the pushchair straight out of the hotel gates onto a wide, traffic-free coastal path lined with cafes, pushing the buggy over smooth paving until they fall asleep, while you grab a coffee in the sun.
Best of all, Tenerife South Airport is barely a 15-minute taxi ride away.
You can book a five-night stay with breakfast included from £588pp, flying direct from Liverpool on February 1 next year.
1. Sea Club Mediterranean Resort, Majorca
Sea Club Mediterranean Resort’s accommodation is arranged in low-rise, Mediterranean-style villasCredit: Trip Advisor/Sea Club Mediterranean Resort ManagementParents will love the resort just as much as the kidsCredit: Trip Advisor/Sea Club Mediterranean Resort Management
If you want the freedom of a self-catering apartment combined with full resort facilities, the Sea Club is a massive win.
Instead of one sterile, towering hotel block, the accommodation is arranged in low-rise, Mediterranean-style villas spread across extensive, tree-lined gardens.
The stand-out feature for parents here though is the layout of the one-bedroom apartments.
The separate living area is properly partitioned from the main bedroom.
This means once the kids are asleep at 7:30pm, parents can make the most of the full lounge and private balcony WITH the lights on (no more hiding in the bathroom with a book).
Port d’Alcudia is exceptionally flat, packed with pharmacies and supermarkets, and features a huge, sheltered bay with crystal-clear, shallow water.
Sitting a comfortable 45-minute transfer from Palma Airport, it delivers a high-spec family break for an absolute bargain price.
I spotted a five-night self-catering stay from just £208pp, flying direct from Birmingham on September 27.
FANCY a last minute escape to somewhere hot and sunny?
Thankfully, you could be cocktail in-hand and toes in the sand sooner than you’d think, as there’s loads of absolute bargains on Loveholidays.
Bag a last minute break to the Algarve with a stay at Rocamar Exclusive Hotel and SpaCredit: Love Holidays
We’ve found some seriously affordable week-long breaks to glamorous resorts in Spain, Turkey, the Canary Islands and Morocco for as little as £129pp.
Here’s a roundup of the top last minute deals we found. All the deals below are for seven night stays, and include your return flights.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Costa Brava
Loveholidays offer a week-long stay at Odissea Park from only £229ppCredit: Love Holidays
With a speedy two hour flight and the sunshine sitting in the mid 20’s well into the autumn, Costa Brava is the perfect no-fuss pick for a sunny holiday.
Visit the resort of Tossa de Mar to see a medieval castle overlooking turquoise waters, or stay in Santa Susanna for easy access to Water World and Levante Beach.
We found a week-long stay at Odissea Park hotel for only £229pp – this four-star stay has a sleek design, is perfect for families and is just steps from the sea.
Or click here to browse all last minute holidays to Costa Brava.
Bag a seven night stay at Odissea Park for £229pp in October
Dalaman, Turkey
You can bag a stay at the 5* Green Forest Holiday Village in Turkey for only £369ppCredit: Love Holidays
For a great value stay on Turkey‘s gorgeous Turquoise Coast, book yourself a holiday to Dalaman.
We found a bargain break in Olu Deniz, a beach resort that is famous for its glowing blue lagoon and sports like paragliding.
The deal includes your flights plus a five star stay at Green Forest Holiday Village, a relaxing resort with sea and mountain views with its own spa.
Or click here to browse all last minute holidays to Dalaman.
Book a seven night stay at Green Forest Holiday Village from £369pp in September
Gran Canaria
Servatur Terrazamar Suite & Sunsuite sits in the popular resort of Puerto Rico, Gran CanariaCredit: Loveholidays
For reliable year-round sunshine and a coastline lined with affordable resorts and friendly tapas bars, go for Gran Canaria.
Gran Canaria has some incredible landscapes, too, from the rolling sand dunes of Maspalomas to the volcanic rocks of Roque Nublo.
The popular resort of Puerto Rico is packed with water sports, vibrant nightlife and even dolphin-watching by the shore.
We found a deal for a stay at the stunning Servatur Terrazamar Suite & Sunsuite, where their sprawling outdoor pool is framed by dramatic mountains.
Bag a seven night stay at Servatur Terrazamar Suite & Sunsuite from £369pp in September
The Algarve, Portugal
The adults-only Rocamar Exclusive Hotel and Spa in The Algarve has a rooftop infinity poolCredit: Love Holidays
The amazing Algarve is home to endless golden sand beaches, stunning sea caves and plenty of family-friendly attractions.
Albufeira offers the ideal sun-soaked getaway, with a colourful, cobblestone Old Town, affordable boat trips and amazing local seafood.
We found a steal of a stay at the four star Rocamar Exclusive Hotel and Spa in October.
This adults-only hotel sits in Albufeira’s charming Old Town, and has a rooftop infinity pool facing out to sea.
Book a seven night stay at Rocamar Exclusive Hotel and Spa from £429pp
Or click here to browse all last minute holidays to The Algarve.
Marrakech
We found a week-long holiday to Marrakech for only £129pp with LoveholidaysCredit: Getty
You only need to hop on a three and a half hour flight to soon be enjoying 30°C September sunshine in Marrakech.
Spend your days shopping in the labyrinthine of souks, wandering through lush gardens or sipping sweet mint tea on a rooftop terrace.
By night, the legendary Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is the place to be, filled with street performers, musicians, and the mouth-watering smell of street food.
We found a deal for a week-long stay in a comfortable Moroccan apartment for an incredible £129pp, which includes return flights.
Book a seven night stay at Locanda Residence Marrakech from £129pp in September
Plus Loveholidays have a Best Price Promise, which means that if you find the same holiday elsewhere for over £10 less than their price, they’ll refund you the difference – and pay you an extra fiver per person.
To browse more last minute holiday deals to places like France, Italy, Greece, Egypt and more, click below.
IT’S easy to spend a crazy amount of money on holidays. But it doesn’t have to be that way – you just have to know where to look.
Luckily, we’ve done all the hard work for you. Forget paying hundreds of pounds just to fight over sunbeds in overpriced resorts like Ibiza and Mykonos – THIS is where to go instead.
The Algarve is the cheapest destination for a family holiday in 2026, according to a Post Office reportCredit: GettyAlbania offers cheap holidays in stunning resorts like Ksamil and DurresCredit: Getty
We’ve found holiday destinations that give you the same glorious sunshine, golden sand beaches and gorgeous hotels for much, much less.
Think 86p beers, £3 cocktails, flights under 15 quid and entire holidays for the cost of a family meal out.
From dirt-cheap Portugal holidays to five-star Turkish getaways, here’s the foreign holiday destinations where your cash stretches the furthest.
The Algarve, Portugal
Brits looking for maximum bang for their buck this summer should set their sights on The Algarve.
This golden section of Portuguese coastline was crowned Europe’s best-value beach destination in the 2026 Post Office Family Holiday report.
The report compared a list of common holiday costs in 22 European destinations, looking at the price of things like meals out, drinks and everyday holiday items – and The Algarve came out on top.
This cheap holiday hotspot boasts affordable family-friendly hotels plus plenty of cheap flights from airports across the UK.
You can book a flight to Faro for only £14.99 each way with Ryanair, from airports such as Liverpool, Edinburgh and London Stansted.
And according to Wise’s Cost of Living report, a meal out for two here can cost as little as £8.55, while a beer can cost you as little as 86p.
The destination boasts dramatic cliff-backed beaches perfect for exploring by kayak or paddle-board, such as Praia da Marinha with its famous limestone arches, and Benagil Beach with a circular ‘hole in the roof’ cave.
Whether you’re planning to hit the strip in bustling Albufeira or sip cheap coffees in charming coastal towns, your spending money will stretch miles further in this Portuguese region.
Book a holiday: The Algarve
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Golden Club Cabanas in Tavira has a giant outdoor pool lined by palm trees that looks like a tropical oasis.
Here you’re close to the Ria Formosa natural park, where you can go kayaking, bird-watching over the salt marshes, or simply find a beach bar to enjoy a cocktail with a view.
We found a seven night self-catering stay from September 19, with return flights from London Stansted, for £195pp.
Antalya is just one stunning destination on Turkey’s Turquoise CoastCredit: Getty
Holidays to Turkey are looking remarkably cheap this summer, hitting rock-bottom prices that almost look too good to be true.
The good news is, they’re not – and there’s good reason as to why holidays to Turkey are currently so cheap.
The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, said: “There’s never been a better time to grab a bargain break to Turkey.
“With uncertainty over the Middle East conflict, holidaymakers have been looking at the Western Med over the Eastern Mediterranean destinations like Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt.
“But everything is operating normally in all three countries – Foreign Office travel advice has not changed and it is perfectly safe to visit.
“But the reticence of some has led to a fall in demand and with that, prices have started tumbling too.
“On the ground, everything remains the same – only the prices you’ll pay are very attractive as hoteliers and tour operators tempt us to travel.
“With beautiful Mediterranean coastal resorts offering great value, now is the time to grab yourself a sunshine bargain.”
Key spots on the Turkish Riviera that balance bargain prices with beautiful views include Marmaris, with its long seafront promenade, and Bodrum, often dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey.
Book a holiday: Turkey
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
The Solivia Hotel is a sprawling five-star property in Antalya, with a Blue Flag private beach and four swimming pools.
The food and drink is all inclusive done right. There’s an extensive buffet in the main restaurant, plus a beach snack bar, pool bar, unlimited ice cream hour and Turkish coffee on tap.
Book a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at the five-star Solivia Hotel, with return flights from London Luton, from £555pp.
Bulgaria is one of the most budget-friendly holiday options out there for Brits, and the Bourgas Area was even named the cheapest all inclusive holiday destination in 2026 by Travel Supermarket.
Furthermore, the country continues to appear year after year as a top affordable destination for families in the Post Office Family Holiday Report.
Plus, according to data from Wise, ameal outat an inexpensive restaurant averages £8.82, a cappuccino just 88p, and a beer as little as 89p.
You can even find cheap flights to spots like Plovdiv, Sofia and Burgas from £18 each way on Skyscanner.
Now you know just how cheap this holiday hotspot is – where abouts should you actually stay?
Sunny Beach continues to reign as one of the most affordable spots, with bargain waterparks and hotels, plus a nightlife scene where prices have barely budged.
But there’s a lot more to Bulgaria than Sunny Beach.
If you want a quieter beach break, Sozopol’s golden sands and wooden townhouses offer a far more relaxed feel than Sunny Beach – without bumping up the price tag.
Just 15 minutes outside of Sunny Beach, Nessebar boasts a UNESCO-protected old town with cobbled streets and ancient ruins, plus romantic cliffside dining where meals cost a fraction of Mediterranean prices.
Prefer a city break? Sofia and Plovdiv are excellent choices. Sofia boasts dirt-cheap metro rides, grand architecture, and bargain nightlife, while Plovdiv’s trendy Kapana district lets you sip 88p coffees surrounded by ancient Roman ruins.
Book a holiday: Bulgaria
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
The Sunny Day Club hotel is an ideal spot for families, sitting in a quieter, northern patch of Sunny Beach.
The buzzy bars, shops and restaurants of Sunny Beach are just a short bus ride away, with a convenient bus stop directly outside the hotel.
Book a seven-night, room-only stay at Sunny Day Club from September 17, with return flights from London Luton, from £179pp.
Week-long holidays to Agadir average just £230, according to Loveholidays booking dataCredit: Getty
Agadir bagged the top spot as the cheapest destination for a seven-night summer holiday in 2026, according to research from Loveholidays.
The holiday booking site analysed package deals running between June 1 and August 31, with the Moroccan hotspot coming out on top.
According to their booking data, week-long holidays here averaged just £230 per person for a week away.
Agadir is a sunshine-drenched resort guaranteeing year-round heat, plus a six-mile stretch of beach and a vibrant old town bustling with colourful souks.
It’ s an extraordinarily cheap option thanks to plenty of budget airline routes and affordable package holiday deals from sites like Loveholidays and On the Beach.
Plus you can book a flight to Agadir from as little as £20.99 each way with Ryanair.
On top of wallet-friendly flights and accommodation, Morocco’s low local cost of living means dining out, watersports, and day trips can cost a fraction of the price compared to traditional European hotspots.
The average price of a meal out at an inexpensive restaurant here, according to Wise, is only £3.99.
Book a holiday: Agadir
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
For a stress-free family getaway, stay in an apartment at the Appart Hotel Igoudar.
Enjoy a spacious apartment with a well-stocked kitchenette and private terrace, and spend days soaking up the sun on a lounger and taking dips in the outdoor pool.
The building is a beautiful example of Moorish architecture and makes for both a relaxing and authentic Moroccan stay.
Loveholidays offer a five-night, room-only stay at the Appart Hotel Igoudar from September 27, including return flights from London Stansted, for £129pp.
You could visit the pink saltwater lagoon of Torrevieja on a trip to Spain’s Costa BlancaCredit: Getty
Spain‘s Costa Blanca remains a reliably cheap option for a sunny holiday abroad – plus the quick and easy 2.5 hour flight goes by in a flash.
Spots like Torrevieja and Guardamar del Segura are traditional Spanish towns where costs stay low.
Guardamar has a 6.8 mile-long, white sand beach, while Torrevieja is home to bubblegum-pink salt lakes like the Laguna Rosa and Blue Flag beaches like the palm-lined stretch of Los Naufragos.
But it wouldn’t be the Costa Blanca without Benidorm, which continues to reign as the final boss of budget breaks.
Holiday Expert Rob Brooks ranks Benidorm among the top destinations for Brits to bag a cheap holiday – and a cheap beer, too.
He said: “If there’s one destination refusing to let the £1 pint disappear quietly, it’sBenidorm.
“People love to moan that the strip isn’t ascheapas it used to be, and to be fair, they’re almost right.
“But every time I go looking for a proper value holiday,Benidormstill cleans up – and there’s one legendary venue everyone mentions:Uncle Ron’s.
“They’re famously flying the flag for the €1 pint long after everyone else moved on, making it the ultimate first pitstop to prove the old-schoolBenidormspirit is alive and kicking.”
Book a holiday: Costa Blanca
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
What kid would say no to a pirate island-themed mega resort in sunny Spain?
The Magic Pirates Island Resort in Benidorm has a mega kids pool called Battleship Lagoon, with play boats and jets, plus more relaxed pools for grown-ups with hot tubs and Balinese beds.
Best of all, a stay here gives you free unlimited entry to the Aqua Naturawaterparkright next door, as well as free access to Terra Natura Zoo.
Book a five night stay with breakfast from October 10, including return flights from London Luton, for £287pp.(Kids stay free – restrictions apply).
YOU don’t need a celebrity budget to jet off to Europe’s most stunning beach destinations.
We’ve scoured Wowcher‘s holiday deals to find the best beach breaks with return flights included, slashing prices by up to 56%.
You can bag a holiday to Menorca for £179pp with the Wowcher offer we foundCredit: Getty
Whether you fancy living the high life at a five-star resort in Mykonos, floating in a rooftop infinity pool in Malta, or soaking up the sun on Turkey‘s Turquoise Coast, we’ve got you.
Here are the top sunny stays you can book right now from £99pp – before they sell out.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Malta – £99
Wowcher offers a stay at the Solana Hotel & Spa in Malta from £99Credit: Wowcher
With this gem of a deal, you can soak up the Malta sunshine from this four-star hotel’s rooftop infinity pool for under £100pp – saving up to 46% off full-price.
This stylish spot has sweeping views over the Mediterranean, plus a spa to unwind in and multiple bars and restaurants to pick from.
The hotel sits in the charming hilltop village of Mellieha, which is home to Malta’s longest sandy beach and historical landmarks like the 17th-century St. Agatha’s Red Tower.
The deal also comes with return flights from your pick of London Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, Southend, London City & Manchester airports, plus you can pick the number of nights you stay.
Book a 4* holiday to Malta with return flights included from £99pp
5* Algarve holiday – £99
Stay at the five star Wine & Books by the Sea Algarve Resort from £99ppCredit: Wowcher
Bag a beachfront break to Portugal with this £99 stay at a luxurious 5* hotel in The Algarve, saving up to 56% off full-price breaks.
The glamorous resort, named Wine & Books by the Sea, boasts a huge, glimmering outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and bright white parasols.
Indoors, the Library Spa has a heated indoor pool and offers treatments like aromatherapy massages and soothing facials.
When you fancy exploring the local area, this resort sits in Portugal‘s Reserva Natural dos Salgados, where wildlife like flamingos wander the wetlands.
Book a 5* holiday to The Algarve with return flights included from £99pp
Antalya – £159
You can book a holiday to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast from £159pp with this Wowcher offerCredit: Getty
Antalya’s Citrus Park Hotel has everything you’d want in a Turkey holiday – comfy sea view rooms, a huge hotel breakfast spread, and the golden sands of Konyaalti Beach a short walk away.
This hotel comes with some pretty amazing views, sitting on the beachfront and framed by dramatic mountains.
Just a short walk away you’ll find a promenade lined with bars, cafes, souvenir shops and water sports stations.
You can save 30% on the holiday with this Wowcher offer, which also includes breakfast during your stay and return flights from London, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh or Manchester.
Book a holiday to Antalya with return flights included from £159pp
Fuerteventura – £179
The Hotel Livvo Corralejo Beach is just steps away from the seafront in sunny FuerteventuraCredit: Getty
This 4* Fuerteventura hotel places you right in the heart of the action.
There’s white sands just steps away and a plethora of beachfront bars and restaurants.
There’s a huge swimming pool here with a dedicated kids section, plenty of loungers, plus a poolside bar serving up fruity cocktails.
The hotel is a short stroll from Corralejo Harbour, where you can hop on a ferry to the island of Lobos, or even take a day-trip to Lanzarote.
Book a 4* holiday to Fuerteventura with return flights included from £179pp
Mykonos 5* – £299
Bag a five star break to Mykonos from £299pp with this Wowcher offerCredit: Getty
A 5* holiday to Mykonos sounds like something only celebs can afford. But this Wowcher offer means you can book one for under £300.
The offer includes a stay at Saint John Hotel Villas & Spa, home to its own private beach, gourmet restaurants and infinity pool facing the sea.
Here you’re also perfectly positioned to explore the best of Mykonos – with its white windmills, Mykonos Town and Little Venice all nearby.
This offer can save you up to 22% off full price, giving you some extra cash in your pocket to hit the island’s stylish bars and clubs.
Book a 5* holiday to Mykonos with return flights included from £299pp
Menorca – £179
Book a trip to Menorca from £179pp with this Wowcher offerCredit: Wowcher
Majorca’s quieter sister island Menorca offers all the same stunning beaches and scenery – but in a more relaxed, peaceful setting,
This Wowcher bargain includes flights plus a stay in the beachfront Aparthotel Sol Parc, surrounded by scenic pine woodlands.
Here you’ll get a spacious apartment plus access to multiple swimming pools and sports facilities like beach volleyball, mini golf, basketball and a tennis court.
Even better, you can walk directly out of the building onto the beach where there’s clear waters to paddle in and a restaurant overlooking the sea.
Book a holiday to Menorca with return flights included from £179pp
THERE’S last-minute, and then there’s “I could be sitting on a sun lounger by next Wednesday” last-minute.
Well, we’re at that exact point in late summer when airline and hotel booking engines do some very interesting things.
Stay at Maspalomas Oasis Club, Gran Canaria from £373ppCredit: Trip Advisor/Maspalomas Oasis Club Management
Flights with remaining empty seats need filling, hotels want their final unoccupied rooms gone, and package prices are suddenly sitting far below where they were just a few weeks ago.
So, I’ve been digging through our live booking data to track down the destinations offering the absolute cheapest last-minute summer holidays on the board.
These aren’t bottom-of-the-barrel options either, by the way.
Every deal below includes return flights, accommodation, food and drinks, with these particular all-inclusive holidays starting from just £315 per person.
Here’s the breakdown from number eight down to the single cheapest steal on the map.
You’ll need to move fast though, because these departures are all within the next two weeks.
8. Skanes, Tunisia (from £430pp)
Hotel Liberty Resort in Skanes sits between the resorts of Monastir and SousseCredit: Trip Advisor/ Hotel Liberty Resort in Skanes management
If you want guaranteed August heat and a fully-loaded hotel setup without paying top dollar, Skanes is the place to look.
This purpose-built coastal strip sits directly between Monastir and Sousse, meaning the resorts come with massive swimming pools, palm gardens, and access to sandy beaches.
It’s quieter than the major Tunisian city hubs, but our recent booking data shows holidaymakers have been landing stays here for an average of £82.86 per person, per night – in the school holidays!
You can lock in a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the four-star Hotel Liberty Resort from 22 August, with return flights from Cardiff, for just £430pp.
The property is a brilliant family base with a massive outdoor pool network, but the real insider win here is the hotel’s private, free return shuttle down to their dedicated beach plot.
It means you can swap the poolside lounger for the sea in under three minutes without doing a hot, dusty trek in the August heat.
Book a holiday: Skanes
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Hotel Liberty Resort from 22 August, with return flights from Cardiff, for £430pp.
Rob found a deal for a stay at the Hawaii Hotel in Marmaris for £75.43pppnCredit: Trip Advisor/Hawaii Hotel Management
7. Marmaris, Turkey (from £408pp)
Marmaris came in as the second-cheapest resort overall, averaging just £75.43 per person, per night for extreme last-minute bookings this summer.
It remains one of Turkey’s best all-rounders because it caters to every type of traveller – whether your sightseeing limit is walking from your lounger to the snack bar, or you want a buzzing marina, waterfront seafood spots, and boat trips around the pine-clad bay.
I tracked down a five-night, all-inclusive package at the four-star Hawaii Hotel, flying from Birmingham on 21 August, for just £408pp.
The hotel sits right on its own section of shingle beach, but the standout feature here is easily the location.
Because it sits right on the border of the main seafront promenade, you can enjoy a quiet, self-contained resort atmosphere during the day and walk straight out into the bustling town centre after dinner without ever needing a taxi.
Book a holiday: Marmaris
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Hawaii Hotel from 21 August, with return flights from Birmingham, for £408pp.
Bag a stay at Yunona in Sunny Beach with return flights included for £378ppCredit: Trip Advisor/Yunona Management
6. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria (from £378pp)
Sunny Beach has built its entire reputation on being dirt cheap, and the latest figures show it still thoroughly earns that crown.
Recent breaks have been averaging just £76.90 per person, per night, making it the third-cheapest resort in my research.
And in Sunny Beach, its broad, sandy beach stretches for miles, packed with waterparks, family attractions, and beachfront bars.
You can bag a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the three-star Yunona from 20 August, flying direct from Manchester, for just £378pp.
Getting five full days of accommodation, food, and drinks – plus flights included – for under £400 in peak August is nuts.
And at Yunona, I love the sheltered design – because despite sitting right in the heart of the resort near the main attractions, the pool area is entirely enclosed by the hotel block, creating a surprisingly quiet and relaxed sanctuary away from the main strip’s noise.
Book a holiday: Sunny Beach
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Yunona from 20 August, with return flights from Manchester, for £378pp.
Playa del Ingles is one of Gran Canaria’s liveliest spotsCredit: Trip Advisor/Green Field Management
5. Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria (from £373pp)
Playa del Ingles serves up reliable sunshine all year-round, but summer is when I think it’s at its best.
It’s one of Gran Canaria’s liveliest spots, boasting a huge beach, sprawling shopping centres, and the famous Maspalomas sand dunes right on your doorstep.
While my data shows the resort averaging as little as £83.43 per person, per night, live deals offer a way to beat that average significantly.
I found a five-night, all-inclusive deal at the Green Field aparthotel, flying from Bristol on 19 August, for £373pp.
That works out to £74.60 per person, per night – nearly £9 below the resort average.
What makes this three-star property a standout for me is the apartments – every unit comes with its own kitchenette and a wide private balcony, giving you a proper, spacious living area to retreat to rather than feeling crammed into a standard hotel room.
Book a holiday: Playa del Ingles
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Green Field from 19 August, with return flights from Bristol, for £373pp.
Stay at Club Munamar Beach Resort in Iclemer from £74pp per nightCredit: Trip Advisor/Club Munamar Beach Resort Management
4. Icmeler, Turkey (from £370pp)
Icmeler is the calmer, considerably greener neighbor to Marmaris.
The resort wraps around a sheltered bay, surrounded by mountains, with a beach, canal, and quiet seafront tavernas.
While our booking data shows travellers currently paying an average of £79.43 per person, per night here, live availability drops well below that baseline – even when you’re looking at the very last-minute.
I clocked a five-night, all-inclusive break at the four-star Club Munamar Beach Resort, flying from Bristol on 19 August, for £370pp – bringing the nightly cost down to just £74 per person.
The hotel features three separate pool zones, an excellent entertainment team, and its own private beach section.
They even provide reserved sunbeds and shades exclusively for guests, saving you from paying daily commercial beach fees down on the main shore.
Book a holiday: Icmeler
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Club Munamar Beach Resort from 19 August, with return flights from Bristol, for £370pp.
You can bag a five-night, all-inclusive break at the Maspalomas Oasis Club from £340ppCredit: Trip Advisor/Maspalomas Oasis Club Management
3. Maspalomas, Gran Canaria (from £340pp)
Maspalomas actually registered as the most expensive of these eight resorts in the recent booking data, averaging £89.43 per person, per night.
However, hunting through live availability reveals a massive price loophole that completely flips that narrative.
You can lock in a five-night, all-inclusive package at the Maspalomas Oasis Club, departing Bristol on 19 August, for £340pp.
That slashes the daily price down to just £68 per person, per night – more than £21 below the resort average.
The property itself is a low-rise, bungalow-style complex in the quiet Campo Internacional area.
And the apartments even have a duplex layout – instead of sharing corridors in a noisy multi-story block, you get your own self-contained bungalow with a private ground-floor terrace surrounding the pool.
Book a holiday: Maspalomas
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Maspalomas Oasis Club from 19 August, with return flights from Bristol, for £340pp.
Book a five-night stay at BLUESEA Los Fiscos, Puerto del Carmen from £338ppCredit: Trip Advisor/BLUESEA Los Fiscos Management
2. Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote (from £338pp)
Puerto del Carmen came in as the absolute cheapest overall resort for super-last-minute holidays, with guests paying an average of just £73.15 per person, per night, according to the data.
That’s remarkable value given that Lanzarote is one of the most reliable options for guaranteed weather in Europe.
I even spotted a five-night, all-inclusive holiday at the three-star BLUESEA Los Fiscos, flying direct from Manchester on 22 August, for £338pp – coming out at just £67.60 per person, per night.
And this place is an apartment-style hotel tucked into the hillside above the old town.
The absolute best feature here is the elevated panoramic terrace, Because it sits above the main harbour, the pool bar serves up sweeping, uninterrupted views across the Atlantic Ocean while you grab an evening drink. Beauty.
Book a holiday: Puerto del Carmen
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at BLUESEA Los Fiscos from 22 August, with return flights from Manchester, for £338pp.
Majestic Hotel and Spa in Zante is close to the Zakynthos Marine Park and traditional tavernasCredit: Trip Advisor/Majestic Hotel and Spa Management
1. Laganas, Zante (from £315pp)
Laganas takes the number one spot on our board for the absolute cheapest complete holiday package.
While it’s famous for its nightlife strip, move away from the main strip and you’ll find the protected Zakynthos Marine Park, traditional tavernas, and excellent boat trips out to spot loggerhead turtles.
While average bookings sit at £87.62 per person, per night, the live deals reveal a massive price drop that you can take advantage of.
You can secure a five-night, all-inclusive stay at the four-star Majestic Hotel and Spa, flying from Bristol on 19 August, for just £315pp.
That works out to a rock-bottom £63 per person, per night for return flights, accommodation, and all your food and drinks in peak August.
The hotel sits right in the heart of the action, featuring a massive central pool deck and an on-site spa, making it the ultimate budget launchpad for anyone wanting to be right in the center of the resort energy.
Book a holiday: Zante
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a five-night, all-inclusive stay at Majestic Hotel and Spa from 19 August, with return flights from Bristol, for £315pp.
WITH temperatures soaring towards 38C this week, a holiday close to home can feel like being abroad.
And when there’s UK holiday parks with plenty of last-minute summer availability, there’s no better time to set off on a cheeky spontaneous staycation.
Book a last-minute family holiday to make the most of the sunshineCredit: Getty
If you bag one of these last-minute offers, you could be cooling off in giant waterparks, floating down lazy rivers, or feeling the sand between your toes on the beach.
And with prices tumbling to entice holidaymakers, you can bag an action-packed family break from as little as £7.71 per person a night so here’s our pick of the best last-minute bargain holidays you can book right now – before they all sell out.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire
You have a golden sand beach on your doorstep with a stay at Cleethorpes Beach holiday parkCredit: Alamy
If you’re looking for a last-minute getaway with loads to do for the kids, this park has plenty of excitement on-site. It’s also ideal for a dip in the sea, thanks to its direct beach access.
Sunny days are best spent cooling off at the outdoor splash park, dropping a line in the peaceful fishing lake, or tackling pedal go-karts and mini golf outdoors.
For bigger thrills, kids can scale the giant climbing wall or battle it out in the NERF training camp.
Feeding the family is easy too, thanks to Slim Chickens, Papa Johns, Burger King, and even its very own on-site Wetherspoons pub.
Last-minute three night break in a Bronze caravan sleeping eight for £185 total, working out to just £7.71pp per night.
Todber Valley Holiday Park, Lancashire
Get into the outdoors at Haven’s Todber Valley Holiday ParkCredit: Trip Advisor/Haven’s Todber Valley Management
Fancy a last-minute getaway to a relaxing holiday resort with two national parks on your doorstep?
Todber Valley sits in Clitheroe, where caravans are surrounded by nothing but rolling hills and greenery.
But if you do fancy a slice of history, you’ve got Clitheroe Castle and Museum just under 20 minutes’ drive away.
For kids, there’s an outdoor adventure playground and sports courts to burn off energy, and for grown-ups there’s a pub with a pretty beer garden that’s perfect for enjoying the sunshine.
Three night break for six people in a Bronze caravan for £313, working out to £17.39pp per night.
Combe Haven, Sussex
Spin around the giant Space Bowl flume at Combe HavenCredit: Haven
Set in sunny St Leonards-on-Sea, this Sussex park centers around an epic waterpark complex with a lazy river and a giant Space Bowl flume
Out of the water, you can test your aim with archery coaching, tackle Footgolf, or scale the massive climbing wall.
For dinner, tuck into a proper chippy tea at Cook’s Fish and Chips, then head to The Saxon Bar for evening drinks with sea views.
Plus historic Hastings is just 15 minutes away – ideal for exploring its famous castle and delving into the underground caves at Smuggler’s Adventure.
Three night break for four people in a Saver caravan for £279 total, working out to £23.25pp per night.
Craig Tara, Scotland
Make a splash at Splashaway Bay at Craig Tara to cool off from the heatCredit: Caravan Lodge Holidays
Perched on the dramatic Ayrshire coast, Craig Tara is one of the biggest Haven holiday parks in the UK.
This seaside spot delivers non-stop action no matter what the weather is doing. The star attraction is Splashaway Bay – one of Scotland’s largest indoor waterparks – with multi-lane slides, thrill flumes, a lazy river, and a toddler splash zone.
Indoors, the massive Airspace sports hall keeps the momentum going with climbing walls, soft play, a golf simulator, and electronic target walls.
Outdoors, at the Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village, you can brave an aerial ropes course or take the plunge on the six metre-high ‘The Jump’.
Last-minute three night break in a saver caravan sleeping six people for £339 total, working out to £18.83pp per night.
Butlin’s
There are last-minute summer breaks going at Butlin’s from £22.50pp per nightCredit: Free for editorial use
Butlin’s have a selection of last-minute breaks for the remainder of the summer holidays that can cost you as little as £22.50pp per night.
There are three and four night breaks available across all three locations – Skegness, Minehead and Bognor Regis.
Included in the price you’ll get waterpark and fairground access, as well as daytime activities like soft play, football and arts and crafts.
Plus you’ll be able to catch one of this summer’s exclusive shows before they end for the season, including performances from Diversity, The Masked Singer and Maximum Pro Wrestling shows.
We found one three night break at Minehead, including access to Diversity and The Masked Singer shows, for £269 total, or £22.42pp per night.
FORGET boring B&B stays – weekend getaways just got a lot more exciting.
Best Western have put together loads of unique “GEM packages“, which include not just your hotel stay – but food, drinks and quirky activities and attractions, too.
This Peak District stay comes with breakfast, dinner, a packed lunch, hiking trails and flask refillsCredit: Getty
These value-packed package deals that bundle everything from private hot tubs with free-flowing Prosecco to psychic readings into one price.
Whether you’re wanting the ultimate girls’ night in or a couples’ Peak District hiking break, these staycation deals do all the planning for you.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Peak District adventure stay
Explore the great outdoors in comfort with this GEM stay at Mosborough Hall Hotel.
Here all your meals will be taken care of, including breakfast, a two-course dinner, plus a packed lunch to take out with you on your adventures.
You’ll also be given a hiking map packed with trails to explore, plus free flask refills of hot drinks to keep you energised and hydrated.
With everything taken care of, all that’s left for you to do is get out into nature and soak up the beautiful sights around you.
Some of the top walking trails nearby include Mosborough and Eckington Woods, as well as the bluebell-dotted Moss Valley Trails.
Return back to Darcy’s restaurant and grab a well-deserved drink from the hotel’s cocktail bar, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful weekend away.
Book the Peak District stay at the Mosborough Hall Hotel from £113.80 per night
The “Ultimate Girls’ Night In’ staycation
The Ultimate Girls Night In package includes three bottles of Prosecco upon arrivalCredit: bestwestern.co.ukInside the modern lodges at Brackenborough LakesCredit: bestwestern.co.uk
You and your best mates, a hot tub lodge, flowing Prosecco and takeaway for dinner – what’s not to love?
The Ultimate Girls’ Night In Package at Brackenborough Lakes does what it says on the tin, and provides the perfect recipe for a girly staycation.
Brackenborough Lakes & Resort is a peaceful hideaway close to the historic market town of Louth. On-site there’s a bar and restaurant, plus evening entertainment like music tribute acts.
This package includes an overnight stay in a modern lodge with a stylish interior, plus decking and an outdoor hot tub overlooking the serene lake.
That’s not all – you’ll get THREE chilled bottles of Prosecco upon arrival, £15 takeaway credit per person, and a continental breakfast of bacon baps, fruit, pastries, juice and more delivered right to your door.
Book the Ultimate Girls Night In package in Louth from £89pp
Indulgent Yorkshire Cream Tea break
Sit down to a traditional Cream Tea at The Craiglands HotelCredit: Google maps / The Craiglands Hotel, Sure Hotel
Two nights in a Victorian countryside hotel, Cream Tea, two-course dinners, wine, breakfast and even a packed lunch? This Yorkshire break is truly indulgent.
Upon arrival to The Craiglands Hotel, you’ll be treated to Cream Tea with scones and your choice of tea or coffee in the hotel Brasserie.
Then it’s time to explore the grounds or simply rest up in the room before sitting down to a two-course dinner with a seasonal, locally-sourced menu. Plus you’ll get to celebrate your getaway with a free bottle of wine or Prosecco.
Enjoy a Full English in the morning and grab your packed lunch to go, ready for a day of exploring Ilkley Moor or the Yorkshire Dales.
Then it’s back in time for dinner again, before lazily rolling out of bed with included late check-out in the morning. Dreamy.
Book the Indulgent Yorkshire Break package from £150 per night
Mind-blowing Clairvoyant stay in Bradford
Attend a mind-blowing evening with a clairvoyant before settling down at Bradford Post HotelCredit: Google maps
If you’re into all things psychics and mediums, you’ll want to book onto this unique Evening with a Clairvoyant stay in Bradford.
Enjoy a two-course meal and free tickets to an event with Steven Holbrook, one of the UK’s top clairvoyants with thousands of Facebook followers.
During the event, Steven shares messages and connections with audience members in a goosebumps-inducing experience.
Then simply retire to your comfy room in the Bradford Guide Post Hotel, before waking up to a cooked breakfast to start your day.
Book the Clairvoyant Stay package from £111.48 per night
Click here to browse even more GEM package deals including tennis, golf and 80’s disco weekend breaks.
WOULD you rather spend £15 on a takeaway pizza, or use that money to go on a mega family holiday?
Your next family getaway in the UK doesn’t have to involve saving up for months and months.
Bag yourself a well-deserved break as a family for as little as £11.50pp with these bargain dealsCredit: Getty
Not when we’ve found entire family holidays for less than the price of a pizza.
Order a large pizza from Domino’s and you can expect to pay at least £14.
A six-piece tenders bargain bucket from KFC costs £15.99, and a chicken sharebox from McDonald’s on its own will set you back £13.69. And that’s all before you add drinks and delivery on top.
We’ve found 10 UK family holidays that cost less than all of the above – priced at £12.50pp or under.
So put down the delivery apps, and start packing your bags. Here’s the best family holidays you can book right now for less per person than a Friday night takeaway.
1. Devon Cliffs, Exmouth
Backed by dramatic red cliffs and perched above its own, award-winning private beach, Devon Cliffs is one of Haven’s top coastal resorts.
This holiday park is ideal for kids who love to make a splash, with a massive, four-lane indoor waterslide that plunges you straight into the indoor pool – plus a rubber ring tube slide outside.
Out on the beach, you can take part in sea kayaking and paddle-boarding lessons.
Back on land, there’s adrenaline-pumping activities like high-ropes courses and mini 4×4 off-roading.
Keeping costs down for meals is a breeze thanks to the resort’s own Wetherspoons pub, The Red Rocks, where you can eat familiar favourites like curries and pizzas and enjoy cheap pints.
Another dining option is the South Beach Cafe, which serves up seaside cocktails with sunset views.
When night falls, two live entertainment venues keep the whole family entertained with everything from classic bingo to 90’s tribute acts.
Book a holiday: Devon Cliffs
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
We found a deal for a four night break for six people from November 2 for £69 total.
Haven Marton Mere is in the popular seaside resort of BlackpoolCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Just a ten-minute drive from Blackpool’s famous seafront, Haven’s AA five-star rated Marton Mere holiday park has so much to do that you’ll barely want to leave site.
Family days here are spent braving free-fall airbag drops on ‘The Jump’, conquering the huge climbing wall, and getting competitive at the NERF Training Camp.
For something a little more relaxing, you can float down the outdoor lazy river or take a gentle swim in the heated indoor pool.
Feeding the family is hassle-free too, with on-site options including Papa Johns, Burger King, and Cook’s classic seaside fish and chips.
Evenings centre around the newly-upgraded Showbar, packed with exciting entertainment like interactive game shows.
Best of all, you’re just moments from the iconic Blackpool Tower, the world-famous Illuminations, and Pleasure Beach’s newest thrill rides such as Aviktas, which opened earlier this summer.
Book a holiday: Marton Mere
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
By booking a Haven Hideaway deal, you can bag a four night break for six people from November 9 for £69 total – which is only £11.50pp.
BOOK HERE
3. Billing Aquadrome, Northampton
Billing Aquadrome is action-packed with family activities and centres around a large lakeCredit: meadow bay
Sprawling across 235 acres of lakes and countryside in Northamptonshire, Billing Aquadrome is designed to keep even hard-to-please teenagers off their phones.
Where else can kids feed alpacas, ride on a BMX pump track, learn TikTok dances, and ride a miniature railway all in one afternoon?
Kids can go full Total Wipeout on the lake’s massive inflatable obstacle course, while younger ones get stuck into slime-making and outdoor survival workshops.
When the sun goes down, the outdoor cinema becomes a popular spot with its open-air cinema screenings, plus there’s also silent discos and live shows in a giant outdoor amphitheatre.
Refuelling the family is easy thanks to loaded burgers at Smash’d Town and sweet snacks from the Bak’D & Swirls dessert shop.
To top it all off, you can fall asleep right on the water’s edge by booking a stay in a cosy lakeside pod.
Book a holiday: Billing Aquadrome
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Billing Aquadrome is available to book with The Sun’s Hols from £9.50.
Prices vary if you choose to upgrade accommodation or add on any extras such as entertainment passes.
Enjoy a family holiday to Littlesea, Weymouth for £12.25 eachCredit: Haven
Overlooking Dorset’s tranquil Fleet Lagoon, Haven’s AA 5 Gold Star-rated Littlesea Holiday Park puts natural wonders like Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast right on your doorstep.
When you’re not out on a nature hike, there’s unique activities like pottery classes, an inflatable arena and games of beach bingo on-site.
Plus there’s plenty of Haven holiday classics too, like a crazy golf course, archery and football sessions.
Keen swimmers get the best of both worlds with heated indoor and sunny outdoor pool – plus it wouldn’t be a proper seaside holiday without getting in the sea.
The park is also only a 10-minute drive from the town centre of Weymouth and the historic Nothe Fort.
Book a holiday: Haven Littlesea
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
We found a deal for a four night stay at Littlesea for four people for £49, working out to £12.25 per person.
A visit to Clacton wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the pierCredit: Alamy
Active families are spoilt for choice at Essex’s AA four-star Orchards Holiday Village.
The park packs in a nine-hole golf course, mini Segway hire, Footgolf, and pop-up Football Fun Factory sessions into one site.
Soak up the countryside views by cycling around the large fishing lake, or if the weather plays up, spend those spare two pence coins winning prizes in the amusements.
A stay here isn’t complete without a visit to Clacton Pier and Pavilion, which is 17 minutes’ drive from the park.
This well-loved seaside spot has over 20 exciting rides that you can take on with a £12.99 unlimited ride wristband.
Book a holiday: Clacton-on-Sea
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
We found a four night break for six at Orchards Holiday Village from September 7 for £69 total, or £11.50pp.
Butlin’s holidays are affordable yet full of plenty for the kids to see and doCredit: Butlins
What’s better than a family weekend away at Butlin’s?
There’s an abundance of activities across the popular Bognor Regis, Skegness, and Minehead resorts.
On rainy days, kids can spend hours conquering the massive Splash Waterworld waterpark, loaded with high-speed flumes, raft rides, and wave pools.
The action centres around the Skyline Pavilion, where the stage hosts West End-quality live productions, pantomimes, and character meet-and-greets with TV favourites.
Add in high-ropes courses, archery, soft play arenas, and direct beach access – and your schedule is packed from morning to night.
Plus, make sure to make use of the traditional fairground for unlimited spins on the dodgems and carousels.
Book a holiday: Butlin’s
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.
Butlin’s are currently offering short breaks to book ahead for Spooktober and the Christmas period from £39, which, if you visit as a family of four, works out to £9.75 per person.
Looe in Cornwall is a popular seaside destination with pretty harbour viewsCredit: Alamy
From crabbing off Banjo Pier to exploring the giant biomes of the Eden Project, Parkdean Looe Bay puts proper Cornish adventures front and centre.
On-site, kids can splash around in the heated pool, tackle wildlife trails, or join in with action-packed tots’ activity sessions.
Nighttime brings live family entertainment alongside quality park dining, with all inclusive food and drink options up for grabs on selected midweek breaks.
Off-park, you’re just minutes from West Looe’s sandy coves, quiet rockpools, and Nelson, the town’s legendary bronze seal statue.
Historic harbour pubs like The Jolly Sailor serve up hearty home-cooked meals and fresh local catches straight off the boat.
Plus, with the Monkey Sanctuary and Polperro‘s ancient fishing village right around the corner, you’ll never run out of day trips.
Book a holiday: Looe Bay
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
We found a four night stay for six people for £105 total, working out to £17.50pp which is £4.38pp per night.
Visit the Golden Mile of Great Yarmouth and visit its amusements and circusCredit: Getty
Haven’s Hopton Holiday Village isn’t just another bog-standard holiday park – it’s the reigning AA Holiday Park of the Year.
Sitting in Norfolk’s Hopton-on-Sea, here you’ll get direct beach access to signature flat, golden sands and gentle waves.
Fresh from a massive makeover, parents can even grab a cheap pint and family meal at the park’s brand-new, on-site Wetherspoons, The White Clover.
Kids won’t get bored either, thanks to a newly upgraded pool complex that has doubled in size and comes stacked with high-speed flumes and an inflatable arena.
On dry land, little thrill-seekers can tackle everything from a Mini Aerial Adventure and climbing wall to Segway tours and go-karting.
When night falls, pull up a seat at the buzzing lounge bar for a drink while the kids go wild for the Seaside Squad live shows.
You’re also only 12 minutes from Great Yarmouth’s legendary Golden Mile, where you can tackle giant seafront rides.
And if you don’t visiting outside of peak travel seasons (which – let’s be honest – makes for a much more peaceful break anyway) you can bag a serious bargain.
Book a holiday: Hopton Holiday Village
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
We found a deal for a four night break for six people from November 2 for £69 total.
That works out at £11.50pp, which is an astonishing £2.88pp per night.
Seal Bay in West Sussex is the most popular holiday park to book with £9.50 holidaysCredit: Seal Bay, Cove UK
Perched on a private mile of coastline in Selsey, Seal Bay delivers a classic seaside family holiday, but with a thoroughly modern upgrade.
When you’re not out enjoying the beach, there’s a massive, tropical water complex with plenty of slides and splash pads, plus a sunny outdoor lido surrounded by cabanas.
This holiday park also boasts its own on-site funfair, plus activities like ten-pin bowling, pottery painting, and high-ropes climbing courses.
When day turns to night, the resort comes alive across its multi-million-pound entertainment venues.
You’ll get to see some all-singing, all-dancing theatre productions with everything from acrobatics to pyrotechnics on stage.
Book a holiday: Seal Bay
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Seal Bay is available to book with The Sun’s Hols from £9.50.
Prices vary if you choose to upgrade accommodation or add on any extras such as entertainment passes.
BOTTOMLESS wine at a London hotel, £1 happy hour oysters in Manchester and a £9.50 beachfront resort in Cornwall…
That might look like a misprint – but these are just a handful of the hidden bargains sitting right on our doorsteps, proving you don’t have to go abroad to get a sensational deal on a holiday.
Stay at swanky city hotel The Alan in Manchester from £29 per person, per nightCredit: The Alan Hotel
If you know where to look, you can get beautiful countryside cottages, free-flowing drinks and more on your UK staycation – some of which come with change from a tenner.
Here’s our pick of the top budget-friendly UK stays our Sun Travel team swears by right now…
The Alan – Manchester
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
If you want a bargain stay that feels like you’re getting much more for your money, then head up north.
One of my favourite hotels in Manchester is The Alan, a stunning design-led boutique venue that wouldn’t be out of place in an interiors magazine.
Think plaster-coloured walls, brass shower features and stone coffee tables.
It’s built into a Grade-II listed warehouse, and entering the lobby you’re met with a gorgeous airy space and a boujie restaurant (try the £1 oysters during their happy hour).
My room was so beautifully designed with a contrast of chrome metal chairs to warm green bedspreads, that I came away with new ideas for my own bedroom back home…
It is also leaning into tech with a Google Nest “smart concierge” on hand to help with reception queries, as well as Bluetooth speakers and smart TVs with Chromecast.
And it’s right in the middle of the city, so you can’t get much more central.
The best part? Rooms start from £58 a night.
Book a stay
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Rooms at The Alan start from £58 per night, working out to £29 per person, per night.
A stay at Z Hotels Gloucester Place comes with 24-hour unlimited access to food and drinksCredit: Refer to source
Z Hotels Gloucester Place – London
Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
When you think of an all-inclusive, you might think of a glamorous resort on the shores of Tenerife – but I recently discovered a chic all-inclusive in the heart of London.
With hotels in the capital often overpriced, a trip can easily empty your wallet.
Z Hotels Gloucester Place is a great budget option, with spacious en suite rooms available at a snip of the cost of pricier venues.
The best part though is definitely the food and drink offering – if you book a “Z Club room”, exclusively at the Gloucester Place hotel, each feature a king-size bed with all drinks and food included.
In a small kitchen-dining area, you can grab hot drinks 24/7 as well as a range of snacks such as macaroons, brownies, flapjacks, and pots of tiramisu.
You can help yourself to soft drinks including Fanta and ask the host for wine – which is bottomless.
There’s also a menu you can order from, which featured wide choice of sandwiches and salads.
The food was simple, but it was all tasty and reminded me of the sandwiches and cakes I usually pick up in one of London’s many hipster coffee shops.
Book your stay – Z Hotels Gloucester Place, London
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Z Club rooms at The Z Hotel Gloucester Place cost from £110 per night – which is £55 per person per night.
Norfolk Hideaways have hundreds of holiday cottages, apartments and beachfront pods across the coastlineCredit: Norfolk Hideaways Cottages
Norfolk Hideaways – North Norfolk coast
Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
One of my favourite ways to score serious savings on a staycation is by renting a holiday cottage and splitting the cost between a group of mates.
There’s nothing better than kicking back at a gorgeous house in a stunning seaside town for a fraction of the cost of a hotel room – plus you’ll have way more space.
Hailing from Norfolk I may be biased here – but I think the best place to rent out a holiday cottage is along the North Norfolk coast.
Norfolk Hideaways have cottages in pretty seaside towns like Wells-next-the-Sea, Old Hunstanton and Brancaster, to name but a few.
There are stays of all sizes, ideal for family holidays, couples’ staycations, big friend group getaways plus dog-friendly options.
You can even filter your search by walking holidays, fishing holidays, or places with cosy log burners, pools or hot tubs.
Plus there’s often offers on, such as four nights for the price of three or last-minute deals.
I found an offer for a stay in Thornham – one of North Norfolk’s most underrated seaside villages with a gorgeous, pinewood-backed beach – which worked out to be just £11pp.
Book your stay – Norfolk Hideaways
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Eaton Cottage in Thornham sleeps up to seven, and has a gorgeous sun terrace, large garden dotted with fruit trees plus a bright and airy sitting room and rustic countryside kitchen.
Book a week away from £510, working out to £11 per person, per night with a full house.
Mollie’s Motel in Oxford is a budget-friendly, American-style stay with an on-site diner serving milkshakes and hot dogsCredit: Not known clear with Picture Desk
Mollie’s Motel – Oxford
Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski
A motel would probably be the last place you’d think of for a luxury break – especially if you’ve ever watched an American horror film.
Mollie’s is most definitely the exception, though. This sophisticated chain opened its first motel in Oxfordshire in 2019, promising an America-inspired roadside experience, but with a lot more glamour.
And while the classy Scandi decor may scream luxury (the brand was once operated by chic members club Soho House), the £70 per night price tag does not.
Rooms are homely, with ultra-comfy beds and sleek furnishings, plus there’s an onsite diner offering hearty burgers, hot dogs and hard shakes loaded with vodka, bourbon or rum and topped with whipped cream.
Smart TVs and junk food make the place perfect for a cosy movie night – just no American horror films!
Book your stay – Mollie’s Motel, Oxford
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Stays at Mollie’s Motel start from £81 per night, working out to £40.50 per person, per night.
Stay at Ashworth House near Chipping Norton for an incredible £39 per person, per nightCredit: Air BNB
Ashworth House – near Chipping Norton
Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding
A value stay in the Cotswolds might be pretty hard to come by, but Ashworth House near Chipping Norton costs as little as £39 per person, per night.
The beautiful bolthole retreat sleeps up to 12 people, including one bedroom on the ground floor – ideal for those with accessibility needs.
Tucked in the village of Leafield near Burford, it truly is a hidden Cotswolds gem.
The huge house and garden are backed by fields, forming stunning views of the rolling countryside and giving lots of opportunities for walks with furry friends (who are welcome in the house).
The kitchen is the real hub of the house – it is light and airy and makes the ultimate hosting space with a large dining table as well as a breakfast bar.
The house is also just a short drive from top attractions like Blenheim Palace should you want to explore the area.
Book your stay – Ashworth House
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Stays at Ashworth House start from as little as £39 per person, per night.
St Ives Bay Beach Resort in Cornwall feels far more luxurious than your average holiday parkCredit: st ives bay beach resort
St Ives Bay Beach Resort – Cornwall
Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens
Overlooking a three-mile stretch of golden sand, St Ives Bay Beach Resort in Cornwall is a dreamy destination for a glam beach holiday on a budget.
Here you can stay in glass-roofed Stargazer caravan, a cosy luxury pod, or a spacious sea-view lodge perfect for families.
The beach is just steps away, and even has its own surf school if you want to fully dive into the Cornish lifestyle.
There’s also plenty of action-packed activities for kids, ranging from disc golf and Nerf wars to snuggling up for an evening movie at the open-air cinema.
Rainy days are equally well catered for thanks to an indoor pool, a classic amusement arcade, and indoor entertainment like bingo, karaoke, and live DJ sets.
Beyond the resort grounds, a day trip into St Ives is an absolute must-do.
The town has a postcard-perfect harbour and charming, artsy streets to stroll lined with quirky independent shops.
Book your holiday – St Ives Bay Beach Resort
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
St Ives Bay Beach Resort is just one of hundreds of holiday parks available with The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50.
These holidays start from as little as £9.50pp, but prices vary if you choose to upgrade your accommodation type.
Yotel London City is a great pick for sweeping skyline views – but Yotelpad is an even cheaper optionCredit: Yotel
Yotel – London
Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey
Did you know the budget hotel chain Yotel was inspired by first class airline travel?
One of my favourite cheap hotel brands, offers guests the chance to be first class passengers on an economy budget…
I love their hotels not just for their central location but clever compact rooms.
Reclining beds mean you have more space until you hunker down for the night, and small compartments tucked away in every corner create plenty of room for your stuff.
Yotel London City has some fantastic skyline views but if you want a cheaper option, Yotelpad has rooms under £90 a night.
If you choose not to get your rooms refreshed by housekeeping, you can also save money off at the restaurant and bar.
And if you’d like to try a room with a spaceship feel, try Yotelair at London Gatwick Airport.. you won’t be disappointed.
Book your holiday – Yotel, London
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Rooms at Yotelpad start from £87 a night, or £43.50 per person, per night.
AFTER spending years working in travel, I’ve realised some of Europe’s best purpose-built family resorts are the ones you’ve probably never even heard of.
While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the classics, I’ve found stacks of alternative resorts that deliver everything families love about those hot spots – but they are a lot quieter, and a fraction of the price.
Forget the popular resorts and head to these nearby ones for just as amazing holidays but with fewer crowdsCredit: On the Beach
Think wide beaches, shallow water, proper family hotels, and massive waterparks – just without the overwhelming crowds or the inflated peak-summer price tag.
So, I’ve narrowed it down to eight resorts that hit all the non-negotiables for parents: short UK flights, quick airport transfers, walkable beaches, and stress-free dining with toddlers in tow.
8. Petrovac, Montenegro
Petrovac is a great alternative in Montengro that’s great for kidsCredit: On the Beach
If you want to try something genuinely different without sacrificing convenience, Petrovac is a proper hidden gem.
Tucked along Montenegro’s coast, it’s practically built for families with young kids.
The whole resort centres around a calm, horseshoe-shaped bay protected by small offshore islands that keep the sea remarkably still and safe for paddling.
There’s a completely pedestrianised, traffic-free promenade where kids can run around freely while you finish dinner, lined with casual, welcoming tavernas where children are treated like royalty.
Tivat Airport sits just 40 minutes down the coast, meaning you aren’t subjecting tired kids to a massive transfer coach journey after landing.
I found seven nights at the four-star Hotel Rivijera from £568pp, based on a family of four flying direct from London Gatwick on August 22 on a bed and breakfast basis.
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
7. Cala’n Bosch, Menorca
Cala’n Bosch is still easy to get to in Menorca, but with more accessible beachesCredit: On the Beach
Menorca is the undisputed king of low-stress family travel, but Cala’n Bosch is the specific resort I recommend time and time again.
Everything revolves around a central marina packed with seafood spots and ice cream parlours, where children can watch the boats coming and going while you enjoy a relaxed meal.
The beaches are sheltered, slope very gently, and stay shallow for ages, making them ideal for little swimmers.
Plus, the whole resort is exceptionally compact and flat, so you can easily walk everywhere without ever needing a hire car or bus.
You’ve got Aquarock Waterpark right in the centre of the resort for a change of scenery, and Mahón Airport is under 45 minutes away.
A family of four can bag seven nights at Club Ciudadela from £493pp, with flights from Manchester on August 25 on a self-catering basis.
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
6. Nessebar, Bulgaria
Swap Sunny Beach for Nessebar – home to great waterpark hotelsCredit: On the Beach
Most people looking at Bulgaria default straight to Sunny Beach.
But just ten minutes down the coast sits Nessebar – a historic, UNESCO-listed town that delivers the exact same value with a much calmer atmosphere for parents.
It serves up the best of both worlds: a charming, stone-paved old town packed with ice cream parlours and bakeries, flanked by long, wide stretches of soft, golden sand that slopes gently into the sea.
It gives families that proper, classic beach holiday feeling, but with dirt-cheap dining and a far less chaotic night-time vibe than its noisy neighbor.
Burgas Airport is a breeze at just 25 minutes away, and Aqua Paradise – one of Eastern Europe’s biggest waterparks – is right on your doorstep too.
There were plenty of hotels to choose from, but in terms of value, I couldn’t get away from this one: seven nights all-inclusive at the Sol Nessebar Resort from just £675pp, based on a family of four flying from Manchester on August 25.
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
5. Gouves, Crete
Crete is Greece’s biggest island, so why not go to the lesser known Gouves?Credit: On the Beach
Gouves is one of those places families stumble across by accident and then end up booking for five years straight.
Sitting just 15 minutes from Heraklion Airport, it delivers one of the shortest transfers anywhere in the Greek islands – a total lifesaver after a four-hour flight with young kids.
Trust me, I know this one from experience.
The resort layout is super-relaxed, with flat, quiet roads lined with family-run tavernas and mini-marts, alongside sheltered sea walls that break up the waves and create pancake-flat, shallow swimming lagoons.
For easy day trips, you’ve got Dinosauria Park and Watercity Waterpark all sitting less than a 10-minute drive down the road.
And the best part is the price, because I managed to find seven nights with breakfast at the Despo Hotel from £398pp, with direct flights for a family of four from London Gatwick on August 25.
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
4. Tigaki, Kos
Tigaki has all the laid back Greek charm you could wantCredit: On the Beach
Kos often gets overshadowed by Crete and Rhodes, but Tigaki deserves way more attention for families with buggies and toddlers.
The sand beach stretches uninterrupted for miles and the water stays waist-deep forever.
The entire resort is completely flat making it an absolute dream for pushchairs, scooters, and little legs that get tired quickly.
It has that quintessential, laid-back Greek island charm where parents can relax while the kids play safely on the sand right in front of the taverna tables.
Kos Airport is barely 20 minutes away, and the massive Lido Water Park is right down the road when you want a break from the ocean.
For just £580pp, I found seven nights all-inclusive for a family of four at Hotel K Ilios and Farming, flying direct from London Gatwick on August 19.
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
3. Cala Millor, Majorca
You don’t have to ditch your Majorca holiday, but try Cala Millor insteadCredit: On the Beach
Cala Millor on Majorca’s east coast is the ultimate substitute for a stress-free Spanish break.
It’s home to an enormous, Blue Flag sandy bay with crystal-clear, shallow water, backed by a massive, palm-shaded pedestrian promenade lined with wooden playgrounds, shaded cafes, and flat cycling paths.
It’s made for effortless family days out, giving you all the incredible facilities, beach games, and amenities of the island’s famous mega-resorts, but with a much more relaxed, authentic island feel.
Palma Airport is also around an hour’s transfer.
It’s a little further than other resorts, but all via the main highway, making it a stress-free, fairly straight drive.
And I’ve picked out seven nights at the four-star Garbi Cala Millor from £548pp, based on a family of four flying direct from Gatwick on August 20 and staying half board.
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
2. Porec, Croatia
Croatia’s Porec is perfect for staying in the cool due to its luscious pine forestsCredit: On the Beach
If you fancy trading standard package resorts for quaint old towns, Porec in Croatia is easily one of the best family bets in Europe.
The centre is completely pedestrianised and packed with waterfront pizzerias and street performers that keep kids mesmerised.
Instead of scorched, open sand, the coastline here is lined with lush, fragrant pine forests that run right down to the clear swimming bays.
This means tons of natural shade so young kids can swim and play all day without getting overheated.
Pula Airport is less than 45 minutes away, and Aquacolors Porec – one of Croatia’s biggest waterparks – is sitting right outside town.
And I found a deal for a family of four, spending seven nights at Hotel Istra Plava Laguna from £513pp, with flights direct from London Luton on August 25 on a half board basis.
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
1. La Pineda, Spain
Combine a theme park holiday with relaxation and you’ve found La PinedaCredit: On The Beach
If Salou has always appealed for the theme parks and beaches, but you wish the town itself was quieter and easier to navigate with children, La Pineda is an absolute cheat code.
Sitting just five minutes down the Costa Dorada coast, it boasts a massive beach with super-shallow water, backed by a flat, green promenade that’s ideal for pushchairs and evening strolls.
It’s ideal for families who want a chilled base, but still want easy access to world-class attractions.
Reus Airport is an absolute dream at just 15 minutes away, and you’ve got Aquopolis waterpark right inside the resort itself.
There is also PortAventura World theme park that’s a quick 10-minute taxi ride down the road (named one of the best in the world).
I clocked seven nights at Hotel Best Sol D’Or from £473pp, for a family of four departing Birmingham on August 25 on a room-only basis.
WHEN booking a holiday there are three specific factors you must consider that can completely change the cost.
Get one of them wrong and you could pay hundreds more for an almost-identical week away… however if you get all three RIGHT you’ve found what I like to call the holiday “magic equation”.
You could save hundreds, depending on what day you flyCredit: On The Beach
The three key ‘ingredients’ to getting the best deal are where you go, when you fly and how long you stay.
I’ve been digging through thousands of On the Beach holidays to find the best-value combination of departure date, destination and duration for every remaining holiday window before November.
I didn’t just pick whichever holiday had the lowest price, though.
My analysis also compared each option against similar holidays, prices from last year, hotel ratings, customer reviews and the number of hotels still available – and what I’ve been left with is four very specific recommendations.
There’s one for families escaping before the end of the school holidays, two for couples and families with toddlers who can travel outside term time, and one for the October half-term scramble.
So here are the four magic holiday combinations I’ve uncovered – plus a deal you can book right now for each one.
Mahdia is lesser known, but has both the history and the holiday resortsCredit: On The Beach
Fly to Tunisia on… August 20
If you’re still hoping to get away with school-age children this summer, August 20 is the date I’d be circling, especially for trips to Tunisia.
The best-value August combination in our analysis was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Mahdia, departing on August 20 and returning on August 27.
The average price was just £698 per person – 22.6% cheaper than similar holidays and 9.2% less than people paid last year.
That’s particularly impressive because it gets you back before the end of August too, so no breaking the school holiday rules.
It’s a historic coastal town with a beautiful old medina and long stretches of pale sandy beach.
The sea here is often wonderfully clear and shallow, while hotels tend to be large, all-inclusive and built around keeping children occupied.
In other words: much of what families book Turkey for, but frequently at a lower price.
I found a particularly good deal at the four-star Mahdia Beach & Aqua Park from £623pp (and it’s all-inclusive).
It’s a huge beachfront resort with several pools, waterslides, and children’s activities, as well as a high Tripadvisor score – more than 1,900 gave it 4.2 out of five.
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Sharm el Sheikh has some great bargains for couples and families who can travel off seasonCredit: On The Beach
Fly to Egypt on… September 23
September is where holiday prices start to calm down from the summer surge.
For couples and parents with children below school age, the best-value combination was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Nabq Bay in Sharm El Sheikh, departing on September 23.
The average holiday cost £709 per person, which was 12.3% below the price of a comparable break.
More importantly, it was a massive 22.2% cheaper than last year – the biggest year-on-year drop of any winning combination in the data.
Nabq Bay is one of my favourite recommendations for anybody wanting a proper fly-and-flop holiday in September.
Temperatures are normally still well above 30C, so the weather stays beautifully warm and the resort is full of enormous all-inclusive hotels with private beaches, waterparks and enough swimming pools to require a map.
Most of the holiday happens inside the resort, so you’re not repeatedly folding a buggy into taxis or attempting a cultural walking tour at precisely the moment somebody decides they need a nap.
My deal is at the Parrotel Aqua Park Resort is all-inclusive for £450pp when flying on September 23.
As the name rather usefully suggests, the main attraction is its enormous waterpark, but there are also several pools, restaurants, children’s facilities and a private beach area.
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
The three-star Supreme Hotel in Turkey is our biggest bargain on the listCredit: On The Beach
Fly to Turkey on… October 13
October delivered the strongest overall value score from all the data I sifted through, especially when flying to Turkey.
The winning combination, by far, was a seven-night all-inclusive holiday to Marmaris, flying on October 13 and returning on October 20.
This is just before the half term holidays so is suited for couples or families with little kids not yet in school.
The average price was just £537 per person – that’s 21.4% cheaper than similar holidays and 11.6% below last year’s price.
Marmaris works brilliantly in October because you get the best bits without quite so much of the summer chaos.
The resort wraps around a huge bay backed by pine-covered mountains, with a long waterfront, beaches, boat trips and a seemingly endless supply of restaurants.
Daytime temperatures are typically still warm enough for the pool and beach, although evenings are cooler and there’s a greater chance of rain than during summer.
It’s also a great month for exploring. You can walk the marina without melting, take a boat along the coast or visit Marmaris Old Town without needing to stop for emergency air conditioning every ten minutes.
The deal I found is at the three-star Supreme Hotel, a simple but well-reviewed base with a pool, restaurant and a useful location for reaching the centre of Marmaris.
The best deal I found was an all-inclusive week at the Supreme Hotel from £235pp when flying October 13. At £33.57 per person, per night – including your flights, hotel, food and drinks – that’s my standout bargain of the lot.
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Try Kos with the kids for a bargain in the October half term holidaysCredit: On The Beach
Fly to Greece on… October 25
If you’ve got kids, you’ll know that October half-term is always difficult.
Once every family in Britain needs roughly the same handful of departure dates, the chances of finding a bargain tend to disappear faster than the good flight times.
But the data did uncover one combination that stood above the rest: seven nights all-inclusive in Kardamena, Kos, departing on October 25.
The average price for a deal here was £740 per person – 13.4% cheaper than comparable half-term holidays and 13.2% below last year.
Kardamena is one of the livelier resorts on the Greek island during summer, but by late October it becomes considerably calmer.
You still have its long beach, waterfront and marina, while Kos Airport is only around a 15-minute drive away.
That short transfer here is a serious half-term advantage too – nobody wants to follow a four-hour flight with a two-hour coach tour of every other family’s hotel.
The weather is the slight gamble, as late October brings warm sunny days, but you might see some businesses closing for the season.
So, this is one where I’d choose a hotel with plenty happening on site.
Lucky for you, the deal I found does exactly that, which is an all-inclusive seven-night stay at Canvas by Mitsis Family Village, for £558pp when travelling on October 25.
It’s built on a hillside overlooking the coast, with pools, waterslides, family entertainment and access to a beach below, and it scores a very impressive 4.4 out of five from almost 2,500 Tripadvisor reviews.
That’s £181.60pp below the average price uncovered by the half-term analysis, and proof that the school-holiday premium can still be beaten if you get the date, duration and destination exactly right.
Choose between a stay at the CBeebies Land Hotel, Alton Towers Hotel, Woodland Lodges, Luxury Treehouses, Stargazing Pods or Splash Landings – the last of which is attached to the waterpark.
With your stay you’ll enjoy one day’s theme park entry, and with the summer sale, you’ll also bag free waterpark entry for kids.
In one weekend you’ll be able to tick off the new Bluey children’s coaster and take on the high-speed flumes of the huge indoor waterpark.
Book the Kids Swim Free waterpark offer with an Alton Towers short break – from £87pp
Gulliver’s Theme Park
Bag cheaper entry to Gulliver’s World resort on WowcherCredit: Alamy
Head to Wowcher to save up to 57% on tickets to Gulliver’s Theme Park.
The offer is valid across their locations in Milton Keynes, Rother Valley, Matlock Bath and Warrington.
Across the parks you can take on the dizzying Gyrosaur, ride the Rocky Ridge Railway, or drop by the farm park to meet the animals.
At £12.50 per person, this Wowcher offer slashes the standard £25 ticket price in half.
Add in free parking and free admission for toddlers under 90cm, and it makes for a budget-friendly school holiday day out.
The theme park are also currently offering a save up to 40% deal on short breaks – check their website for more.
Book a day out at Gulliver’s World from £12.50pp
Chessington World of Adventures
The short break offer at Chessington World of Adventures starts at £88.13ppCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Book in for an affordable theme park staycation at Chessington World of Adventures this summer.
Short breaks at Chessington include an overnight stay in a themed resort hotel plus one day’s theme park and zoo entry, early ride time, hotel entertainment, a buffet breakfast plus free parking.
Older kids will love thrill coasters like Vampire, while little ones can tackle rides like Chase’s Mountain Mission at the newly-opened World of Paw Patrol.
Plus with the Summer Savings scheme underway until September 1, you’ll benefit from reduced VAT prices whilst you’re away.
Book a short break at Chessington from £88.13pp
Thorpe Park
The Thorpe Park short stay deal includes TWO days theme park entry whereas others include only oneCredit: Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park are also offering affordable short breaks this summer, bundling an overnight stay, breakfast, two-day theme park entry, free parking and one hour’s fast-track into one price.
Stay in the theme park’s cabins to be right in the heart of the action, or choose to stay at a nearby hotel.
Plus if you choose to stay in a themed cabin on-site, you’ll get an extra fast-track pass for one coaster per guest. You can use it five times on coasters like Colossus, Nemesis Inferno and The Swarm.
Whether you’re visiting to have a go on Hyperia, the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, or to to race down multi-lane rubber ring waterslides as a family, you’ll tick it all off with a staycation.
Book a short break at Thorpe Park from £34.13pp
Merlin multi-attraction tickets
Hop into a pod on the London eye for breathtaking views over the cityCredit: Getty
Heading to London? Plan ahead by booking a multi-attraction pass and bag some savings.
You can combine a mix of Merlin attractions like the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, the London Dungeon, Sea Life and more to spread across your visit to cut costs.
There’s loads of combo packages available – one example is a trip to the London Eye, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life bundled at £56 per adult (down from £64) and kids’ tickets at £50.31 instead of £57.50.
If you’re visiting London from elsewhere in the UK, you’ll want to make sure you tick off several of the big attractions in one go – and these multi-attraction passes are one of the most cost-efficient ways to do so.
Browse Merlin multi-attraction passes from £51.63pp
Legoland
Stays on-site at Legoland include a themed room, free parking and even a gift for kidsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Immerse yourself fully in the world of Lego with a themed stay at Legoland Windsor Resort.
Short breaks include an overnight stay with hot breakfast and one day’s entry into the theme park.
Pick between an off-site hotel or a Legoland Resort Hotel – stays at the latter include a Lego-themed room, early park access, Legoland character meet and greets, a free gift for kids and free parking.
Guests also get discounts on Legoland Adventure Golf, which makes for the perfect rainy day activity if the weather decides to play up.
In the park, scan race on the Minifigure Speedway coaster, soar on the Flight of the Sky Lion, and get creative themselves in the massive playroom.
IF you’re still sitting on the fence about booking a late summer holiday, there’s no need to panic… just yet.
I’ve pulled the data on thousands of package holiday bookings to see exactly where still has availability this summer and, more importantly, where the biggest savings are.
Holiday expert Rob Brooks has found holiday destinations where you can save up to 55% on a summer breakCredit: Rob Brooks
And despite all the headlines about holiday prices skyrocketing, there are still massive pockets of value sitting up for grabs.
So I’ve rounded up the top ten spots where holidaymakers are consistently paying hundreds of pounds less than the summer holiday average – which, for a standard seven-night family package, comes in at £3,487.
If you want to maximise your sunshine per pound, these are the resorts that should be top of your search list – starting from £268 per person for a five-night holiday.
Albufeira, Portugal
The Algarve rarely screams cheap these days, but Albufeira continues to be a major exception to the rule, with booking data currently coming in around seven per cent cheaper than the summer average.
And despite that, you still get the stunning golden cliffs and old town character without the premium price tags found further down the coast.
This complex has three (yes, three) pool bars, and they serve up proper Portuguese piri-piri chicken baskets right to your sunbed – also saving you from paying inflated tourist rates on the main strip for lunch.
Book your holiday
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book in for five nights at the ChoroMar Apartments, flying direct from Southampton on 22 August, from £283pp on a self-catering basis.
Summer holidays to Marmaris in Turkey are averaging 18% cheaper than the usual summer booking priceCredit: Getty
Turkey is a reliable workhorse for summer value, and Marmaris is averaging 18 per cent below the overall summer booking price.
It packs in long seafront promenades, cheap dining, and mountain backdrops pretty effortlessly.
The Grand Villa Sol Apart is a property highly-rated by return guests, and my favourite feature here is the hotel’s huge pool and waterslide.
It’s just the right size to keep the kids entertained for hours, but because the pool bar is set up right beside it, you can keep a direct eye on them with a cold drink in hand without having to constantly stand up or chase them around a massive, chaotic waterpark.
Book your holiday
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Puerto Rico, Gran Canaria
Visit Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria for a sunny summer holiday from £350ppCredit: Alamy
Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria is a brilliant shout for late summer because the resort is entirely built into a steep, horseshoe valley.
It completely shelters the beaches from the high-summer Atlantic winds, guaranteeing hot, calm weather every single day.
And the best bit: the data has this one sitting at 19 per cent cheaper than the summer average.
The Roslara Apartments are an absolute steal, with a clever layout featuring a stepped, hillside design, meaning that every single apartment gets a massive, private sun balcony that isn’t overlooked by your neighbours.
It essentially gives you your own premium sunbathing deck, looking down over the central pool area, for a basic budget price.
Book your holiday
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book in for five nights at the Roslara Apartments from £350pp, flying direct from Manchester on 22 August on a self-catering basis.
Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife is a destination offering some of the biggest summer savingsCredit: Getty
While most people looking at Tenerife automatically head for the crowded beaches down south.
Puerto de la Cruz on the north coast is where the real value sits, with bookings coming in 34 per cent below averagefor summer holidays.
You get an authentic Canarian city feel, volcanic black sand beaches, and much lusher, tropical scenery.
The four-star BLUESEA Costa Jardin & Spa is a certified winner in my book, with beautiful subtropical gardens that completely surround the pool.
Plus, the slides that drop right into the main outdoor pool give you a proper, family resort experience for an absolute steal during peak August.
Book your holiday
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote
Stay at the Apartamentos LIVVO Oasis in Lanzarote’s Puerto del Carmen from £308ppCredit: Getty
Lanzarote is a safe bet all year round, but Puerto del Carmen is currently throwing a massive curveball in the data, with average costs sitting 36% below the summer 2026 average.
It’s an established, reliable favourite that simply refuses to hike its rates like other resorts in the Canaries.
The Apartamentos LIVVO Oasis is a tranquil spot to stay, and is just a short stroll from the picturesque old town.
The bungalows here wrap directly around a beautifully quiet, palm-shaded courtyard, meaning you can step straight out of your patio doors and into the water without navigating sterile hotel corridors or busy lifts.
Book your holiday
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Benidorm, Costa Blanca
Book a holiday to Benidorm from £285pp this AugustCredit: Getty
People love to turn their noses up at Benidorm, which is a massive mistake if you love a bargain summer holiday.
The intense competition between the hundreds of hotels here keeps the rates ruthlessly competitive, driving bookings 35 per cent below the average summer holiday price.
The Milord’s Suites are an absolute gem, sitting right on the border of the Old Town and Levante beach.
I absolutely love their rooftop sun terrace – it’s a completely quiet, adult-friendly escape from the busy streets below, and serves up panoramic views of the castle lookout point.
Book your holiday
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Calella, Costa Brava
Bag a cheap stay at beautiful Calella in Costa Brava for £315pp this AugustCredit: Getty
The Costa Brava is easily one of Spain‘s most scenic, rugged coastlines, and Calella is the ultimate value gateway if you want wide, sandy beaches and a relaxed Spanish atmosphere for 41 per cent less than the summer average.
The GHT Balmes Hotel is a massive family favourite, with a specialised bike hire and outdoor adventure station.
They even provide secure storage and free local trail maps, making it incredibly easy to explore the hidden, pine-backed coves of the surrounding national park that standard tourists never manage to find.
Book your holiday
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
San Antonio, Ibiza
Soak up the buzz of San Antonio, in Ibiza, this summer with a holiday 43 per cent off the summer averageCredit: Alamy
Ibiza usually makes people think of VIP beach clubs and losing your life savings on a round of drinks, but San Antonio operates as a brilliant value loophole if you time it right.
Bookings here are looking at 43% below the seasonal average.
The Vibra San Marino Aparthotelhas a beautifully sleek, minimalist look, but the standout feature is its partnership with the local sunset water taxis.
You can catch a cheap boat shuttle directly from the hotel’s private jetty straight across the bay to the iconic sunset strip, entirely cutting out expensive island taxi fares.
Book your holiday
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Fuengirola, Costa del Sol
Fuengirola holidays this summer are up to 45 per cent cheaper than the average summer holidayCredit: Getty
Fuengirola is a brilliant all-rounder with huge beaches and cheap, direct train links straight from Malaga Airport.
And right now, it’s cleaning up on summer holidays – averaging an incredible 45 per cent cheaperthan the average summer holiday.
I spotted a bargain room-only deal for the BLUESEA Miramar Fuengirola, which is within walking distance of buzzing bars, restaurants and seafront shops.
And room-only here is fine, because you’ll want to eat out in the local tapas bars anyway.
But the secret weapon at this hotel is the massive indoor heated pool and wellness zone – if you want a quick break from the intense August sun, you can retreat into a chilled, high-spec indoor spa for zero extra charge.
Book your holiday
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Cabo Blanco, Majorca
Holiday Expert Rob Brooks recommends a trip to Cabo Blanco in MajorcaCredit: Getty
While the masses fight for sunbeds in Alcudia or Magaluf, Cabo Blanco is where the smart money lands in Majorca.
This quieter stretch of southern Majorca serves up rugged cliffs and dramatic sea views for a whopping 55 per cent lessthan the overall summer average.
I even managed to dig out a five-night all inclusive holiday for £353pp, at the Sun Club El Dorado.
Landing a full all-Inclusive package in Majorca during peak August for that money is borderline ridiculous.
This resort even has a private ranch and horse-riding trails integrated into the grounds, which gives the whole complex a rustic, expansive country club feel that you’d easily pay double for anywhere else on the island.
Book a holiday
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
This means that your chance of landing that once in a lifetime holiday are higher than ever.
So what are these tiers? Wowcher Mystery Holidays are split up into Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 destinations.
You are assigned assigned a holiday from one of these tiers through a randomised draw.
Tier 1 offers luxury and long haul holidays while Tier 2 offers three and four night package and all inclusive holidays. Tier 3 is for two-night city or beach breaks.
Tier 1 odds are now up 33% – meaning you are more likely than ever to land a luxurious, long haul holiday.
Tier 2 odds are up 67% – meaning you are also more likely than before to land a package or all inclusive holiday.
Tier 1 destinations include Miami, The Bahamas, Thailand, Bali and moreCredit: Alamy
Which holidays could I land in the draw?
Here are all the destinations split up into Tiers 1, 2 and 3.
Tier 1 Holidays (up 33%)
Seven-night, 4* hotel breaks available in:
The Maldives, Thailand, Bali, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Jamaica, St Lucia, Mauritius, Costa Rica, Cape Town, South Korea, Puerto Rico, Tampa, Chicago, Washington, Calgary, Bermuda, and The Bahamas.
Three night, 4* breaks in: New York, Toronto and Boston
Or a five-night, 4* break in Miami.
Tier 2 Holidays (up 67%)
Four-night breaks with breakfast in:
Venice & Lake Como, Prague & Budapest, Rome & Venice, Lisbon & Barcelona.
Three nights (varying all inclusive or B&B basis) in:
Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Benidorm, Sicily, The Algarve, Turkey, Zante, Santorini, Rhodes, Halkidiki, Corfu, Crete, Malta.
Plus the following special package breaks:
3 Night Disneyland Paris Holiday with park tickets & breakfast
3 Night Iceland with Northern Lights & breakfast
3 Night Holiday to Swiss Alps Bernina Express Rail Tour from Milan
3 Night Holiday to Geneva Chocolate & Cheese Train Experience
3 Night Rome City Break B&B with Vatican Tour & breakfast
3 Night Athens City Break B&B with Acropolis Tour & breakfast
Tier 3 Holidays
Two night city or beach breaks available in:
Madeira, Vienna, Brussels, Zadar, Prague, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Bratislava, Tallinn, Paris, Nice, Monaco, Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Bremen, Athens, Budapest, Dublin, Rome, Venice, Naples, Bologna, Lake Garda, Lake Como, Florence, Pisa, Verona, Milan, Trieste, Bari, Riga, Vilnius, Luxembourg, Agadir, Marrakech, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Krakow, Warsaw, Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Bucharest, Barcelona, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa Dorada, Costa Del Sol, Malaga, Alicante, Salou, Palma, Seville, Valencia, Madrid, Mallorca, Ibiza, Sicily, Malta, Katowice, Cinque Terre, Salzburg, Tirana, Rimini, Sorrento, Sarajevo, Zagreb, Belgrade, Kaunas, Wroclaw, Bilbao, Santander, Benidorm, Marseilles, Cannes, Lyon, Nantes, Nuremberg, Gdansk, Helsinki, Geneva, Brindisi, Bergamo, Genoa, Turin, Corfu, Crete, Istanbul, Sofia, Varna, Sunny Beach.
Click here to book yourself a £99 Wowcher holiday.
So how does it work when you actually book one?
When you book your holiday, you get to choose the exact dates that work for you – so no need to worry about not being able to get the time off.
You also get to pick the UK region you would like to fly from, so you won’t have to trek across the country to another airport.
And if you don’t land the holiday you were hoping for? No problem.
You’ll still enjoy a two night break at minimum with return flights included, staying in at least a three-star hotel – which is well worth the money itself!
And when you’re floating along in a gondola in Venice, posing with the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or chilling on the beach in Barcelona for only £99…
You can’t complain, even if you do bag somewhere closer to home.
You could bag a trip to New York with a £99 Wowcher Mystery HolidayCredit: Getty
IF I’ve learned one thing working in travel it’s this – you don’t need to drop a month’s wages on a five-star hotel to bag a five-star holiday.
In fact, some of the absolute best properties I’ve tracked down across Europe officially carry just three stars next to their name – despite thousands of guests rating them significantly higher than luxury resorts costing double the money.
Holiday Expert Rob Brooks has found luxurious hotels abroad that offer dirt cheap holidaysCredit: Rob Brooks
Stars are handed out based on rigid facility checklists – whether a property has a 24-hour concierge, three extra restaurants, a spa, or a lift.
They tell you nothing about whether the rooms are spotless, the breakfast is incredible, or the staff remember your coffee order by day two.
When I’m not lucky enough to be travelling in my day job, I spend my days buried in live price sheets and customer feedback – so here I’ve had a dig through my three-star database to find the absolute hidden gems, most of which I’ve sampled myself.
These aren’t sprawling mega resorts, but each one completely over-delivers for its price point.
Here are nine elite three-star properties where you can bag a week away from as little as £54 pp.
9. Yannis Hotel, Corfu
Bag a glamorous break in Corfu from £500pp and soak up the vibrant sceneryCredit: Getty
The Yannis Hotel sits among 15 acres of lush hillside gardens just above Ipsos, placing you a easy five-minute walk from the sand while keeping you away from the beachfront noise.
It officially holds three stars, but the overall footprint feels much higher end, featuring a pool deck that looks out across ancient olive groves toward the Ionian Sea – and guests rate it an impressive 4.2/5 on Tripadvisor.
You can lock in a seven-night stay here for two from £500pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 22 and breakfast each morning – working out at an absurd £71.43pp per night for flights, hotel, and food.
The standout feature for me at this place, weirdly, is their on-site organic vegetable patch. Trust me on this one, though.
The kitchen chef harvests fresh tomatoes, herbs, and figs directly from the hotel gardens every morning to serve up in the poolside Greek taverna, giving you proper, farm-to-table dining on a basic budget package.
Book a holiday: Corfu
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a seven-night stay at the Yannis Hotel with breakfast from September 22, including direct flights from London Stansted, from £500pp.
The adults-only Osiris hotel in San Antonio has a rooftop sunset deck and glam outdoor pool areaCredit: On the Beach
If you assume San Antonio is wall-to-wall club noise and zero sleep, the Osiris will completely change your mind.
This family-run, adults-only gem sits quietly in San Antonio Bay right across from Es Pouet Beach.
Its minimalist white architecture and boutique pool terrace look far more high-end than budget, earning it a staggering 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.
I found a seven-night stay here from £525pp, with direct flights from Bristol on September 16 including breakfast. That breaks down to just £75pp per night.
The killer insider feature here though is the hotel’s private rooftop sunset deck.
While thousands of tourists fight for overcrowded, expensive seats at Café Mambo down the road, guests at the Osiris can bring their own drinks up to the hotel’s elevated terrace and watch the iconic Ibiza sunset in complete peace. Bliss.
Book a holiday: Ibiza
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a seven-night stay at Osiris Ibiza from £525pp, with direct flights from Bristol on September 16 including breakfast.
Rob found a stay in Dalaman, Turkey for a week for £435ppCredit: Alamy
The Oykun Hotel on Calis Beach is the exact kind of property people miss out on when they lazily filter their search engines to “four stars and above.”
On paper, it’s a straightforward Turkish hotel with two pools and a traditional hamam, but it boasts a massive 4.6/5 score across 900+ reviews because the family running it treats returning guests like gold.
I tracked down a week here from £435pp, including direct flights from London Gatwick on September 2 and daily breakfast, coming in at £62pp per night.
And at the Oykun you’re incredibly close to the local water taxi jetty – which is a bit of a gamechanger on a holiday here.
Rather than paying for hot, crowded buses into Fethiye, you can step straight out of the hotel gardens onto a wooden riverboat that cruises you across the bay directly into the historic Old Town for pocket change.
Book a holiday: Turkey
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a stay at the Oykun Hotel from September 2, including breakfast and return flights from London Gatwick, from £435pp.
Holiday among the rich and famous in Santorini from £380ppCredit: Getty
Santorini is notorious for charging eye-watering prices for cliffside cave suites, but you don’t need an infinity pool to experience the island.
The Zephyros Hotel in Kamari is a gorgeous three-star property built in traditional Cycladic style, with whitewashed walls, blue shutters, and a central pool framed by palm trees – plus it holds a brilliant 4.6/5 Tripadvisor rating.
You can grab seven nights here from £380pp, with direct flights from London Gatwick on September 30 including breakfast.
At £54pp per night with flights, it really is an unbelievable value loophole.
At this hotel you can spend your days lounging on Kamari’s black-sand beach for pennies, then, to push the savings even further, you can even hop on the local 15-minute express bus straight up to Oia for the famous caldera views, completely bypassing the hotel tax.
Book a holiday: Santorini
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a seven-night stay at the Zephyros Hotel from September 30, including return flights from London Gatwick, for £380pp.
Stay in a spacious apartment with an ocean view balcony at Alfagar Village in PortugalCredit: On the Beach
Alfagar Village is easily one of the hardest properties on this list to believe is rated three stars.
It sits on the cliffside above the Algarve coast, featuring direct, private steps carved into the red rock that lead straight down onto Santa Eulália Beach.
It holds a 4.3/5 rating from over 1,100 reviews, which is no mean feat in Portugal.
I clocked seven nights here from £505pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 30.
The deal is self-catering, but the apartments come with huge ocean-view balconies and full kitchen setups.
The real trick at this place though is that guests get complete, free access to the entire neighbouring 4-star Alfagar resort complex, meaning you can use their massive sports courts, heated indoor pools, and multi-lane waterpark flumes while paying basic three-star rates.
That’s a proper three-star-price for a four-star-holiday hack.
Book a holiday: Albufeira
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a seven-night stay at the Alfagar Village, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 30, from £505pp.
Stay in the Dom Jose Beach Hotel in Portugal for sweeping views over the seaCredit: On the Beach
The Dom Jose Beach Hotel sits directly on Quarteira’s paved seaside promenade, and is home to a sleek, contemporary pool deck that looks straight out over the Atlantic Ocean.
Inside, the rooms feature modern, high-spec design, helping it bag a near-perfect 4.7/5 rating on Tripadvisor. Seriously impressive.
You can lock in a seven-night stay from £655pp, including direct flights from Bristol on September 28 and daily breakfast.
While it sits at the higher end of this list at £94pp per night, it easily outperforms the £150-a-night chain hotels nearby.
Plus, when you see the hotel’s private, wooden deck built directly on the sand – equipped with reserved wind-screened loungers – you’ll see why it’s worth that little bit extra.
You can step straight off your breakfast terrace onto your private sunbed without ever dealing with public beach crowds.
Book a holiday: The Algarve
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a seven-night stay with breakfast at the Dom Jose Beach Hotel from September 28, including return flights from Bristol, from £655pp.
Hotel Valentina averages a 4.7/5 star score on Tripadvisor and even has a rooftop poolCredit: On the Beach
If you want a hotel that pulls off a flawless five-star impersonation, Hotel Valentina in St Julian’s is the answer.
This place features boujee, bold contemporary interiors and a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline.
Just take a look yourself and it’s easy to see exactly why it boasts a massive 4.7/5 Tripadvisor rating across 2,600+ reviews (one of the highest rating-to-ratings ratios in all of Europe!)
I spotted seven nights here from £510pp, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 25 on a room-only basis (£73pp per night).
But the secret weapon at the Valentina is its partnership with the high-end Avenue Restaurant next door.
Hotel guests get exclusive priority seating and discounts at one of the best dining spots in St Julian’s, giving you a boutique, luxury lifestyle package without the luxury price tag. Total hack.
Book a holiday: Malta
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a seven-night room-only stay at Hotel Valentina, including direct flights from London Stansted on September 25, from £500pp.
Bag a seven night stat at the Velamar Boutique Hotel in Albufeira for £425pp, including flightsCredit: On the Beach
Located in Olhos de Agua just on the outskirts of Albufeira, Velamar Boutique Hotel focuses on minimum guest numbers and maximum hospitality – which is why it tops the charts on my value scoreboard.
Its gardens, modern rooms, and peaceful outdoor pool create a calm, boutique feel geared toward couples – and it holds a fantastic 4.5/5 Tripadvisor score.
You can grab seven nights here from £425pp, including flights from London on September 22 with breakfast included (less than £61pp per night!)
The hotel even runs a seamless, direct connection down to the quieter Maria Luísa beach, allowing you to spend your days on one of the Algarve’s most beautiful, sheltered coves without ever having to worry about car parking or expensive taxis.
Book a holiday: Albufeira
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue
Book a seven-night stay with breakfast, including flights from London on September 22, from £425pp.
IF you want to live like an A-lister on your next holiday without paying eye-watering French Riviera prices, you’ll want to check out this Turkish hotspot.
Dubbed the St Tropez of Turkey, Bodrum delivers boutique beach clubs, yacht-packed marinas, and turquoise bays on a budget.
Bag yourself a boujee break in Bodrum for nearly half the cost of a St Tropez holidayCredit: Getty
The best part? Holidays here can cost you hundreds of pounds less when compared to its French rival.
According to travel experts at First Choice, holidaymakers who swap St Tropez for Bodrum can save an impressive £440 per person on their trip, which is 43% cheaper.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
This is based on comparing a seven-night, all inclusive stay at the four-starBodrum Holiday Resort and Spawith a week-long stay at the four-starHôtel Brin d’Azur in St Tropez.
While the St Tropez holiday would cost you £951pp, the Bodrum holiday would cost just £590pp.
And if you’re on a tighter budget, you can even bag yourself a break from £313pp with First Choice.
The holiday savings don’t stop when you land, either.
A three-course meal for two in Bodrum sets you back roughly €46 (£39) compared to €68 (£58) in St Tropez.
Local beers are also more than 50% cheaper, making going out for food and drink around one third cheaper overall.
Everything you’d be looking for in St Tropez – a glamorous waterfront, celeb-spotting, fancy bars and beach clubs – can also be found in Bodrum.
Famous figures including Kate Moss and even Royal Family members have been spotted strolling its glamorous streets.
Book in for a holiday at Bodrum Holiday Resort and Spa with First Choice from £481ppCredit: First Choice
Beyond the glam beach clubs and sunset cocktails, Bodrum packs in world-class history.
Visitors can explore the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Or you could wander medieval Bodrum Castle, built using stones salvaged from the ancient tomb itself.
Late summer and early autumn are prime times to visit for prices, temperatures and beating the crowds.
Average temperatures sit around a warm 29°C in September, meaning you can soak up the sunshine long after the peak summer rush has passed.
For the ultimate day trip, you can even tick off two countries in one holiday.
Daily ferries zip across the Aegean to the Greek island of Kos in under an hour for just €35 (£30) return – meaning you could eat your breakfast in Turkey and dinner in Greece.
Alternatively, hop aboard a traditional wooden boat at the harbour to sail around hidden coves and quiet swimming spots, giving you a taste of the glitzy sailing life for a fraction of the cost.
The glamorous Turkish resort of Bodrum has been dubbed the St Tropez of TurkeyCredit: Getty
FOR quieter destinations and cheaper prices, a late summer holiday – when kids have gone back to school – is ideal.
And now is the perfect time to book one, whether you want to relax on a beach, sail the ocean, tour wineries or experience some Disney magic.
Live it up on a Rhodes tripCredit: GettyFor quieter destinations and cheaper prices, a late summer holiday is idealCredit: AFP
Trisha Harbord selects ten top trips to enjoy in the UK or abroad, with or without the little ones . . .
NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISING
Kick back and relax on a Norwegian cruiseCredit: Getty
SAY goodbye to chores and ride the waves aboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The round-trip from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords, stops at Haugesund, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger, and takes in the Viking region, breathtaking glaciers, lush forests and stunning lakes.
In Olden, try the Loen Skylift, one of the steepest in the world, for an amazing view.
Britannia is an entertainment centre, with comedy, musical shows, bars, speciality restaurants, sports, a cookery club, kids’ clubs, play areas and a night nursery.
GO: Seven nights’ full-board from £785pp departing Southampton on September 11. See iglucruise.com.
BULGARIAN BLACK SEA ACTION
This Bulgarian resort is all actionCredit: supplied
Along Sunny Beach, there are watersports galore, catamaran cruises, a theme park, Jeep safaris and biking.
The nearby Tui Blue Nevis hotel offers a multi-sports court for tennis, football and volleyball, pool games, guided walks, arts and crafts, and cooking classes.
Evening entertainment includes singers, acrobats, outdoor cinema and silent disco.
Don’t miss the ancient city of Nessebar, a Unesco World Heritage site.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £579pp including Manchester flights on September 10. See tui.co.uk.
LUXURY GREEK ODYSSEY
WHAT could be more enticing than fabulous food and cool cocktails in a gorgeous Greek island boutique hotel?
The 3* adults-only Nathalie Hotel in Ixia, Rhodes, is small and friendly with rooms that sleep up to four guests.
Or push the boat out and book a Jacuzzi room and Rooftop suite with views over the ocean and spectacular sunsets.
Ixia has a buzzing nightlife, with bars, tavernas and cafes, and is a surfer’s paradise.
Take a bus or taxi to explore the cobbled streets of Rhodes old town.
GO: Seven nights’ B&B from £579pp including flights from Stansted on September 27. See jet2holidays.com.
AND RELAX… WITH THE BELFRY BREAK
The Belfry has pools, sauna, steam rooms, A Fire & Ice Experience and aroma cavesCredit: supplied
TREAT yourself to a relaxing break at one of the UK’s finest country resorts – The Belfry, set in 550 acres of countryside.
The spa has pools, sauna, steam rooms, A Fire & Ice Experience and aroma caves.
The resort has three golf courses, a driving range, restaurants and a cinema room.
A highlight this summer has been surfing simulator WaveSurfer, which will run at weekends during September.
GO: The Pamper or Putt offer is from £259 a night, including dinner, overnight stay, breakfast and your choice of a round of golf on The Derby or a 25-minute spa treatment.
Family two-night B&B weekend offer from £404. thebelfry.com.
LIFE’S A BEACH ON TURKEY’S RIVIERA
Soak up the sun at the stunning beaches of Turkey’s rivieraCredit: Getty
THE sun shines 300 days a year on the stunning beaches of Turkey’s riviera.
And the Prime Beach Hotel, in popular Marmaris, has its own private beach.
The 5* resort also offers an aqua park, pools, restaurants and snack bars.
Adults will love the wellness and spa centre, featuring a traditional hammam.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £757pp including flights from Luton on September 30. Price includes a free child’s place. See easyjet.com.
BEAT THE QUEUES AT DISNEYLAND PARIS
Disneyland Paris is always an optionCredit: Disneyland Paris
SEPTEMBER is a fantastic time of year to visit Disneyland Paris, especially if you avoid the weekend for shorter queues.
This year is a big one for the attraction.
The new World Of Frozen has opened in Adventure World, along with Cascade Of Lights, a fireworks, water and drone spectacular.
New for summer are Princess Cavalcade Mickey And The Magician show. Grown-ups will love thrill rides, such as The Twilight Zone: Tower Of Terror and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.
GO: Two nights’ room-only at the Hotel Santa Fe and three-day park tickets from £831pp, for arrival on September 28. See disneylandparis.com.
CATCH A SEAFOOD FEAST IN DEVON
Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat in Brixham has lodges, caravans and chaletsCredit: guy harrop
DIVE down to Devon for two-week festival England’s Seafood Feast, which showcases the county’s culinary qualities and begins on September 21.
Restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham create exclusive tasting experiences, including seven courses over seven hours in seven restaurants by seven local chefs, with seven award-winning drinks.
Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat in Brixham has lodges, caravans and chalets.
WINE tourism in Essex is booming and the county is now home to 58 vineyards.
Treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the beautiful grounds of Bardfield Vineyard near Braintree and you won’t need to book a taxi home after tasting their rosé, Bacchus or sparkling brut wines.
A tasting tour with ploughman’s lunch costs £40 per person.
Bed down in a rustic cart lodge, with two double en-suite bedrooms and kitchen.
Head to Saffron Grange for sparkling wines, or try the award-winning Tuffon Hall vineyard.
Both tours cost £25 per head.
GO: A cart lodge at Bardfield from £140 a night. See visitessex.com.
YORKSHIRE GOES BARKING MAD
Chef James Martin will join pooch lovers at DogFest On The Farm at Harewood House, Yorkshire, on September 12-13Credit: instagram/dog_fest
CHEF James Martin will join pooch lovers at DogFest On The Farm at Harewood House, Yorkshire, on September 12-13.
James, who says his cocker spaniel Cooper is his best mate, will be giving cooking demos and dog nutrition advice.
Your four-legged friends can play in the giant ball pit and splash around at a pool party.
Trainers are on hand and there are sheepdog trials and breed meet-ups.
A perfect base for the festival is the Old Barn, near Harrogate.
GO: Three nights’ self-catering is from £525 for arrival on September 12. See caninecottages.co.uk.
TRY WALES FOR WALKING
Rambling in Wales is always a treatCredit: Getty
WALKING tour company Ramble Worldwide is 80 years old this year.
It offers guided holidays in the UK and abroad for all levels of fitness, including along the beautiful Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coasts.
Ramblers who choose Wales will find clifftop paths, coves and fishing villages, with the chance to see seals, dolphins and porpoises, and Cilgerran Castle.
Groups of ten to 12 are based at the 3* Gwbert Hotel, on the River Teifi, for walks of around ten miles a day.
GO: Five nights’ half board from £699pp for arrival on September 28. See rambleworldwide.co.uk.