You can save up to £400 on a holiday in the sale(Image: Getty Images)
It’s never too early to start planning your 2026 getaway and it might be the best time yet as Jet2 has launched a huge sale, offering up to £400 off on all holidays. In a bid to help holidaymakers secure their getaway for next year, Jet2holidays has launched a sale just in time for Christmas. The UK’s biggest tour operator is offering travellers £100 off per person on all holidays, and a generous 20% discount on all Jet2.com flights, including one-way journeys.
This means a family of four could save a hefty £400 on a holiday to Spain or Italy, even during the school holidays. Additionally, hundreds of hotels and resorts offer free stays for children, providing the chance for even further savings.
But it’s not just families who can benefit. Couples booking a getaway with Jet2holidays during the sale can also enjoy a £200 discount on trips to destinations such as Greece or Cyprus.
The sale applies to all holidays, across all seasons booked through Jet2holidays, Jet2CityBreaks, VIBE by Jet2holidays, Indulgent Escapes and Jet2Villas. There are a bundle of holiday options available to suit everyone, from private villas nestled in Majorca near the Mediterranean coast, to an all-inclusive resort in Egypt with excursions to the sprawling desert.
However, there’s more. Holiday-goers can also secure their 2026 summer holiday for a low deposit of £25 per person.
Jet2 flies to more than 75 destinations across Europe from 14 UK airports so there’s a destination to suit everyone. However, if you’re hoping to take advantage of these savings you don’t have long as the sale runs until Monday, January 12, 2026.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “Nothing beats the joy of booking a holiday and we are spreading that joy far and wide through the launch of this fantastic sale, making it easier for customers to getaway for less.
“Launched in time for the busy holiday booking season, Jet2 is offering holidaymakers fantastic savings on their holidays and flights, and we know that this, alongside our industry-leading customer service, will be a huge hit.
“With so much value and choice available, we look forward to welcoming even more new and existing customers, whilst showcasing what makes us the UK’s favourite tour operator and airline.”
For more information or to book your next getaway, you can visit the Jet2.com and Jet2holidays websites.
Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com
If you’re bored of theme parks with long queues and greasy food, a new ‘luxury’ theme park will be opening in 2026 that promises a much more upmarket experience including “five-star hospitality”
BON – Beauty of Nature theme park is set to combine thrill rides with luxury holiday experiences(Image: VidantaWorld)
A day out at a theme park is hardly what you’d call a luxury experience. While it’s nice to enjoy a day of family-fun, having to queue for 30-second rides and fight the crowds isn’t exactly relaxing.
However, an upmarket resort chain now aims to elevate the average theme park experience. Billed as “the world’s first-ever luxury theme park”, BON (beauty of nature) is set to open in autumn of 2026 for guests of VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta in Mexico.
There are ambitious plans for this new theme park, which will eventually have multiple lands including 23 attractions, 25 restaurants, lounges, and shops across the site. It’ll feature both thrill rides and family-friendly options, as well as immersive experiences and playgrounds.
Guests of VidantaWorld Nuevo Vallarta, a resort featuring a 5-star hotel, golf course, and direct beach access, already have access to select attractions within the theme park. The park recently opened Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ, a spectacular water-based show that takes place in a custom-built theater costing $ 200 million (£ 148 million) for an immersive dinner experience. The theatre is surrounded by a wrap-around aquarium for a 360-degree undersea experience.
Two of the theme park’s seven planned lands are also open for guests to preview. There’s Wonder Bay, which includes a lake show and seasonal celebrations. Until January 11, a Christmas theme is in effect, featuring decorations, live performances, and festive meet-and-greets.
Adventure Valley is also open, featuring the serene Carousel of Colors and the family-friendly Time Quest. There’s also Tempest Towers, a ride that takes you to new heights before plunging you down, and Kids Cove playground with plenty for them to explore. Some of the park’s shops and restaurants are also open, offering visitors a glimpse of what the park will be like.
Once fully open, visitors will be able to enjoy rides such as the Tecuani Beast, set to be Latin America’s only double-launch coaster. This will have top speeds of 65mph and more airtime than any other rollercoaster in the region. Another attraction will be the floral-themed Floresta Drop, which will be a family-friendly ride.
There will also be a variety of eateries offering an elevated experience compared to the typical theme park fare. This includes authentic Mexican cuisine offerings, sushi restaurants, and American-style grills.
The park will also feature numerous surprises around every corner, including costumed entertainers, light shows, fireworks, and much more. The company VidantaWorld, who already have two beach resorts in Mexico and a mega yacht, want to create a “multi-generational” experience, with something for all ages.
The news comes as a popular European theme park is set to get a new world based on the Harry Potter series. LEGOLAND Deutschland in Germany confirmed the creation of a new Wizarding World based on J.K. Rowling’s popular franchise. Details will be released in the next 12 months and are set to include Harry Potter themed accommodation.
Disneyland Paris is also set to get a brand new attraction, and has confirmed that the World of Frozen, based on the Frozen movies, will open on March 29, 2026. The area is set to include a brand new ride, character meet and greets, new shows, and exclusive food and drink.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
From city to sea… Büyükada, the largest of Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, is a must for those in search of peace
Büyükada(Image: John Ellis)
If you’re looking for some peace amid the hustle and bustle of your trip to Istanbul, enter Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands. A short public ferry or boat taxi away from the mainland, they make up a car-free archipelago in the Sea of Marmara known for their historic mansions and laid back atmosphere. Absolutely ideal for families, Büyükada is small enough to explore in a day or two, with plenty of relaxed activities, from cycling to swimming to swimming.
A chic and calm five star resort on the water’s edge, Princes’ Palace manages to appeal to adults looking to relax and unwind, and children looking for some fun. Newly opened, rooms are stunning – sleek and modern, with views over the Bosphorus. The hotel boasts its own jetty, and arriving by water taxi is a delight, although you can also arrive to the island by a regular public ferry.
On hot days, a small private beach, sheltered by the jetty, and an outdoor pool lined with Bali beds means you need never leave. Inside, there’s a further pool, with a large hot tub and plenty of relaxation areas. There’s a hammam too, and a gorgeous spa. Children are welcomed in the pool area, which has lovely views, especially at sunset. Dinner in the upmarket restaurant, designed to look like a library with cosy nooks and squashy seats, was delicious. Rooms start from around £393.
A fish and seafood restaurant with a stunning view out over the water, Eskibag was one of the highlights of our entire trip. The children loved choosing their food from the counter (a whole seabass, calamari, garlic prawns) which was then cooked fresh and served.
What to do
Hire a bike
The best way to see the island, which is amazingly car-free, is by bike. There are plenty of bike shops offering hire for just a couple of pounds. It took us a few goes to find baby and child seats, but once we did it was well worth it. It takes around two hours to cycle around Büyükada and the views alone are worth the exertion. But there are also plenty of spots to rest, including a lovely cafe under the trees, with swings for the children, cold drinks, and lots of cats.
Wander the promenade
The shopping centre of Büyükada can be found just steps away from the ferry port. There are plenty of shops to explore, and eateries for the hungry. But the best thing to do? Grab an ice cream (three scoops if you dare!) from one of the theatrical sellers on the seafront, and take a walk along the promenade. Enjoy the boats, the lapping shore and the view across the water to Istanbul.
Istanbul with children in tow is easier than you think…
Choosing where to travel with children can be tough. But when I tell you that you need to add Istanbul to your family travel bucket list, it’s no lie. I’m a mum of two and as a family of four we like to travel extensively. And when choosing where our wanderlust will take us, there needs to be something for each of us to enjoy. So I’m pleased to report that Istanbul in Turkey ticked boxes for all of us: me, John, five year old Molly and one year old Poppy. From mouthwatering food to incredible historic sites – and a brilliant fairytale sweet shop – we fell in love… and I think you will too. Istanbul has it all. Here’s why…
When to go
As with all of Turkey, Istanbul can reach searing temperatures in summer. And as sightseeing as a family in the heat can be a bit, well, testing, I would advise that the best time to check it out with little ones in tow is between October and May. We went in October half term. Temperatures rose no higher than around 20 degrees. While we couldn’t swim in an outdoor pool or the Bosphorus, it was really pleasant to walk around in T-shirts and jeans.
Is it safe?
When chatting about Istanbul with friends before we went the same question kept coming up: is it safe? And I’m pleased to report that whether day or night the city felt very safe indeed. There is beefed up security at the entrances to places like the Grand Bazaar market, tourist sites like the Basilica Cistern and many upmarket hotels. But the city has a relaxed vibe to it – people are friendly and absolutely love children. Istanbul welcomed us with open arms.
Right in the heart of the old city, the five star Four Seasons Sultanahmet is just steps away from the Blue Mosque, main square, endless shopping – and you can see the Hagia Sofia from the hotel’s open air rooftop bar. With delicious food and drink on offer, the rooftop welcomes children to enjoy the views too, which are particularly spectacular at sunset. Hearing the call to prayer ring out around the city gives you goosebumps.
Elsewhere, for the foodies, there’s fine dining eatery Avlu; a lovely little coffee shop in the foyer, which does a good flat white; and exceptional in-room dining. With kids in tow on our travel, when deciding what and where to eat I choose ease… and the extensive room service menu, quick service and good food, provided exactly that for us. Rooms themselves at the FS Sultanahmet are spacious, luxurious and have everything you could possibly want, from Diptyque toiletries to expensive sheets and artisan robes.
The hotel doesn’t have a pool, but a shuttle takes guests for free to nearby Four Seasons at the Bosphorus to use the two they have there. Staff on site couldn’t do more to help their guests, and remember names and coffee orders in the morning. Children are welcomed with open arms, and are gifted toys on arrival. A play tent was set up in the room too, which was a lovely touch and provided lots of fun. But the best bit? The building used to be a prison! My five year old absolutely loved that she was ‘staying in jail’. Prices from around £650.
You want… pools
Those two pools I mentioned… well they belong to Four Seasons’ other location in Istanbul: Four Seasons at the Bosphorus. Set, as the name suggests, right on the strait that runs through the middle of the city, it allows for glorious views over the water from many of the rooms. A renovated 19th century Ottoman palace, the grand five star hotel is pretty impressive to look at itself too. The word splendor springs to mind. Rooms are beautiful, light and airy with squishy window seats and gargantuan beds. One night, during our stay, there was an incredible thunderstorm. We turned all the lights off, snuggled up on a window seat, and watched the sky for hours. Magic. In both Four Seasons locations, nappies, bubble bath, wipes and more were supplied in a handy – and much appreciated – basket of baby essentials.
One for the water babies, FS Bosphorus has an outdoor pool (although this was too cold for us to frequent in October) and an indoor pool, which welcomes children around the clock. Molly loved this, and the hot tub. When it comes to food, seafood restaurant Aqua is completely divine, as is Middle Eastern-inspired Ocakbasi. With tired children, though, the in-room dining options available were sublime. An extensive menu for both adults curious to try the local cuisine… and little ones hankering after a margarita pizza… were catered for.
Toys on arrival delighted the children, in-room games provided screen-free entertainment after a day of sightseeing, and a seemingly never-ending array of tasty treats appeared in the room. Prices from around £650.
What to do
Hagia Sofia
Cavernous. Majestic. Awe inspiring. The Hagia Sofia (Holy Wisdom) is the biggest must-do of Istanbul. A monumental building with a rich history, it was originally built as the greatest church of the Byzantine Empire in 537 AD, later converted into an Ottoman mosque after 1453, then a secular museum in 1934, and reconverted into a mosque in 2020, making it a significant cultural landmark representing centuries of religious and architectural evolution. It’s famous for its massive dome and stunning mosaics. As a working mosque, it is fascinating to behold, especially for the children. Visitors can walk around the gallery on the upper level to take it all in.
Blue Mosque
At a mere 400-odd years old, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is almost new in comparison to the Hagia Sofia – but the stunning building is also steeped in history. An iconic 17th-century imperial mosque, it’s famous for its stunning blue tiles, six minarets, and grand domes, blending traditional Islamic and Byzantine styles to create a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, serving as both a historical landmark and an active place of worship.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern was one of the places that took us most by surprise – it’s absolutely amazing. A massive, ancient (Roman) underground water reservoir built by the Byzantines in the 6th century to supply the Great Palace, it’s famous for its forest of marble columns, eerie lighting, Medusa head bases, and atmospheric setting that makes it a major tourist attraction. The cool location has served as a dramatic filming location for several major films – most famously the James Bond movie From Russia with Love (1963) and Inferno (2016) starring Tom Hanks.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most famous covered markets. A historic labyrinth of over 4,000 shops across 61 streets, selling everything from carpets, ceramics, and jewelry to spices, Turkish delights, and souvenirs, it attracts millions of visitors annually as a major cultural and commercial hub in the city’s heart. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and the tradition of bargaining, making it a quintessential Istanbul experience. We bought spices to take home, and a stunning handcrafted bowl.
Turkish delight
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a haul of Turkish delight. A traditional Middle Eastern confection made from a gel of sugar, starch (usually cornstarch), and water, it’s often flavored with rosewater, citrus, or mastic, and sometimes filled with nuts like pistachios or walnuts. These small, soft, jelly-like cubes are typically dusted with powdered sugar or coconut to prevent sticking and are served with coffee or tea as a sweet treat. Oh so very moreish – there are shops everywhere you look to try and buy.
Where to eat
Calakasik, Kadikoy
Kadikoy is one of Istanbul’s coolest neighbourhoods, with antique shops aplenty. And for the hungry, there’s Calakasik. A very unassuming-looking ‘local’ looking restaurant, it’s relaxed, lively and serves absolutely incredible Turkish food – canteen style. Come hungry and choose lots of dishes to share – try the zeama, kebabs and peka.
Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine
Michelin Guide 2025 recommended, Deraliye serves authentic, historical Ottoman palace dishes, featuring rich flavors from Turkish, Balkan, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian traditions, with unique recipes including goose kebab, stuffed fruits like apples/quince with minced meat, unique grape leaf wraps (sarma) with cherries, and traditional dips (muammara, babaganoush) alongside grilled meats, pastries, and rich desserts like Katmer . I had an exceptional lamb kebab, with onions, grilled tomatoes and peppers and rice. The kids had meatballs and loved them.
Muutto
An anatolian tapas bar sat by the side of the Bosphorus in a new development at Galataport cruise ship port. When there isn’t a boat, it’s a lovely place for a shop and a stroll, with loads of bars and eateries lining the waters edge. Serving modern Anatolian tapas (mezze) and street food, Muutto offers creative twists on traditional Turkish dishes like potato bravas, stuffed meatballs, octopus, lamb wraps, and unique items such as liver with halloumi, alongside homemade drinks and a focus on fresh, flavourful small plates for lunch and dinner. Even the dips were a work of art.
*For more on planning a trip to Türkiye, see Go Türkiye
*Return flights with Turkish Airlinesor SunExpress from Manchester to Istanbul start from around £185 per person (checked November 2025). Flights take approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
From majestic mosques to tasty treats, mum of two Hannah Britt reveals why the juggernaut of a city is a Turkish delight for all ages
Incredible Istanbul ticks boxes for the whole family(Image: John Ellis)
Choosing where to travel with children can be tough. But when I tell you that you need to add Istanbul to your family travel bucket list, it’s no lie. I’m a mum of two and as a family of four we like to travel extensively. And when choosing where our wanderlust will take us, there needs to be something for each of us to enjoy. So I’m pleased to report that Istanbul in Turkey ticked boxes for all of us: me, John, five year old Molly and one year old Poppy. From mouthwatering food to incredible historic sites – and a brilliant fairytale sweet shop – we fell in love… and I think you will too. Istanbul has it all. Here’s why…
When to go
As with all of Turkey, Istanbul can reach searing temperatures in summer. And as sightseeing as a family in the heat can be a bit, well, testing, I would advise that the best time to check it out with little ones in tow is between October and May. We went in October half term. Temperatures rose no higher than around 20 degrees. While we couldn’t swim in an outdoor pool or the Bosphorus, it was really pleasant to walk around in T-shirts and jeans.
When chatting about Istanbul with friends before we went the same question kept coming up: is it safe? And I’m pleased to report that whether day or night the city felt very safe indeed. There is beefed up security at the entrances to places like the Grand Bazaar market, tourist sites like the Basilica Cistern and many upmarket hotels. But the city has a relaxed vibe to it – people are friendly and absolutely love children. Istanbul welcomed us with open arms.
Right in the heart of the old city, the five star Four Seasons Sultanahmet is just steps away from the Blue Mosque, main square, endless shopping – and you can see the Hagia Sofia from the hotel’s open air rooftop bar. With delicious food and drink on offer, the rooftop welcomes children to enjoy the views too, which are particularly spectacular at sunset. Hearing the call to prayer ring out around the city gives you goosebumps.
Elsewhere, for the foodies, there’s fine dining eatery Avlu; a lovely little coffee shop in the foyer, which does a good flat white; and exceptional in-room dining. With kids in tow on our travel, when deciding what and where to eat I choose ease… and the extensive room service menu, quick service and good food, provided exactly that for us. Rooms themselves at the FS Sultanahmet are spacious, luxurious and have everything you could possibly want, from Diptyque toiletries to expensive sheets and artisan robes.
The hotel doesn’t have a pool, but a shuttle takes guests for free to nearby Four Seasons at the Bosphorus to use the two they have there. Staff on site couldn’t do more to help their guests, and remember names and coffee orders in the morning. Children are welcomed with open arms, and are gifted toys on arrival. A play tent was set up in the room too, which was a lovely touch and provided lots of fun. But the best bit? The building used to be a prison! My five year old absolutely loved that she was ‘staying in jail’. Prices from around £650.
You want… pools
Those two pools I mentioned… well they belong to Four Seasons’ other location in Istanbul: Four Seasons at the Bosphorus. Set, as the name suggests, right on the strait that runs through the middle of the city, it allows for glorious views over the water from many of the rooms. A renovated 19th century Ottoman palace, the grand five star hotel is pretty impressive to look at itself too. The word splendor springs to mind. Rooms are beautiful, light and airy with squishy window seats and gargantuan beds. One night, during our stay, there was an incredible thunderstorm. We turned all the lights off, snuggled up on a window seat, and watched the sky for hours. Magic. In both Four Seasons locations, nappies, bubble bath, wipes and more were supplied in a handy – and much appreciated – basket of baby essentials.
One for the water babies, FS Bosphorus has an outdoor pool (although this was too cold for us to frequent in October) and an indoor pool, which welcomes children around the clock. Molly loved this, and the hot tub. When it comes to food, seafood restaurant Aqua is completely divine, as is Middle Eastern-inspired Ocakbasi. With tired children, though, the in-room dining options available were sublime. An extensive menu for both adults curious to try the local cuisine… and little ones hankering after a margarita pizza… were catered for.
Toys on arrival delighted the children, in-room games provided screen-free entertainment after a day of sightseeing, and a seemingly never-ending array of tasty treats appeared in the room. Prices from around £650.
What to do
Hagia Sofia
Cavernous. Majestic. Awe inspiring. The Hagia Sofia (Holy Wisdom) is the biggest must-do of Istanbul. A monumental building with a rich history, it was originally built as the greatest church of the Byzantine Empire in 537 AD, later converted into an Ottoman mosque after 1453, then a secular museum in 1934, and reconverted into a mosque in 2020, making it a significant cultural landmark representing centuries of religious and architectural evolution. It’s famous for its massive dome and stunning mosaics. As a working mosque, it is fascinating to behold, especially for the children. Visitors can walk around the gallery on the upper level to take it all in.
Blue Mosque
At a mere 400-odd years old, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is almost new in comparison to the Hagia Sofia – but the stunning building is also steeped in history. An iconic 17th-century imperial mosque, it’s famous for its stunning blue tiles, six minarets, and grand domes, blending traditional Islamic and Byzantine styles to create a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, serving as both a historical landmark and an active place of worship.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern was one of the places that took us most by surprise – it’s absolutely amazing. A massive, ancient (Roman) underground water reservoir built by the Byzantines in the 6th century to supply the Great Palace, it’s famous for its forest of marble columns, eerie lighting, Medusa head bases, and atmospheric setting that makes it a major tourist attraction. The cool location has served as a dramatic filming location for several major films – most famously the James Bond movie From Russia with Love (1963) and Inferno (2016) starring Tom Hanks.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the world’s oldest, largest, and most famous covered markets. A historic labyrinth of over 4,000 shops across 61 streets, selling everything from carpets, ceramics, and jewelry to spices, Turkish delights, and souvenirs, it attracts millions of visitors annually as a major cultural and commercial hub in the city’s heart. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, historic architecture, and the tradition of bargaining, making it a quintessential Istanbul experience. We bought spices to take home, and a stunning handcrafted bowl.
Turkish delight
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a haul of Turkish delight. A traditional Middle Eastern confection made from a gel of sugar, starch (usually cornstarch), and water, it’s often flavored with rosewater, citrus, or mastic, and sometimes filled with nuts like pistachios or walnuts. These small, soft, jelly-like cubes are typically dusted with powdered sugar or coconut to prevent sticking and are served with coffee or tea as a sweet treat. Oh so very moreish – there are shops everywhere you look to try and buy.
Where to eat
Calakasik, Kadikoy
Kadikoy is one of Istanbul’s coolest neighbourhoods, with antique shops aplenty. And for the hungry, there’s Calakasik. A very unassuming-looking ‘local’ looking restaurant, it’s relaxed, lively and serves absolutely incredible Turkish food – canteen style. Come hungry and choose lots of dishes to share – try the zeama, kebabs and peka.
Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine
Michelin Guide 2025 recommended, Deraliye serves authentic, historical Ottoman palace dishes, featuring rich flavors from Turkish, Balkan, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian traditions, with unique recipes including goose kebab, stuffed fruits like apples/quince with minced meat, unique grape leaf wraps (sarma) with cherries, and traditional dips (muammara, babaganoush) alongside grilled meats, pastries, and rich desserts like Katmer . I had an exceptional lamb kebab, with onions, grilled tomatoes and peppers and rice. The kids had meatballs and loved them.
Muutto
An anatolian tapas bar sat by the side of the Bosphorus in a new development at Galataport cruise ship port. When there isn’t a boat, it’s a lovely place for a shop and a stroll, with loads of bars and eateries lining the waters edge. Serving modern Anatolian tapas (mezze) and street food, Muutto offers creative twists on traditional Turkish dishes like potato bravas, stuffed meatballs, octopus, lamb wraps, and unique items such as liver with halloumi, alongside homemade drinks and a focus on fresh, flavourful small plates for lunch and dinner. Even the dips were a work of art.
*For more on planning a trip to Türkiye, see Go Türkiye
*Return flights with Turkish Airlinesor SunExpress from Manchester to Istanbul start from around £185 per person (checked November 2025). Flights take approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Airlines’ sophisticated pricing strategies mean the traditional Tuesday booking rule no longer applies, with new research showing a new day of the week offers better savings of up to 17% on international flights
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Airline pricing methods have become more advanced in recent years(Image: Kmatta via Getty Images)
The cheapest day to book a flight has been revealed, and it flies in the face of longstanding conventional wisdom.
For years, travellers were told to watch out for deals on a Tuesday, convinced it was the golden moment to book cheap flights.
But airlines’ pricing methods have become more advanced in recent years, with demand continually shifting prices. One flight can change prices several times in a single day. While the sophistication of ticket pricing models means that there is no single magic day when it comes to grabbing a bargain, there are still better – and worse – times to book flights.
Recent data from booking sites and search engines does reveal patterns worth noting. Expedia’s latest Air Hacks report, based on large amounts of global booking data, found that Sunday is now the cheapest day to book. According to its research, people who booked on Sundays saved about 6% on domestic flights and up to 17% on international journeys compared with booking on a Monday or Friday. That might only be a small saving on a single ticket, but it adds up for a family or group.
Airlines now change prices frequently rather than offering big sales on a single day. If a flight is selling quickly, the price may rise even if it is a Sunday or Tuesday. If it is selling slowly, it may drop on any random afternoon.
Travel experts Ski Vertigo suggest that people should pay more attention to when they are travelling and how far in advance they are booking, because those factors have a clearer impact on price. For many routes, the best time to book falls around one to three months before departure. Booking almost a year ahead is often not the cheapest option, and leaving it to the last few days can be even worse, especially for busy routes.
Skyscanner’s recent trends report tell a similar story. It suggests booking around one to three months ahead for many short-haul trips, and roughly two to six months in advance for a lot of international flights. The exact sweet spot still depends on where you are going and when, but the general pattern is clear: there is usually a broad window where prices are more reasonable, rather than one perfect date circled on a calendar.
Ski Vertigo’s advice is that booking early is “by far the most reliable method” for periods such as Christmas, New Year and February half-term, when chalets and flights fill up quickly and prices rise as seats disappear. For people who are flexible on dates and departure airports, last-minute bargains can save some money. But they warn that this is a high-risk tactic and not a sensible way to plan a family holiday that has to fit around school terms.
The day you actually fly, as opposed to booking, seems to have more impact on price. Expedia’s analysis shows that Saturday departures often offer the cheapest domestic fares, while Thursday stands out as a good day for international journeys. This fits with a simple pattern: when most people want to fly – such as Fridays after work and Sundays before the new week – prices tend to be higher. When demand falls, fares follow.
For anyone trying to cut costs, this means being flexible where possible. If you can move your trip by a day or two, it is worth checking what happens to the price when you switch from a Sunday to a Saturday, or from a Friday to a Thursday. Tools such as Google Flights and Skyscanner make this easy by displaying a calendar of fares and allowing you to set price alerts for specific routes. You can see at a glance which days are cheaper and get an email when the fare drops.
In the end, there is no single secret day that works for every trip. The strongest patterns are simple: avoid obvious rush times when everyone else wants to book, aim for the sensible booking window before you travel, choose quieter days to fly where you can, and use price alerts to track changes. Treated this way, the idea of the “perfect time” to book becomes a useful guide rather than a stressful guessing game – and it can help you reach your next holiday without paying more than you need to.
