Holiday tips tricks and hacks

IF you think a getaway to a gorgeous Greek island means forking out for an expensive holiday, think again.

We’ve scoured the internet for some of the cheapest Greek island holiday deals, and we’ve found absolute steals to spots like Santorini and Rhodes.

Whether you want to party til dawn on Zante’s legendary strip, zip down waterslides with the kids in Crete, or live a luxury lifestyle for less in Santorini, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s our top picks for Greek island getaways, with week-long package holidays starting from £185pp.

Zante – £210pp

Situated a stone’s throw from the beach with a shimmering outdoor pool and a quirky cocktail bar, the Canadian Hotel in Zante’s Laganas is an ideal stay in Zante.

The hotel has everything you’ll need for a sunny holiday.

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This includes a sizeable swimming pool, plus extras like a library where you can grab a book and bike rentals.

Here you’re only a 15-minute stroll from Zante’s near mile-long strip, where you can relax with a cheap cocktail in beachfront bars.

Make sure to tick off a trip to Navagio Viewpoint to spot a fascinating shipwreck and watch the sun set at a clifftop restaurant at Porto Limnionas.

Book a seven-night room-only stay at the Canadian Hotel with return flights from London Stansted for £210pp.

Kavos, Corfu – £185pp

This adults-only hotel in Kavos is perfect for those who love to be in the heart of the action, as it sits smack-bang on the main strip.

Nightlife here is top-tier, with plenty of karaoke bars and Irish pubs along the strip to kick off your big night out.

Plus there’s mega nightclubs such as Future Club for unbeatable House and Techno nights, plus the buzz of Kavos Beach is only a five-minute stroll away.

For something more relaxing, head down to Agios Petros Beach – a quiet bay with luminously-blue waters.

Plus the Trabukos Beach Complex hotel has an outdoor pool lined with loungers, parasols and even beachy egg chairs – perfect for chilling in the sun.

Book a seven-night room-only stay at the Trabukos Beach Complex – Adults Only, including return flights from London Luton, for £185pp.

Kos – £329pp

Kos is the ideal pick for an affordable, sun-drenched island holiday, with miles of golden sand beaches and turquoise waters begging for a dip.

Here you’ll find fascinating Roman and medieval attractions like the Roman Odeon and the Asclepieion – an ancient temple where Hippocrates taught.

For some lesser-known things to do, check out the bubbling volcanic hot springs at Embros Thermae.

Or stroll the flower-lined streets of the mountaintop village of Zia.

Stay at the Kipriotis Village Resort, a hotel themed to look like a traditional Aegan village, where Roman ruins overlook a large swimming pool.

Book a five-night all inclusive stay, with return flights from London Stansted, for £329pp.

Rhodes – £299pp

With 300+ days of sunshine a year, picturesque whitewashed villages and plenty of waterparks and family attractions, Rhodes is a popular pick for a reason.

Some of the island’s best beaches include Anthony Quinn Bay, where thick pine trees shelter a quiet, sparkling cove, and Tsambika Beach.

It’s a top choice for families thanks to its shallow waters and watersports available.

Rhodes is also home to a spectacularly-preserved medieval Old Town and buzzing resorts like Faliraki, making the island a true all-rounder.

The Rose Hotel in Faliraki is a peaceful pick with an outdoor pool surrounded by vibrant green gardens – a family-run hotel with a friendly feel.

Book a five-night self-catering stay, with return flights from Edinburgh, for £299pp.

Crete – £439pp

Greece’s largest island, Crete, is a surprisingly affordable option given just how stunning its scenery is.

While the Elounda area is known for its glam, ultra-luxury resorts, you can head further west along the coast for those same sparkling seas and beaches for a fraction of the cost.

Here you’ll find gorgeous Greek fishing villages like Milatos, which has plenty of traditional tavernas, a tranquil beach and unique attractions like Milatos Cave, which has a small church built inside.

Head into nearby Heraklion for affordable boat trips and a to visit Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which houses the best of the island’s ancient history.

The Minos Imperial Luxury Beach Resort Milatos is a five-star beachfront resort with seven pools, a spa and amazing food and drink including a barbecue restaurant on the beach.

Book a four-night stay with breakfast, with return flights from London Gatwick, for £439pp.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

REMEMBER when finding a £1 pint on holiday was the norm? Those days feel a long way off. 

Just like here in the UK, classic holiday hotspots have seen food and drink prices creep up over the last few years.

And now, in plenty of major resorts, the old-school £1 beer is nothing more than a nostalgic memory.

But as a holiday expert, I knew the mythical £1 pint hadn’t vanished entirely.

So, I went digging, trawling holiday reviews and local expat forums and cross-referenced Facebook groups.

I even tapped up every contact I have working in hotels overseas.

And I have great news: the £1 pint is alive and kicking… you just have to know exactly which backstreets to turn down.

Even better, every single spot below is a destination where I clocked a full package holiday for under £400 per person. Or £401 if you want your first pint thrown in…

Benidorm, Spain

If there’s one destination refusing to let the £1 pint disappear quietly, it’s Benidorm.

People love to moan that the strip isn’t as cheap as it used to be, and to be fair, they’re almost right.

But every time I go looking for a proper value holiday, Benidorm still 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-school Benidorm spirit is alive and kicking.

I even clocked a five-night stay at the Terralta Apartments, flying direct from Bristol at the end of September on a self-catering basis, from just £260pp.

Aside from putting you well within striking distance of Uncle Ron’s, the real draw at this hotel is the massive lagoon-style pool area that features its own dedicated poolside supermarket.

It means you can stock your apartment fridge with cheap local snacks and ice-cold cans at local residents’ prices without having to lug heavy shopping bags back from the town centre.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Sunny Beach has spent years dominating the European holiday market when it comes to budget trips, and in 2026 it certainly hasn’t lost its crown.

The beaches and weather here really live up to the name, and your spending money stretches ridiculously far when you get there.

Whenever I’ve visited, I’ve stopped bothering to convert prices back into pounds after day one because everything is just SO cheap.

For the ultimate bargain brew though, Bulgaria-obsessed holidaymakers point straight to The Funny Pub, which regularly slashes its local lager prices down to the £1 mark during daytime promotions.

You can lock in five nights at the Aparthotel Cote Da Zure, flying direct from Luton on a self-catering basis, from a crazily low £160pp.

And the perk of this specific property is that every room comes with a proper, deep balcony overlooking a quiet green pine forest lot.

It gives you a peaceful, scenic spot to pre-drink your bargain beers before heading out onto the main prom to chase £1 pints all night.

Marmaris, Turkey

Every time I check booking data, Marmaris tends to dominate the dashboard.

Thanks to the great exchange rate, British holidaymakers get unbelievable buying power the second they step off the plane.

When I asked around to find out where experts would send a mate for a rock-bottom pint, the Crazy Daisy Bar topped the list, famously keeping local draft beers around the £1 mark during their extended afternoon happy hours.

So I went and tracked down five nights at the Grand Villa Sol Apart, flying direct from Manchester in September on a self-catering basis, from £335pp.

And the restaurant team at this hotel are kind of famous too.

They cook up a traditional Turkish clay-pot stew on-site that beats most of the overpriced tourist traps on the main marina, letting you secure a top-tier local meal for pocket change right by your sunbed.

Sarande, Albania

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep shouting it from the rooftops: if you want to catch the next massive travel trend before the crowds ruin it, get to Albania.

The water is stunningly clear, the Balkan scenery is stellar, and because the tourism infrastructure is still developing, the prices haven’t quite caught up with the quality yet.

When asked about tracking down a £1 pint here, a couple of people in the office laughed and told me I’d probably get change back from a quid if I ordered a local lager at Jericho Cocktail Bar on the front.

I found a six-night stay at Hotel Vola, flying direct from Luton with breakfast included, from just £235pp. And for a coastal spot that feels like a hidden Mediterranean secret, which is huge value.

The standout feature at this hotel, for me, is the private beach access.

They have cordoned off a quiet, rocky swimming platform directly below the hotel with free loungers.

This allows you to bypass the crowded public beach clubs and swim in the exact same pristine Ionian water for zero extra cost.

Ayia Napa, Cyprus

Ayia Napa still suffers from a bit of an old-school 90’s clubbing reputation, which I think is really unfair.

The coast here boasts some of the finest sand in Europe, the sea is bath-warm well into autumn, and because it sits so far south, you get guaranteed scorching sun long after the rest of Europe has started cooling down.

If you want a £1 beer here, head straight to Senior Frog’s, where they regularly run afternoon drink promos designed to keep your spending money intact.

I found a great deal nearby too, with five nights at the Green Bungalows Hotel Apartments, flying direct from Gatwick at the end of September on a self-catering basis, from £275pp – which makes this deal an absolute shoulder season winner. 

And what I loved about these bungalows was the outdoor hot tub and courtyard setup – they’ve built a massive, open-air hot tub right beside the main pool bar, meaning you can wind down in the evening heat with a cheap drink without having to head into the busiest parts of the resort.

Laganas, Zante

Zante is another island that gets judged far too quickly based on the main strip. 

Walk ten minutes away from the neon signs and you’re looking at beautiful turtle-nesting beaches, traditional family tavernas, and some of the clearest water in Greece.

For a budget pint, the Rescue Club is the staple shout, running massive seasonal daytime promos that knock local drafts down to the £1 mark.

I even found five nights at the Acapulco Marinos Apartments, flying direct from Manchester at the end of September on a self-catering basis, from £385pp.

It’s a cracking price for a Greek island, and what I love about this family-run spot is their on-site traditional olive grove garden… Not what you’d expect in Zante, eh?

The family actually harvests their own olives right on the grounds to make homemade oil for the pool bar snacks, giving you a proper, authentic slice of Greek island hospitality right at your sunbed.

Prague, Czech Republic

I couldn’t write an article about cheap beer without including the absolute capital of lager.

No, it doesn’t have a beach, but if your idea of a holiday involves wandering historic cobbled streets and dropping into ancient beer halls, it’s unbeatable.

While the centre has indeed gotten pricier over the years, lots of people pointed me toward U Zlateho Tygra (don’t ask me how to pronounce that), a historic pub where a world-class Czech Pilsner still costs around about a quid.

You can grab a city break at the Bohem Prague Hotel, flying direct from Bristol in early September on a room-only basis, from just £175pp (is it me, or are trains to and from Manchester and London more expensive than that these days?)

The real win at the Bohem though is its location in the Smichov district.

This hotel sits completely outside the overpriced tourist zones, putting you right next to the local Staropramen neighborhood bars where food and drink prices drop by 50 per cent compared to the Old Town Square.

Cheers to that!

All prices were accurate at the time of writing but may vary.

WEEKEND plans in the UK can easily burn through a hundred quid these days – so why not spend that exact same cash on a European getaway instead?

Travel companies Wowcher and Loveholidays offer city breaks that bundle your return flights and hotel stays together, all for £99 or less.

Whether you want to sip world-class beers in hidden cellar bars, or soak up the sunshine by a gorgeous Italian lake, here are five city breaks you can snap up now starting at £79pp.

Lake Como – £79

Rub shoulders with celebs at Italy‘s most glamorous lake without paying Hollywood prices.

Here you can cruise across sparkling waters, ride the funicular railway for panoramic mountain views, and tuck into delicious risottos at a waterfront trattoria.

Spend your days in Lake Como exploring historic cobblestone towns and lush botanical gardens right on the water’s edge.

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This Wowcher deal includes a stay at the traditional B&B Hotel Como, which recently won a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice award.

Wowcher offer a two night break to Lake Como with return flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Bristol or Edinburgh, from £79pp.

Krakow – £89

Lose yourself in the cobblestone charm of Poland‘s cultural capital, where fairytale spires tower over Europe’s largest medieval market square.

Feast on traditional dumplings by day before wandering the glowing historic streets and exploring underground cellar bars by night.

From the trendy cafes of the old Jewish Quarter to the grand castle overlooking the winding river, Krakow packs masses of history into every corner.

This bargain Wowcher deal bundles in your return flights and a stay at the charming Hotel Yarden by Artery Hotels, right in the heart of the city.

Wowcher offer a two night break to Krakow with return flights from Newcastle, Edinburgh, London Bristol or Manchester from £95pp.

Barcelona – £99

Spend a whirlwind weekend in Barcelona to try tasty tapas, visit golden beaches, and tick off a visit to the jaw-dropping Sagrada Familia.

Wander the winding alleys of the Gothic Quarter before dipping into buzzing bars along La Rambla.

When the sun goes down, head to the hidden neighbourhood plazas like Plaça del Pi to drink cold beer under the palms.

This brilliant Wowcher deal bundles your return flights with a stay at the modern, four-star Eurostars Executive hotel.

Wowcher offer a two night break to Barcelona with return flights from Edinburgh, London Birmingham or Manchester for £99pp.

Prague – £99

Escape to Prague on a fairytale break where the streets are filled with soaring stone spires and historic castles.

Here, winding cobblestone streets hide traditional taverns and cellar bars pouring world-class lager.

Vibrant market stalls fill the sprawling Wenceslas Square, while the famous Astronomical Clock draws lively crowds to the historic Old Town.

This Loveholidays getaway pairs your return flights with an easy stay at the automated, digital-entry Royal Court Legerova apartments.

Loveholidays offer a two night break to Prague with return flights from London Luton for £99.

Venice – £99

Tick off a trip to romantic Venice with this cheap Loveholidays city break deal.

You can hop onto a public water bus for a few euros and cruise down bustling waterways, passing striped-shirt gondoliers along the way.

Stop off at a traditional neighborhood tavern to wash down bite-sized cicchetti snacks with a glass of bright orange Aperol spritz.

Loveholidays is offering flights plus a stay at the traditional Venetian hotel Agli Artisti, situated steps from the Grand Canal.

Loveholidays offer a two night break to Venice in November with return flights from London Luton for £99.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

IT MAY be sizzling at the moment – but set your sights on winter breaks to bag some real value.

Now is the best time to book a Christmas getaway, says Sophie Swietochowski, with prices as low as they go for the next few weeks. You can try out these top deals . . . 

WINTER SUN IN EGYPT

THOSE wanting to spend Christmas on the beach in luxury lodgings should set their sights on Hurghada.

It’s around a five-hour flight, temperatures will reach 23C and you’ll be waited on hand and foot.

You can score a cracking deal with easyJet if you book before July 21, using the code FOOTBALL26.

There’s £100 off a seven-night B&B getaway to the 4H Cook’s Club El Gouna with a new price from £876pp based on two sharing and including flights from Bristol on December 19.

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See easyjet.com/en/holidays.

SANTA IN LAPLAND

IF bucket list is what you’re after, that’s what you’ll get when you whisk the kids off to Finnish Lapland.

Who wouldn’t dream of seeing Santa Claus on Christmas Day?

The Suomo resort will take your breath away, with its thick woodland coated in fresh snow, and cosy wooden lodges where you can hunker down with some wine or a board game around a roaring fireplace.

Along with feeding the reindeer, little ones will get to join the elves filtering through letters and go husky sledding or tobogganing, all while wrapped in their snowsuit and boots — free for all guests.

The four-night package costs from £1,890pp based on a family of four sharing and includes all of the experiences mentioned above, plus flights from Stansted on December 23.

You’ll stay in the Scandi-decorated Arctic Circle Hotel with all meals included and a meeting and gift from Santa.

See canterburytravel.com.

MICKEY IN PARIS

DISNEY doesn’t come cheap, no matter what time of year you visit, but if you book now you can bag seriously good deals over Christmas.

Disney Enchanted Christmas brings the magic from November 7 to January 6 and this season, for the first time, the joy will spread beyond Disneyland Park as you celebrate in Arendelle style in World Of Frozen.

Queen Anna, Elsa ,Olaf and friends, will welcome guests into the Kingdom of Arendelle at Disney Adventure World, plus there are carol singalongs and character meet-and-greets.

Three nights’ room-only in Disney’s Santa Fe hotel is from £745.96pp based on a family of four sharing, flying from Heathrow on December 23.

This price includes four days’ worth of park tickets for the whole family.

See disneyholidays.co.uk.

AMSTERDAM MARKETS

SOME cities simply come alive in winter ­— and Amsterdam is undoubtedly one of those.

The frosted canals of the Netherlands city are lit up by old-fashioned lampposts and pokey cafes serve up piping- hot mugs of Choco- mel spiked with rum to give it some extra warmth.

The Christmas markets will be in full force in the lead-up to the big day.

But these are not your stereotypical tat stalls — everything here if authentically Dutch.

Don’t forget to sample the oliebollen — warm doughballs dunked in powdery icing sugar.

Check in at the 4H Leonardo Museumhotel Amsterdam City Centre which is slap-bang in the heart of the action.

Four nights’ room-only costs from £485pp based on two people sharing and including flights from Liverpool on December 23.

See onthebeach.co.uk.

SKIING IN ANDORRA

Few scenes are more spectacular at Christmas time than those from the top of a snow-drenched ski slope, the sun reflecting off the mountain-scape.

Crystal Ski has some great deals at the moment, including this one to Andorra. The resort of Grandvalira is perfect for both pros and beginners, with one of the largest ski domains in Europe, home to a whopping 215 km of interconnected slopes, meaning there’s great variety.

These pistes are often praised for their world-class ski schools that exceed many others in Europe, plus it’s a little more affordable than the Alps.

Seven nights’ half board at the 4* Residence Pas de la Casa Alaska is from £825pp based on two people sharing including flights from Gatwick on December 20.

See crystalski.co.uk.

FANCY bagging a sunny getaway at a European resort from £9.50?

You don’t need to spend a fortune to book a family break abroad, because our famous £9.50 Hols unlock some of the biggest and best holiday resorts across Europe.

We’re talking massive pool complexes, thrilling waterslides, and doorstep access to gorgeous beaches – plus quirky perks like on-site bakeries with fresh bread delivered straight to your door.

Good news – new dates will be released for all of the following European holiday parks plus more on Wednesday, July 8.

But if you want to beat the crowds and bag yourself a bargain before they all sell out, make sure to sign up to Sun Club.

Sun Club members will get exclusive access to these holidays an entire day early, scoring the best deals before anybody else.

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Whether you want to lounge under banana trees in Spain, explore ancient Rome from a shaded pine forest, or splash in Croatia’s clear blue seas, these action-packed parks have something for everyone.

Here’s our selection of the mega European holiday parks you can book with Hols from £9.50.

La Torre del Sol, Costa Dorada, Spain

While the kids are busy splashing around in a dedicated pirate pool and splash park, adults can kick back with a cocktail under the shade of lush banana trees at La Torre del Sol.

Centred around a massive swimming pool, this pretty resort is styled with Roman and Moorish designs.

There are plenty of ways to keep the energy high with table tennis, bike rentals, and evening family discos.

But the best way to unwind at this resort is going for a relaxing soak in a hot tub in the unique shape of a snake.

Millau Plage, France

Sat on the edge of France‘s Tarn River among rolling green hills and deep rock gorges, this holiday park is a total outdoor playground.

Here you can set off on a canoe or paddleboard onto the water, have a game of basketball or football on the multi-sports pitch, plus kids can tire themselves out on the outdoor adventure course.

Plus you could even hire a bike on-site and load up a picnic with fresh food from the park’s very own bakery, then pedal off to explore the nearby town of Millau.

When you return, you can unwind in your modern holiday home. Each spacious unit comes with full self-catering facilities and a private outdoor space.

Fabulous, Lazio, Italy

Surrounded by a sprawling 70 acres of beautiful pinewoods, Fabulous is an aptly-names resort that sits on Italy‘s Ostia coast.

The area was once a bustling port city in Ancient Rome, and while there is plenty of history and nature here to explore, the resort itself is packed with top tier amenities.

You can spend your days alternating between a massive outdoor pool and a lazy lagoon, catching thrills on the waterslide, or soaking in the whirlpool.

Plus the resort is a convenient 30-minute drive away from the centre of Rome, where you can tick off all of the must-see sites and restaurants.

Bella Austria

Set in a landscape of massive mountains and vibrant meadows, Bella Austria looks just like a film set.

Tucked away in the rural Katschtal Valley, this active park is built for outdoor adventures.

Nature lovers can set off on scenic hiking trails, guided countryside tours, and cycling routes down to the nearby Mur River.

When you aren’t out exploring the local villages, the resort keeps the whole family happy with a mini animal farm, sports pitches, and a traditional Austrian wellness area complete with saunas.

Park Umag, Istria, Croatia

Facing the turquoise Adriatic Sea, Park Umag is a massive, lively resort on Croatia‘s Istrian peninsula.

With direct beach access, it features two miles of waterfront promenade and Blue Flag beaches that are perfect for exploring on hired bikes.

When you aren’t off exploring the local beaches, the site keeps everyone busy with two seafront pools, waterslides, water zorbing and an inflatable obstacle course.

There’s also four restaurants, a pizzeria as well as supermarkets and a traditional market on-site – so you won’t go hungry.

Orbitur Valverde, The Algarve, Portugal

Imagine waking up to freshly-baked bread delivered to your door before spending the day out exploring the Portuguese coast.

That’s what’s on offer with a stay at Orbitur Valverde, a holiday park ideal for those who love the outdoors.

Tucked between The Algarve‘s Lagos and Praia da Luz, the resort has a wealth of dramatic coastal walks and sweeping sandy beaches right on your doorstep.

On-site there’s an action-packed itinerary of golfing, horse riding, and scenic boat trips that will fill your days with adventure.

SUN Hols from £9.50 are back!

Hundreds of new Hols from £9.50 are being released across holiday parks in the UK and Europe this July.

To be among the first to bag your holiday for under a tenner, make sure to sign up to Sun Club.

While Sun readers collecting codes can access hundreds of new hols from July 8, Sun Club subscribers can bag the best deals a whole day early on July 7.

This gives Sun Club members priority in booking their desired dates and places at popular parks that might soon sell out.

To help you pick a park, our Queen of £9.50 Holidays Tracy Kennedy is here to share some of her favourite spots.

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She’s picked her top holiday parks in beautifully British seaside towns with beachfront sports bars, waterslides and more.

Here’s Tracy’s guide to her favourite British seaside towns, and their holiday parks where you can stay from £9.50.

Lower Hyde, Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Tracy said: “The best holiday park I’ve ever been to is Lower Hyde on the Isle of Wight – that is my firm favourite. I’ve returned several times because my family and I really liked it.

“There’s loads to do on site itself, it’s actually one of the only sites where we didn’t mind spending the entire day there. There’s plenty of nature trails around the park, and there’s also an adventure park on site.

“The entertainment teams are top-quality at Lower Hyde and plenty is free compared to other parks.

“In the evenings, the entertainment starts off with discos and character meet and greets for the younger kids, with their own show. Then there’s some great bingo, followed by an adult game show.

“Later in the evening there’s more acts from visiting acts such as comedians or magicians, or a performance from the entertainment team.

“There’s then a disco until midnight, so you can stay there all night, if you fancy it.

“Lower Hyde also have a restaurant with really good pub-style food called The Barnhouse, plus they also have little food huts such as the Thunderbird Chicken shack and an ice cream parlour.

“The must-visit spot nearby is Shanklin. There’s lots of little artisan shops, and it’s not a far walk, about a 10-minute walk into the centre.

“If you walk further, it takes you into Shanklin Old Village. There’s a lovely little restaurant there called The Crab, with beautiful seafood.

“There is also the famous old thatched cottage from all the postcards. Not only is it lovely to look at, but it does afternoon tea inside (from £7.95).

Parkdean Resorts Newquay, Cornwall

Tracy said: “When I first arrived at Newquay Holiday Park I was totally flabbergasted. We stayed four days, and I don’t think it was long enough!

“The park has three outdoor pools which are perfect for hot days, and cracking evening entertainment.

“There’s also a 200ft-long waterslide and mini golf and amusements, which are perfect for a summer holiday.

“When you want to go out and explore Newquay itself, you’re only 10 minutes away by bus or car, and there’s buses right outside the park.

“Newquay is just beautiful. There’s 11 beaches there and they’re all gorgeous.

“There’s a traditional seaside promenade by Towan Beach too with seaside treats like candy floss and hot doughnuts.

“It’s great for families as there’s lots of cafes and places to sit down, an Asda if you need to pick up any last-minute bits, and the seafront here actually has proper toilets!

“We visited all the local beaches and walked past the hotel where the Roald Dahl film The Witches was made: The Headland.

“We also drove out to Port Isaac, and walked around where Doc Martin was filmed. All you have to do in these places is pay for is parking and bring your own food.

“Then you can just walk around and see all of these really cool filming locations, and that costs you nothing!”

Lyons Robin Hood, Rhyl, North Wales

Tracy said: “This site is really up-to-date. It’s recently undergone a £1.5m makeover, with all the new developments ready for this summer.

“Some of my favourite things about this park are the enthusiastic entertainment staff, as well as the food.

“The pool here is so good that my youngest went swimming every single day. It has a brand-new splash zone, three super slides and even a spa for the adults.

“It’s just had activities like go-karting added to the list of things to do, and there’s new sports courts and trampolines.

“I last went at Halloween and it was just absolutely fantastic, but the entertainment is great year-round too. The costume characters come out to meet the kids after shows.

“I’ve stayed in three levels of accommodation here, and I liked all of them. Each caravan was clean and spacious, with multiple big bedrooms, so you can’t go wrong here no matter what your budget is.

“I’d recommend going for the highest-ranking caravan option if you can, which is a platinum. We’ve stayed in platinum and it’s lovely. We had a little bit of a balcony that we had our coffee and drinks on.

“I usually like to bring my own food to save money, however the food here is just lovely and definitely worth the money.

“We had cod and chips (£6.95) from the on-site chip shop here and really enjoyed it – in fact, we had it twice because it was that good.

“There’s a beautiful beach just across the road from the park. You might even see some seals – we saw some on my last visit and I was so excited.

“Rhyl is just 5 minutes away, and there’s loads to do there. Shops, a massive marine lake, and my favourite – a miniature train that takes you around the town (£4 per adult £3 per child).

“A trip into Rhyl could even be a free day out if you planned for it. Pack a picnic, wander through its streets, plus there’s even a free attraction: Rhyl Museum and Arts Centre.

Seal Bay, West Sussex

Tracy said: “Seal Bay is a very popular holiday park, and for good reason.

“The site feels like one big party park. It’s got its own fairground on-site, and it’s directly on the beach.

“There’s a free bus that picks you up and takes you where you want all around the park – which is especially great if you’re not so mobile.

“The entertainment here is spectacular. It’s not just your standard holiday park shows, there’s aerial performances, fire eaters and all sorts.

“They’ve got a great sports bar too, and its right on the beach. So you don’t even have to leave site if you don’t want to.

“Plus there’s a lovely outdoor seating area where you can have Greek gyros, burritos and ice cream. My teenager loves her takeaways!

“If you do want to get off-site and explore, you can go to Bognor Regis for the day.

“Bognor is a truly Great British seaside town. It’s got a beautiful seafront, a small traditional pier, and all the classics like hot doughnuts and fish and chip shops by the sea.

“You could easily spend a full day in Chichester, too.

“It’s a historical town with a great big cathedral and lots of interesting things to do, like museums and galleries.”

“Seal Bay is also one of the parks that offers dates during the school holidays with Hols from £9.50 – and you’re not going to get a holiday there any cheaper if you book direct.

“So if you’ve been wanting to visit a popular site like this one, it’s definitely worth doing it through £9.50 Holidays.

HUNDREDS of new £9.50 holidays are set to land this July – including popular holiday parks with previously sold-out dates.

Over at club950.co.uk, Sun readers will soon be able to bag themselves a bargain break at a range of holiday parks across the UK and Europe.

Ahead of the new drop of holidays, our Hols from £9.50 Agony Aunt Tracy Kennedy is here to answer your questions.

Tracy Kennedy has been taking £9.50 holidays for 30 years, and has tried and tested holiday parks everywhere from the Isle of Wight to Wales, and nearly 300,000 follow her advice online about taking The Sun’s budget breaks.

This week, she is answering everything from how to actually book yourself a £9.50 holiday, to the most peaceful holiday parks with walking trails.

You can ask Tracy your own question by filling out the form. As we release each Q&A with Tracy, one lucky reader will be picked to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Read more on £9.50 holidays

HOL YEAH!

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HOLS AT HOME

UK beaches we rate BETTER than abroad – with stays from £12pp a night

This week’s winner of a £100 Amazon voucher is Charlotte Varns. Congratulations, Charlotte!

https://thesun.formstack.com/forms/js.php/travel_agony_aunt_2026Online Form – 9.50 Hols Agony Aunt – 2026

Are there any more ways to get a £9.50 holiday this year?

Skye Sinclair

Yes, there is! There is another lot of £9.50 holidays coming in July.

Sun Club members can book from one minute past midnight on July 7, and people collecting codes will be able to book from Wednesday July 8.

If you’ve never done a £9.50 holiday before, there are a few different ways to do it.

You can collect the codes that will appear in the newspaper each day, or join Sun Club (£1.99 per month) and book without having to buy the paper and collect the codes.

Before all of this, make sure to go and have a look on the £9.50 holiday website to see which parks are available that you’d like to go to.

The holidays start from £9.50 per person, and yes you can really book them for that cheap.

Then it’s up to you if you want to upgrade your accommodation or add on any passes.

So your cheapest holiday for a family of four would be £38 – I have never found a holiday online any cheaper than that!

Do you have regular go to easy meals that you like to make when you go on holiday in a caravan?

Emma Bush

I cook quite a lot when I go away on holiday, and if I’m going to be cooking, it’s got to be quick and easy.

No roast dinners or fancy meals here – some people in my group do that in their caravans, and I think it’s great!

But for me I always bring cupboard foods like pasta and sauces, so that I always have something quick and easy to cook.

Another one of my favourites is hot dogs. They take just minutes to make and will cost you far less than any of the fancy, expensive ones they sell on-site.

Most caravans will come with a fully-equipped kitchen with microwaves, hobs and a full oven, so you might as well make use of them and save yourself some money.

Another one of my favourite quick and easy meals to make is grabbing a hot rotisserie chicken from the supermarket and serving it with some potatoes and salad.

It’s very simple and you can do so much with the leftovers.

Which holiday parks are ideal for the elderly? Something quiet with some nice dog walks?

Charlotte Varns

My top tip for finding a quiet park is to go on holiday during school term time.

That way the parks will be much quieter, and you’ll often get a better deal outside of the school holidays, too.

In terms of specific parks, a few come to mind. North Wales is lovely and has some beautiful walks, so I’d recommend a few of the parks there.

Lyons Robin Hood is a relaxing holiday park with direct beach access.

Ty Mawr, Lyons Lido Beach and Golden Sands Rhyl are other options which all have beautiful coastal walks nearby.

Outside of Wales, I think Cherry Tree in Norfolk is a lovely option. Norfolk is very flat, so you can get out for walks and it won’t be too challenging.

Are the entertainment passes included, or do you buy them additionally?

Jonathan Smith

Usually the entertainment passes are additional add-ons.

But my secret tip would be to check online first, as there are actually some £9.50 parks that will include your entertainment passes in the price on certain dates.

Park Holidays Pakefield offers club room passes for free for all dates. Park Holidays Sand Le Mere also offers the same.

Make sure to research this ahead of time, as lots of other parks will also offer free passes for specific dates.

What are your recommendations for the most accessible sites?

Tracey Layton

Firstly, always make sure to call your holiday park and let them know that you will need an accessible caravan.

Lower Hyde in Shanklin is a great option, and if you’d like to go out and visit the beach there’s even a lift that takes you down to the seafront.

Plus to get to the beach lift from Lower Hyde, the ground is completely flat.

I’d also recommend Camber Sands holiday park. It’s a beautiful site that is also very flat, and you’ll have the beach right on your doorstep.

Some places across the UK have also started offering beach wheelchairs for hire.

If you’re wanting to visit a beachfront holiday park, I’d recommend looking up if the local beaches offer this.

YOU don’t need to board a flight for massive waterparks, thrilling rollercoasters and sunset open-air movie nights.

The UK is home to some incredible mega resorts that pack in all the entertainment your family could want.

And the best part is that you can book them with Hols from £9.50.

Hundreds of new £9.50 holidays are set to land over at club950.co.uk this July.

To be among the first to access them, make sure to sign up to Sun Club.

While those collecting codes in the paper can access the hols from July 8, Sun Club members can log on a whole day early on July 7.

Read more on holiday parks

HOT DEAL

Last-minute cheap breaks to UK holiday parks this sunny weekend from £11pp a night

CELEB SPOT

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Being able to book an entire day early can make all the difference, as popular parks and dates send to sell out fast. Sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month, and you’l be ahead of the booking crowds.

We’ve rounded up some of the biggest and best UK holiday parks with new dates dropping with the July £9.50 Hols top-up.

These include the UK’s biggest holiday park, and a popular beachfront resort with its own on-site theme park and waterpark.

Here’s our selection of the mega UK holiday parks you can book with Hols from £9.50 this July.

Unity Beach, Brean

Unity Beach in Somerset is a huge award-winning resort with plenty to do for families, plus you’re just steps away from the seven mile stretch of beach at Brean Sands.

This park boasts its own theme park, Brean Theme Park, which the largest in the South West. It has over 40 attractions, including outdoor rollercoasters, classic dodgems and a log flume.

The park also has its own waterpark, Unity Splash, which is reopening this summer with new upgrades. There’s both an indoor and outdoor splash zone, with waterslides and rubber ring rides.

And if that’s not enough, there’s axe throwing, crossbow shooting, a trampoline park, indoor soft play and a nine hole golf course.

Billing Aquadrome, Northampton

Spread across 235 acres of parkland and lakes, Billing Aquadrome in Northamptonshire is a massive playground for family entertainment.

This newly-upgraded site is packed with unique activities, from a BMX pump track and alpaca feeding to paddleboard hire and its very own miniature railway.

The park puts on plenty of outdoor entertainment like silent discos and outdoor cinema shows, plus you can grab a bite at the on-site burger joint or dessert shop.

Then end your nights by retreating back to a cosy lakeside pod right on the water.

Golden Sands, Rhyl

Golden Sands Holiday Park in the traditional 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.

Trecco Bay, Porthcawl

As one of Europe’s largest holiday parks, and the biggest in the UK, it’s no surprise that there’s no shortage of things to do at Trecco Bay.

Explore the sprawling pool with aqua jets that help you twist and turn under the water, or hop in an aqua paddler mini boat or inflatable jet ski and take in the views from up top.

Back on dry land there’s bumper zorbing and an outdoor battlefield for NERF guns, plus pirate-themed golf and a Make a Bear zone where kids can create their own cuddly friend to take home.

When it comes to food and drink, you can pick from well known eateries like Papa Johns pizza, Burger King, Thunderbird Fried Chicken and sip on Costa Coffee.

Plus the town of Porthcawl is right on your doorstep, with multiple Blue Flag beaches, a scenic promenade to stroll and a funfair to enjoy.

Lighthouse Leisure, Dumfries

Just a stone’s throw away from the local beach and its landmark lighthouse, Lighthouse Leisure is a coastal, family-run park with a warm and friendly feel.

Entertainment here offers all the holiday park classics from kids evening discos to bingo, karaoke and race nights.

The site also has a heated indoor pool perfect for rainy days, plus an outdoor adventure playground that kids love to climb.

From here it’s a 28 minute drive to Dumfries, where you can take the kids to meet the animals at Dalscone Farm Fun or explore the massive ruins of Caerlaverock Castle.

OUR Spotlight On column takes an indepth look at the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as shining a light on the lesser-known spots.

This week, we look at the historic Hertfordshire city of St Alban’s, home to more pubs per square mile than any other UK destination.

The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski is a local, and knows all the best spots.

She said: “Despite being an action-packed city, just a 20-minute train ride from the UK’s capital, St Albans has managed to maintain a village-y feel with cosy cafes run by locals and tiny boutiques selling hand-painted homeware.

“It’s absolutely crawling with fascinating history and claims to be home to the oldest pub in Britain, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks – a local rumour claims that a set of old tunnels, dug by monks, lurk beneath the pub leading all the way up the hill to the cathedral.

“Every Saturday and Wednesday, the streets are full of traders flogging from tiny market stalls.

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“First established in 860, it is said to be the second oldest market in the UK.”

Here are some other top tips including where to stay.

MUST SEE/DO

Hertfordshire’s only city has a fascinating history dating back more than 2,000 years.

St Albans was a huge hub in the Roman era and you can still see the remains of an ancient wall when you stroll around the 100-acre Verulamium Park.

The striking cathedral is one of the city’s main attractions, and daily tours are free.

Be sure to swing by the cafe there for some seriously tasty sausage rolls.

HIDDEN GEM

Not many people know that you can watch a play in an actual Roman theatre. Upcoming plays at the Roman Theatre include Sherlock Holmes, The Importance Of Being Earnest and Twelfth Night.

The venue is entirely outdoors so bring your own blanket, or you can rent one on site. There’s also a bar. BEST VIEW: The Clock Tower, dating back to 1405, stands in pride of place at the foot of the city’s cobbled high street.

It opens to the public every weekend and bank holiday from 10.30am until 5pm and visitors can climb to the top for great views of the town and surrounding countryside.

An action-packed market runs every Saturday from behind the tower, so you can use the Clock Tower as a vantage point from which to plot out which stalls you want to visit.

RATED RESTAURANT

The Silver Palate, a local deli just behind the Clock Tower, serves knock-out sandwiches and smoothies.

For something a little fancier, French restaurant Hazels puts some of London’s classiest dining spots to shame with its cracking sharing menu that changes weekly.

Expect dishes like smoked ham hock and Parmesan croquettes, as well as spiced lamb-ragu hummus.

Also drop into Glaze bakery for a pastry or dessert. You may recognise owner Oli from his witty videos on social media.

BEST BAR

The Boot, housed in a dinky Grade II-listed building, is slap-bang in the city centre.

But if the sun is shining, head to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, which has an excellent pub garden that borders the park.

For something a little classier, Suckerpunch does sophisticated cocktails.

HOTEL PICK

McFly‘s Tom Fletcher and singer Rochelle Humes are among the stars who have stayed at swanky 5H hotel Sopwell House and enjoyed its lush spa.

Rooms there start from a hefty £329 per night, but for something a little less eyewatering, head to the Samuel Ryder Hotel.

This centrally located joint is part of the Hilton brand and has rooms from £149 per night. See hilton.com.

GOOD news for those who love a bargain break – The Sun’s Holidays from £9.50 are back

Hundreds of new affordable holidays will be added to the Club 950 website this week, including breaks in both the UK and Europe.

And if you are signed up to Sun Club, you will be able to bag yourself a holiday a whole day early – giving you priority when booking.

A range of dates will be available for last-minute holidays for 2026, as well as breaks to book ahead for 2027.

Even some popular holiday parks that have previously sold out will have new dates added to book.

Traditionally, Sun readers were able to book their £9.50 holiday by buying papers and collecting the codes that would appear in print over a series of days.

Read more on £9.50 holidays

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And while this is still an option, there is a faster way to gain access to these £9.50 holidays.

If you sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 a month or £12 for a whole year, you can gain early access to the holidays on the £9.50 website.

Sun Club members will be able to access the new holidays a whole day early, from 00:01 on Tuesday, July 7.

Whereas everybody else, including those collecting codes or booking via Sun Savers, will have to wait until the morning on Wednesday, July 8.

Once you are a Sun Club member you simply click a link on the Sun Club offers hub to be taken straight through to the website, no codes needed.

And by logging in from one minute past midnight, you can be among the first to pick whichever holiday you’d like before they sell out.

There are hundreds of holiday parks to pick from on the Hols from £9.50 website, including popular UK parks and even beachfront resorts in places like Spain and Italy.

Some of the most popular UK holiday parks offered by Hols from £9.50 include Seal Bay in Chichester and Hendra in Newquay.

Holiday parks in Europe include the beachfront Playa Tropicana in Spain and Altomincio Family Park in Lake Garda.

But that’s not all for Sun Club members – there are plenty of other perks that come with signing up, too.

Sun Club members can claim free and discounted tickets to attractions and events across the UK, including top theme parks, darts nights and days out at the races.

In fact Tracy Kennedy, The Sun’s £9.50 Holiday Agony Aunt, saved £974 in one year on holidays and days out by being a Sun Club member.

Tracy totted up her savings from her £9.50 holidays as well as free and discounted attraction tickets, and was astonished to find out that she had saved herself nearly a grand across the year.

Current offers available for Sun Club members include up to 60% off West End shows, free racing tickets, and the cheapest tickets to Drayton Manor available anywhere.

There are also plenty of freebies up for grabs too, like free audiobooks, ebooks and a summer skincare bundle.

SUN Hols from £9.50 are back, with thousands more bargain breaks being released next week.

If you’re still looking to book an affordable holiday to look forward to with the family, then you’re in luck.

We’ve rounded up 9 of the top UK Hols from £9.50 resorts receiving NEW breaks to book from next week – and it turns out they are some of the most popular holiday parks among Sun readers.

BUT… if you want early access to be one of the first to bag a booking, then join Sun Club for £1.99 a month, or £12 for the year, as Sun Club members get priority access when booking.

Hols from £9.50 are set to be restocked on Wednesday, July 8, with thousands of new holidays available.

But if you want to book them earlier than anyone else, you should sign up to Sun Club for £1.99 per month, or £12 for the year.

Read more on £9.50 holidays

KID YOU NOT

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Sun Club members get access to the holidays from midnight on Tuesday, July 7, so will get the first pick of holidays.

Once you’re a member, go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find Hols From £9.50.

Follow the link from the offers page, and you can book your break from midnight on Tuesday, July 7.

Lighthouse Leisure

Two minutes’ walk from the beach and the picturesque lighthouse that gives this holiday park its name, Lighthouse Leisure is a well-located holiday park.

This family resort is in Dumfries, Scotland, a beautiful market town which sits on the Anglo-Scottish border.

Nearby family days out include meeting the animals at Dalscone Farm Fun, visiting impressive castles like Century Caerlaverock, and learning about the famous Scottish writer at the Robert Burns House.

The holiday park itself however has plenty to do, like an outdoor play park which kids love to climb and an entertainment lounge and bar that grown-ups love to retire to in the evenings.

And with family discos, bingo, karaoke nights and more, you’ll be sure to make some lasting family memories on holiday here.

Seal Bay Resort

Seal Bay was the number 1 most popular park with £9.50 holidaymakers last year, and you can still book a holiday there in time for this Easter.

With so many activities for families of all ages, it’s easy to see why this resort is such a big hit.

Kids can have a go on the park’s surfing simulator, tackle the climbing wall, or try their hand at digital darts, axe throwing and archery.

This resort sits smack-bang on the beachfront of Selsey, and accommodation includes everything from simple seaside caravans to luxurious glamping or beachfront pods.

All stays come with access to swimming pools and the resort’s top-rated entertainment, so there’s no need to fork out on extra passes.

Nearby there’s plenty of family attractions like the Harbour Park amusements and the Tangmere Military Aviation Museum.

Hayling Island Holiday Park

Just east of Portsmouth, Hayling Island is packed with family activities and golden beaches to explore.

At Hayling Island Holiday Park, kids will love the on-site splash park, arcades and adventure playground.

Plus activities like a Wipeout inflatable course, disc golf and ‘Tough Mutter’ dog agility course are hard to find elsewhere!

The park comes alive at sunset with evening entertainment, which ranges from Glow Show DJ Battles to Freddie Fever, a celebration of the band Queen.

End the night by heading back to a luxury caravan with your own hot tub, and you’ve done holiday parks right.

Parkdean Resorts Landguard

Landguard is a tranquil town surrounded by forest and golden beaches, and this holiday park has direct access to its shores.

Parkdean Resorts Landguard offers touring and camping, as well as caravans and cosy wooden lodges that are a perfect fit for the woodland surroundings.

Entertainment here is of a high-standard, with Parkdean classics like the Krew animal characters hosting meet and greets, as well as unique options like slime and squishy toy-making.

Landguard is also only a stone’s throw from Parkdean Lower Hyde, and guests can enjoy double the fun and double the facilities between both parks.

Parkdean Resorts Naze Marine

Walton-on-the-Naze is a charming countryside town by the sea, with a soft sand beach, seafront gardensa and a vintage pier to stroll.

The relaxing town is also only a few minutes’ drive to Frinton-on-Sea, another old-fashioned seaside town with plenty of walking routes waiting to be explored.

Parkdean Resorts Naze Marine is the ideal base to explore both areas, with cosy caravans that make the perfect retreat after a day out exploring.

Plus the on-site entertainment is well worth a visit here, with PAW Patrol Mighty Missions and Milkshake! mornings being just two of the exciting kids’ shows on offer.

Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park

Billing Aqudrome in Northamptonshire is 235 acres of non-stop activities that kids will love.

Kids can get off their devices and in touch with nature with survival skills, den building, pond dipping, or by hopping on a paddle board or pedalo.

Plus there’s loads of other unique activities like BMX rides, dance classes and alpaca feeding.

Evening entertainment includes is all-singing and all-dancing, with fun extras like silent discos and a large outdoor amphitheatre with performances.

If you want to make the most of the nature, choose to stay in a cosy lakeside pod, or even bring your own tent to get back to basics.

And when it comes to food and drinks, there’s plenty kids will love, like the Bak’D & Swirls dessert shop and Smash’d Town burger restaurant. There’s also healthier options like grazing boards available, too.

Parkdean Resorts Valley Farm

Parkdean Resorts Valley Farm has plenty to do, including both an indoor and outdoor pool, kid-friendly evening shows and lively bingo nights.

This fuss-free resort has caravans and lodges that are fully equipped with everything you’ll need for a stay, plus there’s accessible and dog-friendly options, too.

This holiday park is just 10 minutes’ walk from Clacton-on-Sea, the ideal seaside town for a family holiday.

Here you can jump on fairground rides, eat fish and chips by the sea, or test your luck on arcade games on the pier or at Clacton Pavilion.

Parkdean Resorts Lower Hyde

Lower Hyde Holiday Park combines some of the very best in entertainment with a top location and plenty of food and drink options.

Sit down for a bite to eat at the family-friendly Barnhouse Bar and Restaurant, or grab a snack from the ever-popular Scoops ice cream parlour or Thunderbird Chicken shack.

Nearby you can pop into the cafes and shops of Sandown, or explore the beaches and coves of the rugged coastline.

This park is also close to the scenic town of Shanklin, where thatched-roof cottages line the picturesque old town.

Guests at Parkdean Lower Hyde can also use the facilities of the nearby Parkdean Landguard Holiday Park.

Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay

Sat on the north coast of the Isle of Wight, Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay is a top pick for those who love beautiful natural landscapes.

The park sits within woodlands overlooking the sea, with plenty of coastal trails and walks on your doorstep.

But this peaceful location isn’t short on exciting things to do – here kids can enjoy zipping down the slide into the heated indoor swimming pool, or burn off some energy at the adventure playground or the sports courts.

There’s delicious dinner options at the Fish and Chippery, and top entertainment and cocktails at the Regatta View Showbar.

And you can end the night by catching some z’s in a comfy chalet, lodge or safari tent.

YOU don’t need to jet off abroad to guarantee a golden tan this summer.

With summer 2026 already showing up as an absolute scorcher, most of us are itching to get out and soak up the rays while they last.

We’ve rounded up the sunniest spots in the UK that see nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine per year.

Plus we’ve paired each spot with a cheap hotel deal, so you can book yourself a budget-friendly seaside staycation this summer.

Bognor Regis, West Sussex

With over 1,900 hours of sunshine per year, Bognor Regis has been crowned as one of the sunniest places in Britain by the Met Office.

The seaside town has plenty to see and do, including a town centre packed with traditional sweet shops, book shops and boutiques.

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Make the most of the sunshine down at the seafront, where you’ll find a historic promenade train and traditional pier with its own arcade and casino.

You can also buy day passes to Butlin’s Bognor Regis, and make use of unlimited fairground rides and the indoor waterpark with a Helter Skelter waterslide.

Plus you could even have a go on the resort’s brand new giant claw machine, which has been awarded a Guinness World Record as the largest in the world.

For a cheap place to stay, Premier Inn have opened up a new hotel with fancy Premier Plus rooms right on the seafront.

Staying at the new hotel also gives you access to its glamorous lounge ‘The Social’, decked out with pink and neon decor, offering late night food and 2-for-1 cocktails.

Book a stay at the Premier Inn Bognor Regis from £102 per night.

Eastbourne, East Sussex

With a warm microclimate protected by the South Downs, Eastbourne consistently ranks as one of the sunniest places in the UK.

The town enjoys 1,890+ hours of sunshine per year, which is 500 more than the average UK town.

The seaside town is bursting with exciting attractions, like the rainbow-coloured Tower Art Gallery and Royal Hippodrome Theatre showing music and comedy events.

Soak up the sunshine with an ice cream out on the Victorian pier, or take a ride on the miniature steam railway through the 12-acre EMSR adventure park.

Plus the town’s three-mile stretch of beach is backed by pretty beach huts and dotted with deck chairs and loungers, giving you plenty of spots to sit and sunbathe.

Book a stay at the Pearl & Pebbles Eastbourne from £52 per night, or £26pp per night.

Shanklin, Isle of Wight

Shanklin in the Isle of Wight has been crowned as the sunniest place to live in the UK, seeing 1,976 hours of sunshine per year.

The picturesque seaside town is known for its pretty thatched roof cottages, traditional tearoom and quaint shops and cafes.

Shanklin Beach is a golden stretch of sand perfect for families with a beachfront chippy, ice cream shops and a pirate-themed mini golf.

There’s even a clifftop lift that will transport visitors down from the town centre to the esplanade, making this beach a great accessible option.

Visit nearby Shanklin Chine to see the island’s oldest tourist attraction – a wooded ravine with charming narrow paths and bridges that take you to see waterfalls.

Book a stay in The Belmont hotel from £109 per night, which also offers discounts for the ferry to and from the island.

Southend-on-Sea, Essex

With an impressive 1,884 hours of sunshine per year, Southend consistently ranks as one of the sunniest destinations in the UK.

The seaside city is home to the longest pleasure pier in the world, packed with restaurants, arcades, and kiosks selling sticks of rock and hot doughnuts.

You can brave the near two-mile walk out over the Thames Estuary, or simply hop on the quirky pier train to reach the very end for panoramic sea views.

You could also grab a wristband for Adventure Island for £30pp and make use of unlimited rollercoasters and fairground rides.

For a cheap place to stay, Premier Inn has a well-located hotel on the Eastern Esplanade, putting you just steps from the sand.

Book a stay at Premier Inn Southend On Sea (Eastern Esplanade) hotel from £52 per night.

Prices correct at the time of publication.

THIS summer, it looks like it’s time to call a truce on the great Spain vs. Turkey debate.

Because by looking at the latest booking data, I’ve noticed a massive change in 2026.

More and more Brits are swapping Europe’s traditional heavyweight resorts for a handful of Greek destinations.

These spots serve up the exact same sunshine, brilliant beaches, and all-inclusive value – often for a chunk less money.

And because I work in travel, my screen is basically permanently locked onto live price trends and capacity numbers.

The pattern right now is clear: holidaymakers are moving away from the usual high-premium hubs in Spain, the Canaries or the Turkish rivieras because Greece has suddenly become the ultimate value loophole.

A massive influx of flight capacity from the UK means you can bag that peak-summer Mediterranean experience without paying the usual school holiday markup.

If you want to know where the smart money is heading this summer, these are the seven Greek spots I’d be circling.

7. Ixia, Rhodes

If there’s one Greek resort that’s aggressively stealing traffic from the traditional Spanish and Turkish mainstays this summer, it’s Ixia.

Our data shows a massive wave of holidaymakers ditching the likes of Benidorm, Alanya, Costa Adeje, Costa Teguise, Marmaris, and Torremolinos specifically to head here.

It gives you that classic beach holiday setup people love, but with a slightly more premium edge, proper decent hotels, and historic Rhodes Old Town sitting just a ten-minute taxi ride down the road.

Plus, you get a constant coastal breeze, which makes the peak August heat infinitely more comfortable than the suffocating temperatures you get elsewhere.

I spotted five nights at the Belair Beach from Edinburgh on 21 August, with half board and flights included, from £375pp.

The hotel sits right across the road from the front, but the real insider perk here is their specialised windsurfing and water sports station directly on the sand.

Because Ixia is a world-class windsurfing hub, the hotel has gear hire sorted right on your doorstep, meaning you can try your hand at proper coastal sports for a fraction of what a commercial water sports center down the coast would fleece you for.

6. Ialyssos, Rhodes

Just around the bay from Ixia is Ialyssos, another Rhodes resort that’s turning into one of the island’s biggest success stories.

The booking data tells us that the crowds usually bound for Benidorm, Costa Adeje, Alanya, and Marmaris are pivoting here instead.

It offers the exact same guaranteed August sunshine you’re chasing in the western Med, but swaps the crowded strips for a much more relaxed, authentic village vibe and some brilliant, family-run apartment setups.

I found five nights at the Trianta Hotel Apartments from 19 August, with flights included, from £255pp.

Landing peak summer flights and accommodation for barely over two hundred and fifty quid is a massive result.

This property is notoriously highly rated by return guests, and the standout feature here is its poolside taverna nights.

Instead of serving up generic, mass-produced package food, the family that runs the place cooks up proper, home-style Greek mezze using vegetables grown in their own garden lot behind the apartments. It’s elite local dining on a shoestring budget.

5. Messonghi, Corfu

If you’re after somewhere that feels slower, greener, and a bit more rustic than the sprawling concrete mega-resorts, Messonghi is a top-tier shout.

And this year, it’s proving particularly popular with Brits swapping away from Benidorm, Costa Adeje, and Alanya.

Corfu‘s scenery is stunning, the beaches are incredibly calm, and a massive boost in regional UK flight routes this year has driven package prices right down into bargain territory.

One standout deal I spotted was five nights all inclusive at Canvas by Mitsis Messonghi from 20 August, with flights included, from £478pp.

And getting a fully loaded, peak-season Mitsis property under the £500 mark is an absolute steal.

The beachfront setting and massive pool complexes at this hotel are brilliant for keeping kids occupied, but what elevates this place above so many Spanish hotels for me is the complimentary, on-site aqua park.

They’ve integrated a proper mini waterpark into the resort grounds with zero entry fees, saving you from shelling out €40 a head for a public waterpark day trip into town.

4. Faliraki, Rhodes

Faliraki has completely reinvented its identity over the last decade.

While people of my generation might still associate it with rowdy 18-30 nightlife, today it’s quietly morphed into one of Rhodes‘ best all-round family beach resorts.

I’m seeing a huge influx of families swapping over from Benidorm, Marmaris, the Costa Blanca, and Alanya to secure one of the island’s widest sandy coastlines and a massive number of modern hotels.

I found five nights at the Hillside Studios from 25 August, with flights included, from £340pp. 

It serves as a brilliant, no-nonsense base with an immaculate pool area, but the secret benefit of this specific hotel is its location near the Erimokastro hills.

Because it sits just outside the central valley, the hotel offers an incredibly peaceful night’s sleep away from the main resort hum, and it puts you right on the doorstep of the hidden, cliff-sheltered Astron Beach cove – a spot most tourists completely miss!

3. Kiotari, Rhodes

If your main holiday priority is peace, quiet, and premium lounging, Kiotari is easily one of my favourite recommendations on the map.

More people are moving here from heavy-hitting hubs like Alanya in Turkey because the hotels feel noticeably more luxurious and modern than the older resort blocks elsewhere in the Med, serving up wide beaches, reliable sunshine, and massive all-inclusive footprints without the premium price tag.

One deal that stood out to me was five nights all inclusive at the Kiotari Miraluna Beach Resort from 19 August, with flights included, from £535pp.

My pick of the features at this resort is easily the cinema lounge.

They run open-air family movie nights right on the edge of the sand under the stars in the evening, which is a fantastic, high-end touch that lets you unwind with a drink by the waves while the kids are completely glued to a big screen.

2. Hersonissos, Crete

Crete never goes out of fashion, and Hersonissos remains the undisputed king of its value market.

Holidaymakers are increasingly swapping over from traditional mainstays like Benidorm and Marmaris, tempted by Crete’s reliable weather, lively waterfront, and massive choice of hotels.

It delivers that buzzing, lively atmosphere that Brits love, but pairs it with incredible independent tavernas, fascinating ancient history, and excellent flight availability from pretty much every major UK runway.

I spotted five nights at the Palatia Village Apartments from 20 August, with self-catering and flights included, from £283pp.

The hotel serves up fantastic, panoramic views across the bay, but the real selling point here is the traditional Cretan architecture of the rooms.

The apartments are styled like a mini, stone-walled Greek village rather than a sterile hotel corridor, meaning you get that high-end, boutique aesthetic for under three hundred quid.

1. Kavos, Corfu

Kavos might raise a few eyebrows on a value list, but the resort landscape here is changing rapidly.

Beyond the main neon strip, there is an influx of quieter, family-run properties that are drawing in couples and budget-conscious travellers who simply want cheap sun without the chaos.

And these great summer prices are driving a massive spike in people swapping here instead of choosing Spain’s traditional budget resorts.

A deal that really caught my eye was five nights at the Oula Maisonettes from 25 August, with self-catering and flights included, from just £235pp.

This is a small, family-run complex that heavily over-delivers for the money.

The absolute best feature here is the independent duplex layout of the maisonettes themselves.

Having your living area completely separate from the upstairs sleeping quarters gives you a proper apartment feel, allowing you to relax on your private terrace with a cold drink after the kids have gone to bed without waking them up.

IF you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, and glam hotels but your bank account is saying otherwise, you don’t have to cancel your summer plans just yet.

While traditional holiday hotspots like Spain and Greece are reliable, they are becoming increasingly expensive.

Luckily, there’s a handful of stunning European destinations offering amazing holiday vibes for a fraction of the cost.

How about the white sand beaches of Albania, or the affordable resorts of Montenegro

We’ve rounded up three incredible, wallet-friendly European countries where your money stretches further.

This means spectacular package holiday deals starting from just £159pp.

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Albania

Bathed in sunshine for over 300 days a year, Albania offers stunning natural landscapes, sweeping beaches and cheap hotels that feel ultra-luxurious.

The coastline blends the dramatic, rugged scenery of the Balkans with the sparkling, turquoise waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas.

Your budget stretches remarkably far here compared to holiday hotspots like the Greece or Italy.

For a mix of golden beaches and historical sites, head to Durres, where you can climb the Venetian Tower or explore Roman ruins for free.

For wallet-friendly restaurants and stunning landscapes, try Sarande, which is home to the Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with scenic thick forest overlooking the shore.

Or head to Vlore to stroll its pretty old town lined with boutique cafes and shops, hop on a boat trip to visit stunning sea caves and stay in one of its super glam hotels for a very affordable price.

OUR TOP DEAL

The four-star Ames Hotel & Spa in Vlore is a glamorous hotel with its own private beach and spa.

It’s a small, friendly hotel that is perfect for couples, where you can spend your days taking beach walks and unwinding in the sauna and steam bath.

The deal we’ve found is for early October, which would still be nice and warm with temperatures sitting at 24°C.

The five night stay with breakfast at the Ames Hotel & Spa in Vlore, including return flights from London Luton, is for £219pp.

Montenegro

More and more Brits are catching on to Montenegro as their next holiday destination, with its other-worldly beaches and affordable package holidays.

Budva is a buzzing coastal spot with a walled medieval Old Town to explore, and even an island you can visit called Sveti Nikola dubbed by locals as ‘Hawaii Island’.

For a spot of sunbathing, head to Mogren Beach, where towering limestone cliffs shelter two sandy coves with turquoise waters.

Similarly, spots like Ulcinj and Bar are great value coastal towns – Ulcinj is home to Velika Plaza, or ‘Long Beach’, an eight-mile stretch of sand with shallow waters to paddle in and activities like kite boarding.

While Bar is home to unique attractions like Red Beach, a cove with a maroon-coloured shore, and King Nikola’s Palace, a castle-turned-museum surrounded by lush green gardens.

Visit Becici for endless golden beaches dotted with loungers, activities like paragliding and paddleboarding, and high-end hotels for cheap.

OUR TOP DEAL

The Eurostars Queen of Montenegro hotel is in Becici, where a pristine stretch of beach is backed by a line of luxurious yet affordable hotels, visited by the likes of Madonna and Angelina Jolie.

The hotel itself has a huge wellness zone with a Turkish bath, tropical shower, saunas and whirlpool – as well as a sprawling outdoor infinity pool.

Rooms alone usually cost between £200 – £250 per night, however we’ve found a very affordable deal.

We found a deal for a five night stay with breakfast at the Eurostars Queen of Montenegro in Becici, including return flights from London Stansted, for £325pp.

Bulgaria

You might already know about Sunny Beach, but Bulgaria is home to a whole host of affordable coastal resorts that you may never have heard of.

Just south of Sunny Beach, Nessebar is the affordable and arguably more beautiful neighbour.

Both the north and south beach offer soft sands and clear, shallow water – plus a strip of seafront bars and restaurants that feel less chaotic than the party vibes of

This ancient city feels like an open air museum, with and Old Town packed with 20 ancient Byzantine churches and a fascinating ancient fortifications.

Further up the coast you’ll find Golden Sands, a resort that earns its name with a two-mile beach backed by a buy promenade lined with buzzy restaurants and seafront bars.

This family-friendly resort town also has plenty of attractions and activities like Aquapolis Water Park and off-road buggies.

OUR TOP DEAL

Perla Golden Sands is an action-packed, family-friendly hotel backed by the vibrant greenery of a natural park.

The hotel has plenty to do for kids, including an adventure playground, kids club, evening shows and activities like table tennis and horse riding.

And a week-long holiday is an absolute bargain.

We found a deal for a seven night stay with breakfast at the Perla Golden Sands with return flights from London Luton for £209pp.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

WITH summer in full swing, there’s nothing quite like packing a bag and heading off to explore the best of Britain on a staycation.

But you don’t need to empty your wallet to enjoy a brilliant break this year.

Best Western has 200+ great value hotels across the UK, plus they are currently offering FREE breakfast on selected 2026 breaks if you book them before July 31.

Click here to browse which Best Western hotels are offering free breakfast, which includes hundreds of country houses, seaside hotels and city stays across the UK.

Not only this, but they have put together special staycation packages which they call GEMS – which stands for Great Escapes, Memorable Stays.

These are specially-curated breaks that include your stay, food, as well as special experiences like cocktail masterclasses, family activities and spa treatments.

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We’ve rounded up the most exciting, best-value staycations across the UK that you can book with Best Western with very affordable rates.

From 80’s disco weekenders to wellness weekends by the sea, here’s our round-up of the best-value Best Western breaks this summer.

80’s party night – The Hatfield Hotel, Lowestoft

Lowestoft‘s original 80’s party night is taking place on the weekend of September 26-27 – and a stay at this Best Western hotel comes with a free ticket.

Spend your Saturday night boogieing to Chica DJ’s 80’s anthems, which range from famous rock and pop songs to sing-your-heart-out ballads.

Book a stay at Best Western’s Hatfield Hotel for your ticket, a comfy place to stay right on the seafront, and free breakfast included in the morning.

Stays start from £103.68 per night.

The Art of Mixology Escape – Abbots Barton Hotel, Canterbury

If cocktail classes and fresh stone-baked pizzas are up your street, then opt for this package stay at the Abbots Barn Hotel.

Once you’ve checked in, guests will head to The John in Canterbury, where you can take part in a cocktail masterclass and sit down to sip your own creations. Plus the prosecco on arrival truly sweetens the deal.

This stay also includes a delicious stone-baked pizza for dinner, plus a Full English breakfast with all the trimmings in the morning.

Make sure to spend time in the hotel itself, which is a grand Victorian Gothic property surrounded by two acres of peaceful, manicured gardens.

Stays start from £229.49 per night.

Wellness weekend – The Kings Arms, Christchuch

Treat yourself to a wellness weekend at The Kings Arms hotel in Christchurch, Dorset this summer.

This GEM stay lets you pick a wellness treat from a 60-minute sauna session on Avon Beach, or a yoga or pilates class.

The relaxing stay also includes a free gift from Bramley and midday check out so you can enjoy a slow start in the morning.

Stays start from £131.97 per night.

Coastal escape – Hotel Collingwood, Bournemouth

Enjoy a three-night stay in sunny Bournemouth at Hotel Collingwood, a BW Signature Collection hotel with a luxurious feel.

This break includes a decadent three-course dinner each night as well as fresh Full English breakfasts in the morning, plus the Bubble Lounge Bar is the perfect classy spot to enjoy a cocktail or two.

Guests will also get full access to the Eden Spa, which has a pool, sauna and hydrotherapy treatments. You’ll also get 25 per cent off any spa treatments, so make sure to book yourself in for a massage.

Plus it’s easy to get out and discover Bournemouth with a 24-hour hop-on, hop-off bus ticket included with your stay.

Stays start from £180 per night.

Family stay with soft play – Centurion Hotel, Somerset

Two adults and one child can set off on a family staycation this summer at the Best Western Plus Centurion Hotel in Somerset.

This hotel has its own soft play on-site, Planet Volt, where little ones can slide, climb, and crawl to their heart’s content.

The hotel is also in an ideal location for countryside walks, where you can explore tranquil riverside and woodland trails as a family.

Then return to a comfortable and spacious family-sized room, and enjoy freshly-cooked breakfasts in the morning, included in your stay.

Stays start from £124.81 per night.

DREAMING of a luxurious 5-star all-inclusive holiday, but not wanting to break the bank?

It turns out you don’t need to fork out on Ibiza, Mykonos or Saint Tropez to lounge at a glamorous beach club or enjoy a five-star stay this year.

Luckily, there are some lesser-known European spots where you can live the high life on holiday for much less.

We’re talking glittering marinas, trendy rooftop bars, boat trips on clear water bays and beaches that look like the world’s most expensive hotspots – but for a fraction of the price.

With cocktails under £3 and shockingly affordable five-star stays, here are the holiday spots where your money goes the furthest.

Durres, Albania

If you want a holiday that feels like five-star luxury without the price tags of Ibiza or Mykonos, Durres feels like the ultimate cheat code.

This stunning stretch of the Adriatic coast has quickly transformed into a high-end hotspot packed with glam beachfront clubs and bars.

Head to Sunset Bar for an outdoor drinking spot that lets the views do all the talking – and where cocktails cost as little as 300 lek (£2.75).

Here, comfy striped sofas look out to a stretch of glimmering sea on Albania‘s Adriatic coast that has fantastic sunsets.

Another affordable but luxurious spot is Illyrian Garden, a 360° rooftop bar with a secret garden-themed terrace.

Cocktails here start at 500 lek, which works out to roughly £4.60.

It’s also worth visiting this spot in the daytime to sip a strong local coffee and soak up the rays.

Plus, the hotels in Durres offer a luxurious, five-star feel for a fraction of the price. We found a deal for an all-inclusive week away that works out to £62pp per night.

Turquoise Coast, Turkey

For a taste of the high life that won’t drain your savings, Turkey’s sun-drenched Turquoise Coast offers spectacular value.

There are plenty of holiday spots to pick from along the Turkish coast, but there are two particularly affordable areas.

Antalya is the king of the mega resort – here, ultra all-inclusive packages mean round-the-clock pampering, top-tier dining, and huge pool complexes for low prices.

It’s a fantastic area for families, with the Land of Legends theme park resort on your doorstep in Belek, as well as unique attractions like the Antalya Toy Museum and shallow water beaches like Lara Beach.

If you prefer a chic escape with glitzy bars and a vibrant marina, head to the Aegean side to Bodrum.

Bodrum delivers a Saint Tropez feel on a budget, with a waterfront lined with glamorous bars and lounges facing yachts.

It’s hard to go wrong whichever spot you choose on the Turquoise Coast. A budget-friendly meal out averages at £5.88 in Bodrum and £6.20 in Antalya, according to Wise.

Hurghada, Egypt

Red Sea hotspot Hurghada is a great-value alternative to further flung destinations, offering year-round sunshine and affordable all-inclusive hotels.

Away from the resorts, you can snorkel world-famous pristine reefs, or set sail to the sandy Giftun Islands and go dolphin watching on a boat trip that can cost as little as £20.

Considering you have endless soft sand beaches and exciting water activities on your doorstep, prices here are surprisingly cheap.

According to Wise, a meal out at an inexpensive restaurant averages at £2.82, and a beer can cost you as little as 83p.

Plus there’s plenty of attractions here for families, including waterparks like Jungle Aqua Park and Makadi Water World, as well as activities like parasailing and dune buggies on sites such as GetYourGuide.

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

For jaw-dropping landscapes, reliable sunshine and luxurious hotels for cheap, try a trip to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro.

The scenery here has the dramatic feel of the Norwegian fjords, mixed with the sunshine and glamour of the Italian lakes.

The crystal-clear bay is framed by towering limestone cliffs, backed by cobblestone medieval towns such as Kotor and Perast – perfect for an afternoon of exploring.

Montenegro itself remains incredibly wallet-friendly compared to other European spots with dramatic landscapes, such as Switzerland.

Head to the Old Town Pub Kotor for €5 (£4.31) cocktails, and go out for dinner guilt-free with your pick of budget-friendly restaurants. A meal out can cost you just £8.63 per person, according to Wise.

You can easily spend your days here cruising on water taxis for less than a tenner or simply hiking and exploring beautiful coastal trails completely for free.

Plus, you can absolutely book yourself into a super sleek all-inclusive hotel on a budget.

Sveti Vlas, Bulgaria

Sveti Vlas sits on Bulgaria‘s Black Sea coast, where the green slopes of the Balkan Mountains sweep down to the water.

This sophisticated pocket of Bulgaria is the classy, tranquil sibling to the neighbouring party hub of Sunny Beach.

Explore the buzz of the Marina Dinevi, where you can stroll past yachts, dine at waterfront restaurants, and lounge at trendy beach clubs that mimic the upscale vibes of Marbella or Ibiza.

Soul Beach Bar offers huge, pristine white daybeds on the sand with fresh fruit cocktails and glowing lanterns.

Renting a sunbed here costs a super-affordable 10 – 15 BGN (around £4 – £6) per person per day.

Because your money goes incredibly far here, you can tuck into fresh seafood platters, sip cocktails on plush daybeds and grab those Instagram pictures guilt-free.

We found a deal for a week-long all-inclusive stay in a five-star hotel in Sveti Vlas for £57 per person per night.

*Prices correct at the time of publication

ANYONE who’s looked at holiday prices over the last few years will know one thing: summer getaways haven’t exactly been getting cheaper.

But this year, a big change in booking habits has completely blown the market wide open.

Because British holidaymakers are playing chicken with the calendar and leaving bookings later than ever, airlines and hotels are staring down a reduced summer capacity.

So, rather than flying empty seats and leaving hotel rooms vacant, some airlines and hotel operators are aggressively cutting prices across the board to get bookings in and holidays shifted.

Before we start, though, I should say that not EVERY destination is seeing price drops like this.

But when I crunched the numbers on package data for a family of four, I noticed that some of the year-on-year drops are massive.

So here’s where the prices are falling fastest for summer 2026…

Menorca: £536 cheaper than last year

If you’ve never been to Menorca, imagine everything people love about Majorca and Ibiza… but with the volume turned down.

It has always been a major winner for families because it’s incredibly safe, relaxed, and completely skips the club-heavy energy of its neighbours.

The big news is the pricing: our data shows family holidays here are trending noticeably down compared to last summer.

I flagged a seven-night stay at the Minura Sur Menorca on an all-inclusive basis, flying from Manchester on 22 August, from £858pp – which is a massive £536 cheaper than this exact package last year.

For a destination that traditionally sells out and hikes its rates in August, finding an all-inclusive setup under these numbers is a serious win against the usual school-holiday tax.

The hotel itself is a brilliant family workhorse on the outskirts of Punta Prima with massive pools and a splash park that will easily keep the kids occupied for hours.

If you’ve got a young family like me, my favourite thing about this property is that they run a free, regular shuttle bus straight down to the beach throughout the summer.

It saves you from dragging hot, tired kids and a mountain of beach gear on a 15-minute trek in the August heat.

Paphos, Cyprus: £246 cheaper than last year

Paphos is a super-reliable destination that absolutely nails the holiday basics.

You get guaranteed scorching weather, great beaches, and a vibrant harbour front packed with tavernas and bars, without feeling overcommercialised.

And when I took a look, I noticed that prices are down sharply across the resort, making it an ideal window for a bargain.

You can lock in seven nights at the Kefalos Damon Hotel Apartments on an all-inclusive basis, flying from Glasgow on 22 August, from £623pp, saving £246 compared to last summer.

Cyprus has some of the longest, most reliable sunshine windows in Europe, which usually means paying a massive premium to secure an August departure.

Snagging this deal lets you bypass that peak-season markup while keeping food and drinks entirely off the daily spreadsheet.

What makes this place stand out for me is the quality of the recent modern room upgrades.

They’ve kitted the apartments out with brilliant, fully functioning kitchenettes, which means you have a high-spec, contemporary space to retreat to.

This is a massive step up from the dated, basic apartments you usually get saddled with on a budget European getaway.

Crete, Greece: £172 cheaper than last year

Crete is a massive island that handles every type of holidaymaker, but for families, it’s a brilliant choice because you can have completely different holiday experiences depending on where you pitch up.

The great news for the budget, though, is that pricing across the island seems to have headed south for late bookings.

I spotted a seven-night stay at the Bali Beach & Sofia Village hotel on an all-inclusive basis, flying from Bristol on 22 August, from £468pp – knocking £172 off last year’s price.

Greece in peak August for under £500 per person with all your food and beer thrown in is an absolute gift, by the way.

What I loved about this place was that they run free, weekly Greek cooking lessons hosted directly by the hotel’s executive kitchen chef.

It’s a brilliant, authentic touch where you can actually learn how to whip up proper local specialities, which is exactly the kind of genuine, cultural insight you never expect to get from a standard all-inclusive package property.

Gran Canaria: £179 cheaper than last year

Gran Canaria is perfect for Brits because the weather is spot on all year round.

As a destination, it handles families, couples, and groups effortlessly, and right now the value across the island is dropping back into our favour for this summer.

One standout deal I saw in the data was seven nights at the Maspalomas Oasis Club on an all inclusive basis, flying from Dublin on 22 August, from £410pp – making it £179 cheaper than last year.

The Canary Islands usually command a massive premium in August because they are a safe bet for sun, but this price point lets you dodge that summer-holiday markup.

The real winner at this hotel is the food quality at the buffet, which you’ll be delighted to learn, completely dodges the lukewarm, processed repetitive food sometimes associated with cheaper all-inclusives.

Instead, they have live show-cooking stations at dinner, where the chefs grill fresh meats and fish directly to your order, right in front of you.

Getting proper, freshly seared food on an all-inclusive budget under £450 is an absolute steal.

Dubai: £135 cheaper than last year

Dubai probably isn’t the first spot you associate with price drops, which is exactly why the numbers caught my eye straight away.

Yes, August in the UAE is hot, but that’s exactly why the luxury hotels open up the discount books, with summer family packages dropping well below their usual rates.

Plus, they have some of the best air conditioning in the world.

I clocked seven nights at the Jumeira Rotana on an all-inclusive basis, flying from London Gatwick on 22 August, from £720pp – a drop of £135 against last year.

For Dubai, getting a full all-inclusive package at this price point is a total anomaly.

It means you can indulge in the city’s notoriously expensive dining scene without worrying about a massive bill at check-out.

My pick of features at this hotel though is its rooftop pool – it’s a corker.

It gives you a fantastic, elevated view of the Dubai skyline while you cool off.

And because the hotel is a smaller, more boutique property by Dubai standards, the staff actually bring chilled towels and refreshments straight to your lounger.

It feels incredibly attentive without the chaotic, impersonal hustle of the massive beachfront mega resorts.

Hurghada, Egypt: £107 cheaper than last year

If your absolute main priority, like me, is stretching your cash as far as humanly possible, Hurghada is incredibly tough to beat.

The Red Sea is legendary for its crystal-clear water, and the resorts here offer far more facilities per pound spent than almost anywhere else in the Med, with prices sliding down again this season.

So imagine my face when I saw this deal: seven nights at the El Karma Aqua Beach Resort on an all-inclusive basis, flying from Belfast on 22 August, from £578pp, saving you £107 on last year’s price tag.

The value loop here is simple: you get a massive beachfront resort with its own massive on-site waterpark thrown in for under £600, keeping the kids entertained all week without you ever needing to pull out your wallet.

What I love about this specific place is that they offer swim-up rooms where you can literally step out of your patio doors and straight into a crystal-clear pool channel.

It gives you that premium, luxury resort privilege where you can entirely skip the morning sunbed race and slide straight into the water from your own terrace.

A WELSH seaside town has been put on the map globally thanks to two very famous celebrities spotted there this week.

Singer Kylie Minogue and Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino have been seen in the pretty seaside town of Porthcawl.

It isn’t for a holiday – but for filming upcoming movie called Tangled in the Blue, directed by Welsh filmmaker Jamie Adams.

They were caught going to the Saltwater Inn pub, where onlookers said the celebrities “laughed and sang together” for a scene.

Other nearby sightings include at Newton Church, being used for a funeral scene in the film, and at Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff.

But Porthcawl itself is a popular beach town even without the endorsements of the mega stars, with seven bays and two Blue Flag beaches – Rest Bay and Trecco Bay.

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When The Sun’s Emma Glanfield visited the seaside town, she called it the perfect alternative for an exotic break.

She said: “Porthcawl, the ‘jewel of South  Wales‘ has the lot. A spectacularly cragged coastline and a swathe of sandy beaches, kissed by sparkling seas – and all just a stone’s throw from the mountains.

“OK, so it might not be the Caribbean, but it does offer fun and frolics for those on a budget.”

“We kicked off activities in Rest Bay. Our morning surf lesson with the brilliant Hugh woke us up quicker than you could say ‘coffee‘.”

Emma continued: “Within two hours we’d gone from complete beginners to standing up and catching waves.

“Who needs the Maldives when this precious little corner of the UK packs such a punch?”

Also in Porthcawl is Trecco Bay, the UK’s largest holiday park when it comes to pitches – and in Europe too.

Along with 2,000 caravans (which can welcome up to 50,000 guests during peak holiday periods) also on-site is a huge entertainment plaza with everything from crazy golf and high ropes to a swimming pool and splash pad.

There’s a bowling alley and for older kids the Next Level Gaming Arena has over 25 consoles including PS5 and Xbox.

Other outdoor activities include archery, hover boards, bumper zorbs and there are even pedal karts to get around.

The park puts on shows, and there’s even Paw Patrol Mighty Missions for little ones.

The holiday park has all the essential facilities like restaurants, cafes, bars, there’s also a launderette, supermarket and even a chapel.

When the sun is shining, guests can enjoy the sprawling sandy Blue Flag beach right on its doorstep.

A four-night stay across this weekend in a Bronze two bedroom caravan which sleeps four people works out to £405 – or £25.31pppn.

If you fancy making a week’s holiday (from June 27 – July 4), then this works out as just £16.40pppn.

Or, sign up with Sun Club and you could stay at Trecco Bay from £9.50.

LOOKING forward to a seaside staycation with the family this summer?

It can be hard to know where to book your next UK seaside holiday. With many Brits picking the same overcrowded spots, you can soon feel like you’re fighting for every square inch of sand on the beach.

Luckily, there are plenty of off-the-radar stunning seaside towns and villages where you can enjoy a summer holiday without the crowds.

We’ve gathered travel insiders from Cornwall, Devon, Norfolk and Kent to share their favourite lesser-known holiday spots – with cheap pints, quiet beaches and stays from £30 a night.

Norfolk

Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens

I grew up on the North West Norfolk coast, going quay jumping and crabbing after school with my friends.

Over the years, I’ve seen tourists flock to the same overcrowded spots time and again, while some of the prettiest towns and villages stay pretty much deserted.

While Cromer and Great Yarmouth make for great cheap and cheerful holidays, there are much prettier and less crowded options further west along the coast.

Wells-next-the-Sea is the picture-perfect seaside town. Walking down the high street, Staithe Street, feels like stepping back in time.

You’ll wander past an old-fashioned butcher’s, bakery and greengrocers on your downhill stroll towards the sea – plus plenty of trinket shops selling seashell earrings or buckets and spades.

The high street leads to the picturesque quay, where the Victorian Granary gantry jets out over the water, and you can watch fishermen haul in fresh catches throughout the day.

Here you’ll find the old-fashioned Pop Inn Amusements, a sweet shop selling giant lollies and classic sticks of rock, plus my favourite surfer dude-feel coffee shop, Wills of Wells.

Not to mention the fact that there’s a massive, golden, award-winning beach lined with colourful beach huts backed by a sprawling pine forest.

There’s a large beachside cafe too, plus you can stay by the sea at the Pinewoods Holiday Park, with camping and touring pitches from £30 per night.

While Wells is absolutely worth visiting, tourists have certainly caught on to its charm.

Further into West Norfolk, there are small towns and villages that offer true peace and quiet – where your only neighbours are grazing sheep.

Some of these best-kept secrets are Fring, Shernborne, Wolferton and Anmer.

They’re the kind of remote, rural villages perfect for a countryside walk where you won’t pass anyone but horse riders out on a hack.

Stay at nearby Bircham Windmill, where there are camping pitches for £36 a night.

In fact, this site makes for a fantastic family day out, where you can bake your own bread from scratch for £3.95 and climb up to the top of the mill for stunning views of the surrounding villages and fields.

Although it’s quiet, there’s plenty more to do nearby. Bottle feed lambs and hand feed deer at Snettisham Park, tour the royal grounds of Sandringham Estate, or sit down for a pint of local ale in the gloriously British pub The Rose and Crown.

Devon

Travel Reporter, Cyann Fielding

Devon or Cornwall? I’m here to tell you don’t need to look further than Devon – with fewer crowds, heaps of beaches and the quaintest of villages, nothing quite beats it.

As a born and bred Devonian, one spot I will always shout about is the English Riviera.

Formed of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the coastal towns boast an unusual micro-climate for the UK that has allowed palm trees to thrive.

Named after the French Riviera, you can expect a similar vibe but for a fraction of the price.

Stay at the newly opened £20 million seafront Hotel Indigo by IHG in Torquay from £74 per night (and there are dog-friendly rooms) – you can’t get closer to the sea with only a road separating you from the beach.

From the hotel, stroll down to Abbey Sands Beach, where you will find red-pink sand backed by a green area and the famous Torre Abbey, which you can visit for £11pp.

On the other side of Abbey Sands, walk around the harbour, which is currently under development to make it into a swish seaside hub of restaurants and cafes.

Drop by Pier Point for some fish and chips on the way – which are often voted best in the country.

For more traditional and quieter seaside towns, head to Dawlish or Teignmouth, where you will find seaside arcades and cheap cafes selling freshly made Devonshire delicacies such as pasties and cream teas.

It’s not all about the seaside in Devon, though – Dartmoor National Park sprawls over 368-square-miles with over 160 rocky tors, ideal for lengthy country walks with dramatic views.

One of the most accessible spots is Haytor, where you can head up to the tor from a car park – and don’t worry, it isn’t too steep a climb – and then nearby check out Haytor Quarry, which appears frozen in time with disused machinery still present.

Keep an eye out for wild ponies too, of which there are about 1,500.

For a historic spot – head to Exeter – a university city with a sandstone cathedral and bustling high street.

The city even has links to Harry Potter as J.K. Rowling once studied there, and it is thought that she based Diagon Alley on Gandy Street in the city centre.

For another unique spot, pop to Totnes – a town that has often been noted for its hippie lifestyle, free of big brands and chains.

Drop by on a Friday or Saturday to catch the antiques and food market, for bargain finds and huge Lebanese wraps setting you back a tenner (but big enough for two!).

In the North of the county, head to Woolacombe for the perfect holiday park break.

You could head to Golden Coast Holiday Park, for example, which costs from £219 for a seven-night break for a family of four – so just £7.83 per person per night.

The beach stretches over three miles, and there is an abundance of holiday parks around the town, many of which have evening entertainment, hot tubs on chalet decks and indoor and outdoor pools.

Kent

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey

Kent has seen a huge resurgence in recent years, aided by the pandemic, which saw thousands of people leave the Big Smoke for sunnier and sandier climes.

As one of the many who did so, I’ve since lived in both Folkestone and Margate, which are both on the rise as trendy destinations.

(I have a soft spot for both Whitstable and Deal as well, although both are much more established seaside towns).

When it comes to Margate, there are two new boutique hotels, Fort Road Hotel and No.42 Guesthouse, which have opened in recent years, the latter of which has a fantastic rooftop bar in the summer.

I love heading to the George & Heart pub just outside of the Old Town, or Rose In June for a cosy pub pint.

If you want a bit of weird and wonderful, make sure to hit up the Shell Grotto – whose origin remains a mystery – or the Crab Museum, free to visit and the largest crab museum in Europe.

Both the Turner Museum and Dreamland are free too, so you can easily visit on a budget.

The tidal lido is worth the trek, and you’ll be joined more by locals than tourists, but hop in before warming up with a coffee and sauna session.

But to me, Folkestone is winning on all sides.

It’s 52 minutes by train from London; you’ll never have to fight for space on the massive beach; it has the UK’s biggest beach sauna; it has so much art, including a Banksy – the hooks are endless.

Live music takes place at the Harbour Arms most weekends, and I highly recommend the Sunset Sessions at The Tasting Rooms for three courses and live jazz for £35.

Chase it with some oysters and a glass of champagne in The Lighthouse Champagne Bar – and you can even see France on a clear day.

Perhaps controversial, but even the touristy Good Yard food market is well worth a visit. No tourist traps here!

For an affordable place to stay, The View Hotel Folkstone has rooms from £67 per night.

Cornwall

Travel Writer, Katy Bright

Growing up in Cornwall, I’ve always had plenty of pretty places to explore. If I had to plan the perfect day in my home county, here are some places I would not miss.

Start the day off right with one of the best breakfasts around. Bude cafe The Coffee Pot offers £5 breakfasts with bacon, eggs, sausages and a hash brown, which cannot be faulted.

I may be biased, but I think Boscastle truly is one of the most beautiful places in the UK.

It’s a peaceful seaside sanctuary with a fascinating witchy history and beautiful walks, such as the one to Willapark Lookout.

Plus, it offers some of the best pub grub around – you’ve got to try the Cobweb Inn’s steak and ale pie (£13.95). Wash it down with a traditional Cornish ale.

Many tourists, of course, flock here, so it is important to learn to avoid the tourist traps.

Newquay, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Cornwall, is just way too busy during school breaks.

If you’d like to visit, I would definitely recommend going outside of the school summer holidays, when it is quieter, and the queues are much less manic.

If you are a coffee or matcha fanatic, Blend makes some of the best drinks I’ve ever tasted. Their banana bread iced matcha is a personal favourite of mine.

Something we all look for in a holiday to Cornwall is the best spots with a pint and a view – and my top pick for this is Trebarwith Strand’s, Port William.

A pub perched over the sea, it even offers cosy rooms for guests to stay in.

If you visit between mid-April and early May, you’ll be in my home county for one of my favourite events of the year.

Although it sits right on the border of Cornwall and Devon (so some may be a bit offended by me putting it in this list!) Strawberry Field Lifton’s ‘Tulip Fest’ makes for a very wholesome day out.

Picture a field full of half a million multicoloured tulip bulbs. There is something about walking around a field of endless tulips that just feels so whimsical.

An underrated place to stay is Whitsand Bay Fort holiday park. It’s very highly rated in online reviews, and it’s no surprise to me as a local – this is one of the best places to stay around.

Open all year, it offers both rooms and tent pitches with amazing views of Whitsand Bay. Pitches start at £15 a night, making it a super affordable and proper Cornish alternative to other popular places to stay.

IF you’ve spent the last few months telling yourself you’ll book your summer holiday “next week,” don’t panic. You’re in good company.

This year, British holidaymakers are leaving it later than ever to lock in their summer breaks.

Normally, playing chicken with the calendar is terrible news for your bank balance. But right now, I’m seeing something interesting.

Because summer is staring us down, hotels with empty beds and airlines with empty seats are gently slashing prices to get bookings over the line.

And the result is some genuinely surprising short-haul beach bargains are sitting on the board for under £400pp.

I’ve crunched the numbers and picked out ten spots where your late-booking budget will stretch way further than you think.

Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, Spain

If you want a completely foolproof option, Lanzarote rarely misses.

Puerto del Carmen is an absolute staple, and right now, it’s delivering significantly better value than a lot of mainland Spanish resorts.

You get the reliable Canary sun, decent beaches, and enough life going on that you won’t get bored.

I spotted a five-night stay at the THB Flora from £370pp this August.

What makes this hotel a solid pick for me is the location – it’s close enough to the main strip when you want a drink, but tucked far enough away that you aren’t fighting a crowd just to claim a sunbed in the morning.

Icmeler, Turkey

Icmeler has always been the smarter, slightly more sophisticated neighbour to Marmaris.

The bay is stunning, the beach is framed by pine hills, and it completely avoids the chaotic mega-resort energy you find elsewhere in Turkey.

And this year, it’s consistently overdelivering for the price.

Case in point: five nights at the Petunya Konak Boutique Hotel is coming in from £385pp this August.

This hotel feels way more boutique than your standard package hotel too.

The pool setup is hidden away in the gardens, giving you a level of quiet that is gold dust during peak August.

Cavtat, Croatia

Dubrovnik may be grabbing all the headlines these days, but Cavtat remains one of Croatia‘s smartest-value coastal towns.

It serves up the exact same crystal-clear Adriatic water and postcard waterfront dining, just minus the suffocating levels of tourism.

If you’ve never done Croatia, a five-night stay at the Epidaurus Hotel from £385pp this August is a brilliant place to start.

The real win here is the logistics: you’re perfectly placed to enjoy Cavtat’s laid-back vibe, but you can hop on a quick boat ride into Dubrovnik whenever you fancy a bit of sightseeing.

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

Lagos might just be my favourite corner of the Algarve.

It manages to balance unreal, cliff-backed beaches and a character-packed old town without feeling like a plastic tourist trap.

Finding peak summer deals here under the 400-quid mark is a massive result.

I dug up five nights at the Aqualuz Suite Hotel Apartamentos from £388pp this August.

And the selling point at this hotel, for me, is space. Because you get an apartment setup to actually spread out in, while still being an easy stroll from both the sand and Lagos’ top-notch independent restaurant scene.

Qawra, Malta

Malta doesn’t always get the attention it deserves for a summer beach break, which on this occasion plays into the hands of us holiday deal finders.

Because it offers guaranteed scorching weather, great swimming spots, and some of the warmest evening temperatures in Europe.

If you’re bored of the usual Spain or Turkey rotation, it’s a top shout.

You can grab five nights at the Best Western Premier Malta from £295pp this August.

And frankly, this place looks and feels much more expensive than the price tag suggests.

The rooftop pool alone looks like it belongs to a luxury city-break hotel rather than a budget summer deal.

Puerto Pollensa, Majorca, Spain

If you want Majorca but want to skip the neon lights and rowdy strips, Puerto Pollensa on the north coast is tough to beat.

It’s got a beautiful, relaxed bay and a classic, old-school Mediterranean feel.

I’ll be honest – this is normally a premium area, but 2026 keeps throwing curveballs that I love catching.

Because I found a five-night stay at the Club del Sol Aparthotel from £393pp this August, giving you a foothold in one of the prettiest, most civilized parts of the island while keeping your budget completely under control.

Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Spain

Gran Canaria is a reliable destination for Brits for a reason.

If you’re scrambling for a last-minute getaway, Playa del Ingles is an easy win thanks to its massive beach and lively town center – this place is built for convenience.

I clocked five nights at the Servatur Waikiki from £400pp this August.

It’s right on the money in terms of location too, as you’re close to the beach, close to the nightlife, and it serves as a great, no-nonsense base for a classic sun-and-beer holiday.

Elounda, Crete, Greece

Elounda is proof that you don’t need a luxury budget to stay in one of Crete’s most scenic spots.

It’s known for its clear waters and charming little harbour, and is exactly the kind of place that usually charges a premium just for the view.

However, I spotted a five-night stay at the Alikes Hotel Apartments from £373pp this August.

And this hotel puts you right in the heart of the village, so you can easily wander between the tavernas and waterfront bars without needing to budget for taxis.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Bulgaria has been sneakily dominating the budget travel market for years, and while Sunny Beach is famous for being cheap, the actual standard of the hotels has shot up recently.

Which now puts the destination in a perfect spot – overdelivering on quality compared to what you pay.

Just look at this: I found a five-night stay at the Lion Sunny Beach from £388pp this August.

And this place perfectly highlights what modern Bulgaria does well: it’s contemporary, stylish, and comfortable, without ever making you feel like you’ve compromised just to save a few quid.

Vlore, Albania

If there’s one destination you need to look at before everyone else ruins it (sorry), it’s Albania.

The Albanian Riviera has been gaining serious traction in the last couple of years, and Vlore sits right in the perfect spot.

The beaches are stellar, the water rivals Greece, but the prices haven’t caught up with the quality yet.

But in my experience, that window won’t stay open forever.

This summer, you can lock in five nights at the Valza Boutique Hotel from £388pp in August.

It’s a sleek, boutique property that you’d easily pay double for if it were sitting across the water in Italy or Croatia.

My advice? Get this one booked before the rest of the UK finds out.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

FOR years, summer holidays followed a pretty rigid formula: book a week somewhere hot, find a beach, find a pool, and spend seven days rotating between the two.

But this year, the data is showing a change that I find really interesting.

More and more people – families included – are looking at the price tags of traditional, single-resort beach holidays and feeling like they’re being rinsed.

When a standard week in the Med easily climbs to £700, £800, or even £1,000 per person in 2026, a city beach break becomes the ultimate loophole.

You still get the sand, the sun, and the tan – but you also get proper restaurants, nightlife, and culture for a fraction of the cost.

Here are the seven city-beach crossovers I’d genuinely put my own money toward this summer.

7. Copenhagen, Denmark – from £193pp

Copenhagen might sound like a massive wildcard, but it’s actually one of Europe’s best-kept summer secrets.

When the weather hits the low 20s, everyone in the city practically lives outdoors, canalside bars stay packed, and everyone is diving into the harbour clean-water swimming spots.

I found three nights at the Scandic Sydhavnen flying from Edinburgh for £193pp.

Traditional beach packages charge a massive premium in August just because they have a monopoly on the coastline, but Copenhagen flips that layout – you’re paying bottom-dollar for the flight and hotel because it’s technically a city break window.

Yes, Denmark can be pricey when you’re buying a beer, but starting with a sub-£200 bill offsets the spending money before you even land.

For a proper beach day, head straight to Amager Strandpark, a massive two-mile stretch of white sand where you get a brilliant view of the Oresund Bridge while sunbathing.

6. Nice, France – from £230pp

The French Riviera usually conjures up images of billionaires, superyachts, and remortgaging your house for a salad.

Nice, however, is the exception to the rule if you play it smart.

You still get the iconic promenades and pastel Old Town streets, all without the Saint Tropez price tag.

I spotted three nights at the Aparthotel Adagio Access Nice Magnan from London Stansted for £230pp.

Plus in Nice, because it’s a living, breathing city, you can bypass the overpriced tourist traps on the front and eat like a local at the independent bakeries just two streets back.

The main beach strip is great, but walk east past the port to Plage de la Réserve – a tiny, rocky hidden cove where you can escape the crowds and swim in crystal-clear water.

5. Palermo, Sicily – from £210pp

Italy has become notoriously expensive over the last few years, but Sicily is where the smart money goes.

Palermo gives you a beautiful mix of historic grit, world-class street food, and access to proper sandy beaches just down the road. It’s got Capri’s charm, but on a €3-a-beer budget.

You can grab three nights at Villa D’Amato flying from London Luton for £210pp, including breakfast.

Landing a hotel that throws in breakfast on an Italian island for just over £200 is a serious result.

But the real money-saver is Palermo’s legendary street food scene. You can fill up on incredible arancini and panelle for pennies in the local markets, avoiding the eye-watering sit-down dinner bills that plague the Amalfi Coast.

When you want to hit the sand, hop on a local bus out of the center to Mondello Beach, a stunning bay with shallow turquoise water sitting right under the massive cliffs of Monte Pellegrino.

4. Dubrovnik, Croatia – from £203pp

Dubrovnik is usually a victim of its own success – it can get packed and it can get incredibly expensive.

But if you catch the right flight windows, the value opens right up, giving you crystal-clear Adriatic water, historic city walls, and island-hopping boat trips all in one place.

I tracked down three nights at the Marnic Apartments flying from Manchester for just £203pp.

Because Dubrovnik has a massive airport and tons of flight capacity from the UK, flight prices drop through the floor if you avoid weekend departures.

And by using a city apartment base like this instead of an all-inclusive hotel block, you skip the resort premium but still get the exact same sea views as the luxury hotels down the road.

For the best swim in the city, walk just a few hundred meters past the eastern entrance of the Old Town to find Banje Beach, a pebble-and-sand spot that gives you a surreal view of the medieval city walls from the water.

3. Valletta, Malta – from £253pp

Malta feels like a cheat code for a summer break in 2026.

By the time late June rolls around, the limestone coast is properly baking and the coves and beaches around the capital are at their absolute best.

Valletta itself is brilliant because when you’ve had enough sun, you can wander straight into historic bars and massive waterfront restaurants.

I found three nights at the Excelsior Grand Hotel flying from Bournemouth for £253pp.

This is a proper, high-end property, so bagging a stay there alongside flights for under £300pp is unbelievable value.

Malta consistently delivers dramatically better hotel value than neighboring Italy, and because Valletta is compact, you don’t need to shell out on car rentals – the cheap local public transport will get you anywhere for pocket change.

While you’re there, take the quick ferry across the harbour to Sliema and head to Fond Ghadir to swim in the natural, rock-cut swimming pools right in the limestone coast.

2. Alicante, Spain – from £190pp

Alicante is often unfairly dismissed as just a gateway airport for the Costa Blanca, but the city itself is an absolute gem.

Playa del Postiguet is a massive beach that sits right on the edge of the city centre.

You can literally sunbathe all morning, shake the sand off your shoes, and step straight into a traditional tapas bar for lunch.

I found three nights at Alannia Costa Blanca flying from Bournemouth for just £190pp.

And booking Alicante completely eliminates the need for taxis, meaning your spend on transport drops to zero the second you check in.

While everyone stays on the main city beach, take the tram a few stops north to Playa de San Juan, a massive, five-kilometre stretch of wider, powdery sand that gives you plenty of space to hide away from the main city.

1. Valencia, Spain – from £165pp

Valencia might be the best-value city beach crossover in Europe right now.

It has a massive, wide sandy beach, an incredible Old Town, elite-level food, and prices that make Barcelona look like a total rip-off.

I clocked three nights at the Ilunion Valencia 4 flying from London Stansted for just £165pp. That is absurdly cheap, and you aren’t compromising on anything.

What makes Valencia a financial winner is the local economy – because it hasn’t been completely overrun by mass tourism like Madrid, a proper three-course Menú del Día (including wine) will still only set you back about €12 to €15 if you step into the local neighborhoods.

For the ultimate beach day, head down to Playa de la Malvarrosa and hit the best independent beach huts for a cheap drink on the sand. Bliss.

IF you haven’t booked yourself a summer holiday yet, or you’re desperate to upgrade your battered old suitcases…you’re in luck.

Top travel brands like Expedia, Eastpak, and On the Beach have launched massive summer sales – and we’ve rounded up the top deals.

These companies have slashed prices on everything from plane essentials to entire package holidays.

We’ve scoured their websites to find the biggest discounts so you don’t have to.

Here are the top online travel deals you can snap up right now.

Eastpak Luggage Summer Sale – up to 50% off

Need a big, durable suitcase with heaps of packing room inside? Eastpak if your best bet.

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Eastpak Luggage are running a summer sale where there’s up to 50% off on luggage, meaning you can make some huge savings on high-quality suitcases.

One of the biggest price drop items is the Travelpack backpack, where the price has been slashed in half from £95 to £47.50

If you’re looking for large luggage with plenty of room for your holidays, the TRANZVERZ L is currently 40% off – down from £185 to £111.

Another suitcase with big savings is the TRANVERZ M, a medium-sized suitcase on wheels which is down from its full price of £165 to £99 instead.

Expedia Big Summer Sale – up to 35% off

Expedia’s Big Summer Sale has lots of hotels and package holidays still available for the summer where you can bag some major savings.

There’s also deals on flights and car hire, so you can sort out everything you’ll need for your holiday in one place.

Included in the sale are last-minute beach holidays, such as three nights at the adults-only Hotel THB María Isabel in Majorca for £217pp (saving £98).

Plus this package holiday in Greece comes with an extra night for free, staying three nights at the Oktober Downtown Boutique Hotel in Rhodes for £310pp (saving £101).

Here’s a selection of some of the top deals we could find

Packing cubes – 38% off

If you haven’t started using packing cubes yet, now’s the time.

This eight piece set on Amazon is down 38% to £9.95, so you can grab yourself a full kit for under a tenner.

Rolling clothes into these cubes can save on luggage space, plus the kit comes with a dedicated toiletries bag and wet bag for swimwear – all are waterproof.

Not only can they save room in your suitcase, but they’ll save you time, too.

We all know that feeling of rummaging through a huge disorganised pile on the hotel room floor to find what you need.

Save yourself the hassle and keep things organised.

Amazon Travel Packing Cubes – £15.99 NOW £9.95

On the Beach holiday deals – £££ off + kids go free

On the Beach have a huge number of package holidays on sale, with destinations ranging from Spain and Greece to Florida.

These holidays include flights and accommodation, and are currently up to hundreds of pounds off full price.

Some of the best deals include a week-long stay in Albufeira for £250pp at the Muthu Balaia Sol hotel, which even has a kids stay free offer.

There’s also a week-long stay at the Villamarina Club hotel in Salou for £385pp, which also offers free kids’ places. This holiday is currently £107 off.

Other holiday deals in the sale include:

Browse their top deals page for more holiday deals.

Noise reduction earplugs – 80% off

If you’re tired of jamming cheap foam plugs into your ears – wondering if you’re doing actual damage to your ear canals – it’s time for an upgrade.

These Amazon earplugs are currently on sale for a massive 80% off, down from £49.99 to £9.99.

These soft and flexible earplugs are designed to mould perfectly into the ear – much comfier than the free pairs, which also don’t really block any noise.

In fact, these earplugs also provide 40% stronger sound isolation than regular foam alternatives, helping you enjoy the silence and sleep soundly.

Plus these plugs are specifically designed ‘to Block Snoring & Partner’s Noise,’ a saviour if you travel with a loud sleeper.

Amazon FIKSFA Ear Plugs – £49.99 NOW £9.99

Memory foam travel pillow – 20% off

Gone are the days of trying to get comfortable leaning against the plane window. Or worse, craning your head down onto your shoulder, leading to interrupted sleep and neck pain.

Travel pillows are a must for long haul flights – but not all of them are built the same.

This memory foam neck pillow from Amazon is ergonomically designed to cradle your neck perfectly.

Plus it even comes with ear plugs and an eye mask for optimum sleep, as well as a travel bag to keep it safe and clean.

It’s currently on sale, down 20% to £11.89. Skip the inflated airport prices and grab yourself a deal – and a better night’s sleep, too.

Amazon Cirorld Travel Pillow + ear plugs + eye mask – £14.99 NOW £11.89

*Prices correct at the time of publication.