EASYJET has launched a huge sale with millions of seats on offer for winter 2027 including the February half-term.
The budget airline’s Big Seat Release has over seven million seats on flights to and from the UK on sale for between February 1 and March 21, 2027.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
EasyJet has launched its Big Seat Release for winter 2027Credit: GettyDestinations include Agadir in Morocco, which was recently named the most affordable break for this summerCredit: Love holidays
Travellers can choose from over 140 destinations across Europe and North Africa from 22 UK airports.
Flight offers include one-way flights to Paris from London Gatwick, costing £31.99 on February 2, 2027.
You could also travel to Dusseldorf in Germany, Geneva in Switzerland, and Grenoble and Nantes in France for the same price.
If you fancy travelling further afield, you could fly to Agadir in Morocco from London Gatwick on February 23, 2027, for £37.99 one-way.
Agadir was recently named the most affordable break for summer 2026 by loveholidays, with a week holiday to the seaside city costing as little as £24 per person per night between June and August.
The Moroccan city is surrounded by mountains and also boasts a six-mile long golden beach.
Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the city and said: “The Moroccan city is home to the country’s largest market, Souk El Had, as well as a bustling harbour and modern marina.
“Rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1960, the sprawling city nestles against the Atlantic Ocean and its palm-lined wide roads feel more Miami than Morocco.”
Other bucket-list destinations include Reykjavik in Iceland, with flights costing from £44.17 per way and Thessaloniki in Greece, costing from £48.99 per way.
To find easyJet‘s lowest fares, head to the low fare finder section of the easyJet website where the best value fares are shown.
EasyJet holidays also has thousands of package holidays available, including to destinations such as the Canary Islands, Morocco and Tunisia.
All of the holiday packages include flights and a hotel, with a 23kg luggage allowance and transfers for beach getaways.
Kevin Doyle, UK Country Manager for easyJet, said: “Putting millions more seats and package holidays on sale today for nextwinter means our customers across the UK can book early and enjoy great value to Europe’s most popular leisure destinations, including firm favourites such as Amsterdam, Paris, Alicante, Tenerife, and Malaga.
“With hundreds of routes available from 22 UK airports, our short-haul network offers unrivalled choice for those planning their holidays for next year, to book with ease, and we can’t wait to welcome them on board.”
The Government says the increases are needed to make the system self-funded rather than relying on taxpayers.
Officials insist they’re not making a profit, with fees instead covering processing applications, supporting Brits overseas and managing UK border checks.
Standard applications take on average three weeks to process, which is the exact date when the new price comes into force.
So if you want a passport before the cost shoot up, you can apply for one-day premium service.
And be quick as the premium service will go up from from £222 to £239.50 in April as well.
IF you’re dreaming of white sands and turquoise tides but don’t want to overspend, it’s time to break out of your comfort zone.
While the likes of stunning Mykonos and Ibiza may have you hiding from your bank account, there are a handful of affordable luxury gems that are waiting just a short flight away. Here, the Sun’s travel team reveals the bargain buys – including resorts that offer a five-star feel without the excessive price tag.
One resort in Albania is yet to become popular among Brits and reaches 34°C in the summerCredit: Getty
We’ve found lesser-known options that are often quieter than their overcrowded neighbours.
From volcanic Greek islands with moon-like landscapes, to unspoiled Adriatic villages where a beer costs less than £2, these are the best-kept secrets of the Mediterranean and beyond.
Whether you want to trek across Tunisian beaches on a camel or sip cocktails at an Albanian beach club, these are the top under-the-radar resorts for 2026 – where you can bag an escape for as little as £75pp.
Milos, Greece
If you love the look of the Greek Islands but want to dodge the eye-watering prices of Mykonos or Santorini, Milos is the island for you.
This volcanic gem sits in the Aegean Sea and offers some of the most surreal landscapes in Europe, all whilst maintaining that laid-back Greek holiday atmosphere.
Flights to Milos (via a quick connection in Athens) take around 4 hours in total.
Return flights start at £119. You can book the whole flight – with connections included – on Skyscanner to save you the hassle of planning.
Or you can also hop on a ferry over from mainland Greece, with flights from London to Athens starting at just £26.37 each way with budget airline Ryanair.
Visit the island during the peak summer months of July and August, and you’ll find temperatures sitting at a glorious 30C.
Although Milos is a lesser-visited island, it’s famed for its coastline – specifically Sarakiniko Beach.
Sarakiniko Beach in Milos is so strikingly white you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re looking at the ArcticCredit: Alamy
Here, bone-white volcanic rock looks more like the surface of the moon than a typical beach, making it one of the island’s most Instagrammable spots.
For something more secluded, head to the fishing village of Firopotamos, where tiny syrmata (brightly-coloured boat garages) sit on the water’s edge.
You can spend your days swimming in sapphire-blue rock pools or snorkelling the sea caves of Kleftiko, an old pirate hideout only accessible by boat.
Plus, going out to eat in Milos is a dream for those on a budget compared to those visiting its more famous neighbours.
You can pick up massive, authentic gyros from a local taverna for as little as €5 (£4.30), or sit back with a cold local beer for around €3.50 (£3.02).
While Milos feels exclusive and high-end, it remains surprisingly affordable – so you can experience that Mamma Mia lifestyle without the celebrity price tag.
Lastminute.com offers a 4-night stay in the beautiful, bright white Tsakanos Home, including breakfast (and return flights from London Stansted) from £303pp.
The Greek island of Milos is dotted with colourful syrmata boathouses overlooking calm watersCredit: Alamy
Ischia, Italy
Want Positano without the price tag? Consider visiting Ischia, known as the Green Island of Italy.
Spend days strolling past pastel-coloured traditional houses and through blooming botanical gardens, or hop on boat trips to explore hidden coves.
Temperatures average 26C in July and August, and sit comfortably in the early 20’s during the shoulder seasons.
The easiest way to get to Ischia is to fly to Naples (starting at £14.99 each way with Ryanair) and then hop on the ultra-fast hydrofoil ferry.
Once you arrive, there’s endless amounts of unique history to explore and coastline to wander.
This volcanic island even has its own hot springs that bubble up at the island’s longest and most popular beach, Maronti Beach.
Ischia in Italy is made up of narrow streets with pastel-coloured buildingsCredit: AlamyIschia is one of the most unique places to visit in Italy, with hot springs and an underwater cityCredit: Alamy
And if that’s not unique enough, there’s plenty more interesting beaches to choose from.
Cartaromana Beach has its own real-life Atlantis in the form of a sunken city called Aenaria made up of Roman ruins.
And for a historical afternoon out, head to the medieval Aragonese Castle to see the old prisons and stone bridges that overlook a vast blue bay.
It’s famously hard to find a bad meal in Italy, and the island of Ischia is no exception.
A portion of arancini can cost you as little as €3 (£2.59), and you can find local beers from €4 (£3.45).
Plus there are plenty of affordable package holiday options available to this underrated island.
First Choice offers a 7-night stay with breakfast at the Costa Citara Hotel, including return flights from Birmingham, from £483pp.
Ksamil, Albania
Albania is the recent breakout star of budget holiday destinations, but many Brits still haven’t caught on to this unspoiled coastal village.
Ksamil is a resort in southern Albania that offers a real slice of Mediterranean paradise set on the idyllic Ionian Sea.
Just three hours’ flight from the UK, Ksamil sees 300 days of sunshine per year, and temperatures peak at a scorching 34C in the summer months.
With its near-luminous blue waters and rocky coves covered in lush greenery, Ksamil could easily be mistaken for a luxurious Greek island resort.
One of the resort’s best beaches is Plazhi Ksamil, a popular choice for its picturesque wooden jetty where boats wait to taxi you off to the remote Ksamil islands.
But if you truly want somewhere remote and undisturbed, take the coastal walk down to Pulebardha Beach.
Pulebardha Beach is a secluded spot in the Albanian resort of KsamilCredit: AlamyBeaches in Ksamil can often be calmer than the popular resorts of Himara and capital TiranaCredit: Alamy
If you don’t mind pebbles instead of sand, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
In Ksamil, sitting down to a cocktail at a beachside bar can feel like experiencing a high-end Mykonos resort for a fraction of the price.
Cocktails here can cost you as little as 350 LEK (around £3.16), and beers as little as 180 LEK (£1.62).
Poda Beach Bar has a posh beach club feel, with day beds, a wooden sea swing, as well as live music and DJs taking over a stretch of white sand.
The village’s top eateries include grill houses such as Restaurant Grill & Pizza Palma, as well as top seafood spot The Mussel House.
The latter offers some of the freshest local shellfish in the area, with thousands of raving 5-star reviews online.
One of the restaurant’s most popular dishes, sautéed mussels, will cost you just 550 LEK (£4.96).
And as for accommodation, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to affordable options.
You can book a three-night self-catering stay in a sea view villa, including return flights from London Luton, for as little as £75pp on Lastminute.com.
Ulcinj, Montenegro
Think the Med is getting too expensive? Montenegro is here to prove you wrong.
Montenegro’s dramatic coastline blends impressive mountains with warm turquoise waters, plus your pick of near-endless sandy coves to explore.
Montenegro is a lesser-visited Meditterranean country for BritsCredit: Alamy
And whilst the crowds head to the busy Bay of Kotor, savvy travellers are heading south to Ulcinj.
Ulcinj is an ultra-affordable Mediterranean destination, and it doesn’t compromise on the beautiful nature, either.
Flights to Podgorica, the nearest airport, average just 2 hours and 50 minutes from London – and can cost as little as £18 each way with Wizz Air.
Ulcinj is also one of the country’s oldest residential areas, so there are plenty of historical sites to visit, such as the ancient Ulcinj Castle and the charming narrow streets of the Old Town.
The best time to visit Ulcinj is between May and September, with July being the hottest month with temperatures reaching 31C.
And if you’re simply looking to laze on a lounger and soak up the sunshine, head to Long Beach.
As the name suggests, this shoreline stretches for miles – eight miles, to be exact.
The ancient Ulcinj Castle overlooks the vast Adriatic SeaCredit: Getty
This beach has soft sands and shallow, sapphire waters, perfect for paddling with children if taking a family holiday.
Alternatively, Small Beach is tucked in a crescent-shaped cove, overlooked by the impressive Ulcinj Castle.
And other than sightseeing and sunbathing, Ulcinj has plenty of other unique things to do.
Head to the Ulcinj Salina, a giant nature park, to spot wild flamingos for free, or visit Lake Skadar (the largest in the Balkans) to rent a kayak.
Local staple foods include priganice, which are doughnut-like fritters eaten at breakfast, and baklava, a sweet pastry often enjoyed with coffee.
These delights cost as little as €1-2 from markets and cafes. Plus, when they’re paired with a cappuccino, which averages a cost of just €1.97 in Montenegro, how can you say no?
And when it comes to booking your trip, holiday packages to Ulcinj are very affordable.
Loveholidays offer a 7-night stay with breakfast at the swanky Hotel Continental Ulcinj (which includes return flights from London Stansted) from just £299 per person.
Djerba Island, Tunisia
Sun-drenched Djerba is a palm tree-lined island off the coast of Tunisia, where Mediterranean and North African influences meet to make postcard-perfect seaside villages.
Flights from London to Djerba average three and a half hours, ideal for those who want that far-flung holiday feel without the long flight.
Djerba is the largest island in North Africa, and is part of TunisiaCredit: GettyHoumt Souk in Djerba is worth visiting for its bustling markets, street art and mosaicsCredit: Getty
Visit the island in its warmest months, July and August, and you can enjoy temperatures that reach up to 33C.
Here you can stroll through whitewashed fishing villages, colourful markets and neighbourhoods decorated with mosaics and street art.
Or simply laze under straw umbrellas on the shores of Sidi Mahrez beach, taking the occasional dip in its turquoise waters.
And if you want to enjoy Djerba’s beautiful beaches by trekking across their white sands via camel, you can do that here.
For a more lively day out, head to Houmt Souk (known as the market neighbourhood) for colourful souks backed by an impressive fortress.
Or head to the north-eastern coast of the island to try out water sports like parasailing and kite-surfing.
Local food is both affordable and delicious, and you can grab local delicacies like couscous from markets for around 10.20 DT (£2.60) per meal.
Plus, the average beer in Tunisia will cost you only 5 DT (£1.28) and a cappuccino will set you back just 2.63 DT (67p).
Tunisia is renowned for its affordable all-inclusive hotels, and the resorts on Djerba Island are no exception.
TUI offer week-long, all-inclusive stays at the four-star Palm Beach Djerba (including return flights from London Luton) from just £395pp.
Camel rides are available along the beaches of Djerba, TunisiaCredit: AFPBeaches within Portugal’s Costa Vicentina Natural Park often have unique landscapesCredit: Getty
Aljezur, Portugal
For a taste of the “wild side” of the Algarve that remains distant from the major tourist spots, look no further than Aljezur.
Tucked away in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park on Portugal’s rugged west coast, this market town is worlds away from the high-rise resorts of the south.
Flights to Faro from the UK take around 2 hours and 50 minutes, and can cost as little as £14.99 each way with Ryanair.
From there, it’s a scenic 75-minute drive into a landscape of jagged cliffs and desert-like sands.
Summer temperatures here peak at 28C in July, whilst the south coast can feel sweltering, Aljezur enjoys a cooling Atlantic breeze.
Aljezur is the capital of Portugal’s surf scene, centred around the stunning Arrifana Beach, a crescent of soft sands sheltered by dramatic black cliffs.
Another beautiful beach option is Monte Clérigo, which has a coastal village vibe with colourful houses perched right above the shore.
Amoreira Beach, on the other hand, features a unique river mouth that’s calm and ideal for paddling with kids.
Despite its trendy surfing reputation, Aljezur is surprisingly wallet-friendly.
The quiet market town of Aljezur in the Algarve feels worlds away from busy AlbufeiraCredit: Alamy
You can grab a hearty Prato do Dia (plate of the day) featuring fresh grilled seafood for around €10 (£8.62) at a traditional tasca.
A local beer will cost you about €2.50 (£2.16), and a coffee from a local cafe can be found for just €1.20 (£1.03).
Between the castle ruins, dramatic cliffs and endless amount of hidden beaches, Aljezur offers a taste of Portugal‘s beautifully rugged coastline for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere in the Algarve.
Expedia offer a 7-night stay including breakfast at the aptly-named Utopia from just £403pp.
EGYPT has seen a fall in tourism due to the ongoing Iran conflict – despite it not being affected.
In response, tour operators are dropping prices of all-inclusive holidays – with some savings racking up to over £2,000.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The price of holidays to Egypt has dropped as Brits avoid goingCredit: AlamyTUI’s Coral Sea Water World has its own waterpark and savings of over £2,000Credit: TUI
Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Brits have been avoiding travelling to the surrounding countries, including Egypt.
Last week, On The Beach confirmed that they had experienced a drop in demand for popular holiday destinations including Egypt as well as Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.
Despite this, its airspace remains open and the travel advice to popular tourist spots along the Red Sea coastline hasn’t differed from the being safe for travel.
What has changed, is that the price of all-inclusive holidays has plunged.
An all-inclusive break at the Xperience St. George Homestay, in the coastal neighbourhood of Hadaba in Sharm El Sheikh, starts from £424 per person.
This includes flights from LiverpoolJohn Lennon Airport on May 11 and the return journey on May 28, 2026.
A TUI holiday has dropped by nearly 70 per cent, with a three-night all-inclusive stay next month at Sindbad Club just £347pp – down from £1017pp.
Or a family of four can have an all-inclusive stay across seven-nights at the Coral Sea Water World in Sharm El Sheikh for just £1,576 – or £525.46 per person (and down 60 per cent).
The trip with TUI from April 22 to April 29, 2026 is all-inclusive and includes return flights from Manchester Airport.
Brits unsure about booking holidays should remember that the package holidays are ATOL-protected – so if they get cancelled, you get all your money back.
What is the current travel advice to Egypt?
Keep up to date with the FCDO travel advice to Egypt on Gov.UK – here’s the latest…
FCDO advises against travel to these parts of Egypt;
Egypt-Libya border
North Sinai
Northern part of South Sinai
Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate
Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid
Western Desert
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:
Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings
the Faiyum Governorate
the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road
the oasis town of Siwa
the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis
the White Desert and Black Desert
the oasis towns of Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
the following roads and the desert area between them and the Nile valley:
the road between Giza and Farafra and within 50km either side of this road (but FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
the road between Farafra, Dakhla (Mut) and Kharga
the road between Kharga and Baris
the road between Baris and Luxor
It also warns of potential regional risks that “could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts”.
The FCDO advises British nationals to “take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances”.
The Xperience St. George Homestay has deals from £424ppCredit: easyjet Holidays The price of all-inclusive holidays to spots in Egypt have plummetedCredit: Alamy
Our favourite Egypt holiday deals
If you click on a link in this box, we will earn affiliate revenue.
New Badawia Resort, Sharm el Sheikh
This hotel in popular resort Sharm el Sheikh has a large outdoor pool, waterpark and its own private beach area to cool off from the Egyptian sun. There’s traditional evening entertainment to bring the kids along to, and plenty to do in the local area like snorkelling and dipping into local bars and restaurants
With five swimming pools, six bars and six restaurants, you won’t get bored of this sprawling resort. The resort sits in the town centre of Makadi Bay, with plenty of dining and shopping options on your doorstep. The best part? Makadi Water World is just minutes from the hotel, famed for its 50 water slides and wave pool – and guests staying here get free entry.
The 4-star Jaz Grand Marsa has its own private beach with a coral reef, as well as five pools, three of which have sea views. The spacious grounds feature gardens and water fountains, plus tennis courts.
This all-inclusive resort is built for families, with a huge entertainment programme and an on-site waterpark with 18 slides. You can expect a buffet that’s anything but repetitive, as the theme and food line-up change daily. If you can bring yourself to leave the all-inclusive waterpark-come-resort, there’s the King Tut Museum, plus the Red Sea is world-famous for snorkelling.
A MAN has revealed how he managed to visit two countries in two days for under £100 – and was back in time for work the next morning.
Aleksander Sikora, 41, wanted to visit both Nice and Monaco on his two days off.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Aleksander Sikora managed to visit two countries in one trip for under £100Credit: SWNSHe spent his first day exploring Monaco before going to NiceCredit: SWNSHe made sure to visit the free attractions to keep costs downCredit: SWNS
The dad-of-two, who lives in Farnham, Surrey, bought easyJet return flights from Gatwick to Nice for just £48 which departed on Friday, March 13, and returned the next day.
His pre-trip costs included £13 parking, and be paid £19 for a hostel in Nice before departing as well.
After arriving in Nice, he went straight to Monaco by train (£6) to explore the sights of the famous ‘microstate’ – known for its beautiful buildings and wealth.
He visited the area around Monte Carlo’s casino and saw the Promenade des Champions – golden footprints of award-winning footballers.
Aleksander said: “I went to The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate, which was free to enter, and I went to the Prince‘s Palace of Monaco on the hill.”
Aleksander fuelled up throughout the day on a packed lunch be brought with him, although did splash out on some pizza from a local market stall.
He got a train back to Nice – squeezing in a visit to the Notre-Dame de Nice in the dark – where he slept and then had breakfast at the hostel the following morning.
The £19-a-night cost amazingly even included a breakfast of croissants, baguettes and coffee for the bargain price.
Aleksander said: “I am from Poland and somehow one of the other men in the hostel was too.
“Another of the men from the hostel suggested to go to the Russian Orthodox Cathedral so the next day that was what I did.”
Entry was free there too, so he explored after stocking up with more snacks and drinks from a local supermarket.
He walked up to the Colline du Chateau, which offers panoramic views of Nice, and took in the sights.
Aleksander then visited a museum to get some more history of Nice, before a gentle walk back to the airport.
He said: “That was another six miles or so, but I just looked around the streets, chilled out and relaxed.
“I put my headphones in, and just thought about nothing, enjoying my break from work.”
After spending his second day exploring Nice, he got back to the airport to catch his 9pm flight back to Gatwick – and was in bed by 11:30pm, ready for work the next day.
He said it was the best way to see as place – as long as you don’t mind a lot of walkingCredit: SWNSHis hostel even included breakfastCredit: SWNS
Aleksander, a retail employee trainer, said: “I saw a lot of historical things, if you like that kind of history it’s great.
“I studied history for three years, it’s a passion of mine and there is lots to discover.
“I walked around 30 miles in two days, but I don’t mind. I just relaxed and enjoyed it.”
And the entire trip cost around £100 thanks to Aleksander’s savvy travelling methods and bringing his own food.
He added: “The main beauty of the trip was the architecture, all the different cultures.
“You can’t compare them but every place is unique, and you can find beauty everywhere.
Full cost of Aleksander’s trip
Return flight ticket – £48
Car park Gatwick – £13
Night in Nice with breakfast – £19
Train from Nice to Monaco – £6
Train from Monaco to Nice – £5
Half a pizza in Monaco – £3.50
Croissant & Coffee in Nice – £3
Supermarket water and snacks – £2
= £99.50
He was back in time for work the next dayCredit: SWNS
WHEN it comes to travelling to Greece there are loads of islands to choose from – but now the cheapest spots have been revealed, and you might be surprised.
Greece is a much-loved holiday destination for Brits, and now the islands where you could save over £1,000 have been revealed.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
The cheaper Greek island destinations have been revealedCredit: GettyThere are a number of alternative islands Brits could head to in Greece that could save them over £1,000 on their holidayCredit: GettyThe cheapest Greek destination is Kefalonia, with a seven-night holiday costing around £596 per personCredit: Alamy
According to new data by TravelSupermarket, Kefalonia – the largest Ionian island – is the cheapest Greek destination.
Looking at average prices for a seven-night holiday between September 16, 2025 and March 15 2026, TravelSupermarket found that Kefalonia cost an average of £596 per person.
Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel (Digital), who has visited the island, said: “Looking out at Myrtos Beach, which is regularly named one of Greece’s top five, it felt like we were being let in on a great secret.
“The bright white shoreline and astonishingly clear aquamarine waters shone back at us, almost completely empty.
“It was so peaceful, in fact, that a digital nomad had set up his van office in the parking lot overlooking the sea.”
In second place is Lefkada, costing around £606 per person.
Instead of heading to Corfu, Lefkada (which is just along the coast) offers fewer crowds.
Also, in comparison to a seven-night break in Corfu, you could save £216 per person, or £864 if travelling as a family of four.
The island of Lefkada is often dubbed the ‘Caribbean of Greece’ thanks to its exotic, Caribbean-like natural landscape.
Across the island, you will find sprawling beaches including Porto Katsiki.
And in the island’s main town, there are lots of alleys to explore, and a long promenade with restaurants and bars littered along it.
In the town, look at the buildings too, as many are in a Venetian architectural style.
Surprisingly, Santorini ranked third most affordable, costing around £637 per person.
The stunning island is one of the most popular destinations in Europe attracting honeymooners and A-listers such as Angelina Jolie and Beyonce.
Lefkada followed in second place and surprisingly, Santorini in thirdCredit: GettySantorini is often thought to be a luxury destination with A-listers visiting, such as BeyonceCredit: Getty
And as a result, many think visiting the island comes with a premium price tag.
But a trip to the white-and-blue island doesn’t need to break the bank.
Hotels can cost from just £35 a night and the island has a good bus network, which costs less than £2 a ticket.
For less busy spots, check out Megalochori, Pygros or Emborio – they all feature cobbled roads, cosy tavernas and authentic Greek food.
Mykonos followed in fourth, costing around £670 per person.
Mykonos is often thought to be one of Greece‘s most glamorous and expensive places to visit.
Another glamourous destination – Mykonos – followed in fourthCredit: Getty
Both destinations are Dodecanese staples, with lots of sunny weather and stunning beaches.
Yet, if you head to Rhodes over Kos you could save a massive £254 per person – or £1,016 for a family of four.
The island is well-known for its 3,000-year-old history with the UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town as well as amazing beaches including Lindos Beach and Faliraki Beach.
Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, said: “Greek islands are not all created equal when it comes to price — but the expensive ones might not be the islands you’d expect.
“Mykonos costs less to book than Crete. Rhodes is hundreds of pounds cheaper than Kos.
I SPEND a lot of my time looking at holiday prices – comparing deals, breaking down packages, and figuring out where the strange little pricing tricks are hiding.
There’s one trend I keep seeing again and again. In some family resorts, it can actually work out cheaper to stay as an adult and a child than as one adult on their own.
Holiday expert Rob Brooks has scoured the internet for holidays that are cheaper with childrenCredit: Robb Brooks
That’s not because flights suddenly get cheaper, but because the hotel part of the package drops in price.
It sounds odd, but when you look at how hotels price their rooms, it starts to make sense.
Why does this strange holiday pricing trick happen? The main reason is something called a single supplement.
Most hotel rooms are priced for two people sharing, so when just one person stays, hotels often increase the price to make up for the empty bed.
Solo travellers can end up paying a hidden surcharge, but when you add a child, the pricing works differently.
Family resorts – especially in places like Turkey, Spain and Greece – are built around rooms designed for two adults and a child, and children usually cost hotels less to accommodate.
They often sleep on sofa beds, eat smaller portions and have discounted all-inclusive rates.
Because of that, hotels often price children very cheaply – and sometimes the total hotel cost actually drops compared with a solo booking.
Hotels are usually happy with this because families tend to spend more around the resort, from drinks and snacks to activities and excursions.
So, filling a room with an adult and a child can be more valuable than one guest travelling alone, which occasionally leads to the strange situation where bringing a child makes the hotel portion of the holiday cheaper.
When I looked at the data, I found several resorts where this pricing quirk shows up.
I compared the price of a 7-night stay as a solo traveller versus the cost when bringing one child at a variety of holiday resorts.
Here are some of the best examples, and the biggest savings of up to £698.
Labranda Targa Club Aquapark, Marrakech
Average saving: £30
Just outside Marrakech, Labranda Targa Club Aquapark combines Moroccan sunshine with a proper family-friendly resort setup.
Kids get water slides and splash pools, while adults can explore the markets and gardens of the city nearby.
And the pricing still shows a small advantage, with adult and child bookings averaging £30 cheaper for a 7-night stay than solo travellers.
Labranda Targa Club Aquapark is a family-friendly option in sunny Marrakech, MoroccoCredit: On the Beach
BLUESEA Puerto Caleta, Fuerteventura
Average saving: £43
Located in Caleta de Fuste, Puerto Caleta is a relaxed apartment complex perfect for an adult and child beach holiday.
You’ve got sandy beaches, boat trips and plenty of restaurants right on your doorstep.
When I priced it up, holidays average a £43 saving for an adult and child per 7-night stay compared with travelling alone.
Sol Barbados, Majorca
Average saving: £45
Sol Barbados in Magaluf is one of the most family-friendly resorts in Majorca.
There’s a huge waterpark-style pool area, kids’ entertainment and easy access to the beach.
For an adult travelling with a child, it’s a simple sun-and-pool holiday – and the pricing shows an average saving of around £45 for a 7-night stay compared to booking solo.
BLUESEA Puerto Caleta in Fuerteventura is just steps away from a golden sand beachCredit: Alamy
At Staycity Aparthotels near Disneyland Paris, you’re just minutes from the Disney parks, which makes it ideal for an adult taking a child on their first big theme park trip.
And the pricing structure means the average holiday can come out around £60 cheaper for a 7-night stay when you book as an adult and child instead of travelling alone.
The Staycity Aparthotels are just minutes’ walk from Disneyland ParisCredit: Alamy
Oludeniz Beach Resort by Z Hotels, Dalaman
Average saving: £81
Oludeniz Beach Resort sits right by one of Turkey’s most famous beaches – the stunning Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz.
It’s an easygoing, all-inclusive resort where an adult and child can spend the day swimming, exploring the beach or watching the paragliders drift down from the mountains.
And package bookings for this hotel show an average saving of £81 for a 7-night stay when adding a child versus travelling solo.
There is an average saving of £81 when you bring a child to Oludeniz Beach ResortCredit: On the Beach
Gran Castillo Tagoro, Lanzarote
Average saving: £212
This five-star resort in Lanzarote is practically designed for family holidays.
Gran Castillo Tagoro has dedicated kids zones, family pools and incredible views over the volcanic coastline near Playa Blanca.
For an adult and child travelling together, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and activities.
Bookings here show an average saving of around £212 when bringing a child for a 7-night stay compared with a solo holiday.
You can save up to £212 on a stay at the five-star Gran Castillo Tagoro in LanzaroteCredit: On the Beach
It’s close to the beaches of Salou and just minutes from PortAventura theme park, which makes it perfect for a trip packed with rides, waterparks and ice cream stops.
Thanks to family-friendly pricing, the average holiday price drops by about £251 per 7-night stay when a child is added to the booking.
Golden Port Salou is just a short walk away from the Spanish theme park PortAventuraCredit: On the Beach
Rixos Radamis Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Average saving: £279
If you’re looking for something more luxury, Rixos Radamis in Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most impressive resorts in Egypt.
Huge pools, beach access on the Red Sea, kids clubs and endless all-inclusive food options make it a dream for families.
And the pricing structure here means an adult travelling with a child can save around £279 for a 7-night break on average compared with booking the same trip alone.
Auramar Beach Resort, Algarve
Average saving: £349
Over in Portugal, Auramar Beach Resort sits right above the cliffs near Albufeira with incredible sea views.
It’s a laid-back all-inclusive hotel where an adult and child can spend the day between the beach, the pools and the buffet before watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
Because it’s built for families, adding a child actually brings the average holiday price down by around £349 for a 7-night break compared with travelling solo.
The Auramar Beach Resort in Albufeira has stunning views over sapphire seasCredit: On the Beach
Eftalia Blue, Antalya
Average saving: £698
One of the biggest differences I found was at Eftalia Blue on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
This is a classic big Turkish all-inclusive resort with huge pools, slides, and easy access to the famous Eftalia Island beach complex.
For an adult and child travelling together, it’s ideal – kids get waterparks and entertainment all day while parents can relax by the pool or head down to the beach.
And the pricing quirk here is huge, with holidays averaging almost £700 cheaper for an adult and child for a 7-night stay compared to travelling alone.
Here’s my key takeaways for travellers.
Holidays can become nearly £700 cheaper at Eftalia Blue if you bring a child rather than go soloCredit: Eftalia Hotels
I should make it clear: holidays aren’t always cheaper with kids.
Flights are still one of your biggest spends, and plenty of hotels price things normally.
But when you start digging through package holiday deals, you occasionally find this strange pricing quirk.
Because of single supplements and heavily discounted child rates, this is one of those travel industry secrets you only really notice when you spend your days digging through holiday data.
BRITISH holidaymakers have been caught up in the Iran crisis, with thousands stranded abroad and even more fearing for their upcoming trips.
But if you haven’t booked your holiday yet, should you be doing it now to avoid any price hikes?
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Your holiday to Spain and Greece is likely to cost more this summerCredit: AlamyAirlines are already hiking flight fare prices, and this is likely to continueCredit: Alamy
In response, airlines such as Qantas, Scandinavia’s SAS and Air New Zealand have all raised flight prices already.
Some airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, are less affected as they have secured some of their fuel at fixed prices for a set amount of time – called hedging.
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said the rise in jet fuel “won’t affect our costs and it won’t affect our low fares,” something easyJet also echoed.
But flights elsewhere are likely to go up in the next year or so, as the conflict continues.
Most airlines in America do not protect themselves against jet fuel price increases, meaning Brits are likely to see more expensive transatlantic fares.
According to research from Skift this could cost US airlines as much as $24billion in extra fuel costs – working out to 11 per cent increases on flights.
Not only that, but the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – one of the world’s most important shipping routes – is also having a knock-on affect and could lead to shortages.
James Noel-Beswick, head of commodities at market intelligence firm Sparta Commodities, told the BBC that it was very likely” that prices will increase this summer.
He added: “I think we’re weeks away from maybe flight cancellations or delays due to lack of jet fuel, rather than months.”
So, what can Brit holidaymakers do?
Qantas has already said they are raising pricesCredit: EPA
If you were planning on booking a package holiday, many tour operators allow you to lock in a cheap price, and simply pay a deposit, with the full balance coming later.
Jet2 allows you to book a holiday with a £60pp deposit while TUI has a number of £0 deposit schemes.
Loveholidays has deposits from £19pp, as well as a “Best Price Promise” that refunds the difference if your holiday is cheaper within seven days of booking, plus an extra £5 per person.
Destinations like Spain – already one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits – are likely to see even more demand this year along with Greece due to being seen as ‘safer’ holiday destinations.
This means you might see a jump in price more than usual as well.
Dubai is still on the “only essential travel” list so holidays to the UAE city are currently suspended, along with Jordan also on the travel ban list.
Even destinations like Egypt and Turkey are being affected, with a number of Sun readers concerned about holidays to both.
The Sun’s Head of Travel on which holiday destinations to go to instead this year
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot, explains: “There’s no doubt the current crisis in the Middle East is going to have a seismic impact on our holiday habits.
“Reports of travellers stranded in the UAE and across the globe will certainly prompt those looking to travel long haul to look at alternative ways to fly – with direct flights to places like Thailand, the Maldives and Japan sure to be very popular.
“Closer to home, the situation will sadly likely impact destinations like Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus and possibly even Greece.
“And with soaring fuel costs, tour operators will be looking to price alternative destinations competitively.
“But there are other options – our traditional resorts in places like Spain and Portugal are good, safe bets.
“Comparison giant TravelSupermarket has crunched the numbers for this summer and declared Spain’s Costa Calida one of the best-value destinations for this summer.
“Dubbed the ‘warm coast’, this region stretching along the south eastern region of Murcia is one of Spain’s most underrated coastlines with 150miles of beaches, crystal clear waters and the unique Mar Menor lagoon, Europe’s largest saltwater lake.
“Also worth exploring arethe likes of Montenegro, Albania and even North Macedonia for cheaper hotel and restaurant costs as well as traditional favourite Bulgaria.
Long haul holiday destinations are likely to see a spike in prices too, as Brits try to avoid booking connecting flights that go via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
Some popular countries include Thailand, Vietnam, the Maldives and Bali, all of which usually fly via the Middle East.
There are alternative stopover destinations, usually via Turkey, Singapore or Hong Kong – but the soaring demand is likely to see these cost more this year too.
And with longer flight times? More jet fuel, so even more costs being passed on.
DEALS IN GREECE & SPAIN
Keen to book your next holiday ASAP? There are some great packages available to snap up right now.
*If you click on a link we will earn affiliate revenue.
Greece
Little Prince Apartments, Corfu
TUI offer a 7-night self-catering stay from 31 May including return flights from London Gatwick from £246.14pp.
Palm Beach Hotel, Kos
Jet2 Holidays offer a 7-night half board stay from 21 July including return flights from Glasgow from £561pp.
Sylvia, Crete
TUI offer a 7-night stay with breakfast from 30 July including return flights from Cardiff from £772.80pp. This offer includes one free child’s place.
Dedalos Beach Hotel, Crete
Booking.com offer a 5-night half-board stay from 1 June from £394pp, flights not included.
Trianta Hotel Apartments, Rhodes
TUI offer a 7-night self-catering stay from 2 August including return flights from Glasgow from £638pp. This offer includes one free child’s place.
Spain
Inter2, Salou
Jet2 Holidays offer a 5-night all-inclusive stay from 29 May including return flights from London Gatwick from £491pp.
Medplaya Hotel Monterrey, Girona
Booking.com offer a 5-night all-inclusive stay from 8 June from £157.50pp, flights not included.
Tabaiba, Costa Teguise, Lanzarote
TUI offer a 7-night self-catering stay from 13 July including return flights from London Gatwick from £447.12pp.
El Churra, Murcia
Jet2 Holidays offer a 5-night stay with breakfast from 24 May including return flights from Edinburgh from £548pp.
Poseidon La Manga Hotel & Spa, Murcia
Booking.com offer a 5-night half-board stay from 8 June from £231pp, flights not included.