Travel Deals

I WORK in travel, which basically means I spend most of my life looking at holiday prices, booking trends, destinations and deals.

Now and then, a destination suddenly appears on my radar where I think: “this place is about to have a BIG moment”.

Montenegro is that place for me right now.

A few years ago, hardly anyone in Britain was talking about it.

Now, searches for Montenegro holidays are up more than 120 per cent year-on-year, while bookings have surged by more than a whopping 500 per cent.

And after looking at the prices people are paying compared to what they’re actually getting, I completely understand why.

Because Montenegro feels like somebody merged Scandinavia and the Mediterranean, then forgot to charge Monaco prices for it – and the value genuinely shocked me.

Holiday prices in general have crept up massively over the last few years, with the average beach holiday now sitting close to £2,000 in 2026.

Montenegro, though, is still coming in around 10 per cent cheaper than that, despite looking far more premium than many destinations which charge significantly more.

I found a five-night all-inclusive stay at the 4* Carine Hotel Kumbor Superior in Herceg Novi for £288pp in October 2026.

Beachfront hotel, direct flights from Gatwick, strong reviews,
mountains dropping into the sea behind the hotel – the sort of place most people would assume costs a fortune.

Then I compared it to similar all-inclusive beachfront hotels elsewhere in Europe.

A comparable 4* all-inclusive stay at Hotel Osmine on Croatia’s Dubrovnik Riviera was coming in at £530pp for similar dates.

In Turkey, the 4* Justiniano Club Alanya was £440pp.

Portugal’s AP Adriana Beach Resort came in around £395pp, while Greece’s Tsilivi Beach Hotel sat at roughly £360pp.

And that’s the bit people haven’t really clocked yet.

Montenegro is still priced closer to budget beach destinations, despite visually feeling far closer to luxury resorts in Croatia, northern Italy or the French Riviera.

This is the easiest way I can describe Montenegro to people who’ve never been: imagine Norway, but warm.

You’ve got dramatic fjord-like bays where mountains crash straight into bright blue sea, but then layered into that are old Venetian towns, beach clubs, marinas and proper Mediterranean weather.

The Bay of Kotor, in particular, looks almost fake in places. One minute you’re driving around scenery that feels Scandinavian, the next you’re sitting eating seafood by a marina in 25-degree sunshine.

It doesn’t feel like your standard “fly and flop” beach holiday. It feels more cinematic than that.

The question I always get asked when I mention Montenegro is whether it’s easy for British tourists.

Honestly, that’s probably one of its biggest strengths.

Whenever I read reviews or speak to people who’ve been recently, the same phrases keep coming up: relaxed, calm, safe, welcoming.

And I think that matters more than ever now.

Montenegro consistently ranks as a very safe destination for tourists, and the resorts themselves feel noticeably more laid-back than some of the bigger mainstream Mediterranean hotspots.

Places like Kotor, Tivat and Herceg Novi feel more like relaxed marina towns than loud tourist machines.

You can walk around at night, eat outside by the waterfront, wander through old towns, and it all just feels very smooth and stress-free.

This is another reason I think bookings are suddenly climbing.

Montenegro stays properly warm far longer than many people realise.

If you travel in May, June or October, you can still comfortably get low-to-mid 20s temperatures while paying a fraction of peak summer prices.

That’s where the value becomes almost ridiculous.

The October deal I found at the Carine Hotel Kumbor Superior for £335pp is a perfect example of that.

In peak August, you’d expect to pay far more for that sort of scenery and hotel quality elsewhere in Europe.

But interestingly, the value isn’t just limited to shoulder season either.

I also compared two similar July deals in peak summer.

In Montenegro, I found a five-night stay at the 4* Hotel Rivijera in Petrovac for £395pp with flights and breakfast included.

Meanwhile, a comparable 4* stay at the AluaSun Costa Park in Torremolinos, Spain’s Costa del Sol, came in slightly higher at £410pp. And that’s quite telling.

Because Spain is traditionally seen as the “cheap and easy” summer holiday option for Brits.

Montenegro still somehow manages to compete with it on price, despite feeling far more undiscovered and dramatically different visually.

That long season is a huge advantage.

Whether you travel in peak July or as late as October, Montenegro seems to consistently sit in this sweet spot where the weather still feels premium, but the prices haven’t completely lost their minds yet.

It’s basically cheaper sunshine.

A lot of destinations only really work for one type of traveller. Montenegro somehow does several things at once.

You can do long weekends wandering around Kotor’s old town. You can stay in Budva if you want beaches, bars and more going on.

You can head to Becici for quieter beachfront hotels and a slower pace.

Or you can go full luxury around Porto Montenegro in Tivat, where the
Marina genuinely feels like a mini Monaco at times.

That flexibility is a huge reason I think it’s growing so quickly. It works whether you’re a couple looking for scenery, a family wanting an easy beach holiday, or someone who normally does city breaks but fancies adding sunshine into the mix.

This is the big opportunity with Montenegro right now.

It’s not overrun. It’s not absurdly expensive. It hasn’t quite hit that point where every single person you know has already been there three times.

But the growth numbers suggest that it probably won’t last forever. You can already see it happening in the data.

Searches are climbing rapidly. Bookings are exploding.

More Brits are starting to realise they can get this sort of scenery, weather and hotel quality without paying Croatia or Italy prices.

And yet somehow, deals still keep appearing that make absolutely no sense for how premium Montenegro feels.

I found a five-night stay at the highly rated D&D Apartments Tivat in Tivat for £270pp in late September 2026 with direct flights from Luton included.

Tivat is home to Porto Montenegro – the luxury marina development that genuinely feels closer to Monaco than somewhere people still think of as an “undiscovered” Balkan destination.

That’s why Montenegro feels so unusual right now. You keep finding prices that belong to mainstream beach destinations, attached to places that look considerably more expensive.

Honestly, Montenegro feels exactly like Croatia did about five years ago – before everyone caught on and the prices started creeping up.

If I were booking Montenegro tomorrow, there are probably three places I’d look at first — and interestingly, they all offer completely different types of holiday.

Budva is probably the easiest all-rounder. It’s got the broadest appeal overall – beaches, bars, restaurants, beach clubs and enough going on that you could happily spend a full week there without getting bored.

It’s probably the closest Montenegro gets to a classic Mediterranean
beach holiday destination, just with far more dramatic scenery around it.

I found a five-night stay at the 4* Hotel Moskva in Budva for £255pp in October 2026 with flights and breakfast included, which feels absurdly cheap for somewhere that looks this polished.

Then there’s Kotor, which is probably the most visually impressive place in the country.

This is the “wow” one. Think medieval old towns, mountains dropping into the bay and scenery that makes you stop every five minutes to take another photo.

For Kotor, I found a five-night stay at the 4* Splendido for £325pp with flights and breakfast included – again, in a setting that most people would probably assume costs significantly more.

And finally, there’s Becici, which I actually think might be the sweet spot for a lot of British travellers.

It’s calmer than Budva, has a really good beach, feels a little more premium overall and still gives you easy access to everything nearby.

I found a stay at the 4* Katamare Hotel for £280pp in October with flights and breakfast included, which feels like exactly the kind of deal people will look back on in a few years and wish they’d booked sooner.

Honestly, you can’t really go wrong. It just depends on whether you want beach holiday in Montenegro, a luxury Montenegro or a wow-factor Montenegro.

But whatever your choice, I completely get why more Brits are suddenly choosing it for 2026.

I’M not religious but, if heaven looks this good, I want a ticket there.

The blue domed roofs of Santorini’s churches have been painted to match the sky and are symbolic of spiritual paradise, my guide tells me.

They’ve got the colour spot on, I point out.

Not a single wisp of white cloud taints the blue canvas sitting behind the white-washed buildings.

I was in the village of Oia, where hotels, restaurants and holiday homes tumble down the cliffside towards a glistening sea.

I’ve seen this picture before, although not in real life.

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The exact scene in front of me is so famous it even stars on the packet of feta cheese that I bought from the supermarket before sitting down to write this piece.

Oia sits on the largest of the islands that make up Greece’s ­Santorini.

Yes, Santorini is actually five islands (I didn’t know either).

It was once one larger patch of land, but thousands of years ago a volcano erupted so aggressively that it collapsed in on itself, sinking into the ocean and splitting the area into five fragments.

Known as a caldera, the volcano’s crater sits 400m below the water’s surface — deep enough for giant cruise ships to sail over.

The high perches of Oia, on the main island of Thera, offer a great vantage point for admiring the ­vastness of this watery pit and the village is also on the right side of the island for catching the most spectacular sunsets.

It gets busy, though, and sadly you can’t just wander to any old bar or viewpoint without booking first or arriving extremely early.

That was the huge perk of my Tui Musement excursion — which also included a visit to local wineries earlier that day.

At the end of my village tour I had a seat waiting for me at one of the most sought-after sunset bars, Sun Spirit, where I drank in clear views of fiery pinks and oranges melting into the horizon.

This same group of seats always remains reserved for customers on this specific Tui tour — as good a reason as any to book.

But before we settled down, tour guide Kim took the experience to new heights, guiding our group to not only the key sights but also the best spots for those all-important pictures, away from the overly busy areas where you’ll have to queue (yes, really) to get your shot.

Crowds are the only downside to Santorini. Its beauty is so widely known that it can attract hordes of tourists, especially on days the cruise ships sail into town.

That’s why visiting early or late in the season is best — it’s cheaper then, and the heat is more manageable.

Luckily, I had ample opportunity to cool off at my hotel when temperatures soared.

The 5* Tui Blue Meltemi, is set mere yards from the beach in the laidback region of Perissa and is a great spot for lazing.

Even the most basic rooms here come with a whirlpool bath, some inside and others outside.

Plus, there are three outdoor pools, framed by sunloungers and palm trees.

All stays are half-board, meaning you only need to shell out for lunch — but with such plentiful breakfast and dinner buffets, you may not even fancy a midday meal.

Also included in every stay is one dinner at The Culinarium, the hotel’s fancy a la carte restaurant where I opted for a Greek tasting menu that knocked my socks off.

Over several hours, while the sun set, I gorged on creamy orzo, fava bean hummus and a simple salad of cherry tomatoes, an ingredient Santorini produces in abundance.

They are also a staple in Santorini’s must-try tomato fritters.

You can learn to master this traditional recipe, along with other local classics, at a cooking class (£87pp).

Or if you’re more of a sunbathing sort, you won’t regret booking a catamaran cruise that sails through the belly of the caldera to beaches that can’t be reached on foot.

Our talented skippers delivered me cocktails and beer while I soaked up the rays from the wide nets at the front of the boat, admiring the rocky landscape of the islands from a distance.

Forget what I said earlier. It turns out I’ve already found heaven.

THE spotlight is on Bulgaria this year as one of the most affordable family holiday destinations for Brits.

Cheap beers. all inclusive hotels from £279 and flights under £15 – how could you go wrong?

The country regularly ranks as one of the best value holiday destinations for Brits, in reports such as the Post Office’s yearly Holiday Money Report.

Furthermore Bulgaria, and more specifically the Bourgas Area, has come out on top as the cheapest all inclusive holiday destination in 2026.

The country offers the most affordable week-long all inclusive breaks, beating destinations such as Tunisia and Turkey according to Travel Supermarket.

Plus a beer here costs as little as 89p, according to data from Wise.

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A meal out at an inexpensive restaurant averages £8.82, and a cappuccino from a local cafe just 88p.

There’s some seriously affordable holiday deals available, including last-minute bargains for the summer and super cheap holidays to secure now for next year’s holiday

Here’s our roundup of the best value 7-night Bulgaria holiday package deals including flights.

All of these deals are for all inclusive hotels – so enjoy the unlimited poolside cocktails.

Izola Paradise, Sunny Beach – £279pp

This four star stay sits smack-bang in the lively resort town of Sunny Beach, just a short walk from its golden shores.

The family-friendly, all inclusive hotel has a kids club and adventure playground to keep the little ones entertained, plus a games room and activities like tennis and darts.

Adults can unwind at the spa, which has a hot tub, steam bath and fitness centre.

Plus with your all inclusive package covering three meals a day in the buffet restaurant, as well as snacks, soft drinks, cocktails and more, there’s no need to spend any extra on food and drink.

This four star hotel sees prices surge to £750pp+ in the summer months – but you can secure your stay for May next year for £279pp.

Book a 7-night all inclusive stay at the Izola Paradise in Sunny Beach from £279pp

Sunrise All Suites Resort All Inclusive – £309pp

This glam resort in the relaxed seaside resort of Obzor offers spacious suites, perfect for families.

This all inclusive hotel has three freshwater outdoor pools, plus activities like fitness classes, badminton and a kids daytime entertainment program.

Walk down from the hotel to its private beach to find reserved loungers and parasols propped on a stretch of sand facing the calm sea.

On the beach you’ll find various watersports, a beach volleyball set-up and even a fire pit to cosy up and enjoy your evenings outdoors.

Roomy suites come with a living area, kitchenette, air-con, a flatscreen TV and a balcony – everything you’ll need for a comfortable base.

Book a 7-night all inclusive stay at the Sunrise All Suites Resort from £309pp

Azalia Hotel Balneo & SPA – £349pp

This modern hotel and spa offers a giant outdoor pool with waterslides and sea views, plus plenty of loungers and parasols on its own stretch of beach.

While kids have days packed with activities in the kids club, grown-ups can retreat to the spa centre with a gym, pool, sauna, steam bath and hammam.

Plus there’s treatments like massages and facials to add on for an extra bit of me-time.

Whether you’re wanting a fly and flop type of holiday, or one action-packed with activities like mountain biking, volleyball and tobogganing, this hotel caters to either.

The spa hotel sits in St Konstantin, a peaceful resort town with quiet woodlands and thermal springs close to Varna.

Book a 7-night all-inclusive stay at Azalia Hotel Balneo & SPA from £349pp

Gladiola Star – £349pp

The four-star Gladiola Star hotel sits in Golden Sands, a bustling seaside resort with great nightlife and a fine sand beach that matches its name.

This hotel is just 100m from the beach and a lively promenade packed with bars, restaurants and shops that come to life at nighttime.

At the hotel you’ll find a large outdoor pool, plenty of loungers to laze on, plus there’s a sauna and massage treatments available, too.

Nearby there’s water sports like water-skiing and parasailing, plus the Aquapolis Waterpark is just over 10 minutes’ walk away.

Book a 7-night all-inclusive stay at the Gladiola Star from £349pp

Not only is Bulgaria a cheap and cheerful holiday spot, but it’s full of beautiful beaches and landscapes, too.

There’s 26 Blue Flag beaches to choose from across the coastline, including the wide, flat sands of Albena in the north which provide plenty of room for sunbathers without the crowds.

There’s also the crescented cove of Bolata near Varna, with a calm turquoise bay and a more remote feel than other popular resorts.

Down near Burgas you’ll find Smokinya beach, which you’ll find a large beach with shallow, clear waters and plenty of parasols – perfect for families.

And there is of course Sunny Beach, with over six miles of golden sand, a strip of buzzy bars and restaurants and its renowned nightlife.

The resort lives up to its name, too, with temperatures reaching an ideal 30°C in the summer months.

If you prefer booking your flights and hotels individually, there’s plenty of very affordable flights from the UK.

You can fly from Birmingham to Sofia from £14.99, London to Burgas from £22 and Manchester to Varna for £40.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

OUR holiday park expert is back and ready to answer your questions.

If there’s anything you want to know about booking a Sun £9.50 holiday, now’s your chance to ask our expert.

One of the best ways to book The Sun’s Hols from £9.50 is through Sun Club, as you can skip the token collecting and also get access to booking early. To book your £9.50 Hols this way, simply head to thesun.co.uk/club and sign up to Sun Club for just £1.99 a month.

Simply ask Tracy Kennedy a question about £9.50 Hols using the form below, and you’ll be in with the chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Your question can be about anything to do with Hols from £9.50 – from which holiday parks have the best beaches to how to go about booking the best deal.

Simply fill in the form with your question, name and email, and you may be contacted if your question is chosen.

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As we release each £9.50 Hols Q&A with Tracy, one lucky person will be awarded the winning question – and they will be contacted to claim their £100 Amazon voucher.

Tracy has already given some great advice on £9.50 Holidays, such as her personal favourite caravan parks and her top picks of parks for couples.

She has also saved £974 in one year by being a Sun Club member, and taking advantage of perks like discounted attraction tickets and early access to booking £9.50 hols.

If you haven’t booked your £9.50 hol yet, or are ready to book yourself another one – you’re in luck.

Thousands of new holidays will be released on the Hols from £9.50 website on July 8, with Sun Club members gaining early access to the new breaks on July 7.

These new breaks will be added across hundreds of holiday parks in the UK and Europe, and the best part is that they start from under a tenner.

Being a Sun Club member, Tracy waits up til midnight to be among the first to gain access to new £9.50 holidays as they are released.

This is because Sun Club members get priority access to booking their £9.50 holidays, as they can log on online to book them the day before those who are collecting codes from the paper.

This is just one of Tracy’s tips and tricks to make sure you are in the best chance of booking a break at your desired holiday park, as dates can get very competitive.

Our expert Tracy is even the co-owner of a Facebook group dedicated to Hols from £9.50, which now has over 297,000 members.

HALF of pet owners plan their entire holiday around their furry friends, a study has revealed.

A poll of 2,000 cat and dog owners found 26 per cent are ditching trips abroad in favour of staying in the UK and taking their pet with them – as stricter rules on pet travel to the EU have recently come into force.

More than half (54 per cent) decide to holiday with their animal offspring because they enjoy their company, while 39 per cent feel happier knowing they’ve given their pet a new experience.

When searching for somewhere to stay, 33 per cent like to ensure there are pet-friendly pubs and restaurants nearby, and 30 per cent will factor in how long the journey is going to be.

In response to these findings, pet food maker Carnilove has opened a pop-up travel agent ‘Pet Set Go’, where owners can get travel tips and advice on travelling with their pet, as a third have previously had to change or cancel a holiday due to a lack of pet-friendly options.

Owners can visit the travel agency at 21 West Street, Chipping Norton until June 4th at 5pm, or explore the five travel guides and expert advice online.

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Cara Whitehouse, pet travel expert, said: “We’re seeing a massive shift in the UK when it comes to furry friend-friendly holidays.

“Pet parents no longer want a holiday where their pet is just ‘tolerated’ – they’re now at the heart of the adventure.

“By uncovering these incredible ‘hidden gem’ locations, from the sweeping dunes of Anglesey to the rugged, raw plateaus of the Cairngorms, we’re helping owners match destinations to their pet’s unique character.

“As international travel with pets gets tougher, we’re glad to help match more fuss-free destinations to a pet’s requirements to support their natural spirit.”

The study also found the biggest challenges of holidaying with pets include a limited choice of places to eat or drink (19 per cent), and restrictions on beaches, walks or attractions (19 per cent).

Nearly four in 10 (38 per cent) say no additional pet fees would make them more likely to book an animal-included holiday.

Trusted reviews from other owners (34 per cent) and access to pet friendly activities (26 per cent) were also considered important.  

Of those planning a UK holiday with their pet this summer, the Lake District (24 per cent), Yorkshire Dales (21 per cent) and Cornwall (18 per cent) are among the top-rated destinations.

Colin Rodger, managing director at Carnilove, said: “We launched the ‘Pet Set Go’ agency because an active, adventurous life isn’t just a luxury for our pets: it’s a necessity to ignite their true spirit.

“Our research shows that owners are willing to go the extra mile to ensure their four-legged friends are part of the pack, but every great expedition requires the right fuel.

“By pairing our meat-first, potato and grain-free recipes with expert travel advice, we’re helping pet parents support the vitality and natural strength needed for a lifetime of shared memories on the trail.”

The OnePoll.com study also found 54 per cent claim holidaying with their pet gives them both a much-needed wellness boost.

A third even notice a significant boost in their animal’s mood several weeks after returning home, with 30 per cent saying they show more ‘vitality’ or ‘spirit’.

What’s more, 37 per cent of those with kids believe their pet’s needs are just as important as their children’s.

Izzy Judd, a brand partner, said: “Our home is always a bit of a whirlwind with three children, but our pets are such a huge part of our family’s heartbeat.

“We’ve always found that the best way to hit ‘reset’ is to take a trip together, so I’m happy to be part of ‘Pet Set Go’ because I know first-hand the ‘wellness boost’ you get from a shared adventure.

“It isn’t always easy to plan, but fuelling our pets with the right nutrition and being able to take them on our family holidays makes all the difference in creating those special core memories together.”

FORGET outdated guesthouses and dingy budget rooms – you can bag a luxurious Spanish hotel for cheap.

For less than the price of a round of drinks at home, there are some beautiful places in Spain, if you know where to look.

These trendy yet affordable Spanish stays prove that budget travel doesn’t have to mean boring.

From a five star restored 15th-century palace, to adults-only beachside paradise in Ibiza, these spots are packed with the kind of perks usually reserved for expensive resorts.

Think rooftop infinity pools, hot tubs, and buzzing DJ nights – plus unbeatable locations close to Ibiza’s top nightclubs, Benidorm’s best beaches and Merida’s Roman ruins.

These are the ultimate stylish Spanish stays to book right now, with prices starting from a mind-blowing £22pp per night.

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A top travel hack to save on accommodation is to book yourself a private room in a hostel.

This way you don’t have to fork out on hotel prices, and still get to experience all the fun of a party hostel – while still having your own private room to return to.

Generator Madrid is a stylish choice with a rooftop bar with hot tubs, a DJ lounge and even an American-Mexican style restaurant which hosts group activities.

There’s also family rooms available which sleep four, meaning a stay here could cost you as little as £22pp a night.

Book a private twin room at Generator Madrid from £59 per night

The Red Hotel, Ibiza

Set in Ibiza’s San Antonio, the Red Hotel is an adults only hotel overlooking the famous Sunset Strip.

Just outside on the popular promenade you’ll find some of the island’s best bars and restaurants.

The central location also places you within walking distance of nightclubs like Eden and beach club O Beach Ibiza.

The hotel itself is clean, modern and comfortable, with spacious rooms complete with large beds and balconies – some of which have sea views.

If you opt to add on breakfast, you can pick from doughnuts and croissants with freshly-brewed coffee, or go for a healthy porridge or granola bowl.

Book a room for two at The Red Hotel from £48 per night

Hotel Malaga Vibes

This Malaga hotel has a peaceful rooftop infinity pool and sun terrace, complete with loungers and parasols.

On the rooftop you’ll also find a bar open from morning til midnight, the ideal spot to wind down with a frozen cocktail and watch the sunset.

Inside, the rooms are fresh, modern and well-decorated, which make a stay at the budget-friendly spot feel more like a pricey boutique hotel.

You can explore the Picasso Museum or even laze back on one of the coastal city’s many beaches.

Want to just chill? Make the most of that rooftop pool – this hotel is an affordable base.

Book a room for two at Hotel Malaga Vibes
from £86 per night (£43pp/pn)

Hotel Ilunion Merida Palace

Fancy a slice of 5 star luxury for £46pp a night? The Hotel Ilunion Mérida Palace sits in Merida, a city close to the Portugal border founded by the ancient Romans.

This glamorous hotel has a lot of history itself, as it is a restored 15th century palace.

It’s now kitted out with modern upgrades like a rooftop terrace with a pool, gym, sauna and tapas restaurant.

There’s plenty of historical sites to explore nearby, such as a 2,000 year old Roman Theatre (a 10-minute walk away) and the ancient columns of the Temple of Diana.

This hotel is highly-rated, too, with a review score of 8.9 on Booking.com, scoring 9.8 on location.

Booking.com offer a double room from £92 per night, working out to just £46 each – not bad for a night in a five star hotel.

Book a room at Hotel Ilunion Merida Palace from £92 per night

Hotel Clopy Rocamar, Benidorm

This budget-friendly base in Benidorm is perfectly-placed for exploring the Old Town and hitting the beach, which is just a stone’s throw away.

Don’t expect crummy outdated rooms here – instead, they are bright, airy and modern with large comfy beds, plus many have balconies with sea views.

They’re also all soundproof, air-conditioned and stocked with all the amenities – plus there’s a 24-hour reception and buffet breakfast available.

Nearby you’ve got your pick of beaches – the closest is Cala de Mal Pas, a small sandy cove, and Levante Beach is around a 15-minute walk away.

Plus the bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and nightlife of the Old Town are all on your doorstep.

Booking.com offer a double room with a balcony from £46 per night, working out to £23pp for the night.

Book a double room at the Hotel Clopy Rocamar from £46 per night

*Prices correct at time of publication.

WITH summer well and truly on its way, you don’t need to empty your wallet to book an unforgettable family holiday.

Some of Haven’s most popular, award-winning UK holiday parks are cheaper to book than you’d think – and offer much more than a standard caravan stay.

From Scotland’s largest indoor waterpark to coastal Yorkshire parks with private lakes, these parks are set in some seriously stunning locations.

They’re also packed with activities like climbing walls, high-ropes courses and tube slides for kids to burn off energy and make lasting memories.

All of these Haven holiday parks offer 3 or 4 night stays in a saver caravan from £49 – working out to just £12.25 a night for four nights away. Plus, if you’re feeling fancy, there’s also room to upgrade accommodation.

Here’s our pick of affordable, award-winning Haven holiday parks.

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Hopton Holiday Village, Norfolk

This Haven holiday park was recently named the AA Holiday Park of the Year, and for good reason – there’s loads to see and do, and it’s right on the beach.

The holiday park sits in Norfolk‘s Hopton-on-Sea, just down the road from mega seaside resort Great Yarmouth, and just steps away from its own golden beach.

On-site, there’s a heated indoor pool with slides, flumes and a splash zone, a bar and lounge with Seaside Squad entertainment, and activities like crazy golf and segways.

In recent years the holiday park has seen new additions and renovations that have kept it a firm favourite among holidaymakers.

In spring 2026 the park gained its own Wetherspoons pub, The White Clover, as well as renovations to its swimming pool complex, doubling its capacity.

Book a 3 night stay at Hopton Holiday Village from £49

Craig Tara, Scotland

Craig Tara holiday park in Ayrshire is Haven’s flagship Scottish park, home to the largest indoor waterpark in Scotland, Splashaway Bay.

Perched on the dramatic Ayrshire coast, this is one of the largest Haven resorts in the UK.

This seaside resort is a paradise for families who want non-stop, high-energy action where there is plenty to do no matter the weather.

Splashaway Bay is a giant indoor pool paradise with flumes, multi-lane water slides, a lazy rivers and an interactive splash zone for toddlers.

Beyond the waterpark, you’ll find activity zones like the Airspace sports hall, where you’ll find a climbing wall, soft play, a golf simulator and electronic target walls for sports.

Over in the Lighthouse Harbour Adventure Village, you can take on the six-metre high The Jump, or tackle an aerial ropes course.

Book a 3 night stay at Craig Tara from £49

Devon Cliffs

Not only is this one of the largest Haven holiday parks, Devon Cliffs is also home to a private, award-winning beach: Sandy Bay.

The park slopes towards the sea, where you’ll find a Blue Flag beach backed by dramatic red cliffs.

Other than its scenic coastal setting, this holiday park has plenty more to offer for families.

Activities include bungee trampolines, rubber ring tube slides, a high ropes course and mini 4×4 off-roading.

Entertainment here is varied and exciting, with two venues hosting everything from bingo to the nostalgic 90’s Tiger Club Show.

Plus this year a Wetherspoons pub opened up on-site – The Red Rocks – feeding families on a budget.

Book a 4 night stay at Devon Cliffs from £49

Cleethorpes Beach, Lincolnshire

With 1,827 caravans and lodges, Haven’s Cleethorpes Beach holiday park is a mega resort built for the ideal family seaside holiday.

This AA 5 star-rated holiday park has everything from a peaceful fishing lake and lazy river, to an exciting NERF training camp and huge climbing wall.

Plus there’s lots to do that the family can enjoy all together, such as mini golf and go karts.

When the sun comes out, head to the outdoor splash park to cool off with interactive water features and fountains, or simply walk down to the beach to swim in the sea.

This park has plenty of food and drink options that will please even fussy eaters, like a Slim Chickens fried chicken shack, Papa Johns, Burger King and – you guessed it – its very own Wetherspoons pub.

Book a 4 night stay at Cleethorpes Beach from £49

Thornwick Bay, East Yorkshire

Haven’s AA 5 Gold Star-awarded Thornwick Bay holiday park is a nature-lover’s paradise, with direct access to a golden beach with a stunning backdrop.

This cliffside resort sits on the dramatic Flamborough Headland, just a short walk from a rugged sand-and-pebble cove that is perfect for rock pooling, fossil hunting, and exploring hidden sea caves.

But you don’t just have to stick to the sea – this park boasts its very own private activity lake where families can hire pedalos and try out paddleboarding.

Indoors, the Activity Barn has plenty to keep kids of all ages occupied. There’s an indoor climbing wall, archery coaching, and creative slime and pottery workshops.

To burn off some energy, head to the heated indoor pool complex with three separate pools and a giant, multi-lane water slide.

Food and drink options include the park’s main Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant – complete with a kids sand pit on the terrace -as well as a Chopstix noodle bar and Papa Johns pizza takeaway.

Book a 4 night stay at Thornwick Bay from £49

*Prices correct at time of publication.

POD hotels the latest hotel trend taking over – and another one has just landed in the UK’s capital.

Also known as capsule hotels, Japan started the trend back in the late 1970s.

The main idea? Maximise space at the hotel and cut costs – and for guests this means a cheaper stay.

Otherwander has just opened in the very heart of Soho, approximately 30 seconds away from Oxford Street’s Elizabeth Line entrance.

As far as location goes, you can’t get much better with most of London‘s top spots within walking distance.

Stepping inside, I felt as if I had entered a swanky London office with a huge multicoloured LED screen and clinical white entry gates.

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Before you arrive, Otherwander will send you a text with your pod (or nest as they like to call them) number as well as email you your Wanderpass, which is essentially your key to everything – getting into the hotel, getting into the lift, getting into your dorm and getting into your own nest.

You then use your Wanderpass to get through these gates.

Once on the other side, you’ll find the social area – which for a budget hotel is both surprisingly big and stylish (more on this space later).

To get to the floors with the pods – all 566 of them – you hop in the lift – once again scanning your Wanderpass.

Each floor is separated into different ‘dorms’, each packed with about 40 nests (which makes finding your own feel a little like going on a treasure hunt).

Once I eventually found my dorm and entered, it felt like a corridor of lockers, with the square doors actually being the doors to each nest.

When you book, you can opt between an upper or lower pod; I opted for an upper pod, which feels more like climbing into a UFO.

You can also choose between a double (£80 per night or £40 per person, per night) or a single (£70 per night).

I was surprised to find my upper double not boxy nor claustrophobic, despite being only the width of a standard double bed.

On either side of the bed is a handy elasticated pocket for your phone or book, with a USB and USB-C charging point next to each as well.

Down one side of the bed, you’ll find the air conditioning control system and lighting options including a reading light, night light and even surprise option, mine was colour-changing so ideal for post-club vibes.

You’ll also find a shelf, complete with a strap to secure your backpack or cabin-sized suitcase and three hooks for coats, jackets or towels.

On the other wall, the final feature is a rail with two towels on – though if you want another, you can rent one from a vending machine in the corridor, for £5 a time.

There is also a slight design flaw – a handy ‘wet tray’ is great for your shoes but if you pop your water bottle in its designated slot, you block the door from opening or closing.

As for the bed itself, while it a bit firm, was comfortable and the bedding felt as plush as you get in a more premium hotel.

The pod room didn’t feel stuffy either, despite the small space thanks to a high-tech purifying system too.

As for the door, it self-locks when you shut and on the back there is a small mirror, which was ideal for doing my makeup in the morning, as well as a QR code in case you need to communicate with staff.

If you start to feel a bit claustrophobic, there is a small window in the door with a shutter for privacy.

Being a pod hotel, don’t expect your own private bathroom.

You’ll have to head out to the main corridor on your floor where you’ll find men’s, women’s and mixed-gender bathrooms.

The real test of this came at 3am when I had to crawl out of my pod backwards down the ladder and shuffle to the toilet, awaking all the motion-sensored lights and having to open my phone with blurry eyes, just to scan my Wanderpass to get back in.

The bathrooms do feel like a slice of luxury though, with terrazzo- style tiles lining the sinks and walls and music being played from the ceiling.

Each rain shower has heaps of room, so your items are safe from getting wet and there’s also free soap and shampoo.

Vanity areas are then kitted out with hairdryers and shaving sockets.

If you fancy being social, back downstairs you’ll find the hotel’s ‘guest-exclusive social hub’ with warm yellow lighting adding a glow to the space and complementing the burnt orange modular sofas.

It is the ideal space to hang out with other guests, work or even snuggle into a corner with a book – which you can pick up from shelves around the space.

There are even plans for live DJ drop ins in the future.

Fancy a pint? The back wall features several vending machines full of everything you could possibly want – even Moet champagne.

There are also a couple of coffee machines and if you have forgotten something, there’s even a vending machine with essentials from make- up wipes and deodorant to umbrellas and Uno cards.

If you have bigger luggage you don’t want to store in your nest, there are lockers you can rent on site.

The funky design throughout and clever lighting really does make you feel as if you are in a luxury space ship.

At no point did I feel like I was steps away from the busiest street in the UK as it was completely silent (albeit there were very few guests in my dorm, so this might be different on busier days).

But while the hotel is a huge bargain, the rise of pod hotels in the city means there are other options that pip it to the post when it comes to being the cheapest in the city.

If sharing a double with someone, £40 each isn’t terrible – but £70 for a single pod – which obviously are much smaller – seems rather steep.

Other alternatives in London include a single pod at Zedwell’s Capsule Hotel in Piccadilly for £32, while a double room with an ensuite and breakfast included at Zedwell Soho for £77.

Not only that, but if you have a large suitcase (which many tourists do) the price will increase to pay for it to be stored.

If you fancy the novelty of a pod hotel – go for it – but if you are wanting to save cash, I think you can find better bargains elsewhere.

LOOKING back on all of her recent holidays, Helen Dalling recalled all the amazing adventures she had in such a short amount of time.

Over the course of one year, she managed to do more travelling that many could wish to do in a lifetime – and she did it without breaking the bank.

Seven countries, £2,000 spent, and more memories made than anyone could dream of.

It all started when Helen decided to see how many new places she could visit for as cheap as possible – and managed to keep costs low while making the most of each new adventure.

She did this by making each trip as short as possible, with some being ‘extreme day trips’ – where you fly in and out of a country within the same 24 hours – and others being just an overnight stay.

And despite packing in a full holiday experience each time, the total cost came in at around £1,600 including flights, airport parking, any hotels, sightseeing, food and drink, and spending money.

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“I’ve always loved travelling but as I’m getting older and I’ve got kids and I work full-time, I thought ‘I’m not going to see enough countries in the world,” Helen, who is from Milton Keynes, said.

“‘If I don’t start going to see a few of them, I need to do them quick and cheap’.

“That’s really why I started doing it.”

While Helen started her extreme day tripping in 2024, it was in 2025 that she really went all out – visiting seven new countries throughout the year.
She headed to Paris, Budapest, Geneva, Split in Croatia, Prague, Amsterdam and several places in Spain in 2025.

The 55-year-old stayed just hours in some places, and spent the night in others, and visited most with friends, while others she headed to alone.

She added: “I went to seven brand new countries.

“That’s what I really wanted to do, I thought ‘I’ve never been to Hungary so let’s go to Budapest’.”

Helen says she tries to keep costs as low as possible, by regularly searching for bargains on the websites of different airlines she knows fly from her nearest airport, Luton.

She added: “When I went to Paris, I was basically just browsing on New Year’s Day, not doing much else and I spotted that you could get a flight to Paris for £13, one way and £12 the other.

“I just booked it – and then when I told a friend, she booked it too and came with me.

“The Budapest flights were about £8.99 each way, you can’t even get them that cheap anymore.

“I’ve done others that were £15-£20 return; I just book them – when I see the price, I just go for it.”

While Helen does some of her trips solo, she often has friends tag along for the day.

She says she treats her trips as “an opportunity to catch up with a friend.”

She added: “Instead of going to London for lunch, let’s go somewhere for the day.

“I did Geneva twice last year, but the second one I did at Christmas was with a real old friend of mine who is really into her food.

“So we went and did a foodie trip to the Christmas markets in Geneva and just went for the day, she’d never done one.

“Everybody that I’ve done one with has said ‘oh my God, that was amazing’.

“I’ve got a bit of a queue of people wanting to go as well, but only so much money.”

Of all her trips in 2025, Helen says her adventure to Budapest, which cost £191 for an overnight stay, was the best – particularly for its Thermal Baths.

She said: “We just fell in love with Budapest.

“Every time we did something else afterwards, I just said to my friend ‘it’s not Budapest though, is it? It’s not Budapest.’

“It was February when we did that but the sky was blue and we had the best time.

“It was super cheap and everything just worked.

“It was so lush.

“We were just sat in these massive pools of boiling hot water with the cold air on our skin, just going ‘this is amazing.’”

Helen shows no signs of slowing down with her bargain trips either, having already undertaken several in 2026.

She recently visited Palma, Mallorca with a friend, for under £120 each.

They spent the day exploring the city, visiting a sky bar restaurant for lunch, heading to the beach to swim and even stopping for iced coffee at a beach bar.

Most recently, Helen spent the night in Lithuania, and even visited Albania for the day.

She added: “ I’m always buzzing after a day trip.

“I would definitely do it again, it’s a great way to visit countries you’d never visit by going on one holiday a year.

“Last year I visited seven new countries and it’s liberating.”

PRICES are plunging for summer holiday breaks – and families can take advantage right now.

The conflict in the Middle East and the continuing cost-of-living crisis has seen many people adopt a “wait and see” approach.

But travel firms are now offering even more incentives to get us booking, from free child places to extra discounts.

We’ve researched some of the cheapest deals we can find for a family of two adults and two children in July and August including hold luggage for all and transfers.

And if you’re prepared to go for a self-catering option and a smaller hotel with less fancy facilities, there’s great value to be had.

We’ve even found some all-inclusive options for those who don’t want to worry about budgeting on their break.

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Here’s our pick of the summer deals . . .

Atlantic Holiday Hotel, Tenerife

YOU’LL enjoy stunning sea views at this hotel, perched right on the shore in Callao Salvaje.

This modern hotel has indoor and outdoor play areas for the kids and a pool.

Rooms come with cookers and fridge-freezers but there’s also an onsite buffet restaurant for the days you fancy a change.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 4* Atlantic Holiday Hotel is from £1,551 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Luton on August 18, 10kg hand luggage and 22kg baggage plus coach transfers.

See jet2holidays.com.

Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel, Fuerteventura

THE bright, modern apartments at this 2*+ hotel in Costa de Antigua have all the facilities you need for a relaxing break.

There’s a large pool, children’s pool and lots of entertainment and sporty games for the whole family to enjoy.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the Elba Lucia Sport & Suite Hotel is from £1,470 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Stansted on August 16, 10kg hand luggage, 22kg baggage plus coach transfers.

See jet2holidays.com.

Santa Susanna Resort, Costa Brava

WITH a splash pool, splash games area and mini club full of activities, this resort has plenty to keep the family occupied, as well as a free shuttle bus to the beach and town centre.

This deal is all-inclusive, too — with unlimited ice lollies for the kids as well as alcoholic drinks from 10am to 11pm.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 3* Santa Susanna Resort Affiliated by Fergus is from £2,133 for a family of four, including Ryanair flights from East Midlands on July 31, 20kg hold bags and coach transfers.

See onthebeach.co.uk.

Palm Grove, Corfu

PREFER apartment-style accommodation?

Then try Palm Grove in Sidari, where restaurants and bars are just a five-minute drive away and a beach is also close by.

There’s two pools — including one for kids — and the simple rooms feature a kitchenette.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 2* Palm Grove is from £1,081 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Gatwick on July 30, 10kg hand luggage and 20kg hold bags and coach transfers.

See tui.co.uk.

TUI Suneo Serenity Bay, Bourgas

THIS Bulgarian bargain, sits alongside a sandy beach.

It has a big pool as well as two for kids and all the modern rooms feature balconies.

Let someone else do the cooking and enjoy meals at the buffet restaurant with themed nights throughout the week.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4* TUI Suneo Serenity Bay is from £2,484 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Manchester on August 7, 10kg hand luggage and 20kg hold bags and coach transfers.

See holidayhypermarket.co.uk.

IN a peaceful countryside spot, the studios on the Greek island of Kefalonia are perfect for a relaxing break.

There’s a pretty outdoor pool and terrace and each of the bright apartments feature a kitchenette.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 2* Lygies Studios is from £1,690 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Newcastle on July 30, 10kg hand luggage, 20kg hold bags and coach transfers.

See tui.co.uk.

THIS low-rise, white-washed hotel in Costa Teguise has two freshwater pools and a large sun terrace.

Well-equipped apartments come with balconies and kitchenettes but there’s also a pool bar where you can order freshly made pizzas, burgers and kebabs.

Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3* Paradise Hotel is from £1,509 for a family of four. Includes flights from East Midlands on July 30, 20kg hold bags and coach transfer.

See loveholidays.com.

El Pueblo Tamlelt, Morocco

THIS all-inclusive hotel in Agadir is in large gardens, 300 metres from the beach.

It has two outdoor pools, a children’s pool and rooms are decorated in Moorish style.

You won’t go hungry here with a buffet main restaurant and six speciality restaurants.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 3* El Pueblo Tamlelt is from £2,138 for a family of four.

Includes flights from Leeds Bradford on August 4, 20kg hold bags and private transfers.

See onthebeach.co.uk.

BRITAIN’S best staycations for 2026 have been revealed, with Cornwall’s St Ives once again taking the top spot and the Northumberland village of Bamburgh in second place as a new entrant.

The annual staycation report, based on a survey of 2,000 adults, revealed Bourton-on-the-Water and Salcombe have risen in popularity while other seaside destinations also saw shifts in the rankings.

Brighton overtook Lyme Regis after climbing to sixth place, ahead of the Dorset town, which has moved from fifth last year to seventh.

Almost a third of adults (28 per cent) are more likely to take a holiday on home soil this year than in 2025.

The research, commissioned by Sykes Holiday Cottages, also found 38 per cent plan to take their main holiday in the UK this year, rising to 53 per cent among Gen Z.

This compares with 34 per cent of adults who said the same last year, while Gen Z’s interest in UK holidays has risen from 45 per cent in 2025.

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James Shaw, chief commercial officer at the holiday brand which launched the annual Staycation Index Report, said: “The continued popularity of UK breaks demonstrates that staycations remain a key part of how Brits holiday.

“More people are choosing to stay at home and prioritising value, flexibility and reassurance when planning time away, particularly amid ongoing uncertainty around overseas travel.

“What’s especially notable this year is the growing influence of younger travellers, Gen Z is increasingly embracing UK holidays, with more people opting for experience-led trips that combine scenery, food, culture and the chance to explore multiple destinations in one break.

“From seaside towns and national parks to countryside retreats, the UK continues to offer an enormous variety of holiday experiences, and that’s reflected in the strength and diversity of destinations featured in this year’s rankings.”

The research also found when it comes to budgeting, staycation goers expect to spend an average of £1,171 in total on accommodation, food, travel and spending money.

It also emerged 64 per cent are planning to – or have considered – a multi-destination road trip, stopping off at an average of three locations.

Coastal spots (65 per cent) are the most sought after, followed by rural areas (56 per cent) and national parks (38 per cent).

Tourist attractions (48 per cent) were big influences when deciding where to visit, alongside locations with fond memories (38 per cent) and good reviews and ratings (35 per cent).

Of the 78 per cent hoping for a UK break this year, 67 per cent say they enjoy the country’s scenery and nature, while 48 per cent claim it’s simply the time they have to switch off and relax.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, found 14 per cent have been influenced by a film or TV show, with Peaky Blinders the most influential following its film release this year (11 per cent), set in Birmingham.

Similarly, Northern Island, home of the Game of Thrones prequel, and Northumberland, which was a location for Jurassic World, were also popular (both 10 per cent).

James Shaw, added: “For many people, holidays remain one of the most important opportunities in the year to properly switch off and spend quality time together, even as budgets remain under pressure.

“What this research highlights is that UK travel continues to appeal because it offers both convenience and variety – whether that’s a coastal escape, a countryside road trip or revisiting places that hold personal memories.

“We’re also seeing more travellers embrace flexible, multi-stop breaks, with people increasingly keen to experience more of what the UK has to offer in a single trip.”

A EUROPEAN island often compared to the Caribbean is getting a massive multi-million pound makeover.

When it comes to pretty islands, not many beat Sardinia in Italy.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

And now, 15 villages across the island will be getting upgraded.

The villages include Bosa, Castelsardo, Aggius, Atzara, Carloforte, Galtelli, Gavoi, Laconi, La Maddalena, Lollove, Oliena, Posada, Sadali, Sardara and Tempio Pausania.

Each village will get a €2.5million (£2.2million) makeover to promote tourism and slower living, with experiences including hiking and trying local cuisine.

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The money will be used to restore historic buildings in each village, as well as improve transport links and support local businesses and ease the pressure on coastal areas.

Here are some of the most beautiful villages which will be getting an upgrade.

Bosa

Bosa is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and sits on Sardinia’s western coast.

One spot worth visiting is Malaspina Castle, which was built in 1112, as well as a number of pretty churches including the Cathedral of Bosa, which was built in the 19th century over the remains of a Romanesque church.

Castelsardo

The pretty coastal town of Castelsardo sits on a rock rising from the water, with a 13th-century castle on top.

It is open to the public and in addition to a few rooms, visitors will find the Museum of Mediterranean Interweaving inside. One of the top beaches to visit in the town is Spiaggia La Marina di Castelsardo, which is ideal for snorkelling.

Aggius

The landlocked town of Aggius boasts not one, but three museums to explore. There’s one about criminals from the area, another about Gallura traditions and a third that has contemporary art.

And the landscape is ideal for hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts.

Gavoi

The mountainous village of Gavoi overlooks Lake Gusana and boasts amazing landscapes.

In the centre of the village you can also wander through narrow cobblestone streets. Make sure to visit the main church as well, which features a Gothic style.

Posada

The small village of Posada can be found on top of a limestone hill and is one of the most ancient villages on the island.

On top of the hill in the village is also a castle, which was where aristocracy used to spend their holidays – today most of the castle is in ruins, but the tower still stands and provides the perfect spot to see panoramic views of the village.

La Maddalena

La Maddalena is located off the north of Sardinia on its own island that can be reached by a 15-minute ferry ride.

Visitors can explore the 18th-century town as well as try out local seafood in the many restaurants.

From the island, visitors can also go on a number of boat trips and cross a bridge onto Caprera Island, where there are a number of hiking trails, pretty beaches and even the tomb of the Italian hero, Giuseppe Garibaldi.

Make sure to also stop by Spiaggia di Budelli while on a boat tour – the beach features pink sand but is a protected National Marine Park, so you can only see it from the water.

Recently, Sardinia was named as a Destination of the Year by Expedia Group’s Unpack ’26: The Trends in Travel report, which gathered data from millions of visitors and revealed that searches for Sardinia holidays have risen by 63 per cent.

Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding visited the island last year and said: “Sardinia is full of dreamy beaches and a historic, crowd-free city.

“Whilst it is part of Italy, the island is actually located closer to Africa than mainland Italy and as a result, it boasts warm temperatures and exotic fauna and flora.

“Most travellers head to Olbia in the north of the island, but Cagliari in the south – the capital of the island – is also a great destination to explore.

“The south of the island and around Cagliari is full of quaint villages, rocky hills and breathtaking beaches.”

FESTIVAL season is finally upon us and party-goers are dusting off their wellies in preparation.

But this year music lovers could have to shell out up to £700 or more for weekend-long events.

Those planning on heading to Reading Festival this year are looking at £325 to £361 for the ticket alone.

Meanwhile, First Choice has revealed that festival-goers will spend an average of £80 a day on food and drink and an additional £150 on camping gear and equipment.

The tour operator looked at festival prices in line with holiday booking data and found that for less than a third of the price, you could party just as hard at a week-long holiday at a sun-drenched beach hotel.

So would you consider swapping festivals for a getaway in the sun?

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These bargain party breaks might just persuade you . . . 

MALIA, CRETE

DITCH the muddy festival site for a lively beach club and outdoor venues with music thumping until the early hours.

Malia, in Crete, is known for being a top party spot and gives off heavy festival vibes – with the likelihood of lots more sunshine.

Check into the small and charming Aegean Sky Hotel and Suites, just yards from the main strip of bars.

The hotel hosts regular DJ sessions around the pool and lively barbecue nights, as well as cocktail happy hours.

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering in a two-person studio is from £423pp including flights from Newcastle on August 30.

Book now at firstchoice.co.uk.

SUNNY BEACH, BULGARIA

IF you’re on a budget, you won’t regret booking a break to Sunny Beach in Bulgaria where pints cost around €2.50.

You’ll be able to knock them back in bars, nightclubs and at the beach – just make sure you can keep the party going until the early hours if you’re heading to Cacao Beach.

It’s known for having some of the most spectacular sunrises in Europe and DJs will keep you dancing until dawn.

Better still, if you stay at the TUI Blue Nevis, you won’t have to shell out a penny extra for meals or drinks within the hotel, thanks to its bargain all-inclusive packages.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 3T TUI Blue Nevis is from £485.46pp including flights from Gatwick on June 12.

See tui.co.uk.

AYIA NAPA, CYPRUS

WHAT could be better than partying in a field? How about partying on a boat?

Those seeking daytime parties on the water and non-stop garage music will love Ayia Napa on Cyprus’ glistening south-east coast.

There are plenty of boat trips to pick from, costing around €60 for the day, that include live tunes and free food.

Or, if you’d rather kick back and relax on dry land, the 3H Senator Hotel Apartments has its own pool and is within walking distance of the beach.

Rooms also have mini kitchenettes so you can save cash by cooking your own grub.

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering is from £359pp including flights from Bristol on June 10.

To book, visit loveholidays.com.

WITH the soaring cost of living, £500 doesn’t get you far as it once did. It’ll just about cover the average bills for a UK household or a shiny new iPad or games console.

But if you trade in the British high steet for a boarding pass, that same budget can work absolute miracles on a holiday abroad.

As the resident Holiday Expert at On the Beach, I’ve been digging through our latest booking tech to find out exactly where British couples are flying for £500 per person.

While some destinations force you to compromise on your stargazing (hotel stars, that is), others are letting you live like royalty for less.

Here is everything you need to know about what a £500 holiday looks like right now, from destination to star-rating.

Where does £500 take you right now?

Most Brits with £500 to spend on a holiday end up on a Spanish beach.

Our data shows the Canary Islands and mainland Spain are the most popular destinations, especially for couples within this price band.

But popularity doesn’t always equal the biggest value haul. While the masses fight over towel space in Spain, a savvy minority are flying past the western Med to Turkey and Egypt.

They might not pull the same volume of bookings as Spain, but they offer a much bigger bargain.

For example, you can currently fly to Side in Antalya, Turkey, for a 7-night getaway at the ultra-plush, 5-star La Benata Hotel for exactly £500 per person.

It sits right on its own private beach, along with waterslides on a sprawling pool layout.

Getting a full week at a bona-fide 5-star property on an All-Inclusive basis, with direct flights from East Midlands? An absolute steal.

What kind of hotel does £500 get you right now?

You might think a £500 budget means settling for a basic, creaky two-star hotel with a brick-wall view. Happily, you’d be dead wrong.

Our data shows that 4-star hotels are the sweet spot.

If you head to mainland Spain, the Balearics, Greece, Portugal, Italy, or Tunisia, the vast majority of £500 packages land you a very respectable 4-star property.

But if you want to find the poshest hotel for £500, Turkey and Egypt are the ultimate luxury outliers.

In Egypt, a staggering 60 per cent or more of bookings at this price point are for 5-star luxury.

You can lock in a 7-night, completely All-Inclusive stay at the 5-star Il Mercato Splash Aqua Park in Sharm El Sheikh for just £475 per person, including direct flights from East Midlands.

It is positioned right on the bustling Il Mercato Promenade, which means you have endless shopping and entertainment right on your doorstep.

There’s also a free shuttle service to zip you down to the private beach club whenever you fancy.

How many nights does £500 get you right now?

If £500 is your budget for the holiday, you can either have a full week away or a higher-quality but shorter break.

Our data shows that a full seven nights is still the most popular duration overall, and you can find holidays for this much in the Canaries, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Tunisia for under £500.

But if you look at mainland Spain, the Balearics, Portugal, Italy, and Malta, the most popular duration pivots to a sharp four-night break.

For example, you can secure a four-night escape to the 4-star Gran Garbi Hotel in the lively heart of Lloret de Mar for a mere £305 per person, flying directly from Bournemouth.

What makes this an absolute game-changer is that while the average short-stay break in Spain only includes a simple Bed and Breakfast, this deal upgrades you to an all-inclusive package.

Even better, it grants you free entry to the nearby Aqua-Splash waterpark, meaning you are effectively getting a week’s worth of food, drink, and waterpark entertainment packed into a high-octane 4-night luxury budget window.

And that leaves you with nearly £200 change from your £500 budget to play with.

What’s included for £500 right now?

How do you like your breakfast?

If you want to book a holiday in mainland Spain, Portugal, Italy, or Malta for £500, you’ll likely get it included in your stay.

But if you opt for the Canaries, for £500, you’ll most likely need to opt for self-catering.

If your idea of a holiday involves completely locking your wallet in the hotel safe the second you arrive, all-inclusive is king.

It’s the most popular option in the Balearics and Greece as well as Egypt and Tunisia.

An astonishing 98 per cent of British holidaymakers going to Egypt and more than 95 per cent of those going to Tunisia book all-inclusive trips for under £500-a-week.

Turkey isn’t far behind either, with All-Inclusive capturing around 77 per cent of the market. 

Choosing a “no wallet, no worries” deal is the ultimate way to beat inflation.

This is because when your flights, hotel, meals, and drinks are completely covered for under £500, the cost-of-living crisis officially pauses at the departure gate.

One example is you can head out on a massive 10-night holiday to the 4-star Nesrine in Hammamet Yasmine, Tunisia, for just £410 per person, flying direct from London Southend.

From the beautiful, authentic Moorish architecture and the outdoor pool to a private, white sand beach paradise and an energetic entertainment team.

And you know it is all covered, meaning you can max out your relaxation.

The lesser-known beach destinations Brits are opting for right now for under £500

If you want to truly travel better for less, you need to look where the crowds aren’t looking. Because once a resort gets flooded with British tourists, the prices rocket.

To get a bargain that leaves you feeling incredibly smug, these five lesser-known, off-the-radar beach gems are where savvy holidaymakers are booking right now for maximum bang for their buck.

Mijas, Costa del Sol, Spain

Think the Costa del Sol is all crowded strips and overpriced tourist menus? Think again – as Mijas gives you the best of both worlds.

You have a gorgeous, traditional white-washed Andalusian village in the hillside with cobbled streets and sweeping Mediterranean views, while Mijas Costa serves up a stunning, pristine seven-mile stretch of golden sand just below.

It’s a pure beach haven right near Marbella but without the eye-watering premium price tag. 

You can snap up a four-night stay at the 4-star Gran Hotel Costa Del Sol right in La Cala De Mijas for £305 per person, flying directly from Bournemouth on an all-inclusive package.

Mahdia, Tunisia

Mahdia is Tunisia’s calmer, historic fishing town where the streets are quiet, the sea is a deep blue, and the white-sand beaches look almost like they’ve been photoshopped.

You can easily nab a full week of luxury here for under £500. For instance, a seven-night getaway to the magnificent 5-star Nour Palace Resort costs just £405 per person, flying directly from Newcastle.

It boasts a massive, free-form outdoor lagoon pool that is just steps away from a private beach, giving you five-star all-inclusive indulgence with just under £100 to spare. 

Ovacik, Turkey

If you want a Turkish mountain escape that feels exclusive but keeps costs low, Ovacik is the place to go.

Tucked away in the picturesque hills near Fethiye and the famous Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz, it offers a calmer atmosphere surrounded by pine forests and fresh mountain air. 

You can lock in a seven-night escape here at the 4-star Sahra Su Holiday Village & Spa for just £315 per person, with direct flights from London Gatwick.

The hotel is styled like a luxury holiday village with swim-up rooms, thatched-roof bungalows, and a series of crystal-clear pools tucked between manicured lawns and palm trees on a fully all-inclusive basis.

Nabq Bay, Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh has plenty of famous bays, but Nabq Bay is the rising star for sheer value.

Sitting just up the coast, it looks right out over Tiran Island and boasts incredible coral reefs for world-class snorkelling.

Because it’s a newer resort development, Nabq Bay feels ultra-polished, where a £500 budget makes you feel like an absolute VIP.

You can secure a full week at the five-star Parrotel Lagoon Resort for just £455 per person, flying directly from East Midlands.

This resort is brilliant because it features its own multi-slide aqua park right onsite, alongside a sprawling pool and five-star dining options that will forever ruin you for a budget buffet.

Guardamar del Segura, Costa Blanca, Spain

Benidorm can keep its neon lights; Guardamar is the Costa Blanca’s best-kept secret.

Famous for its stretch of fine, powdery dunes backed by a lush pine and eucalyptus forest, this town is loved by Spanish locals, so you know you’re in the right place.

That means the tapas bars are authentic and the hotel prices haven’t been inflated by an influx of Brits just yet.

You can book a full seven-night stay at the 5-star Alannia Guardamar for just £450 per person, flying directly from Glasgow Prestwick.

While on a self-catering basis, the hotel itself makes up for it with everything from a tropical pool area complete with waterfalls, bridges, and a line-up of waterslides to luxury villas and a hidden-gem beach.

THE sun is still rising as we trot on horseback across acres of a wild and untouched landscape.

The only sign of human life is a stream of smoke in the distance billowing into the sky.

It isn’t until we get closer that I notice the group of cowboys busying themselves around a fire, cooking us up a mighty breakfast of smoky bacon, grits, eggs and refried beans.

The smell is incredible, the view is magical and even my kids seem awestruck.

For the past few days I’d been getting a true taste of Texas on the family-run Mayan Dude Ranch in the city of Bandera, a couple of hours or so from Austin.

And the crowd I was travelling with — my 13-year-old daughter Belle and eight-year-old son Harry — is usually tough to please.

WAIL OF A TIME

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

SHORE THING

I visited English seaside town that feels as beautiful as Spain in the sunshine

But judging by my daughter’s grin as she dismounted and hugged her huge white horse Cash, this holiday had already got a big thumbs up.

She was so hooked on the adventure that she’d even left her phone back at the ranch, which makes me wonder why on Earth we didn’t do this sooner.

Normally, as a family we join thousands of other Brits splashing out a small fortune on a beach resort in Europe to soak up the rays while the kids force Dad to get in the pool for the 97th time.

But when our son announced a few months back that he’d “quite like to be a cowboy”, we decided to take the plunge and instead head to the Lone Star State, where we’d never stepped foot before.

Our epic road trip kicked off with a bang as we pulled into Buc-ee’s, the world’s biggest gas station, before arriving at Boerne (lovingly pronounced Bernie by the locals) right in the heart of cowboy country.

This city is extremely walkable, with lots to admire on the way.

Streets are lined with architecture that blends classic Texas with European designs due to an influx of Germans settling here in the mid-1800s.

When we weren’t admiring the buildings, we took on some fiery hot Texan wings — I wouldn’t recommend giving them to your eight-year-old! — and hiked the family-friendly Cibolo Trail that follows a nature-filled creek.

With tired legs, we were more than ready for a spot of luxury.

And that’s exactly what The Kendall, one of America’s oldest country inns, offers.

The hotel is a national landmark that has been welcoming guests, including Presidents, since 1859, with 34 unique rooms, including some cute log cabins.

We stayed in the converted chapel suite which blew our socks off, with original features, the biggest bed we’ve ever slept in and a wide veranda complete with rocking chairs.

This place was worth the trip alone but, little did we know, the best was yet to come.

Around a 30-minute drive west of here is the Mayan Dude Ranch and it is one of the most welcoming places I’ve ever stayed. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel part of the family.

Everyone you meet — at check-in, dinner or running the never-ending activities — is a part of the Hicks Family, who have run the ranch for three generations. In fact, if you go during school holidays you’ll see five generations working here.

The rustic cabins offer plenty of space but there are no frills, which only adds to the charm and authentic feel.

Breakfasts are laid on in different parts of the 348-acre ranch and there are only two ways to get there.

Ride out on horseback (it is walking pace so even total amateurs like me can manage it) or jump on “The Haybale Trailer” and trundle down.

Everyone gets two horse rides a day but be warned, by day three you may be walking like John Wayne.

With a maximum of 90 guests at any one time we quickly got to know our fellow ranchers and the kids were soon off making friends, playing corn hole and shuffleboard or horseshoe pitching.

And when the Texan sun got too much, the outdoor pool offered the perfect escape. Everything is included in your stay at the ranch.

So this means all activities from exotic animal visits to impromptu kids’ foam parties, as well as ice cold beers and wine to help you unwind.

As for the food, it’s delicious and never-ending — much of it plucked from their own land. Make sure to try their campfire-cooked steak, it’s the best you’ll ever taste.

After dinner each night the Texan hospitality really heats up.

One night we were learning to crack a whip with the local whipping champion — ear defenders at the ready — and the next, everyone was learning to line dance.

We started out nervous and awkward as we tried to master the Texan Two Step but by the end of the evening the whole group was pulling off a full Square Dance.

Well, at least we thought we were. Upon check out, my son was surgically attached to his cowboy hat, my daughter wanted a horse and my wife was thinking of moving to Texas.

Hopefully she’ll take us with her . . . 

WITH two beaches, a canal and a castle, the town of Bude has a lot going on.

And as a one-time local, I’ve got the lowdown on all the best things to see and do in this seaside gem on Cornwall’s north coast.

The Summerleaze and Crooklets beaches have lifeguards between May and late September.

Both are ideal for surfing and bodyboarding and, if the sea is having a rare flat day, the swimmers and paddleboarders get their turn.

Book a lesson with the patient and knowledgeable instructors at Big Blue Surf School and you’ll be on your feet riding those waves before you know it.

When the tide is low, you can wander along the shore from Crooklets to Sandymouth.

WAIL OF A TIME

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

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

It’s two miles of gloriousness, taking about an hour. Just check the tide times first.

Bude Sea Pool is a large, semi-natural tidal pool between the two beaches. It’s free and an ideal place to swim safely.

Go early morning or later in the evening for the quietest times.

If you want to upgrade your trip, hire a beach hut from the local council.

My favourite place in Bude is the wood-fired Ocean Soul Sauna overlooking Crooklets Beach.

During the summer months, you can book a sauna/yoga combo.

Bude has dramatic, fiery sunsets and watching the sun go down while enjoying a barbecue on the beach makes for a memorable evening.

If hiking is your thing, the South West Coast Path has incredible scenery.

Unlike many High Streets up and down the country, Bude’s is thriving.

It’s the perfect mix of independent shops and eateries, combined with the larger chains we know and love.

Buffy’s is my go-to for breakfast, which is under a tenner for quality food and a coffee.

Newly-opened Coffee Bay is a favourite stop for an afternoon pick-me-up, with the most decadent cakes and cookies in town.

When it comes to dinner, Elements is my favourite for a family meal.

The menu of pizza, pasta, salads and specials is simple but perfectly cooked and presented.

Even on busy evenings, the service is fast and the delicious cocktails are guaranteed to go down well.

My favourite summer tipple is Cornish Country Garden — Bude gin, vodka and elderflower cordial — enjoyed on their seafront terrace.

Fans of local ale should visit The Barrel At Bude.

The award-winning micropub doesn’t have wifi, fruit machines or a jukebox, meaning, shock horror, you have to talk to each other.

My favourite shop in Bude is Spencer Thorn, which has a lovely combo of books and gifts.

When the weather is good, it’s easy to have a great day without shelling out a fortune, too.

Bude Castle, built on shifting sand dunes in 1830, is free to enter, with an exhibition covering prehistory to the present day.

Here, you can learn about the unique geology of the coastline, which is so unusual it is known as Bude formation.

There’s also information on the town’s maritime links and the history behind the Bude Canal.

The circus comes to the outskirts of town each August, and during the summer holidays there are weekly, free circus-skills workshops on the castle’s green, where you can try juggling and riding a unicycle.

For the energetic, the 360ft inflatable Monster Slip And Slide water slide on the outskirts of Bude should feature on your holiday to-do list.

For somewhere to stay, you can’t beat the Premier Inn, with its central location and free parking.

Whether you fancy an active holiday of surfing, walking and swimming or prefer to relax with great food and drink, Bude hits the spot.

TAKE this as your sign to grab your faves and book a brilliant spa break.

From Champneys, Tring to The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham and a Fab find in Faversham – we’ve got you covered for rest and recuperation.

THE FRIENDS’ GET-TOGETHER – Champneys, Tring

Editor in chief Sinead McIntyre and pals found R&R in Hertfordshire.

THE PAD

Set in 170 acres of beautiful countryside, this stately home, once owned by the Rothschild family, gives immediate Downton Abbey vibes, thanks to the sweeping staircases, huge chandeliers and grand fireplaces that are home to roaring fires on cooler days.

As do the rooms, with their opulent floral curtains and plush carpets.

Much to our delight, on arrival we are upgraded to two deluxe suites – mine has a super-king-size bed, adjoining lounge and two bathrooms, as well as stunning views of the grounds.

WAIL OF A TIME

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

TEMPTED?

Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

There is no scrimping on the toiletries here either, with both Champneys and Elemis products, as well as soft white robes and slippers.

The standalone bath is the centrepiece of one bathroom, while the second has an invigorating rainforest shower.

The lounge is the perfect spot for a much-needed gossip, washed down with complimentary bubbles. Champneys, which celebrated its 100th birthday last year, also has more exercise classes than you can shake a stick at, from reformer Pilates to pickleball and HIIT, so we sign up for a legs, bums and tums class, followed by stretch and relax by candlelight.

There are also maps for walks in the extensive grounds and we enjoy a wholesome 45-minute stroll before dinner.

THE SPA

With its 25m pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and alfresco Jacuzzi, this is relaxation at its best – and that’s before you even book a treatment.

However, definitely do!

My 50-minute Upper Body Bliss massage, £105, using Elemis oils, was absolutely gorgeous and got rid of the tension I was holding in my shoulders after a stressful few months at work.

THE GRUB

There are so many delicious food options – stays are full-board, and breakfast and lunch are both buffets with tasty cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruit and bagels each morning and delicious meats, salads and pasta dishes come lunchtime.

But the evening menu is the star of the show.

We loved the pulled oyster mushroom taco and the crab and prawn summer rolls to start, while the sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce and the monkfish curry were both melt–in-the-mouth.

Make sure you leave room for the deconstructed honeycomb cheesecake for pudding, while the cheeseboard is also a winner.

OUT AND ABOUT

Forget it, you’re here to chill and chat.

BOOK IT

Full-board stays at Champneys, Tring, cost from £210 per person, per night (Champneys.com).

THE COUPLE’S ESCAPE – The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham

Senior Assistant Editor Sarah Barns and husband Patrick cosied up in the Cotswolds.

THE PAD

Throw open the velvet drapes, take in the stunning views and relaaaax. Winner of four AA Red Stars, this gem, just 13 minutes’ drive from Gloucester train station, offers the perfect rural recharge.

The Elizabethan manor house blends historical charm with modern luxury, and although there are 21 newly refurbished bedrooms to choose from, our pick is the Manor Suite, where the bed is so large you can both starfish, the marble bathroom comes with a bath and walk-in rainfall shower, plus there’s a cosy living area.

THE SPA

Take a dip in the hydrotherapy pool and outdoor vitality pool, sweat it out in the sauna and steam room, and indulge in a TempleSpa treatment at the Elan spa, awarded five bubbles by the Good Spa Guide.

Hot stone massages, which use warm basalt stones (essentially giant black rocks) to harmonise energy points throughout the body, fixed our tense muscles and helped us instantly de-stress.

The Rocks Of The Mediterranean 75-minute treatment costs from £119 per person.

THE GRUB

The Garden Room restaurant, run by talented head chef Abhijit Dasalkar, offers a brilliant value à la carte dinner.

Think treats like Cornish crab with lemon, yuzu gel and edible flowers – one of the prettiest plates I’ve ever seen – and beef wellington served perfectly pink.

Three courses cost £67.50 per person.

Opt for the veggie Full English come morning – it’s a winner.

OUT AND ABOUT

Hit Cheltenham, 15 minutes’ drive away, for indie shops, as well as faves like Jo Malone, Toast and Reiss, plus Regency architecture.

Hatchards bookshop gives Hogwarts library feels, and Society Coffee serves up excellent flat whites, £4, and scrumptious chocolate cruffins, £3.95 (Society-cafe.com).

A short walk from the hotel is the Leckhampton Loop, a four-and- a-half-mile amble in gorgeous Cotswolds scenery.

Some parts are hilly, so you’ll have earned your lamb roast, £25.95, and sticky toffee pudding, £8.95, at The Frogmill (Thefrogmill.co.uk).

BOOK IT

B&B for two costs from £97 per person, including 90 minutes of spa use (Thegreenwayhotelandspa.com).

A fab find in Faversham

You don’t need a swish spa hotel in this Kent town, says Contributing Picture Editor Ruth Greatrex.

Embracing the therapeutic heat of the Finnish barrel sauna, my friend Katie and I gaze out at the vivid green fields, our skin slathered with sea-salt scrub, fragrant with rose petals and uplifting orange oil.

Staff are poised to bring juices, kombucha, or even a cocktail at the ding of a bell, too.

Once suitably baked, we brave the chilly overhead water bucket, then plunge into the ice-cold barrel.

A restorative soak in the wood-fired hot tub later, we both emerge with baby-soft skin and feel thoroughly revived.

A 90-minute session costs from £18 per person (Seascrubsauna.co.uk).

This Sea Scrub Sauna sits on the site of Macknade, one of England’s best farm shops and a family-run spot where apples and hops have grown since 1847.

We grab lunch at the new street-food village, digging into miso cream mushrooms, £11, at Hop Shed Bar & Kitchen, washed down with zingy Faversham bacchus, £9 a glass, and finishing with brown butter popcorn ice cream, £4.15, from Bears Ice Cream, before checking out the amazing food hall (Macknade.com).

Family-owned country estate Mount Ephraim Gardens is 10 minutes’ drive away and offers rooms.

We play ladies of the manor, strolling through the pretty rose gardens and even spy the sea from the Sir Edwyn Suite, which has a freestanding bath.

Double rooms cost from £150 per night (Mountephraimgardens.co.uk).

Come morning, we’re tempted back to Macknade for pancakes with blood orange and rhubarb compote, £12.

Although there are HIIT and spin classes on offer, I go for a soothing hot-stone aromatherapy massage, from £35 for 30 minutes (@Serene_ massage_therapies).

You don’t need long here to rediscover your zen. . .

WITH over 6,000 islands, travellers are simply spoiled for choice when it comes to booking a holiday in Greece – but one quieter island offers a serene retreat.

Often dubbed the ‘Goldilocks’ of the Greek Cyclades, Sifnos “is quite possibly the perfect Greek island: not too big and not too small” according to Conde Nast Traveller.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Its ‘perfect’ appearance is helped by the lack of crowds on the island compared to other Greek islands.

So much so, Swedish news website News55 has said the island is one of the top travel destinations this year as it avoids mass tourism.

Apollonia is the main village on the island and when visiting, make sure to have a wander down Steno, which is the main pedestrian street lined with traditional shops and cosy cafes.

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On the coast of the island, you can visit the former capital Kastro.

Dating back around 3,000 years, Kastro is completely pedestrianised and is full of quaint, whitewashed buildings with paths leading down to the sea where you can spot Church of the Seven Martyrs, perched on a rock islet just below the village.

There are a number of other villages on the island too, including Artemonas, which is just a short walk from Apollonia.

In Artemonas, visitors can see a number of 19th century neoclassical mansions along the main stone path.

The village is also known for its churches, such as the Church of Panagia Kohi, which is built over an ancient temple to Artemis.

If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, you won’t be short of hiking routes including a well-marked trail between Artemonas and the sea.

Wherever you go on the island, make sure to look out for amigdalota – a type of almond sweet that the island is famous for.

Scattered across the island you’ll see lots of quaint tavernas too, serving traditional Sifniote food such as chickpea balls and slow roasted lamb.

One Sun reporter who previously visited the island said: “Everything is delicious on Sifnos.

“There’s the food bursting with zingy, sunny flavour, a landscape of steep hillsides carved with agricultural terraces, azure-domed churches perched by the sea and whitewashed villages.

“For a beach day, head to Platis Gialos – a stretch of sand backed by chic bars and eateries, such as Omega3 which serves seafood dishes such as sea urchin ceviche, paired with regional wines.

“The coastline is laced with smaller beaches and secluded rocky coves, with my favourite being below the blue-domed church of Panagia Poulati –reached via a short, but steep, hike down from Verina Astra.

“Floating in the clear water, and having the place all to ourselves, was the most delicious feeling of all.”

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If you are keen to explore more beach spots, Cherronisos is another good choice and can be found in a small fishing village on the far north of the island.

One recent visitor said: “Amazing beach, amazing walking trail to the church on the top of the hill and AMAZING tavern.”

Dotted around the beach you will find a number of holiday homes too, costing as little as £63 per night and boasting panoramic views of the sea.

Sifnos doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll have to catch a ferry to reach the island which takes between two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half hours from Athens.

The main and only port on Sifnos is Kamares, where you will also find a number of places to stay including AirBnBs costing as little as £209 for a five night stay.

A single ticket from Athens to Sifnos on the ferry costs from €40.50 (£35.01) and the return leg costs from €35 (£30.26).

KISS goodbye to overpriced holidays abroad this summer as we’ve found six gorgeous European beach resorts where you can fly out from UK airports for £15.99 or less.

Our list includes an undercover island paradise with white sands that look like the Caribbean and a cheaper Marbella alternative that offers the same high-end glamour.

You really don’t need to spend a fortune on a coastal city break either, so grab your sunglasses and pack your bags.

These aren’t your typical, overcrowded tourist traps, either – plus, we’ve hand-picked cheap hotels for each destination, too.

Malaga, Spain

In the heart of the sunny Costa del Sol, Malaga has all the high-end glamour, palm tree-lined boulevards, and buzzy cocktail bars of Marbella -but without the eye-watering price tags.

This sun-drenched hotspot blends a trendy city break with a classic fly-and-flop beach holiday.

History buffs can wander through ancient Moorish fortresses, while art lovers can browse the world-class Picasso Museum.

The bustling seafront promenade is lined with traditional beachside bars where you can feast on seafood such as espetos – fresh sardines barbecued on skewers. Pair that with sipping on some frozen cocktails on La Malagueta beach, and you’ve got the traditional Malaga experience nailed.

Ryanair offers £14.99 flights one-way from UK airports like Liverpool and Bournemouth.

Booking.com offers a 5-night stay for two at the Livensa Living Studios apartments for £242, working out to just £24.20pp per night.

Faro, Portugal

While some touch down in Faro only to sprint for the resorts of the central Algarve, staying put in Faro is well worth it.

This historic city is the gateway to the spectacular Ria Formosa Natural Park – a sprawling network of islands that feels a million miles away from the usual holiday chaos.

Hop on a ferry for a few euros to Ilha Deserta (Deserted Island), a stretch of pristine, white sand and turquoise water so bright that you could easily trick your friends into thinking you’re in the Caribbean.

After a day of sun-soaking on quiet beaches, wander back into Faro‘s beautifully-preserved Old Town.

Its cobblestone streets are lined with authentic pastelarias and traditional seafood taverns, where you can try locally harvested oysters washed down with a bottle of local Portuguese wine.

Ryanair offers £14.99 flights each way from London Luton and East Midlands airports.

Booking.com offers a 3-night stay for two at the Hotel Made Inn in Faro for £310.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is having its moment this year.

The city was crowned the World Capital of Architecture for 2026, and the Sagrada Familia officially became the tallest church in the world back in February.

There are plenty of famous spots to see here, and even if you’ve already visited, Barcelona is a city many return to time and again.

With 12 attractions to visit designed by famous architect Antoni Gaudí, nine golden sand beaches and thousands of bars and restaurants to try out, this city can never truly be ‘ticked off’ the travel list.

Stroll the famous shopping street La Rambla all the way along to the Port Vell to visit a harbour packed with market stalls selling hand-crafted goods, overlooked by a giant Ferris wheel.

Or visit the famous market La Boqueria to have a taste of anything from authentic Jamón Iberico to chocolate treats shaped like people, dinosaurs, flowers – basically anything you can imagine.

Ryanair offers £14.99 flights each way from London Luton, with £16.99 flights available from Birmingham, Bristol and East Midlands airports.

Expedia offers stays at the easyHotel Barcelona La Sagrera from £132 per night for a double room.

Genoa, Italy

If you want the romance of the Italian Riviera without the prices of nearby Portofino, Genoa offers those same stunning Ligurian Sea views for a much lower price.

This coastal city is home to the Caruggi: Europe’s largest network of medieval alleyways.

Here you can discover hidden pastel palaces and buy freshly-baked focaccia from local bakeries for pocket change.

For a seaside day out, hop on a quick 15-minute train ride down the coast to Boccadasse, a historic fisherman’s town.

Here, a cluster of pastel-pink, mint, and terracotta-coloured houses frames a pebbled cove where the locals like to sunbathe.

Genoa provides an authentic slice of La Dolce Vita that feels untouched by mass tourism.

Ryanair offers £14.99 flights each way from Manchester and London Stansted airport.

Booking.com offer stays at the Hotel Britannia in Genoa from £68 per night.

Alicante, Spain

Unlike the sprawling concrete high-rises found further down the coast, Alicante retains authentic Spanish charm.

The must-visit beach is Playa del Postiguet, a sweeping crescent of powder-soft sand and calm waters that sit at the foot of Santa Barbara Castle.

Afternoons are best spent strolling the Explanada de España – a beautiful promenade paved with wavy marble tiles and lined with towering palm trees.

As the sun sets, head into the colourful, winding streets of El Barrio (the old town).

Here you can sample authentic tapas and paella at local prices, before hitting the city’s glamorous marina for a sundowner alongside the yachts.

Ryanair offers £15.99 flights each way from airports including Manchester, Bristol and Exeter.

Booking.com offers a 5-night stay for two at the B&B HOTEL Alicante Aeropuerto for £334 total, working out to £33.40pp per night.

Ancona, Italy

Tucked away on Italy’s Adriatic coast, Ancona is a lesser-known gem that completely bypasses the packed tourist trails of the west coast.

This historic port city has a well-kept secret – its unique, elbow-shaped peninsula, which is one of the only places in Italy where you can watch the sun both rise and set directly over the sea.

The city itself is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, grand cathedrals, and lively piazzas, but the magic lies on the shores of the Conero Riviera.

Here, the rolling green hills of a dramatic national park plunge into the turquoise Adriatic Sea, carving out white-pebble beaches like Portonovo and Sirolo.

You can spend the day sun-soaking beneath dramatic limestone cliffs, swim out to hidden sea caves, and then wander back into the city to feast on fresh mussels with local white wine.

This wildly beautiful slice of Italy is a quiet spot that’s still off the radar for most Brits.

Ryanair offers £14.99 flights each way from London Stansted to Ancona.

Lastminute.com offer stays at the Hotel Fortuna from £72 per night.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

IF YOU’RE looking for your next holiday spot, one sunny destination should be at the top of your list.

From November 2, TUI is launching holidays between a major UK city and one of the best-value winter sun spots.

Weekly flights between Birmingham and Banjul, The Gambia, will fly on Mondays – with the journey only taking six hours.

Between November and April, temperatures usually hit 30C in The Gambia and to make the most of it, you can explore the country’s golden beaches and warm seas.

Dubbed the ‘Smiling Coast of Africa’, visitors can head off on a boat cruise to spot wildlife and mangroves, along The Gambia River, which runs through the country.

And if you want to see more wildlife, then you can visit the Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau or explore Abuko Nature Reserve which spans around 260 acres just south of Banjul and is home to more crocodiles as well as monkeys.

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For history lovers, there’s Kunta Kinteh Island – a UNESCO World Heritage site that used to be a former slave-trading post.

TUI’s Linda Sharrocks, recently visited The Gambia and said: “I chose The Gambia for winter sun without having to fly as far as the Caribbean or Thailand, and it completely delivered.

“You’ve got guaranteed sunshine, beautiful sandy beaches and some of the friendliest, happiest people I’ve ever met.”

She added: “Kololi Beach was a highlight for me – it’s quieter but still close to everything.”

Other popular beaches include Kotu Beach, which is known for being a family-friendly spot with gentle waves and Sanyang Beach – which is also known as Paradise Beach – with a number of beach bars and local fishing boast bobbing in the water.

Linda also revealed that The Gambia is cheap when there, with a meal and drink costing just a few quid.

“There are loads of amazing restaurants and bars to try like Scala and Ginger for food, and Mkais for a drink and live music,” she shared.

“I loved visiting the local markets and just soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.

“My biggest tip is to get out and explore the local restaurants and bars, that’s where you really get a feel for the place.”

Holiday packages with TUI to The Gambia start from £800 per person and include flights, accommodation, transfers, luggage and all-inclusive food and drink.

Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK, said: “We know Brits are looking for winter sun that delivers great value without the long flight times, and destinations like The Gambia are seeing real growth as a result.”

Matt Hazelwood, Chief Commercial Officer at Birmingham Airport said: “We are delighted to welcome The Gambia back to our list of direct destinations with TUI.

“This popular winter sun getaway is easily accessible from Birmingham Airport, offering beautiful sandy beaches, stunning scenery, and nature reserves rich in Gambian wildlife, all just a six-hour flight from BHX.”

Don’t worry if you aren’t close to Birmingham though, as TUI also has flights to The Gambia from London Gatwick and Manchester airports.

EVERYBODY seems to flock to the same touristy towns for their seaside holiday, but the county I grew up in is an underrated gem.

You don’t have to brave crowded Cornwall or busy Blackpool for a trip to the seaside this summer.

Born and raised in North-West Norfolk, I’ve gotten to know some of the best hidden beaches and prettiest towns and villages to visit – and it’s time to lift the lid on the county’s best-kept secrets.

Norfolk is full of golden sand beaches, spectacular pink and orange sunsets, and far less crowds.

It’s a more affordable choice too, with the average cost of a night’s accommodation sitting at £27.45 and an alcoholic drink costing £5.10 according to North Norfolk News.

While there is a lot of fun to be had in Great Yarmouth, if you’re over the crowds and – let’s face it – tacky atmosphere, you should head further west along the coast.

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The charming village known as Norfolk’s ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’ with a railway hotel

Coastal villages like Blakeney and Brancaster are underrated spots where you can watch seals play in the water and fishermen haul in fresh mussels to be served in local restaurants the very same day.

Brancaster and neighbouring village Brancaster Staithe are the perfect mix of buzz and relaxation.

For a peaceful day out, spend the day walking the scenic Norfolk coast path, or even trying your hand at sailing or a round of beachside golf at the renowned Royal West Norfolk Golf Club.

The village is also home to Brancaster Boards, where you can rent a stand up paddleboard and float on down the flower-filled saltmarshes.

One of my favourite ways to spend a day here is with Wild Yoga Norfolk, where sessions combine activities like wild swimming, beachside yoga and sauna pod sessions into one blissful day.

When you fancy something more lively, head to The White Horse hotel and restaurant.

The vibe of the Marshside bar and restaurant here is unbeatable: house music blasting, the catch of the day served with a local Lucky Lobster beer, plus ice-cold drinks enjoyed in a buzzy atmosphere.

You can get three fresh oysters for £13, or snack on some delicious crispy squid with garlic mayo for £8.50 – not a bad price given the high-quality food and stunning sea views.

Plus they put on loads of events throughout the summer, like a Lobster & Fizz Fest, Oyster Festival and End of Summer BBQ.

For a less boujee and more family-friendly feel, check out The Jolly Sailors pub.

They do great stonebaked pizzas and tasty rum cocktails, plus there’s a massive beer garden with family fun days and an ice cream shack serving flavours from bubblegum to ‘Unicorn’.

Further along the country roads you’ll find more pretty villages like Thornham, Holme-next-the-Sea and Titchwell.

Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve has amazing wildlife, where you can spot birds of prey dip down into freshwater lagoons – if you can, bring a pair of binoculars and a good camera!

Thornham Beach is one of my favourites, and is often called the most remote beach in North Norfolk.

It’s a quieter option as it takes a 1.5 mile walk to get there, but the views are absolutely worth it – and it will never be as packed as beaches like Sheringham or Cromer.

After a scenic stroll you’ll reach a vast stretch of soft golden sands backed by rolling dunes and shady pine forest.

The beach is dog-friendly and the surrounding marshes are a great spot to pick some fresh samphire if you’re visiting in season (from June – September).

Holme-next-the-Sea is the new place to be, with a gorgeous stretch of beach and a trendy pub and bakery doing the rounds on Instagram.

The White Horse at Holme is a Grade II-listed pub recently done-up with a fabulous beer garden with its own cosy fire pit, plus a charming rustic bakery serving up freshly-baked pastries and delicious coffee.

Inside the pub itself you can order everything from hearty, homemade pies to moules mariniere with homemade crusty ciabatta.

Plus it’s only a short walk from here to Holme Beach, which is much more peaceful than the flashy arcade lights and promenade of overpopulated Hunstanton.

If you’re visiting with kids, head to Holkham Estate where there’s an action-packed high ropes course plus activities like silent discos and outdoor theatre.

Another great spot is Snettisham, where you can go on a deer safari at Snettisham Park, which costs £13.50 per adult, £11.50 per child with under 3’s going free.

Plus I recommend popping into family-friendly pub The Rose and Crown, where there’s a walled beer garden with a kids play area.

Like many North Norfolk pubs, it’s dog-friendly and even has pet-friendly rooms – so feel free to bring your furry friend along on your trip to Norfolk this summer.

WITH the sun shining brightly across the country, many families are itching to get out to a waterpark and cool off from the soaring spring heat.

And there’s no more fun way to cool off than in a waterpark – and the UK is home to plenty of world-class ones, with thrilling slides, rides and even their own spas.

Whether you want to try an adrenaline-fuelling trap-door waterslide, tackle a Total Wipeout-style obstacle course, or let a lazy river do all the work – we’ve got you covered.

From indoor tropical waterparks with adults-only spas, to the UK’S largest wave pool and water rollercoaster, we’ve rounded up the top waterparks for families of all ages.

And to top it all off, the entry prices start from £5.31pp – proving you can have an action-packed summer day out on a budget.

Here are some of the best on offer across the UK…

Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent

Crowned the UK’s number one indoor tropical aqua park, Waterworld is a massive water wonderland packed with over 30 different rides.

The top attraction for adrenaline junkies is Thunderbolt – the UK’s very first trap-door drop waterslide.

You stand inside a capsule, wait for the floor to drop beneath your feet, and plummet straight down a vertical flume at a staggering 25mph.

For more thrills, you can tackle Hurricane, a high-speed slide that hurls you down at 17mph through glow-in-the-dark neon lighting.

For something a little more family-friendly, the newly refurbished Python ride has plenty of slithery twists and turns that are gentle enough for toddlers.

You’ve also got a classic wave pool and fast-flowing rapids that swirl you around the tropical temperature waters.

Plus, if you visit when the weather‘s hot, you can soak up the sunshine outside.

The park has an outdoor pool and sun loungers where parents can relax while kids splash around.

You can also wind down in the calming bubble pools and relaxation areas, or hit the on-site restaurant to refuel the family on fresh pizza, bubble waffles, and thick milkshakes.

Single tickets start at £17.50 online for adults and children, including spectators. Baby tickets cost £7. Make sure to book online in advance, as walk-in tickets will cost you up to £8.50 extra.

Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool

Sandcastle Waterpark is the UK’s largest and home to Britain’s longest indoor water rollercoaster and 18 thrilling rides.

If you want to feel like you’re on holiday abroad, head here for a 29C tropical climate.

The Masterblaster holds the record for the UK’s longest indoor rollercoaster waterslide, with a 200m stretch of water tubing fun.

Meanwhile, the Sidewinder is the world’s first indoor half-pipe waterslide, resembling a giant, slippery skating ramp.

For the little ones, there’s the Treetops Water Chutes, multi-lane slides perfect for racing, and the HMS Thunder Splash – a giant pirate ship packed with water activities.

Another kid-friendly favourite is the Caribbean Storm Treehouse, a massive water climbing frame complete with a giant coconut that dumps 600 gallons of water onto unsuspecting swimmers every few minutes.

If you need a breather from the screaming and splashing, grown-ups can escape to the Sea Breeze Spa.

For an extra £7, adults can spend three hours unwinding in the sauna and steam room while making use of the foot spas and aromatherapy room.

And for the ultimate VIP treatment, you can upgrade to a Tiki Cabana experience.

For £60pp, adults get access to a private oasis with their own hot tub, a flatscreen TV, a fridge packed with cold drinks, and a dining and seating area.

You also get full-day admission to the waterpark and a meal deal included in the price.

Tickets start at £25.50 for ages 8+, £16.50 for children aged 3 -7, with under 3s going free. Make sure to book online in advance, as same-day tickets can cost you £2 extra.

Alton Towers Waterpark, Staffordshire

You don’t need to brave the theme park’s rollercoasters for an action-packed day out at Alton Towers.

The Alton Towers Waterpark at the Splash Landings Hotel is a massive, tropical-themed park with Caribbean-type temperatures in the middle of the Staffordshire countryside.

The Wacky Waterworks Treehouse is a sprawling interactive play area packed with more than 70 interactive features, including water cannons, pull-cords, and buckets.

Thrill-seekers can twist and turn down the Rush ‘N’ Rampage waterslides, or slip down the outdoor Flash Floods slides into a giant pool – perfect for a sunny day.

And if you just want to take it easy, you can drift along the lazy river or laze on a lounger while the kids hit the slides.

When you want something to eat, head to the Calypso Cave for lunches like burgers and chicken tenders, or grab an ice cream float or sundae from the Ice Cream Shack.

Tickets start at £18 online for adults and children, with those under 90cm going free. There are also parent and toddler tickets from £23. Make sure to book online for the best rates.

Dorset Adventure Park

If you prefer muddy knees, fresh air, the sun on your back and giant outdoor obstacles, Dorset Adventure Park is for you.

Set across two massive lakes on the grounds of Corfe Castle, Dorset Adventure Park is home to an action-packed outdoor inflatable course.

The Total Wipeout-style floating playground has huge trampolines, balance beams, wobbly bridges, and high-flying slides that launch you straight into the lake.

Plus, little ones even have their own inflatable, Splash Castle, manned by lifeguards and designed for kids aged 2 to 6.

If that isn’t muddy enough for the kids, the park is also home to a legendary Mud Trail.

On this 2km assault course, you can tackle mud pits, climbing walls, cargo nets, and tyre crawls that guarantee nobody leaves clean.

Back on dry land, the grounds have plenty more to see and do. There’s everything from axe throwing to relaxing woodland sauna pods.

For a bite to eat, the Snack Shack and Watering Hole have hot food, ice-cold drinks and ice creams with views of Corfe Castle.

The park provides wetsuit and buoyancy aid hire too, so you don’t need to worry about bringing anything other than a towel and a change of clothes.

Tickets start at £22pp for waterpark admission, £11 for the Mud Trail and £5 per child for Splash Castle.

The Wave, Coventry

Home to the largest wave pool in the UK which cycles 20 million litres of water per day, The Wave in Coventry is a high-tech indoor waterworld.

Above the huge pool are six speedy waterslides, including the colourful Cascade with its bright lights and The Rapids water coaster, described by the park as the ‘Big Dipper’ rollercoaster on water.

There’s also The Riptide, a rubber-ring ride that launches you down an exhilarating 90-degree angle.

The Cyclone, on the other hand, hurls you around a massive open bowl before dropping you out of the bottom.

Families with toddlers can head straight to The Reef, a colourful splash zone packed with mini-slides and water jets away from the big flumes.

Adults can slip away to the dedicated lane-swimming pool, work out at the fitness centre, or book into the luxurious Mana Spa to use its steam room, sauna, or enjoy a relaxing massage.

Tickets start at £15 per adult, £13 for ages 11 and under with under 1’s going free.

Time Capsule Water Park, Scotland

The Time Capsule Water Park in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire is an affordable option with plenty of activities for mixed-age families.

Plus this waterpark is attached to an indoor ice rink, making it an ideal spot to visit and cool off on a hot day.

Inside you’ll find a lazy river, splash zones and waterslides, plus water cannons and a giant tipping bucket.

The most unique attraction here is the Tornado Tantrum – a setup of 10m-high Storm Chasers, thunder and lightning effects and twisting water flumes.

For families with young children, the Cove Island area has plenty of splash play zones for toddlers.

There’s also a Tiny Tots Play Zone on site, a soft play area for children aged 5 and under.

Head to the Tsunami Café for poolside burgers or a sit down with a cold drink.

The Time Capsule Water Park is one of the most affordable on the list, costing £6.50 per adult to enter and £4.50 per child. There is also free parking available.

LC Swansea Waterpark, Wales

LC Swansea is Wales‘ biggest water park, packed with exciting rides, relaxing pools and even an indoor surfing machine.

Try out surfing or body-boarding on the Boardrider – a never-ending wave machine built for those who want to learn to ride waves like a pro.

Here you’ll also find the MasterBlaster water coaster, launching rubber ring riders uphill before gravity plummets them back down into the pool.

Younger kids can make a splash at Volcano Bay, an interactive zone with fountains, a smaller slide and tipping buckets.

For a slower pace, you can drift along the peaceful, lazy river or soothe your muscles in the bubbling whirlpool.

There’s a range of sessions to book, including Toddler Splash early mornings, women’s only and evening splash sessions.

To burn off some energy outside of the pool, there’s a water-themed Climb and Play area with four storeys of obstacles plus a 30ft climbing wall.

There’s also a Costa Coffee on site, plus a shop where you can pick up any extras you might need like swim hats and goggles.

Tickets start at £5.31 per adult or child for a General Splash session, with infant tickets for ages 1 to 3 starting at £2.97 and under 1s going free.