All-inclusive breaks are perfect for families who want to go away without worrying about the cost of food and drink at the resort. If you fancy a few days without washing up in May half-term, here are some deals to look out for
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All-inclusive holidays are an excellent way to escape for half-term(Image: Shared Content Unit)
All-inclusives can be a good option for those who are on a tight budget. While initially booking an all-inclusive holiday costs more, once you arrive, you technically don’t need to spend any extra money. This means you can enjoy your meals, cocktails, and beers without worrying about the bill at the end of the trip.
May Half Term can be a good time to book an all-inclusive holiday in Europe, as you usually get good weather across the continent but not the intense heatwaves that often hit in July and August. While it’s a busy travel time, it’s slightly less full on than the six-week holidays.
Here are a few all-inclusive deals available during half-term week based on two adults, two children sharing. Prices are subject to availability and may change.
Castell dels Hams – Porto Cristo, Majorca – 4 nights from £361 per person
This Majorcan hotel has a 4T rating from TUI and offers comfortable, contemporary accommodation surrounded by countryside. There are three outdoor pools to choose from, and if you fancy a day at the beach, there’s a free daily bus service. If you prefer a livelier break, you can enjoy activities from tennis to volleyball and a great entertainment program that includes a kids’ club and evening entertainment.
During half-term, you can enjoy four nights of AI accommodation in a standard double or twin room from £361 per person. The package includes Ryanair flights from East Midlands Airport and you can book via the TUI website.
Sungate Hotel – Sidari, Corfu – 4 nights from £469 per person
Jet2 is offering a four-night package to lively Sidari in Corfu for £469 per person, which you can book here. The price includes flights from London-Stansted, 22kg of checked baggage per person, coach transfers, and all-inclusive accommodation in a family room.
The Sungate Hotel is just 300m from the beach and has an outdoor pool, buffet restaurant, and pool bar. The weather in Corfu often hits 24C in May, meaning it’s just right for days at the pool or lounging on the beach.
Inter 2 – Salou, Spain – 7 nights from £487 per person
Another Jet2 deal for Spain includes an entire week of as much food and drink as you like, but this time in sunny Salou in Spain. Inter 2 is 500m from the beach and the lively resort town of Salou, so there’s plenty to do. The hotel has two pools and offers daytime and evening entertainment, or you can simply relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Accommodation is in a studio apartment, and your package includes 22kg of luggage and coach transfers from Reus, which take just over half an hour. Prices for seven nights, departing London-Luton on May 25, start at £487, and you can book the package here.
Magic Cristal Park Hotel – Benidorm, Spain – 4 nights from £329 per person
With a flight time of about two and a half hours, Benidorm is ideal for short breaks, and this half-term deal from easyJet Holidays starts at £329 per person. Its all-inclusive offering includes two buffet restaurants and four bars, a seasonal kids’ club, a top-floor pool and roof terrace, a games room, and much more.
Benidorm’s iconic beach is just a 10-minute walk away, and you can wander around and enjoy the colourful sights in this lively resort town. The package from easyJet holidays can be booked here and includes flights from Bristol to Alicante, hold bags, transfers, and accommodation in a standard double room.
Bone Club Hotel Svs – Alanya, Turkey – 7 nights from £367 per person
Enjoy a week in a four-star hotel on an all-inclusive basis for £367 per person this half-term. This package deal, on offer through Thomas Cook, includes Wizz Air flights from London-Gatwick and accommodation in an economy room, although you can upgrade for a small fee. There’s a buffet restaurant, snack bar, pool bar, and even a nightclub where you can enjoy your all-inclusive package.
During the day, enjoy the sunshine by the pool or the sandy beach just a short walk away. You’re also in a great spot to explore the Turkish Riviera, and the resort town of Alanya is full of places to visit, from castles and caves to traditional Turkish baths.
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“It’s a destination that truly has it all, world class cuisine, stunning architecture, hidden natural gems and a unique mix of tradition and innovation.”
Seven-night holidays with direct flights can be found for around £1,100pp, with flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester.
Singapore is often named one of the world’s best cities, coming sixth in this year’s ‘World’s Best Cities’ report.
While it is often used a stopover by Brits heading to other destinations in Asia and Oceania, it is also the best place or a holiday in itself.
It is 30C all year round, so you are guaranteed to get some warmth no matter the month (although December is the wettest so perhaps avoid this time).
I visited the city a few years ago and squeezed a lot into just a few days – and wished I had more time.
There is the famous sidecar tours of the city, where drivers take you around some of the best spots including the artwork of ‘Singapore’s Banksy‘, Yip Yew Chong.
Fantastic bars are aplenty, with my favourite being Jigger & Pony (on the best bars list nearly every year) and Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, home to the famous Singapore Sling.
Not only that, but it has some of the cheapest Michelin star restaurants in the world.
At Chinatown Complex Market is Liao Fan Hawker Chan, the world’s first Hawker stall to win the coveted star.
For £2 (yes, really) I gorged on the tastiest soy-sauce chicken noodles, smothered in a spicy sauce.
Near here is the Michelin Guide-recommended Hill Street Tai Hwa — where for £5 you get a huge portion of juicy noodles with tender pork liver and crispy pieces of plaice on top.
Need some green space? Singapore is also called City in the Garden for its luscious environment, so make sure to visit Gardens by the Bay.
And for some beach time, head over to Sentosa Island for stretches of white sand.
It’s here you’ll also find Resorts World Sentosa, home to huge waterparks, and a Universal Studios theme park.
Make sure to save some time for the airport too – Changi is often named the best in the world with huge waterfalls, butterfly gardens and swimming pools.
Also in Singapore are white sand beaches found at Sentosa IslandCredit: GettyThere is even the Universal Studios Singapore theme park at Resorts World SentosaCredit: GettyDirect flights from the UK are from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and ManchesterCredit: Alamy
A ‘stylish Spanish’ city that is packed with ‘character’, has been recommended by a TUI travel expert for a serene escape with sprawling beaches and seawater pools
A TUI travel expert has hailed a Tenerife city as a must-visit (Image: Getty Images)
It’s not easy finding the right destination for that sun-soaked getaway, but a travel expert highly recommends a vibrant city in Tenerife, where you can grab a bottle of wine for around £5 and bask in the balmy 24C in April.
TUI travel advisor, Natasha Mooney, has booked holidays to Tenerife for more than a decade and lives there part-time with her husband, Javier, who hails from the Spanish island.
“I’ve been a TUI travel advisor for 10 years, now working as a homeworking retail expert. Javi and I split our time between the UK and Güímar in northern Tenerife, so I can genuinely call it my speciality,” Natasha said.
As a Tenerife expert, Natasha certainly knows a thing or two about where to go, particularly for those looking to ditch the crowds and opt for a quieter escape. One destination that Natasha can’t recommend more is the coastal city of Puerto de la Cruz, with its incredible seawater pools, black-sand beaches, a charming harbour and historic old town.
“This is Tenerife at its most authentic,” the expert explains. “Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast, is the place I recommend for travellers who want a stylish but genuinely Spanish experience. There’s a relaxed elegance to it. A pretty harbour, historic streets, colonial-style restaurants serving modern Canarian cuisine, and cocktail bars with live music.”
The city offers that desirable beach escape, alongside a town bursting with character, eateries, and cafés, against its colourful architecture and vibrant Spanish atmosphere. Adding to its allure is the promise of blistering rays of up to 24C in April.
One of the city’s most striking features is the iconic saltwater pool complex, Lago Martiánez, designed by Canarian architect César Manrique. The outdoor interconnected pools, with four for adults and three for children, are filled with Atlantic water, framed by volcanic rock and palm trees.
It’s been beautifully designed to incorporate natural elements against the backdrop of the rugged terrain of the striking volcano, Mount Teid, alongside views of the sea, for a spectacular day spent in the basking heat. There are plenty of terraces and sun loungers with umbrellas dotted around the leisure complex for extra comfort, along with kiosks and restaurants for a bite to eat.
Of course, there are plenty of beaches to uncover in the area, with Playa Jardín, Playa Martianez and Playa del Castillo, all with their striking black sand and blue waters for an inviting dip. The city itself is packed with character from its Puerto Street Art Project, where vibrant artwork lines the street, to the art installation of the Agatha Christie Steps, with printed titles of her most famous books.
There are botanical gardens, including Sitio Litre Garden, to wander around during a leisurely afternoon, along with colourful streets lined with bars offering drinks al fresco. Natasha noted that visitors could even bag themselves a bottle of wine for a mere £5, and advised holidaymakers to look out for Listán Blanco or Malvasía whites and Listán Negro reds.
“You’ll often find good bottles in local restaurants and shops from around €6–€10 (£5.19 to £8.60). It’s a brilliant way to taste the island for very little money,” she explained.
The food scene is another highlight across Tenerife, as Natasha said: “Tenerife has Michelin-starred restaurants, but most visitors fall in love with the guachinches. They’re family-run eateries serving traditional Canarian food with their own local wine. They’re always authentic and very affordable too.”
If you’re tempted by a trip to Puerto de la Cruz, you can grab a flight from London Stansted to Tenerife from as little as £18 one-way. There are also affordable flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow and various UK airports, making it even easier to jet off to this charming coastal city.
TUI also offers a seven-night package at Hotel Rui Garoe from £634 per person, based on two adults sharing on a half-board basis. It includes travel from Birmingham Airport on Tuesday, 28 April with TUI Airways, along with overseas transfers, 10kg of cabin luggage, and a 20kg checked-in bag.
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WITH the Iran crisis continuing, it’s no surprise that Brits are changing their holiday plans.
Destinations like Dubai and Doha remain off the travel list, and Brits are avoiding certain long-haul destinations that involve stopovers in the Middle East – but TUI says that other holiday spots are on the rise instead.
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TUI has revealed the holiday destinations on the rise this yearCredit: AlamyThe islands avoid the Middle East crisis as flights will cross the North Atlantic OceanCredit: Alamy
TUI has revealed that there’s been a change in demand when it comes to Brits booking holidays.
Instead, certain locations are being favoured as a result – in particular, two Caribbean islands.
TUI’s UK&I Managing Director Neil Swanson said: “We’re seeing particularly strong demand for our direct long-haul flights to the Caribbean – especially the Dominican Republic and Jamaica – where point‑to‑point routes give customers added confidence and help them keep their holiday plans on track.”
The islands are popular year-round with Brits thanks to their sunshine, high temperatures and beautiful coastlines.
Flights to the islands are direct and take between eight and ten hours.
They also don’t pass through the Middle East as they head over the North Atlantic Ocean instead.
TUI offers holidays to Jamaica from £899 per person.
In Jamaica, a popular spot is Negril, which is the capital of the island that sits along the western tip.
Over the years it has been visited by famous faces likes Bob Marley and even The Rolling Stones.
It has the Seven Mile Beach, which offers visitors to ride across the sand on horses, and go snorkelling.
TUI offers holidays to Montego Bay too, a destination which is known for being popular with tourists with all-inclusive resorts, white-sand beaches, and nightlife.
It also has breaks to Ocho Rios which has lots of green spaces like the Dunn’s River Falls, the Blue Hole – a natural limestone sinkhole that’s considered a hidden gem.
The Dominican Republic is one of the cheapest islands in the Caribbean to visit tooCredit: Alamy
When it comes to Jamaica, the best months to visit are December through to April when it is at its warmest and most dry.
The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is the same, and TUI offers breaks from from £899 per person.
Laura Evans Fisk, Head of Digital & Engagement at eurochange said: “As we’ve seen transactions for the Dominican peso surge this year ahead of any other currency, we can definitely expect to see the Dominican Republic at the top of travel bucket lists for UK tourists in 2026.
Beaches are beautiful all around the island, but the Dominican Republic also has two of the best in the world – Canto de la Playa and Bahia de las Aguilas.
Canto de la Playa in the Dominican Republic is one of the world’s best beachesCredit: Alamy
Santo Domingo is the island’s capital, where there are find plenty of bars – and average price of a local beer is 150DOP (£1.86).
Other destinations that are on the rise for travellers include Thailand’s Phuket and Goa in India.
He said the reason is that the long-haul flights from TUI “offer customers reassuring alternatives that avoid transiting through the region.”
Neil Swanson added: “Closer to home, destinations across Europe and the Mediterranean continue to perform well, with Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cape Verde seeing increased demand in recent days.”
Jamaica has seen a spike in demand from UK holidaymakers seeking sunshine destinations, with TUI offering direct flights from the UK and temperatures reaching 30C in April
11:44, 17 Mar 2026Updated 11:44, 17 Mar 2026
Jamaica has seen a surge in popularity with Brits(Image: Getty)
Brits are trading Dubai for a sun-drenched island offering direct flights and balmy 30C temperatures in April. This shift comes as holidaymakers begin to seek out traveldestinations that bypass the Middle East.
Travellers bound for the region have faced disruption due to ongoing instability and conflict in Iran. British Airways has already confirmed that flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Tel Aviv and Amman in Jordan have been suspended until at least 31 May. This has triggered a surge in bookings for locations such as Portugal, Spain, France and certain US states.
However, one Caribbean island has seen a notable increase in interest. Alongside destinations like the Dominican Republic, Phuket in Thailand and Goa in India, Jamaicahas experienced a boom in demand, according to Neil Swanson, managing director of TUI UK and Ireland, who spoke to the BBC.
The airline provides direct flights from Manchester to this sunny isle. However, passengers should brace themselves for a journey expected to exceed 10 hours, reports the Express.
Once they’ve landed on this petite island, home to approximately 2.8 million inhabitants, Brits can bask in the sunshine and immerse themselves in the local culture. The average daytime temperature in Jamaica for April fluctuates between 25 to 30C, dipping to around 22 to 24C at night.
Travel expert Mark Wolters reckons visitors to Jamaica rarely need to pack a jacket. In a YouTube video on his Wolter’s World channel, he explained: “You’re going to be fine with shorts and a t-shirt all-year round, that’s not going to be a problem.
“The busy season here starts January, December and it goes through March. The time when you don’t want to come here is July/August because it is insanely hot.”
According to Visit Jamaica, tourists “feel the vibe” the moment they arrive on the island, becoming absorbed in the music, nightlife, and cuisine. It states: “Tasting your way through the island is a great way to connect with the history of Jamaica as you learn more about what makes our food so special with each dish you try.
“Savour every delicious bite and come back to ‘Mmmmm!’ Jamaicans celebrate life with food, so you know it is made with love.”
Jamaica features an impressive selection of stunning beaches that extend for miles. Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is celebrated for its spectacular sunsets and lively atmosphere whilst Montego Bay Marine Park is favoured by holidaymakers keen to discover the underwater realm showcasing vibrant wildlife.
The Blue Mountains rise majestically above Jamaica and consistently draw outdoor enthusiasts. Those visiting the mountains can even taste the world-famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.
The island also boasts captivating waterfalls and verdant rainforests. In April, it plays host to a unique carnival that parades through the streets of Kingston.
The carnival season is accompanied by a week of breakfast parties, soca cruises, Jamaican music and extravagant costumes. Besides being reachable by plane, Jamaica is a favoured destination for cruise holidays.
Have fun with the family or unwind your mind with TUI deals for March and April
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Feel the sand beneath your toes with a last-minute holiday(Image: TUI)
Getting away for a beach break in March or April is a great way to enjoy sunny skies and mild temperatures before the summer crowds arrive, as well as ditch the British rain. It’s the perfect time to relax on golden sands, explore charming coastal towns and soak up the early-season Mediterranean vibes.
As one of the UK’s best-known holiday companies, TUI uses Gatwick to offer direct flights to some of Europe’s best resorts, making it ideal for a spring break. Right now, TUI is offering couples the chance to save up to £250 on selected holidays, departing from Gatwick Airport in March and April.
This offer applies to 7-, 10-, 11- and 14-night stays in 2026, making it the perfect time for an early-season getaway. Even before the first flourish of summer, beach breaks in Lanzarote, Turkey and Portugal offer the perfect mix of sun, sand, and family-friendly fun.
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From stunning coastal locations with pools and entertainment to panoramic Portuguese views and spa treatments, we’ve picked just three of our favourites from TUI that can be booked today.
TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach, Lanzarote
Perched on the sun-drenched coastline of Playa Blanca, Lanzarote, TUI BLUE Flamingo Beach sits just steps from soft sands and calm, turquoise waters, ideal for safe swimming. Designed to look like a charming whitewashed Canarian village, a scenic seafront promenade connects the resort to Rubicon Marina and the town centre with stunning Atlantic views.
The resort is perfect for families, offering multiple pools, a splash park and professional childcare and teen hangouts. Dining is varied, from international buffets to local specialities, while fitness classes and evening entertainment ensure a lively mix of relaxation and fun under the Lanzarote sun.
For the best value break at Flamingo Beach, sunseekers looking to getaway after Easter can enjoy a 7-night break for £642.42* per person. Departing on April 13, this price is based on two people sharing on an all-inclusive basis and includes a whopping £1082.16* discount. Alternatively, a 14-night stay departing on April 14 is also available for the higher price of £1619*.
One visitor left a five-star review on TripAdvisor that said: “This hotel is excellent for families with children 0-10. The location is perfect, right next to Flamingo Beach. The children enjoyed the main pool, where activities took place, and the quiet pool, which was heated. The apartments were clean and spacious with a bedroom and lounge/kitchen”
Another added: “Great Location. Our room was very quiet. Our rate included an excellent breakfast so good value for money.”
A different guest, however, agreed that the location is “brilliant”, but they also felt “let down by amenities not being open. Pool snack bar, pool bar in another area closed. And only one evening bar with no other areas to sit.”
A returning guest highly recommends the Flamingo Beach resort, saying: “Best Place. The location is fantastic, near lovely beach, rooms are fine and clean and the staff are so friendly, the area is very clean and not too much noise. We been coming here nearly every year, the last 25 years. This is where we feel like home.”
Lanzarote is always popular with holidaymakers and there are plenty of deals to choose from. One the Beach is offering a 7-night stay at the five-star Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park with prices from £1605*, a saving of £425. An upscale all-inclusive resort, guests love the location just a little further along the bay.
For sunseekers on a budget, a last-minute break at the Blue Sea Costa Bastian in Costa Teguise is available for £519* per person through Love Holidays. With flights from Gatwick, accommodation and breakfast included, the hotel is surrounded by beautiful Canary gardens and offers magnificent views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Blue Bay Platinum, Marmaris, Turkey
Blue Bay Platinum in Marmaris blends modern style with central convenience, just 70 meters from the beach with its own private sandy stretch and clear waters. The lively local area, including shops, bars, the marina and old town, is all within easy walking distance.
The resort offers four outdoor pools, including waterslides and a dedicated adult “chill pool,” plus a full-service spa for ultimate indulgence. Guests can enjoy international and local dining, sunset cocktails and stylish ocean-themed rooms with live music and shows, creating the perfect vibrant Mediterranean getaway.
Offering excellent value for money, a seven-night stay at this contemporary hotel in a central location could cost as little as £418* per person. Departing on Wednesday, April 18, the deal includes flights and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis.
With hundreds of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, one visitor called it a “Stunning, luxury stay”, adding: “Blue Bay Platinum Hotel in Marmaris was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. The hotel itself is beautiful – modern, stylish, and perfectly maintained with a luxurious atmosphere throughout. Room was very comfortable and always clean. Will definitely stay here again.”
Another added: “Booked again for April this year. This will be our 10th visit to Marmaris. We have stayed at the supposedly other top hotels nearby. None of them beat the Blue Bay for overall experience.”
While one visitor did note that they felt uncomfortable at the resort due to the “expectation that tips should be given,” another loved it, saying: “It’s a very nice place to stay. I like this hotel and especially the relaxing swimming pool. There is a great bar.”
Turkey appeals to Brits with its mix of sunny beaches, rich history, delicious cuisine and excellent value for money. Another favourite Marmaris resort for upscale holidaymakers is the five-star Green Nature Diamond Hotel that sits within easy striking distance of the beach.
With a wide range of facilities and comfortable accommodation, this luxurious hotel can be booked through Love Holidays for a seven-night stay in April from £429* per person. Elsewhere, the nearby Prime Beach Hotel has pools with waterslides and a private stretch of beach with prices starting from £490* per person on April 2.
Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel, Portugal
Perched on a hillside with panoramic views over Alvor Bay and the Atlantic, the Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel is a state-of-the-art retreat in the charming village of Alvor. Guests are perfectly placed to enjoy golden beaches, scenic boardwalks and nearby world-class golf courses, all while staying in a serene, high-tech sanctuary.
The hotel is a pioneer in wellness, featuring a rooftop infinity pool and a world-class spa and wellness centre. With sunrise yoga, detox treatments, and healthy Mediterranean cuisine at the rooftop Pure Cafe, every detail is designed for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation.
While the thought of complete rest and relaxation may be priceless, a stay at the Longevity Resort is worth every penny. For a 10-night stay, departing on March 23, prices start from £891.12* per person, on a bed and breakfast basis. Shorter stays are also available with a seven-night break costing £663* departing on the same day.
Guests who have already found their zen with a stay at the Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel have shared their experiences online. One said: “Absolutely superb place for relaxing stay, very modern, clean, quiet location with 5 mins drive to local beaches and town of Alvor… Fantastic breakfast with great choice. Access to spa facilities included. Would definitely recommend.”
Another added: “A lovely, relaxing stay in a beautiful hotel. We came back feeling revitalised. The cleanliness and the staff at the hotel were everything.”
While one less impressed visitor said: “The restaurant is very expensive for portions,” another was far more impressed exclaiming: “This hotel is truly exceptional, I cannot say enough about this wonderful place only that we cannot wait to return.”
Alternatively, the Falesia Hotel is a sophisticated adults-only retreat in Albufeira, offering elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and both indoor and outdoor pools. Perfectly positioned for relaxation, it sits just a short walk from pristine beaches and the Pine Cliffs Golf Course, and prices for a seven-night stay start from £439 with Love Holidays.
For those who want a family holiday, Portugal is a perfect location for this too. Offering waterslides, a kids club, a water park and plenty of entertainment, theJupiter Albufeira Hotel has something for everyone. Located in the popular resort of Albufeira, prices start from £630* per person, departing on April 21.
Find out more about deals on spring holidays with TUI as well as the full T&Cs here.
Many European destinations and warming up, and spring is definitely on the way. But which short-haul spot is most likely to give you sunshine and dry days over Easter? Here’s the destination with the best odds.
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This is the destination to book for the best possible chance of Easter sunshine(Image: Ferdi Uzun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
It feels like winter has dragged on forever this year, and many parts of the country are only just emerging from months of endless rain and grey skies to see a little bit of sunshine. With Easter on the way, which can be an unpredictable time for UK weather, many people will be looking to get away to the sunniest spot they can find for a few days.
Luckily, TUI has put together a list of the Easter getaways that are most likely to give you the ideal weather conditions, analysing historic data on the average rainfall, wind speed, and temperature in early-April to work out a Good Weather Score. Brits will be pleased to hear that topping the rankings is a destination just over four hours away from the UK that’s expected to see highs of 19C over the next couple of weeks.
According to TUI’s rankings, Turkey historically has the “most ideal weather conditions” during the Easter holidays, usually offering holidaymakers average temperatures of 18C. It’s also the destination where you’re least likely to be caught in an April shower. In the Easter holiday months, the amount of rainfall is just 0.01mm on average.
When the data was broken down into individual destinations, Marmaris in Turkey was the place most likely to give holidaymakers the best Easter weather conditions. It often reaches highs of 19C around Easter, and is usually dry with only light winds. Marmaris is in southwest Turkey in an area dubbed the Turkish Riviera. This lively port town has a marina, bustling grand bazaar, and historic sites such as the 16th-century Marmaris Castle.
Marmaris also has an amazing selection of sandy beaches that sit alongside its turquoise seas. Marmaris Long Beach (Uzunyali), is around six miles long, starting at the city centre, and has a lively promenade full of hotels, restaurants, and bars. A quieter alternative can be found at İçmeler Beach, just south of the city, where you’ll find sandy coves and incredible mountain views.
Second on the list for good weather was Greece, and this time of year brings mean temperatures of around 16C and long sunny days. Meanwhile, Bulgaria ranked third for its “pleasant and balanced climate”. Like Turkey it offers light winds and low rainfall, and Easter can be a good time to explore as tourist don’t have to contend with the intense summer heat. Bulgaria is becoming a major hiking destination, especially around the Rila and Pirin mountain ranges which combine gentle trails with more intense, steep climbs.
Bulgaria is also known for its stunning beaches. The Black Sea coast has 200 beaches to choose from and resorts to suit all sorts of holidaymakers. Sunny Beach is known for its lively nightlife and cheap drink deals, while Varna is a historic and cultural hub that has soft golden sand beaches and clear blue seas.
Anyone planning an Easter break can also check TUI’s holiday weather guide, which gives a breakdown of weather by month for popular tourist spots.
Europe’s top 10 destinations for good Easter weather
Turkey
Greece
Bulgaria
Spain
Croatia
Italy
Hungary
Portugal
Montenegro
Gibraltar
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IF you’re planning your next holiday but you’re on a strict budget, the experts have stepped in to help you save hundreds.
TUI‘s Commercial Director, Chris Logan – who has worked there for 17 years – as shared some of his top tricks to shave hundreds of pounds off your holidays.
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The experts have weighed in on how to save hundreds on your next holidayCredit: AlamyGreek holidays are better in shoulder seasonCredit: Alamy
One of those is forgetting that Saturday departure.
He explained: “Mid‑week departures offer a sweet spot of value and convenience for travellers.”
“Flying midweek, especially Monday to Wednesday, could save you hundreds on the exact same holiday.
” For example, this week there’s a deal for a 7-night all-inclusive stay at the 4T TUI Suneo Kenzi Europa in Agadir, Morocco for just £523pp.
“Travelling on May 4 (Monday) instead of May 3 (Sunday) currently saves you nearly £300 per person.”
Not only that, but travelling just a month out of the busy season can save you loads.
He continued: “May and September offer gorgeous weather without the peak prices.
“You’ll get balmy temperatures upwards of 20 degrees in destinations like the Canaries and Greece but pay a fraction of the cost.”
When it comes to what board you want to book, he also advises not always going for the all-inclusive.
He explained: “If you’re not a big drinker, you don’t need to splash out on all-inclusive.
“Half board could work out as much better value for money.
“And if you love exploring local restaurants and heading into town for dinner, self-catering or bed and breakfast are your best bets.”
He added: “The best hack is to always scroll down on our holiday pages – there’s a calendar that breaks down prices by departure date, so you can instantly see which days are cheapest.”
Otherwise TUI has a secret “under £500” page for all holidays that are less than that, if you don’t mind where you travel to,
Chris finished by saying: “The ‘Holidays under £500‘ page brings together all the best deals in one place – you can filter by your local airport, star rating and board type.
“It’s how customers can find some incredible deals for five-star hotels for under £500.”
One of the cheapest deals we found was seven nights in Greece in May for just £265 each.
Otherwise there are a number of five star holiday packages in Spain, Bulgaria and Tunisia that just come under £500 each.
Chris says his inside advice could save holidaymakers huge amounts on their next trip – but his hacks come with a warning: “Bargain hunters really need to act fast – my biggest tip is to lock in your next trip asap to secure the best rates, as the deals are constantly updating and changing.”
Agadir in Morocco is an affordable choice tooCredit: Alamy
Holiday Village Turkiye in Sarigerme was named one of TUI’s best hotels – and I visited myselfCredit: TUIIt’s one of the best holidays I’ve taken my family onThe splash park was a hitCredit: TUI
The Magic Life property on the edge of the Aegean Sea has 253 rooms, five pools and four restaurants… and enough activities to keep guests busy for an entire month.
I visited for a week last summer with my 6 year old and was blown away by the offering.
As a Travel Editor for nearly a decade, I’ve slept in some of the world’s best places, from five-star resorts to Disney theme park hotels.
But this flagship Holiday Village property by TUI got a 10 out of 10 for many things, from food and cleanliness to extracurriculars.
I’ve been to five-star hotels with far poorer service and fewer food choices.
On my family’s trip our days were so busy I had to schedule everything.
We filled our days with Go Ape-style aerial adventures, drama classes, inflatable obstacle courses, discos, game show challenges, arcades…
There truly was something for everyone, including football and swimming lessons, or even chocolate parties.
Despite scorching temperatures in August hitting 48C, the staff were amazing.
The entertainment team were always on form, the food at breakfast, lunch and dinner was delicious, the poolside was immaculate and the rooms were spotless.
Breakfast was enormous, with every taste catered for — Turkish pastries, English favourites, about six types of eggs, continental, and a huge fruit selection.
Lunch by the pool was equally impressive, with a huge mezze selection consisting of about 40 different dishes.
But the best meal was dinner, with an even more expansive mezze selection, soups, salads and several hot food stations serving everything from pizza to gourmet to-order dishes, and a pudding buffet of dreams.
They also had themed nights, when the entire menu was changed — our favourites being the Turkish and Asian evenings.
And they had a separate kitchen for kids’ food at all meals.
There were three a-la-carte restaurants too, serving American, European and Asian dishes.
The ropes courses are just as much fun tooCredit: TUIOf course we were grateful for the huge pool to cool down inCredit: TUI
At night, most of the hotel decamped to the 500-seat amphitheatre to watch the entertainment.
One evening towards the end of our holiday, my son and ten others put on a half-hour show that was deeply impressive given the minimal six hours of rehearsals that had taken part in the run-up.
Also part of the evening entertainment schedule were DJs, dance contests, quizzes and a musical.
Admittedly, you have to be a certain type of person to enjoy this hotel.
“Never a dull moment” extends to all times of the day, with a full-on range of activities taking place by the pool during the afternoon.
But if that’s you, then the TUI Village Sarigerme really does offer everything the whole family could want from a holiday.
Seven night all-inclusive holidays at the hotel start from £655pp, with return UK flights.