usual

Three European destinations, with golden sand beaches and vibrant cities, have seen a significant price drop this summer – and it could be the best time to book

A holiday expert has revealed three European destinations that are better value this summer, helping travellers make the most of their money.

We’re always hunting for a good deal when it comes to booking a getaway, whether that means grabbing cut-price flights, reduced hotel rooms or departing from an alternative airport. Picking the right destination also plays a significant role in determining how much your trip will ultimately set you back, with some holidays notoriously pricey.

Despite the usual surge in travel demand during the summer holidays, three European destinations have actually seen prices drop. And it could be the perfect moment to book, as travel expert and Head of Aviation at loveholidays, Gavin Brewer, said: “There isn’t a blanket trend of rising holiday costs across the board, and there are still bargains to be found.”

While he pointed out that the United States had experienced the largest price reduction, with seven-night packages over the summer dropping by £117 per person on average since the conflict in the Middle East erupted, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Turkey have followed a similar suit. Gavin disclosed that all three European hotspots have seen significant price cuts on seven-night packages throughout the summer.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria, boasting stunning golden beaches along the Black Sea and breathtaking mountain scenery, has seen prices fall by an average of £60 per person. The country offers an abundance of gorgeous beaches perfect for soaking up the sun, and is widely regarded as a brilliantly budget-friendly destination, with a local beer setting you back just around €2.32 (£2), reports Wales Online.

Among the most popular spots to explore is the capital, Sofia, home to the iconic golden-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare, Vitosha Boulevard. Then there’s the ancient city of Plovdiv, which boasts a history stretching back more than 8,000 years – a former ‘European Capital of Culture’ that’s rich in heritage and ideal for exploring on foot.

Montenegro

Meanwhile, the travel expert also discovered that Montenegro, celebrated as a ‘Balkan gem’ where dramatic mountain landscapes meet the coastline, has seen prices tumble by around £53pp. The European nation is frequently likened to Croatia, but without the tourist hordes, thanks to its unspoilt national parks and relaxed coastal towns nestled along the Adriatic Sea.

Highlights include the renowned Bay of Kotor, often described as ‘Europe’s southernmost fjord’, flanked by towering cliffs, vivid azure waters and beautifully preserved medieval towns such as Kotor and Herceg Novi, which proudly holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Another must-see is Durmitor National Park, where glacier-carved terrain reveals majestic peaks, sweeping pine forests and stunningly clear glacial lakes.

Turkey

Turkey, renowned for its breathtaking architecture, rich culture and vibrant bazaars, has also seen prices slashed by around £35pp. Straddling the border between Europe and Asia, it boasts a thriving culinary scene and wonderfully diverse landscapes bursting with character, alongside striking architecture that pays homage to its iconic heritage.

Istanbul ranks among the most sought-after destinations in Turkey, with its ancient quarter, Sultanahmet, teeming with world-famous landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Then there are the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, celebrated for its extraordinary rock formations and skies that fill with vivid hot air balloons beneath the warm glow of an orange sunrise.

Alongside his budget-friendly European suggestions, Gavin added: “There are still plenty of affordable getaways available this summer. If price is your main priority, a great way to find the best deal is to search our platform for holidays based on your budget alone.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

The ferry operator has urged passengers with trips booked to ‘plan ahead’ when travelling

P&O Ferries says passengers need to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling over the bank holiday weekend. The popular ferry operator issued the alert for customers, as families across the country head off on their half-term holidays.

The travel company operates routes between Dover and Calais, Hull and Rotterdam, and Larne and Cairnryan. P&O Ferries shared the message for passengers in a post on X. Taking to @POferriesupdate, the travel update included essential advice for anyone travelling today (May 24).

P&O Ferries said: “Ahoy half-term heroes and Bank Holiday adventurers! The port will be busier than usual, so pack your bags with a travel pillow and those extra snacks you’ve got in the cupboard.”

The post explained: “We expect the ports to be busy today so please plan ahead and use our top tips.” In the travel advice, P&O Ferries said passengers should:

• Check traffic and their route before setting off
• Bring refreshments and snacks
• Exercise pets before entering the port
• Bring entertainment for children
• Keep documents to hand and remove passports from cases

Families driving to the port should be aware that the bank holiday is set to be the busiest on the roads in two years, according to the RAC. Research suggests almost 19 million Brits are travelling over the long weekend, with 3.4 million journeys expected on Sunday and 3.1 million trips planned for Monday.

The RAC said: “Drivers looking to spend less time in the car should consider making their getaway outside of peak hours. According to transport analytics experts INRIX, the worst jams this weekend will be on the M1, M25, M5, M6.

“On Friday, the M25 anticlockwise will likely see the heaviest traffic from junction 10 to junction 6 around 4.45pm, as people clock off for the day. The same stretch of road could see a second spike on Saturday around lunchtime, with journey times more than twice as long than on a typical day.

“On the same day, queues of 45 minutes are expected at midday on the M5 southbound between the RAC tower near Bristol and junction 23 for Bridgwater.” As a result, there will be an extra one million Brits on the road compared to the same weekend last year.

RAC mobile servicing and repairs team leader Sean Kimberlin said: “With the weather looking like it may improve, millions are planning to make a getaway trip over the bank holiday weekend.

“And the fact our research shows it’s set to be the busiest late May bank holiday since 2024 shows that even though fuel prices remain uncomfortably high, it takes a lot to stop drivers taking to the roads to make the most of a long weekend.”