With two bank holidays on the horizon, many people are keen to jet off on a cheap long weekend getaway and a travel expert has shared the four best value destinations he’d “genuinely” book himself
A holiday expert has listed four destinations he’d “genuinely” book himself for a “hot and cheap” May getaway and some spots may come as a surprise (stock image)(Image: Frans Sellies/Getty Images)
A holiday expert has listed four “hot and cheap” destinations well worth booking this May for a spring getaway without the “summer prices”.
With two bank holidays on the horizon, many people are looking to make the most of a break from work by jetting off on a long weekend on the quest for some guaranteed sunshine – never a safe bet here in the UK. With that in mind, holiday expert Rob, known online as Rob On The Beach, listed four places he’d “genuinely” book for himself.
Taking to Instagram, he said: “Four places I’d personally book for May if you want a properly hot holiday without paying summer prices.”
He continued: “May is easily one of the best value months for good weather at a pinch of a price. Plus, the UK’s fully into bank holiday season so you can stretch that annual leave a bit further, too.
“So I’ve looked at the data, the weather and the live pricing to find the four places I’d genuinely book myself.”
4. Malta
Kicking off his list, Rob began with island country Malta, which boasts 300 days of sunshine per year.
The holiday expert said: “In fourth, Malta. This is one people are slowly catching onto now. You’re getting consistent mid-20s heat, loads of sunshine, but it’s still not hit the peak pricing window yet in May.
“And the best part about Malta is it’s not just sit by the pool, either, which you can do, but there’s loads to explore and loads to see on the island.”
He then shared a deal he found from Monday, May 4 until Saturday, May 9, which cost £240 per person for direct flights from London Luton and a stay at the “gorgeous” St Julian’s Levante, Affiliated by Melia hotel.
3. Cyprus
Next, Rob listed Cyprus, another island country, which is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. It offers renowned beaches and 320 days of sunshine a year, as well as rich history and culture.
Rob said: “This is your safe bet because in Cyprus in May, there’s proper sunshine every single day and by mid May, you’re well into the high 20s here.
“Also, quick one, because people always ask; yes it is safe in Cyprus right now. The FCDO advice has not changed and everything there is operating as normal. But speaking of things that aren’t normal, just look at this deal.”
Rob detailed a five night stay at Hylatio Tourist Village in Paphos from Friday, May 15 until Wednesday, May 20, at half board, with direct flights from London Stansted for £280 per person.
He added: “For that level of weather, this early in the year in a premium destination like Cyprus, that’s a cracking price.”
2. Dalaman
In second place, Rob put Dalaman, a municipality and district of Muğla Province, Turkey. Dalaman is famed for its award winning beaches, scenic snorkelling, rich history, views of the legendary Turquoise Coast, as well as its natural beauty complete with nesting loggerhead turtles, and plenty more.
Rob “specifically” recommended Fethiye and said: “Now look, Fethiye is unreal all year round but May is when I personally think it’s at its best.
“You’ve got that perfect balance of temperatures in the mid 20s, proper sunshine all month and all without the peak pricing the peak level of tourists.
“It’s green, it’s scenic, there’s loads to explore, it’s absolutely drop dead gorgeous and you still get that classic Turkey all-inclusive value here, too.”
Rob shared a deal he’d found for a five night all-inclusive stay at the five-star Club Tuana Fethiye with direct flights from London Gatwick from Saturday, May 2 until Thursday, May 7, for £350 per person.
He said: “This is one of the best value holidays you can book in May, full stop.”
1. Albania
Rob said he’d “gone for something a bit different this time”, putting Albania in first place. The small Balkan country boasts vibrant coastlines and rich history and culture. There’s many castles and archaeological sites, as well as hiking options and peaceful, uncrowded Mediterranean beaches.
The holiday expert explained: “Somehow, Albania is still flying under the radar – because here, you’ve got coastline that looks like Greece but prices that really do not.
“In May, you’re comfortably in mid-20s heat with loads of sun and crucially not a lot of people there.”
Rob shared a deal he found for four nights at the three star Hotel Vola with breakfast included from Saturday, May 9, until Thursday, May 14, and direct flights from London Stansted, priced at £175 per person.
He added: “For a sunny, cheap European beach break that’s also a hidden gem, that’s cheaper than most people’s weekends at home. This is the kind of place to go to now as well because people will cotton on and it will be busy next year.”