With summer 2023 already a distant memory, it’s not surprising that many people are already thinking about their holiday plans for next year. And while scoring a last-minute deal will certainly still be on the cards for 2024, there’s something incredibly satisfying about bagging a bargain break early.
Here are seven great bargain picks under £300pp that you could add to your calendar right now.
*All prices quoted correct as October 28, 2023. Please note prices can fluctuate daily and may appear differently on provider site for this reason. Prices based on two adults sharing unless otherwise stated. Deals are subject to the partners' T&Cs.
1. The all-inclusive to Bulgaria
From £233pp
Before you start tutting that May isn’t summer, I’d say these ridiculously great-value deals departing late in the month are reason enough to start the season early.
For a grand total of just £233pp, you can get a seven-night, all-inclusive stay in Sunny Beach with flights from London Luton. Yep, that’s it. Let’s all move to Bulgaria.
Given the price, it’s got decent ratings, but even if you want to go five-star, Bulgaria in early summer is a brilliant bet. Now, I did have to drop the nights from seven to five, but Helena Park in Sunny Beach comes so well rated and for £297pp departing on May 21, I’m blown away by the value.
2. The 4-star family resort in Majorca
From £183pp
The Zafiro Mallorca is such a fantastic hotel that I still cannot believe just how cheap you can book it for.
If you’re after a real bargain, the cheapest dates are in early May, where a four-night stay with flights from London for two adults and two children costs just £186pp. There are also tons deals for a five-night stay on May 13 from multiple UK airports – East Midlands (£241pp), Bristol (£205pp) and Belfast (£300pp on the dot).
And if you’re not convinced May is a summer month (let’s agree to disagree), I did find a five-night stay departing London on June 9 for two adults and two children for £295pp.
3. The boutique beach hotel in Turkey
From £289pp
If huge resorts aren’t your thing, you’ll love the vibe at Villa Sonata in Alanya, which is just seven minutes’ walk from the beautiful Damlatas beach. At the hotel itself, there is a sun terrace and pool, as well as incredible views across the area.
Just as amazing is the price – it’s just £289pp for seven nights flying from London Gatwick on June 11. If you’re travelling as a family of four, it will cost you £275pp for the same dates.
Costs do go up if you’re flying from elsewhere in the UK, but I did find a five-night stay departing Bristol on June 19 for £297pp.
4. The Scottish/English border hack for the Costa del Sol
From £289pp
Calling all those who live close to the Scottish/English border! You’re in the perfect position to make the most of the fact that your country’s school term times are different from your neighbours. Why does it matter? Well, flight prices are often based on demand and so when the schools are out, you can bet departures from your local airport are going to demand a bigger ticket price.
With Scottish schools breaking up in early July, families can fly from Newcastle on July 11 to stay at the four-star Colina del Parasio in Spain for five nights for just £289pp (based on two adults and two children travelling together). Leaving and arriving back in Edinburgh on the same dates would cost £404pp, and Glasgow from £442pp.
It works vice versa as well.
When pupils in Scotland have started a new school year from mid-August, families based close to the border can fly out to the Costa del Sol from Glasgow to enjoy a five-night stay at the incredibly well rated Fuengirola Beach for £299pp (two adults, two children). Flying from Newcastle on the same dates, however, would set you back a huge £658pp!
5. The school holiday city break in Portugal
From £201pp
When it comes to getting away when the whole of the UK is on a summer break, I have one main top tip: go somewhere that no one else is. Which brings me onto this deal.
The great news is it's in Portugal. The curveball is it’s in Fatima which, rather than being known for its clear blue seas or vibrant nightlife, is famous for being a Catholic pilgrimage site.
Whether or not this deal is for you, it highlights just how much going off the beaten track can pay off.
Leaving on July 28 from London Luton, two adults and two children can stay in the four-star Hotel Estrela de Fatima, whose family room comes with a bunk bed for the kids. The hotel has amazing ratings on every single website and costs just £201pp for five nights with flights included.
A car for exploring is a good bet here and thanks to cheap car hire prices in nearby Lisbon, this will only set you back from £9.61 a day.
6. The get-back-to-nature holiday in Morocco
From £294pp
Including a seven-night stay at Riad Atlas Prestige, which is raved about by all its guests thanks to its amazing customer service, British Airways flights and checked luggage, this £294pp deal in early July is one of my favourites.
Its outdoor terrace has the most exquisite views across the mountains and it’s definitely a shout if you’re looking for something lowkey where you can go hiking and get back to nature.
Again, this is a great example of how steering away from a traditional summer holiday can score you an unbelievably affordable deal.
7. The last glimmers of summer in the Algarve
From £290pp
Let’s finish on a late September getaway, which is a period that’s becoming a popular time to travel thanks to the great weather and the cheaper prices.
This four-star, well-rated hotel is in Lagos in Portugal, and costs just £290pp for five nights flying from Stansted. Breakfast is included too.
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