With many Britons facing tighter household budgets, the prospect of a summer holiday might seem daunting. However, new guidance from Money Saving Expert outlines how consumers can significantly reduce the cost of package holidays, making a much-needed break more accessible. The advice covers a range of strategies, from the optimal time to book to the best tools for comparing prices across the market.
One of the core recommendations is to be strategic about booking times. While conventional wisdom often suggests booking far in advance, Money Saving Expert highlights that both very early bookings (typically 10-12 months ahead) and genuine last-minute deals (often within 2-4 weeks of departure) can offer the best value. This contrasts with the 'sweet spot' of around 4-6 months out, which often sees prices at their highest due to consistent demand. Flexibility in travel dates, even by a few days, can also unlock substantial savings, particularly by avoiding weekend departures.
The importance of thorough research is also emphasised. Travellers are advised to use multiple package holiday comparison websites rather than relying on just one, as different sites can have varying deals and inventory. Furthermore, once a potential holiday is identified, directly checking the prices offered by the tour operator (e.g., TUI, Jet2holidays) can sometimes reveal even better deals, as they may offer exclusive discounts or incentives not available through third-party aggregators. Considering departure from different regional airports, even those slightly further afield, can also lead to significant price reductions on flights.
Beyond timing and comparison, the guide suggests looking at less conventional destinations or travelling during shoulder seasons (May, early June, September, October) rather than the peak summer months. Destinations like the Algarve in Portugal, the Canary Islands, or parts of Greece remain popular but can be considerably cheaper outside of July and August. For those considering a package holiday, it's crucial to ensure the trip is ATOL protected, which safeguards your money if the travel company collapses. Holidaymakers should also always secure comprehensive travel insurance as soon as they book to cover unforeseen circumstances like illness or cancellations.
For example, a family of four travelling to Majorca in July could find prices upwards of £3,000 for a week, whereas the same holiday in late May or early September might be secured for closer to £2,000. Visa requirements for popular European destinations remain straightforward for UK citizens, requiring only a valid passport for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) generally advises 'see their travel advice for the country you're visiting' for most popular tourist destinations, with no specific warnings against travel to typical package holiday spots like Spain, Greece, or Portugal, beyond standard safety and security advice.
When selecting travel insurance, look for policies that cover medical emergencies, trip cancellation or interruption, lost luggage, and personal liability. Some policies offer specific add-ons for activities like winter sports or cruise holidays. Comparing policies from various providers is recommended to find one that suits individual needs and budget. The average cost for a single-trip European policy for an individual can range from £20-£50, depending on age and pre-existing conditions.
Source: Money Saving Expert