Your guide to the cheapest (and best) beach holidays this year
Brassic? Bust? Broke? Betta’ getta’ better beach bargain
We get it, the cost of living is up, way up. All of a sudden, the receipt from the weekly food shop is more of a tear-jerker than the end of Romeo and Juliet. But that doesn't mean you can't still have nice things, or take yourself on holiday — you just need to hunt for a bargain.
We've got a bunch of tips to help you get away for less. But first, a quick note on our methodology. We compared the prices of the leading 12 online travel agents and we found that, on average, On The Beach cheap holidays offered the best combination of low prices and well-reviewed resorts and packages. So, our discount Sunshine supplier of choice is On The Beach cheap holidays.
Master the Art of Flexible Travel
Your biggest weapon against expensive holidays? Flexibility. Flexible date search tools show you a whole month's worth of prices at a glance. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often significantly cheaper than weekend getaways. Consider extending your trip by a day or two if it brings the per-night cost down – sometimes a 10-day package costs barely more than a week.
Think Beyond the Obvious Destinations
While everyone's fighting over flights to Santorini, savvy travellers are discovering incredible beaches in places like Turkey's Bodrum, Bulgaria's Sunny Beach, or the Costa del Sol's quieter resorts. These destinations offer excellent value at a fraction of the cost of premium hotspots, with the same crystal-clear waters and sunshine.
Time Your Booking Like a Pro
The sweet spot for booking beach holidays is typically 6–8 weeks before departure for European destinations. But here's the insider trick: check last-minute deals 2–3 weeks before you want to travel, where prices can drop by 40% or more to fill empty seats.
Go All-Inclusive (But Smart About It)
All-inclusive packages often work out cheaper than self-catering when you factor in meal and drink costs at resort prices. The best packages typically include airport transfers too, saving you another £50–100 per trip. Look for deals that include resort credits for extra value.
Consider Shoulder Season Magic
Late May and early October offer the best value for beach holidays. You'll get warm weather, fewer crowds, and prices up to 50% lower than peak season. Many Mediterranean destinations are actually at their most pleasant during these months – perfect beach weather without the scorching heat.
Package Deals vs DIY
Package deals often include perks like generous baggage allowances, transfers, and resort credits that add real value. Before booking flights and hotels separately, factor in checked bags (often £60+ return), airport transfers, and travel insurance – all of which are typically included in good packages.
Hunt for Hidden Gems
Instead of expensive Mykonos, look for deals to lesser-known Greek islands like Kos or Crete's quieter resorts. Rather than pricey Barcelona beaches, Costa Brava packages offer better value. Portugal's Algarve and Spain's Costa de la Luz frequently feature in great deals, offering stunning beaches at reasonable prices.
The Bottom Line
A brilliant beach holiday doesn't require a lottery win – it just needs smart planning. Using flexible search tools, hunting for last-minute bargains, and selecting comprehensive packages can reduce your holiday costs by hundreds while still delivering the perfect beach escape you're craving.