- Change theme
Escape to the sun for less
To help you to snap up a deal, here’s a round-up of good-value destinations as well as tips on how to find a bargain.
08:58 10 May 2013
May marked the traditional start of the summer package holiday season, and in the next couple of months millions of Brits will jet off for a much-needed relaxing week or two in the sun.
But if you’ve not booked your summer getaway yet, don’t panic. We’ve seen some great early summer sun deals on TravelSupermarket, whether you’re looking for a luxurious retreat or a bargain self-catering break.
To help you to snap up a deal, here’s a round-up of good-value destinations as well as tips on how to find a bargain.
The Greek islands – up to 53% off holidays
This month, the beach bars and restaurants in the tourist resorts of Greece will be dusting off their tables and opening their doors to holidaymakers for another season. And May and June are lovely months to visit the beautiful islands of Greece to bask in temperatures that can reach the early 30s and enjoy mouth-wateringly fresh mezzes before the crowds flock here in July and August.
Whether the largest island Crete is on your holiday wish list due to its excellent beaches and dramatic mountainous landscape, or you’re after the ultimate relaxing break on an island such as Zante, there will be a Greek holiday to suit you. And we’ve seen deals with as much as 53% off the price of two-week getaways in June.
For example, if you are looking to travel to Kos in early June, we found a 14-night holiday including flights and bed and breakfast accommodation in a three-star hotel for as little as £356 per person leaving Gatwick. Or, if you’re after a luxurious retreat, we spotted a seven-night holiday in Crete, including flights and staying on a half-board basis in a five-star hotel for as little as £346 per person leaving Birmingham on June 4.
Spain and her islands – up to 53% off holidays
In recent TravelSupermarket research, Spain came out as the top overseas choice for Brits’ main holiday in 2013, with one in ten holidaymakers telling us that they planned to visit this year. And, if you’re one of the nation’s many fans, the good news is that Spain offers excellent value for money as struggling businesses try to win holidaymakers’ trade.
In a biannual report by the Post Office, which looks at the best-value holiday destinations based on a basket of tourist items, three Spanish resorts were placed within the top five spots, showing how competitive prices are at the moment. But it’s not just value for money that should make Spain attractive to you as you’ll also be treated to sunshine galore, tasty tapas and beautiful stretches of sand.
We’ve seen prices being slashed in the next few weeks to Spain with up to 53% off the price of holidays to Majorca, for example. If you’re looking to travel in late May, we spotted seven-night four-star hotel deals with flights for as little as £318 on a self-catering basis leaving Glasgow on May 22. Or, if you fancy a week of fun in the sun in the Costa del Sol, we found self-catering three-star deals with flights for just £251 per person leaving Cardiff on May 23.
The Algarve – up to 51% off holidays
Albufeira on the Algarve came top of the Post Office’s list for value for money and the research showed that prices in resorts for items such as a three-course meal with a bottle of wine for two and a bottle of local beer had dropped by 14.9% year on year. So, if you are looking to keep your costs down while you are away, this could be a good choice for you. Read more about the Post Office’s research in Clare Walsh’s article.
Portugal is hotting up at the moment with temperatures on the Algarve creeping up to the mid-20s by June, so why not plan a trip to the sunny south coast of Portugal for watersports opportunities galore, fun in the water parks and lazy days spent on the beach – before the crowds descend?
We’ve seen prices of holidays to the Algarve being cut in half in the next month or two – with up to 51% off certain breaks – so if you’ve fallen for the charms of the sunny resort, get online to find a deal.
If you’re looking to travel in May, for example, we found prices for as little as £124 per person if you can pack your bags and leave Manchester on May 16 (staying on a self-catering basis in three-star apartments with flights included). Or, if you’re looking to leave a little later, there are deals in early June (June 4), again with flights from Manchester, staying in three-star apartments on a room-only basis from just £164 per person.
Florida – up to 40% off holidays
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a holiday a little further afield, May and June are excellent months toplan a trip to Florida for 10 hours of sunshine a day, temperatures in the early 30s and to see the sights before the busy peak season.
And the Sunshine State is sure to bring the big kid out of you as you enjoy the thrills and spills of the theme parks. Or, if a sophisticated break is more up your street, base yourself in Miami for the chance to mingle with the trendy locals on South Beach and to shop until you drop in the malls.
Alternatively, for the chance to get away from all of the stresses and strains of the modern world, head to the relaxing islands of Florida Keys.
Prices of holidays to Florida can be extremely competitive outside the peak season if you shop around and we’ve seen discounts of up to 40%. For example, we spotted a deal leaving Gatwick on May 30 for as little as £426 per person including flights and three-star accommodation on a self-catering basis. Or, if you’re after a spot of luxury, we found five-star room-only deals, including flights from Gatwick on June 1, for seven nights for as little as £620 per person.
If you’re looking to travel at the end of June, remember that July 4 is Independence Day, so the resorts and theme parks will be extremely busy in the week running up to this national holiday.
Top tips to snap up a late deal
- If you don’t have school-aged children, do some research on term dates and try to travel outside the school holidays when prices will increase dramatically. Holidays in May and June will be considerably cheaper than those in July and August.
- The more flexible you can be around the date, day and time you travel, the more chance you have of finding a deal.
- When you have found a deal, do some research to make sure it is the best one available. Use a price-comparison site to look at holidays from the big companies in one place and be sure to consider all of the options – such as different board types and the cost of a DIY holiday compared to a package.
- Check what the weather is like in the resort you are considering and read reviews of the accommodation you have shortlisted – sometimes the most tempting deals are reduced for a reason.
- Don’t forget to factor the price of your essential holiday extras such as travel insurance, car hire,airport parking and holiday spending money into your overall holiday budget. And, to avoid wasting any unnecessary money on these extras, always buy them in advance by comparing prices online.
Please note: All prices and deals were correct as of May 1, 2013 and are based on two people travelling.