Think you’ve missed the boat on a summer beach holiday, or that it’s too pricey to even consider? Travel Mum Jen Carr knows just the trick for getting a travel bargain – even during the school summer holidays
From the golden sands of Spain’s Costa Brava to the surprisingly affordable shores of Bulgaria, there are plenty of destinations offering value for money even during the school summer holidays, if you know where to look.
Whether you’re craving short flight times, child-friendly resorts, or self-catering spots that make dining with little ones easier, Jen has five of the best last-minute summer deals from sun-soaked countries like Spain and Italy for families in 2025.
Costa Brava, Spain
Just a short flight from the UK, the Costa Brava offers sandy beaches, safe shallow waters, and great-value accommodation. Towns like Tossa de Mar and Lloret de Mar have family hotels from under £400 per person, including flights. Many beaches have play areas, and local restaurants are super welcoming to kids.
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Turkey
A great destination for a family holiday. The Antalya Coast and Dalaman area offer tons of family friendly hotels at great prices. TUI have a last minute deals page with lots of great options for August. Turkey hotels are brilliant at catering to bigger families, with many hotels offering rooms to fit up to 6 people. You can holiday in Instanbul in August from Luton airport from just £299 per person.
Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast
For a beach holiday with a difference, and some of the cheapest prices in Europe, Bulgaria is a hidden gem. Sunny Beach and Nessebar offer golden sands, water parks, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants. Accommodation and food are super affordable once you arrive and you can fly from London Stansted to Sofia Bulgaria for £303 with a room only option.
Corfu, Greece
Corfu remains one of Greece’s best islands for families, with calm beaches, charming villages, and warm hospitality. The food is amazing and you can find some great package deals to stay in areas like Sidari and Aghios Georgios. I recently helped someone book a 7 night stay in August for under £380pp with flights, luggage, transfers and hotel!
Sicily, Italy
Italy and budget don’t always go hand in hand, but Sicily can be an exception. Not only is it beautiful and culturally rich, but there are surprisingly affordable apartments still available this summer. Add in family-friendly beaches, delicious food, and warm welcomes from the locals and it’s a winner. Look at flights to Trapani and find an apartment rental in the town. You can currently fly from London STN to Trapani for a week in August for £144pp.
Tips for booking holidays on a budget:
- Be flexible with your dates – mid-week departures are often cheaper.
- Use comparison tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights to find cheap flights for DIY bookings.
- Consider flying from regional airports or into alternative destinations. If you can fly from Scotland in August you will save a fortune.
- Look at self-catering options to save money on meals.
- Set up deal alerts or use sites to find last-minute bargains.
Don’t assume you’ve missed the boat just because it’s July. With a bit of flexibility and the right approach, you can still enjoy a sun-soaked family beach holiday this summer, without the eye-watering price tag, for more tips check out https://thetravelmum.com/family-holiday-deals/.
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