Whether your dream escape involves tanning on a tropical beach or exploring Europe with a backpack, a smart booking strategy can make it a reality. Here are some tips to help you save money when booking your 2026 holiday…
As the bitter cold arrives and we wrap ourselves in our cosiest knitted jumpers, it’s perfectly normal to start fantasising about warmer climes and thrilling getaways.
Whether you’re picturing yourself soaking up rays on a paradise beach or trekking across Europe with just a rucksack, clever booking tactics can turn those dreams into reality.
Making magical memories doesn’t have to break the bank, so here are two travel experts’ step-by-step guides to slashing costs when planning your 2026 getaway, and making sure that your break is budget-friendly as it can be.
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Book far in advance
“If you can book three to nine months in advance you can often get good deals, especially for packaged holidays or if you’re booking for a family,” says Laura Carden-Lovell, travel expert and head of operations at Transfer Travel.
“We’ve seen that slow travel, so taking longer to get to a destination, has been increasing in popularity,” Carden-Lovell points out. “So, taking the scenic train for example. Trains can be quite expensive so I would recommend booking these far in advance.”
Utilise comparison websites
Fight the temptation to snap up the first bargain that appears in your social media feed, as a little extra patience and detective work could uncover an even better offer.
“Have a look around and use comparison sites to compare prices before you hop onto the first holiday you see,” advises Carden-Lovell. “Comparison sites like Skyscanner and Hopper are brilliant.”
Purchase individual flights
“Booking one-way flights is often a great hack and can be a good way to reduce the prices of flights, as booking a return flight can often be more expensive,” says Carden-Lovell.
Is an all-inclusive break really good value?
Do your homework and weigh up self-catering options. Carden-Lovell suggests, “I think that all-inclusive holidays can be more convenient and potentially cheaper for families and bigger parties, but for solo travellers I think there are ways you could do it cheaper by just buying local food, for example,”.
Consider booking a holiday outside of the peak season to avoid inflated flight costs and crowds
“Shoulder season, typically between September and March (excluding Christmas and New Year), is probably the best time of year to go on holiday to get cheaper tickets,” Carden-Lovell advises. “Most destinations also tend to be less crowded this time of year.”
Jakes Maritz, co-founder of Expat Explore, added: “Timing is everything. If you can, book flights for a Tuesday or Wednesday as midweek departures are often significantly cheaper than weekend travel. It’s also worth checking prices from regional airports, where lower demand can translate into smaller surcharges and more affordable fares.”
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Resale platforms might be worth considering if your dates aren’t flexible
“If you can’t be flexible with dates, using resale marketplaces are often a good way to get a cheap holiday package,” says Carden-Lovell. “If someone can’t go on their holiday, they can list it on a resale marketplace like Transfer Travel and you can often get a really good bargain.”
Despite some negative perceptions, Carden-Lovell assures, “I know resale platforms have had a bad rep for not being safe and secure, but they are usually a simple, safe and legit way to do it, rather than Facebook marketplace. Just make sure you check that customer services are verifying each listing and that the platform you are using has a secure payment method.”
Consider trips to the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe or Scandinavia
Carden-Lovell suggests, “I think it is a good idea to stay away from the really popular destinations and to consider going on holiday somewhere like Eastern Europe instead, for example, which is likely to be cheaper in 2026,” He also mentions that “Coolcations are also trending and Scandinavian countries are really good and are generally cheaper to visit now. Mediterranean countries like Greece and Portugal are also looking super cheap in the forecast for 2026.”
Look at alternative accommodation
Why not swap those pricey hotels for something a bit different?
“For budget travellers, places like hostels are often really cheap and Airbnbs can often be a cheap alternative to typical hotels as well,” Carden-Lovell advises. “Staying outside the major tourist hubs is also a good tip to save money on accommodation during the summer holidays.”
Check on Sundays
“When it comes to accommodation, keep an eye on Sundays,” advises Maritz. “Industry data consistently shows that this is the cheapest day of the week to book hotels. Travellers should also consider package deals, as bundling flights, hotels and sometimes activities together often comes out cheaper and protects you from hidden costs.”