Booking a longer-duration holiday can actually be more cost-effective and bag you an extra little bonus night away, according to a travel expert at On the Beach
Most people tend to jet off on holiday for a week, with research suggesting seven days is considered the optimal time to go away.
Whether you’re keen to catch some rays and make memories with your family, or simply want to get away from work, a seven-day trip might be just what you need to relax and rejuvenate. But have you ever thought about booking a break for six or eight nights instead? Thinking outside the box could help you get the most out of your money.
According to On the Beach’s data, last year, during May, June, July and August, those going away for eight nights got a much better deal than those going away for six or seven nights. In August 2024, eight-night stays averaged £271pp per night, whereas six-night stays in the same month cost £305pp per night – a difference of over £30 a night.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach, said: “Whenever you’re getting ready to book, don’t just settle for seven-night prices, test for different length of stays, you may find a great deal paying only a little extra for a bonus night away.”
For instance, last September, a holiday at the Las Piramides Resort in Tenerife cost £279pp per night for six nights but seven nights averaged at £337pp per night, making it £58 more expensive just to have that extra night away. So, if you’re thinking of going away for a week, check the price differences between going for six, seven or eight nights, because you could be missing out on a bargain.
The booking genius also suggested flying out on a Thursday to save money. Using the site’s data, Zoe found that holidays departing the UK on a Thursday night are the cheapest and holidays departing on a Saturday are the most expensive.
She explained: “Much like playing around with the number of days, also try looking at departure days. According to our research, last year, holidays worked out cheaper departing on a Thursday. This year, that might not be the case, but it’s worth checking if you are flexible with which day you fly.”
The travel expert’s third and final savvy, money-saving tip is to make April the new August and book holidays for the Easter break. On the Beach found that the exact same holidays are up to 50 percent cheaper during the Easter holidays than in the summer.
Zoe said: “As an online travel agent, we don’t control the price of hotels or flights, what we do is find the best deals to the best hotels and package them up with perks, ensuring your holiday is protected. Due to the incredible demand for holidays during summer, and limited availability, prices are increased by hoteliers and flight providers and this cost is passed on to the customer via us. We want this to change, but its only achievable if people change their holiday habits.”
