How to take a bargain European vacation this summer

As summer approaches, many of us are longing for a sunny getaway, whether it’s lounging on a beach or lounging on a porch. However, the current cost of living crisis has put a strain on finances.

Adding to the pressure, holiday prices rise during the school holidays, driven by high demand. Families, constrained by school schedules, find themselves competing for travel options.

In addition, rising inflation, both domestically and internationally, has also impacted the travel industry. Rising fuel and maintenance costs, as well as supply chain issues, have contributed to higher flight prices.

Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for those planning a European vacation this summer. By remaining flexible with both your destination and travel dates, there are opportunities to save money and get the most out of your travel experience.

Find cheaper holidays

Experts advise that flexibility in choosing your travel destination is key to finding affordable flights and holidays.

Raphael Giacardi, head of UK editorial at travel deals platform HolidayPirates, says: “If you’re looking to book a week in Greece, Spain or any mass market destination, it’s going to be hard to find cheap flights.”

He suggests that travelers should consider destinations that are often overlooked by others.

“For example, flights to Mallorca, including luggage, would save a family of three around £450. However, a family could fly to Nice in France with BA for £316 all-in.

“The French Riviera is definitely a bit cooler than the Balearic Islands at that time of year, but it’s a beautiful destination with plenty to see and do for families.”

How to search for cheap flights

Flight prices are constantly changing and governed by “complex algorithms” that cannot be fixed by using private browsing and cleaning cookies.

Giacardi says: “There is an enduring myth that you should use private browsing or clear your cookies before searching for flights, and that search volume impacts prices. There is no truth in that.”

He advises tempted travelers to decide their budget for specific destinations and then set up price alerts on platforms like Kayak as early as possible, as flights are typically released nine to 12 months in advance.

“Weekend getaways for a traditional seven-night holiday always have a premium because they allow people to have a week off using just five days of annual leave,” he adds.

“Any departure during the week will require a sixth holiday (unless you can find delayed flights, but that will affect your holiday time). So if you’re happy to use an extra day off, weekday departures should save you some money.”

How far in advance should you book?

It is advisable to book your flight earlier, but if you are flexible with the flight experts, we recommend booking your flight later.

Giacardi says: “For people who have very specific requirements about when and where they want to travel, early booking is recommended. Prices will be quite competitive if there is still a lot of availability in the market.

“But if you’re flexible, it might be worth leaving it late. As certain destinations underperform travel companies’ expectations, you can see significant price drops.”

The top tip is to set a budget, find a holiday that suits your preferences and book it.

For those who prefer not to do the research themselves, there are plenty of travel deals companies that specialize in finding the best deals on your behalf.

Should you book as part of a package?

“Sometimes, but not always,” Giacardi says. “Again, it depends on what kind of traveler you are” – as some travel companies have committed to inventory, which may include operating airlines or pre-purchasing hotel rooms.

In this case, every vacant seat or unsold room means a financial loss for them. Additionally, last-minute cuts can be substantial as they scramble to fill these vacancies and minimize losses.

“Overall, peace of mind is the number one benefit of booking a package. UK packages offer full financial protection – if something goes wrong, you’ll get your money back through the ATOL scheme.

When you book elements separately, if something goes wrong, you’re at the mercy of your travel insurance,” he says.

But when you’re exploring destinations that aren’t as well served by the big tour operators, booking flights and accommodation separately often turns out to be cheaper. Therefore, opting for this approach could be the best strategy to get an affordable European business.

Offers for the summer

Cheap flights to Tirana, Albania

Flights are available throughout the spring to Tirana, Albania from £23. Explore Tirana’s vibrant nightlife, bustling shops, numerous beauty salons and relaxing spas. And don’t miss the chance to take a cable car ride up to Mount Dajti for great views.

Three-night summer holiday in Madrid at the NYX Hotel

For £289, you can enjoy direct flights and a three-night stay at the stylish four-star NYX Hotel Madrid By Leonardo Hotels, with a rooftop pool and breakfast included.

This deal is perfect for beating the August heat. Interestingly, these dates offer significant savings compared to June or July, where a similar trip could cost around £350. For even more savings, consider flying from Bristol, where prices start from just £265.

14 nights in St Lucia for what you would expect to pay for a week

A St. Lucia vacation can be expensive, but there’s a 14-night trip for what you’d expect to pay for seven on TUI. Get flights, a two-week stay, luggage and transfers from £1,230.

Not only is this holiday already 24% off, but TUI are offering their customers with TUI accounts an extra £200 off the total price when they spend over a certain amount on 14-night getaways. Creating an account is free and takes less than two minutes. With the discount, two weeks is just £179 more than going for seven nights.

Bay Gardens Hotel is within walking distance of Rodney Bay’s many restaurants and shops. Probably the biggest advantage of this deal, aside from the price, is that you’ll have access to a water park at Bay Gardens Beach Resort, which is just a five-minute shuttle bus ride away.