British tourists in Spain, Italy and Greece warned against booking ‘seven or 14-day stays’

UK tourists heading abroad this summer to hotspots such as Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy have been warned not to book week-long and 14-day stays. UK holidaymakers are being encouraged to think outside the box by Karen Williams, travel expert at Eurocamp, who said: “There are lots of holiday providers who don’t have fixed departure or arrival days so you have a complete flexibility regarding your travel dates.”

She added: “Play around with the length of your journey by a few nights each way, and if you’re flying, pick a length that allows you to get the best flight prices.” Ms Williams said: “Whether it’s getting the family in the car and hitting the motorways for a cross-country road trip or opting for train travel, exploring different modes of transport can net you some serious savings.”

“A great tip is to split the cost of accommodation with friends or nearest and dearest as this can save you a fortune,” advised Williams. “Holiday homes are perfect for this, allowing you to book accommodation at a fixed price, not per person,” she added.

READ MORE UK prepares to sizzle in Azores Major heatwave that ‘is as hot as Spain and Portugal’

She also said it might be cheaper to book less traditional stays and opt for two weeks, seven days or ten days. That way, you could carve out a niche for yourself – and make some serious savings on your flights, as well as save money on hotel bills.

“Valuing earlier or later in the season can help keep costs down,” she said. “For those traveling with children, look for the last weeks of the school holidays until September, which tend to be cheaper than most school holidays.”

Williams suggested, “When traveling during these months, think carefully about your destinations. If you’re a sun seeker, southern Europe is a bit hotter than many northern regions, so you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors even in the peak months.”

Mrs Williams said: “You don’t have to go out to enjoy a good, hearty meal and instead sample some local delicacies from the comfort of your own holiday home. You can even pack and bring your own food to your holiday home to ensure the kids have all their favorite snacks.”

She continued: “For the super organised, many travel suppliers will be revealing their 2024 holidays in the coming months, so keeping an eye on these can help you save for next year too.”