How to Save Money on Holidays: 6 Ways to Find Better Holiday Deals
A great holiday doesn't have to come with a huge price tag. The trick is knowing where to be flexible.
Here are six simple ways to save money on your next holiday without taking the fun out of planning it.
1. Be flexible about where you go
If you're not completely tied to one destination, shop around. Think about the experience you want, rather than just the name on the booking.
Looking for beaches? Compare several Mediterranean destinations.
Want culture and great food? Look beyond the biggest European capitals.
You might find somewhere less obvious offers a similar experience for considerably less — and often with fewer crowds.
For a little inspiration, explore our destination travel photo books and see where your next adventure could take you.
2. Travel in the shoulder season
One of the easiest ways to find cheaper holidays is to avoid travelling when everyone else does.
Consider May, June, September or October instead of the height of summer, depending on your destination. You could benefit from lower prices, greater availability and a more relaxed atmosphere — and temperatures can sometimes be much more comfortable for sightseeing.
ABTA's latest Holiday Habits research shows continued interest in travelling outside traditional peak periods, with April, June and September all showing increased travel intentions. Sometimes saving money also means having a better holiday.
3. Know when to book — and stay flexible
There's no magic booking window that works for every holiday.
Package holidays can sometimes offer good late deals, while booking earlier can also unlock discounts and greater choice. MoneySavingExpert recommends considering both approaches rather than assuming one is always cheapest.
Late booking is particularly relevant at the moment. ABTA's June 2026 research found that 30% of people planning an overseas summer holiday intended to book just 2–4 weeks before travelling.
The catch? The later you leave it, the more flexible you need to be.
If you need a particular hotel, room or flight, booking earlier may be worth paying slightly more for.
4. Compare the total holiday cost
Don't be distracted by the cheapest headline price. Before booking, check what you'll actually pay for: Baggage. Transfers. Parking. Meals. Drinks. Seat selection. Excursions.
A £499 holiday can easily become a much more expensive trip once the extras are added. Equally, a £599 package might include enough extras to make it better value overall.
So instead of asking: “What's cheapest?”, instead ask: “What gives me the most holiday for my money?”. That's often a much better measure of a deal.
5. Look for value — and book with confidence
A good deal should still feel like a safe deal.
Check reviews, understand what's included and look at the cancellation and protection arrangements before booking.
Package holidays can be worth comparing because they can combine convenience, value and consumer protection. ABTA's latest research found that value for money is a leading reason people choose package holidays, while travel professionals continue to be used for their expertise and ease.
The cheapest option isn't always the best option. Sometimes spending a little more with a company you trust is money well spent.
6. Be flexible with the smaller details
Once you've found a destination you like, experiment.
Try:
- Different dates.
- Midweek flights.
- Nearby airports.
- A slightly shorter or longer stay.
- Even moving a trip by a day or two can change the price.
Just remember to calculate the real saving. A cheaper flight isn't much of a bargain if getting to the alternative airport costs more than you save. A little flexibility can make a surprisingly big difference!
The best holiday deal isn't always the cheapest
Saving money doesn't mean settling for less. It might simply mean travelling at a different time, trying somewhere new or being willing to move your dates. Set your budget, decide what's important and stay flexible around everything else.
Because the best holiday deal is the one that gives you a brilliant experience for a price you're happy to pay.
And then there's the part you'll keep forever…
After all that planning, don't let your favourite holiday photographs disappear into your camera roll.
At There & Back Editions, we create premium personalised travel photo books designed to make preserving your favourite memories beautifully simple.
Choose a destination or themed trip, add your favourite photographs and create a keepsake you'll be able to revisit for years to come.
Explore all destinations or discover our themed travel photo books.
Because saving money on the holiday is wonderful. But the memories are priceless.