Vicky Parry
21st May 2025
Reading Time: 5 minutes
With travel prices on the rise, many Brits are wondering whether a holiday is still affordable in 2025. The answer? Yes — if you know where to look.
From budget flights to free accommodation swaps, this expert-backed guide shows you exactly how to book a holiday for less, with realistic lowest prices included so you know what kind of deals are possible.
✈️ Flights & Travel Hacks
1. Book Flights 6–8 Weeks in Advance
Experts at Skyscanner say this window gives you the best shot at low fares.
Example: London to Rome return – from £29 with Ryanair.
2. Use Flight Comparison Sites
Use platforms to find the cheapest carrier.
Example: London to Barcelona – from £24 return on Kayak.
3. Be Flexible with Travel Dates
Midweek flights (Tues/Weds) are usually cheapest.
Example: Manchester to Dublin on a Tuesday – £16 return.
4. Try Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” Tool
Find the cheapest destinations available.
Example: London to Milan – from £18 return.
5. Use Incognito Mode
Prevent price hikes from repeat searches.
6. Set Flight Alerts
Get notified when prices drop.
Example: Jack’s Flight Club once listed London to NYC return – £259.
7. Redeem Points & Miles
Convert Clubcard or Nectar into flights.
Example: £5 Clubcard = £15 in Avios points.
Accommodation Deals
8. Use Trivago or HotelsCombined
Compare hotel prices.
Example: 3-star hotel in Prague – from £22 per night.
9. Airbnb Alternatives
Find better deals on Vrbo or Booking.com.
Example: Lisbon apartment – from £30 per night on Booking.
10. Use Cashback Sites
Get money back on bookings.
Example: 10% cashback on Expedia via TopCashback.
11. Ask Hotels Direct for Discounts
Direct booking can cut 10–20% off your bill.
12. Stay in University Dorms (Summer)
Budget-friendly student accommodation.
Example: Edinburgh room – from £35 per night at UniversityRooms.
️ Package Holidays & Tours
13. Use Package Holiday Sites
Great for all-inclusive savings.
Example: Jet2Holidays: 7 nights in Costa del Sol incl. flights – from £289pp.
14. Deal Aggregators
Find curated deals.
Example: Icelolly 3-night Malta break – from £99pp incl. flights.
15. Book Last-Minute
Discounts for unsold spots. You can even use a site like Lastminute.com
Example: Secret Escapes city break – from £79pp including 4-star hotel.
16. Travel Off-Peak
Avoid school holidays.
Example: Shift your trip by a week and save £150–£300.
Budget UK Holidays
17. Use National Trust/English Heritage Memberships
Free access to attractions.
Example: A £6.50/month family membership saves you up to £100+ per trip.
18. Camping/Glamping
Nature escapes for less.
Example: Pitchup tent site in Devon – from £10 per night.
19. Holiday Park Discounts
Great for families.
Example: Haven 3-night stay for 4 – from £69 in early spring.
20. Use Coach Travel
Advance bookings are very cheap.
Example: London to Bristol on Megabus – from £3.
Budget Abroad
21. Travel to Cheaper Countries
Skip expensive hotspots.
Example: Albania beach hotel – from £18/night.
22. Leverage Currency Advantage
Use Post Office Travel Money to find strong exchange destinations.
Example: Turkish Lira means meals for under £5.
23. Use Local Transport Apps
Avoid overpriced taxis.
Example: Airport ride with Bolt in Budapest – £4 vs £20 standard cab.
Smart Travel Habits
24. Use Revolut or Monzo
Avoid card fees abroad.
Example: Save £10–£30 per week on conversion charges.
25. Travel with Hand Luggage Only
Airlines charge for full-size cabin bags now.
Example: Save £40+ per person round-trip.
26. Download Offline Maps
Free, data-free navigation with Maps.me.
27. Join Free Walking Tours
Pay what you like tours in most cities.
Example: Berlin walking tour – from £0 (tip £5–£10 suggested).
28. Use a Refillable Bottle
Avoid buying £2+ bottles repeatedly.
Budget Tools & Planning
29. Use Hopper or Kayak Alerts
Get notified of price drops.
Example: Hopper flagged price drop: London to Reykjavik – £42 return.
30. Use Rome2Rio
Find cheapest route combinations.
Example: Paris to Amsterdam by Flixbus – £12.
31. Track Travel Deals on Reddit
Subreddits like r/Shoestring or r/UKTravelDeals have up-to-date tips.
32. AI-Powered Travel Planning
Use ChatGPT or Utrip for customised itineraries with budget filters.
Family Travel Tips
33. Look for “Kids Go Free” Deals
Example: TUI – 7-night family holiday with child free – from £399pp.
34. Clubcard Vouchers for Travel
Exchange for Legoland or Eurotunnel.
Example: £50 in vouchers = £150 in travel savings.
35. Free Family Attractions
UK museums and beaches are free.
Example: Natural History Museum – free entry all year.
Best Travel Apps
36. Too Good To Go
Get leftover restaurant food for a few quid.
Example: £12 meal for £3.50.
37. Splitwise
Track shared expenses on group trips easily.
38. Google Translate
Free translation and menu scanning in real time.
Creative & Alternative Travel
39. House Sitting
Stay free in return for pet sitting.
Example: TrustedHousesitters annual fee – £99, then unlimited stays.
40. Home Swaps
No accommodation costs.
Example: Paris home swap – £0 for 1 week stay.
41. Volunteer Travel
Work for room and board.
Example: WWOOF farm stay in France – £0 + meals.
42. Overnight Travel
Save a hotel night.
Example: Flixbus overnight route – Berlin to Krakow – £14.
️ Insider Tricks
43. Facebook Groups for Deals
Search: “Cheap Travel UK” or “Travel Freebies”.
44. Loyalty Schemes = Freebies
Frequent flyer schemes can earn lounge access or upgrades.
45. Avoid Airport Currency Exchanges
Exchange in advance or use cards with no fees.
46. Book Free Cancellation Options
Then rebook if price drops. Often saves £50–£100.
47. Sign Up to Deal Newsletters
Get exclusive or early-bird prices.
MoneyMagpie Newsletter
48. Eat Where Locals Eat
Move two streets away from tourist traps — save £15–£30 per meal.
49. Bring Your Own Snacks
Airport snacks cost 2–3x more.
50. Budget Before You Book
Apps like Emma or YNAB help you stay on track.
✅ Final Thoughts
Getting a great holiday deal in 2025 is absolutely possible — it just takes smart planning and knowing where to look. With these 50 expert-backed ideas and pricing insights, you can enjoy your break without breaking the bank.
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