If you’re still looking for a last minute summer holiday, don’t worry! With some smart planning and an open mind, there’s still time to find a sunny getaway that won’t blow your budget.
Whether you’re trying to escape silly school holiday prices, or just looking to make the most of your annual leave, our top tips can help you find the best value breaks without impacting the quality of your trip.
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1. Stay inland, not on the coast
It’s no surprise that accommodation in coastal towns gets snapped up quick when summer hits. Everyone wants to be by the beach, and so prices rise and availability drops. But if you choose a spot even just a short drive inland, you can see a massive difference in both choice and cost.
Now before you balk at this suggestion, stay with me! These areas still have the same great weather, they’re just affordable, less crowded and often more authentic. Plus you can always do a day trip to the coast.
Or, switch things up even more and choose a mountain destination – it might be a few degrees cooler, but since summer temperatures can soar in Europe these days, you might prefer it!
2. Choose lesser-known destinations
The well-trodden hotspots tend to come with higher prices and fewer bargains when it comes to last minute bookings. So try looking at destinations that haven’t hit the tourist mainstream yet.
For example, try Alentejo in Portugal rather than the Algarve. In Spain, avoid Malaga and look into a town like Cadiz.
These places often have just as much charm, better availability and prices that don’t shoot up because they’re trending on social media. You’ll also find that local restaurants, activities and transport are priced better across the board. It’s a great way to stretch your budget and experience a side of the country many miss.
3. Stay 10 minutes down the road
Location is important when booking a holiday, but ask yourself – do you have to be right in the heart of the action? Often, staying just ten minutes away from a major hotspot can shave £100s off your accommodation cost.
For instance, stay in the charming coastal town of Cavtat in Croatia – you’ll be in Dubrovnik in 10 minutes on the boat. Or if you’re longing to see Venice, stay on the mainland in Mestre, or even a nearby city like Treviso, and you can catch the train or bus in for the day.
Public transport in lots of European cities is pretty decent, especially in high season – and importantly it’s also mostly affordable. So, a short bus, boat or train ride means you’re still close enough to enjoy everything without paying the premium for instant access.
4. Stay on the mainland, not an island
Island holidays can be dreamy, but they’re not always the best choice for a last-minute getaway.
Flights to islands like Santorini, Mallorca and Sardinia tend to be more limited and expensive, especially in summer. Plus things can be spendy when you’re there, considering that lots of goods have to be brought in by air or boat.
In contrast, mainland destinations usually have more flight options, more competition on prices and better transport connections. For example the Peloponnese region of Greece is stunning, and you can drive there in about 2 hours – instead of having to sort out ferries and transfer times.
5. Fly into a major hub (then travel onwards)
Booking a last minute flight can be pricey just because there aren’t many flights with availability to compete for your booking. So, think about going somewhere within reach of a major airport hub, where airlines have more routes and competition keeps fares lower. Once you land, you can catch a train or bus.
For example, fly into Lisbon and make your way to Cascais, a gorgeous costal town that’s a short drive from beautiful Atlantic beaches. Of course this takes more planning – and won’t suit everyone – but the savings can really stack up! Plus, you get the opportunity to explore two destinations instead of one.
6. Opt for self catering
If you’re trying to save cash, self-catering can make a huge difference. Instead of eating out for meals or going all inclusive, having access to a kitchen lets you shop at the supermarket and cook your own meals.
Find holiday lets on popular sites like Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com. If you have a location in mind, try googling for local rental sites – they often have better last minute deals.
Plus, don’t forget there are plenty of package holidays that offer self catering options too.
This option also gives you more flexibility, which is handy if you’re travelling with kids or as a group. Plus, staying in an apartment or villa can give you an enhanced experience as you feel a lot closer to local life than you do in a hotel.
7. Go camping
If you’re looking for a cheap break in Europe, then remember that they do camping holidays REALLY well.
A camping holiday is one of the best value options going, and in countries like France, Germany and the Netherlands, they come chock full with activities, from swimming pools and adventure playgrounds to activity trails, decent restaurants and handy on-site minimarts.
Look at Camping les Charmilles near Calais in France, KNAUS Campingpark Walkenried in Lower Saxony, Germany or Camping Zee van Tijd Holwerd in Friesland, the Netherlands.
Whether you’re looking to bring your own tent and rent a pitch, or rent a pre-erected tent, cabin or mobile home – you can get great value at a campsite!
8. Pick a hotel before you book your flights
When you’re booking last minute you can be flexible – which is actually your biggest asset. Rather than picking a destination first, try browsing hotel deals across Europe and see where the bargains are.
Sites like google hotels and Booking.com let you search entire regions or even just ‘Europe’ with your dates, so you can find the best-value places, then work out your flights afterwards. This opens up a lot more possibilities, and can make you consider places you otherwise wouldn’t have thought of.
9. Go on a city break
Now this is one of my favourite summer holiday hacks – everyone is focused on beaches and villas, so it’s a great time to bag a city break for less. James and I have stayed in some LUSH hotels in this way, as prices fall because people aren’t typically taking city breaks.
Look at cities like Prague or Amsterdam – check out our city guides to see what’s on offer – as well as places like Milan, Vienna or Paris – they can be more affordable during summer, and they’re usually much less crowded. Just be prepared that some restaurants and attractions could be closed, as lots of locals leave town.
Also be ready for some heat – several European cities have recently had really high temperatures during July and August. If that happens, start your day early before the heat hits, nap in the early afternoon (when it’s hottest) and choose accommodation with air conditioning.
10. Visit lakes instead of the seaside
If you’re after water views and fresh air but want to avoid the coastal crowds and high prices, then lakes are a great option.
Look into Lake Bled in Slovenia, Lake Garda in Italy, Lake Śniardwy in Poland or Tegernsee in Germany. You still get beautiful scenery and those all important swimming spots, but without the premium price tag that comes with being by the sea.
Lakeside holidays generally feel a bit more wholesome too – think chilled picnics and leisurely nature walks rather than crowded beach clubs and sun lounger fees.
11. Check school dates
It might sound obvious, but if you’re looking for a last-minute summer holiday from England, then early July and mid-September breaks will be cheaper than late July and August ones, when the schools are on holiday.
If you happen to live near a border, remember that school term dates can vary by UK country, so you could get more choice by crossing it.
For example, Scottish schools go back earlier than English ones, so there may be more availability and lower prices flying out of Glasgow than say Manchester in late August. It’s a detail people often don’t consider, but it can make a big difference in both price and crowd levels – a quick search could save you some serious money!
Remember our Top Tips Before you Book a Last Minute Summer Holiday
By thinking outside the box and staying flexible, a last minute summer holiday doesn’t mean you have to settle for a bad location or a less-than desirable hotel. With our top tips you can still bag a great break for a decent price.
