As the grey skies of Britain loom overhead and thoughts drift towards the upcoming year, many are beginning to plan their 2026 vacations. Fortunately, there are clever money-saving tips that could potentially save you thousands of pounds on your next holiday by making just three simple adjustments.
When you factor in transportation, accommodation, and spending money, the costs can quickly accumulate. Thankfully, TUI has shared some essential saving strategies to help travelers keep extra cash in their pockets, whether they are planning a European city escape or a sunny beach retreat.
To uncover the most economical ways to book a holiday, First Choice, a part of the TUI Group, analyzed two years of booking data. Their findings revealed that opting for slightly unconventional travel arrangements, termed ‘Wonky holidays,’ can significantly reduce the overall cost of a trip.
One significant change recommended is to vary the length of stay when traveling abroad. Rather than sticking to the standard 7 or 14-night duration, they suggest considering bookings for 6, 8, 13, or 15 nights.
First Choice’s study showed that travelers who booked an odd number of nights, like 5 or 11 nights, saved up to 13% per night compared to those who chose a standard length. Additionally, they observed that flying on a Tuesday or Thursday instead of a Saturday could save holidaymakers around £70 per person.
The travel company also advises selecting the most budget-friendly airport rather than the nearest one. While it may be more convenient to depart from the closest airport, First Choice discovered that opting for different departure or arrival airports could result in significant savings, sometimes exceeding £1,000 per passenger.
The research, conducted in collaboration with money-saving expert Jordan Cox, demonstrated that by making these minor unconventional adjustments, such as choosing an alternative airport, flying midweek, or staying an odd number of nights, travelers could potentially save up to £1,100 per person.
For instance, First Choice’s analysis revealed that a 7-night stay at the four-star Constantinou Athena Beach Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus, with return flights from London Heathrow on Saturday, 25 July 2026, would cost £1,500 per person. However, by switching the flights to London Luton and departing a week earlier on Tuesday, 14 July, the same holiday could be secured for just £947 – resulting in a saving of £553 per person.
Furthermore, booking a holiday during off-peak periods like January, March, early April, or mid-September was found to be typically 16% cheaper than peak summer travel. First Choice also highlighted that travelers could access additional deals by booking during these quieter months.
Jordan, the money-saving expert, emphasized the importance of flexibility in travel planning, stating that unconventional choices like traveling midweek, selecting a different airport, or opting for non-traditional stay durations can lead to significant savings, potentially enabling travelers to take two trips for the cost of one.
Kevin Nelson, the managing director of First Choice, emphasized the company’s commitment to offering exceptional value and unique holiday experiences through their Wonky Holidays initiative, aiming to provide flexible travel options without compromising quality.
Do you have an interesting travel experience to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
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