From perfectly timed bookings to destination dupes, here’s how industry experts save big without sacrificing style, comfort or spontaneity.
With more than nine million searches for ‘2026 holiday’ recorded on Google in the past month, the drizzly weather has clearly got Britons dreaming of sunnier horizons.
Yet with the cost-of-living crisis still biting and holiday prices on the rise, many are wondering how to make their next getaway more affordable.
Seasoned travellers and frequent flyers have long mastered the art of securing value-packed trips, but now — more than ever — it’s time for all of us to start booking like pros.
A few well-timed strategic tweaks can stretch your budget much further than you might expect.
Read more: These 10 cheap holiday destinations are perfect for a winter sun pick-me-up
When should you book your holiday?
The spike in Google searches for holidays next year proves that early planning is firmly on the national agenda, yet timing is still a nuanced game.
“Booking early still remains effective for securing peak-season escapes or popular packages,” says Laura Carden-Lovell, travel expert at Transfer Travel. “But there’s growing value in last-minute opportunities, too. Airlines, tour operators and hotels are increasingly releasing unsold trips at discounted rates two to four weeks before departure — so travellers who can act fast can secure premium experiences at a fraction of the original cost.”
Grant Winter, compliance officer at Good To Go Travel Insurance, agrees that spontaneity can be a money-saver, but warns of pitfalls. “Flexibility is key, but don’t forget travel insurance,” he says. “Last-minute deals often come with strict ‘no refund’ policies, so buy insurance as soon as you book.”
Cancellation cover typically applies if you become ill, are called to jury service, face redundancy or if your home becomes uninhabitable. Travel insurance also protects you against medical emergencies and lost belongings abroad — essential peace of mind whether you book late or early.
Read more: 8 sun-soaked holiday destinations for an October getaway
When’s the best time to travel?
Beyond when you book, when you travel holds just as much influence over cost.
“Flexibility is now the most powerful money-saving strategy,” says Laura. “Travelling midweek, shifting your dates by a couple of days, flying in the evening rather than the morning or opting for an indirect flight can shave hundreds off your trip without diminishing the experience.”
She also advocates travelling during the shoulder seasons — March to May, and September to October — when prices are lower, the crowds are thinner and the atmosphere’s more relaxed.
Justin Crabbe, CEO of private jet rental company Jettly, echoes this, noting that midweek flights (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) consistently offer better value. His guidance is to book domestic flights six to eight weeks ahead, and international journeys two to three months in advance, for optimal pricing.
Read more: Visit these 10 holiday destinations for hot, sunny days in April
How to keep your travel insurance costs low
Travel insurance doesn’t need to eat into your savings. The trick is buying with intention.
“Think realistically about what you’ll be doing abroad,” says Grant. “Adventure add-ons such as winter sports or extreme sports cover can push up costs unnecessarily. Travel insurance is highly customisable, so only pay for what you truly need. And if you’re unsure whether your plans are covered, speak to your insurer before you go.”
Look for the hidden gems
One of the simplest ways to cut the cost of a holiday is to rethink the destination itself.
“If you look beyond the usual hotspots, you’ll find equally beautiful places that offer exceptional value,” says Maria Hughes, travel expert at Good To Go. “Lower demand means more competitive pricing.”
Laura suggests swapping Santorini for Naxos, Japan for Hong Kong or the Amalfi Coast for Lake Garda — destinations that promise the same sun-washed charm, but without the crowds or inflated price tags.
Make the most of loyalty programmes
For travellers willing to do just a little groundwork, loyalty programmes can unlock significant savings — often before you’ve even stepped on a plane.
“Signing up to a hotel’s free loyalty programme before you book can give you immediate access to better rates and small-but-worthy perks,” says Alexandra Dubakova, travel expert and CMO at Freetour.com. “Many travellers don’t realise that simply having an account — without holding elite status — can mean discounted room rates, complimentary wi-fi, breakfast credits or late check-outs.”
Some of the larger hotel loyalty programmes, including Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and IHG One Rewards, often offer ‘member rates’ that undercut the publicly listed price on booking sites. Even boutique hotel groups regularly extend similar perks — loyalty programmes include Accor Live Limitless and MeliáRewards. Some loyalty schemes even give members access to flash sales days before they’re made public.
And it’s not just hotels. Alexandra notes that airline loyalty programmes can be surprisingly lucrative when paired with branded credit cards. Hitting the minimum spend often unlocks a mileage bonus big enough for a one-way or even return flight — ideal for travellers planning ahead.
Even your choice of destination can work in your favour. “Cities with large business travel markets — such as Frankfurt, Chicago or Singapore — often offer excellent weekend rates through loyalty platforms because corporate demand drops,” she adds.
Consider resale travel
A fast-growing trend among savvy travellers is the rise of resale travel.
“Buying or selling unused bookings through trusted marketplaces allows travellers to access holidays at 30-70% less than the original cost,” says Laura. “It also gives sellers a chance to recoup funds when plans change.
“More providers are now offering flexible or transferable bookings, reducing financial risk and opening the door to spontaneous, budget-friendly escapes.”
Smart booking, layered savings
Across the industry, experts agree on one thing: real value comes from layering strategies. Whether you’re planning months ahead or waiting for a last-minute window, the smartest travellers know the secret: stay open, stay flexible and use every tool at your disposal.
With the right tactics, you can stretch every pound further — without giving up the joy of discovery.
Feature image: Canva
