The way we travel has shifted over the last few years for two major reasons: the pandemic and the tangible effects of climate change. While the former revealed the sweet, accessible beauty of a UK staycation, the latter has pushed many to be more mindful when making holiday plans - especially if they involve flying.
While long-haul destinations will always stoke wanderlust and the urge to explore new landscapes, food and cultures, short-haul escapes - especially ones reached using greener road or rail routes - mean you can squeeze a guilt-free break into a weekend without eating into your holiday allowance.
Lastminute.com's Travel Trends for 2025 report has highlighted interesting trends, including becoming a Weekend Maximiser (supersizing a weekend by taking off the Friday and Monday either side of it), going on a Gilded Getaway (spending the savings of a cheap flight on a lavish hotel), and themed trips like following in the footsteps of musical legends like Elvis or Bob Marley.
The ongoing financial squeeze but a collective reluctance to sacrifice the great British jolly means that many travellers are seeking alternatives to Spain's Costa del Sol. The contenders? Turkey and the Balkan Riviera, with the Albanian coast coming out top.
When is the best time to book a holiday?
Holiday dates and prices wax and wane through the year, with prices spiking over the school holidays, Christmas break, Easter and Bank Holidays. If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, the best time to travel is outside these popular dates, and avoid Friday departures where you can.
Whether you’re aching to watch the sunrise in a new time zone or fancy checking into a chic B&B right here in the UK, there are plenty of travel and hotel offers that will have you grappling for your plastic.
We’ll keep you tuned into the best of them right here on this page, updated every month.
Scroll on for the best deals for April to book now
British Airways
For those who wish to live la dolce vita through spring, BA has put Italian destinations on sale from just £49 one way. Think Rome, Palermo, Naples and a new route to Rimini.
Craving a new time zone? The Big Apple is on sale from £357 return while Miami fares can be had for £419. Itching for island time? With returns to Barbados from £520 in September, you can make summer stretch that bit longer.
Buy now, British Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Whether you’re looking east or west, Virgin has a route to suit. NYC is the hot ticket right now with summer roundtrips from as little as £361 - cheaper than a ticket to this year’s Glastonbury festival. We’ve also seen returns to Toronto for £365, Boston for £371 and LAX for £401.
Buy now £376.00, Virgin Atlantic
easyJet
The budget airline is famous for its low prices all year round, with steals available even at the eleventh hour. April flight deals include Belfast from £29.99, Porto from £40.99 and Amsterdam, where tulips are in full bloom, from just £33.99, all one way.
Buy now £17.99, easyJet
Vueling
Pack your spring schedule with fun trips away thanks to Vueling. The carrier, which accepts Avios points as payment, has low one-way fares with destinations across the Continent with Bologna, Copenhagen and Genova all itching for a visit.
Buy now, Vueling
WizzAir
For a cheap escape, WizzAir has rock-bottom prices for European destinations. Currently, the carrier is offering seats from the £30 mark to destinations like Lyon, Rome and Faro.
Note these prices typically only include basic underseat luggage: if you want to take a standard cabin bag, there will be extra fees.
Buy now, WizzAir
Ryanair
If you're happy to fly from Stansted or Luton airports, Ryanair has spring and Easter escapes in the bag. Enjoy authentic aperitivo in the Italian city that does it best with fares to Fuerteventura and Sicily for less than £15 one way.
Buy now, Ryanair
Eurostar
Connecting the UK to mainland Europe, Eurostar is your gateway into the Continent. The superfast train always has decent fares to its destinations: Brussels, Lille, Amsterdam and, of course Paris.
Fares start at £39 one way for selected dates from April to September 2025.
Buy now, Eurostar
Mr & Mrs Smith
Book in that getaway you've been dreaming about for less with boutique travel specialist Mr & Mrs Smith.
Putting some of the world's coolest and most luxe hotels in one handy spot, your next escape is a click away, whether that’s a B&B for the weekend or a blow-out all-inclusive vacation. Sign up to the newsletter for freebies when you reach your destination, plus savings of up to 50 per cent off.
Buy now, Mr & Mrs Smith
Lastminute.com
Lastminute has been in the impulse travel game since 1998 and despite the deluge of fresh competition, still does it well. The company continually showcases incredible offers including flight and hotel packages for destinations near and far.
Right now, package offers include two nights in a charming Venetian B&B for £229pp, two nights in Budapest for £133pp and three nights in Barcelona for £230pp, all with return flights included.
Buy now, Lastminute.com
Booking.com
You may know Booking.com as the place to find cheaper rates on hotels, B&Bs and private rentals but the site also offers flight and hotel and train and hotel packages, allowing you to plan the major cogs of a break under one digital roof.
Find a fly-and-stay deal to Toree del Mar in Spain from £79 or Prague, Czech Republic from £84.
Buy now, Booking.com
TUI
Specialising in East Mediterranean and Middle Eastern breaks, package holiday expert Tui takes care of all the details so you can get on with the highly important business of R&R.
Need some inspo? You’ll find it all, from flights only, cruise deals, skiing and hotel packages. For those hankering for a real adventure, try multi-destination options and pack more action into your time away or blow the budget and choose all-inclusive for a stress-free break.
If you’re looking for a quick deal, TUI uploads fresh offers every Tuesday. Right now, escapes can be found unthe the £500 mark for a May or June cruise.
Buy now, TUI
The Other House South Kensington
Looking for a capital staycay with bells on? Head west to Kensington where the doors of The Other House are open and waiting to invite you in.
The bolthole has just released its list of special offers, curated experiences and fun events for the season including access to the sought after Cartier exhibition at the V&A and deals for stays over the London Marathon.
, The Other House
