Whatever time of year you decide to book annual leave or block out a few weeks for the annual family or friends getaway, those magical days off are what makes the daily grind worth the effort.
Doing, not having
Fresh data from Barclays shows that many UK consumers are increasingly favouring experiences over buying things, with 57 per cent choosing to spend disposable income on experiences instead of material possessions. The research predicts that the average person is set to spend £3,322 in the 'Experience Economy' between June and September 2024, with almost half of that sum used on foreign holidays and staycations.
Short-haul vs long-haul
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.
While long-haul destinations will always stoke wanderlust and hold a desire to explore new landscapes, food and cultures, short-haul escapes - especially ones that are reached using greener road or rail routes - mean you can squeeze a guilt-free break into a weekend without eating up too much of your holiday allowance.
When is the best time to book a holiday?
Holiday dates and prices wax and wane over the year, with prices spiking over the school holidays, Christmas break, Easter and the eight Bank Holidays that England and Wales enjoy. If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, the best time to travel is outside of these popular dates, and avoid Friday departures where possible.
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 reaching for your credit card. 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 July to book right now
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British Airways
BA's sale right now sees customers save an extra £300 on holidays. Deals include return flights to LA from £436 in February 2025, returns to Bangkok from £540 also in March 2025 or start the New Year in the Big Apple with flights and three nights in a hotel from £499pp in January 2025. The sale ends July 11.
Buy now, British Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Save mega money on selected destinations and cabins in Virgin’s sale, which also ends on July 11.
Far-flung destinations from various UK airports are up for grabs, from magical Orlando to LA and NYC. Fancy a spot of tropical sun? There are routes to the Carribean, while those who want to head east will find round-trip fares to Delhi for as little as £389 and Dubai from £429.
Still haven't booked a summer holiday? Virgin has last-minute fares with many requiring travel dates between September and October including San Francisco, Miami, Mumbai and Johannesburg.
Buy now, Virgin Atlantic
WizzAir
For a cheap escape, WizzAir has some of the most enticing prices for European destinations around. Right now you can find £17.99 fares to Faro in Portugal, Kraków in Poland and Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro in August.
Beware that these prices typically include basic underseat luggage only: if you want to take a standard cabin bag, there will be extra fees.
Buy now, WizzAir
easyJet
The orange-coloured budget airline is famous for its low prices - even in summer. July offers include Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Bilbao for as little as £28.99 but if you're happy to wait until the end of summer, Amsterdam, Nantes and Copenhagen can be had for just £17.99 one way.
Buy now £17.99, easyJet
Ryanair
Ready to find some proper sun? If you're happy to fly from Stansted, Ryanair has deals on several Mediterranean destinations: think Essaouira, Dubrovnik, Pula, Kefalonia, Corfu and Alicante with prices starting from £14.99 if you're willing to fly in the week (Mondays and Wednesdays).
Buy now, Ryanair
Eurostar
Connecting the UK to mainland Europe, Eurostar is your gateway to the Continent. The superfast train always has decent fares to be found to its destinations: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Lille, Cologne, Lyon, Avignon, Strasbourg-Ville and of course Paris.
The City of Lights is hosting the Olympics and Paralympic Games in next month, making now the perfect time to book a ticket and get in on the sporting action. Fares start at £39 one way for dates in August and September.
Buy now, Eurostar
Lastminute.com
Lastminute has been in the impulse travel game since 1998 and still does it well. Right now its biggest bargain is a deluxe deal in an adults-only boutique hotel in Gran Canaria for four nights with many perks thrown in: think a spa session, complimentary bubbles and discounts on dinner bookings.
Four nights and flights cost £419pp and you can travel between now and December 24, excluding the October half term.
Buy now, Lastminute.com
TUI
Specialising in east Mediterranean and Middle Eastern breaks, package holiday experts Tui take care of all the details so you can get on with the very important business of R&R.
There's plenty of travel inspiration on offer, from flights only, cruise deals, skiing and hotel packages. For those hankering for a real adventure, try multi-destination options and pack more into your time away. We've seen an all-inclusive option for two for seven nights from £699pp in July.
Buy now, TUI
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 components of a break under one digital roof.
At the moment the headline attractions include various corners of Spain, Morocco and Scotland. If you're tired of wading through crowds, Booking.com's off-beat ideas could hold the key. Find a fly-and-stay deal to Durres in Albania for as little as £104pp.
Buy now, Booking.com
