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 staycay, 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 wiping out a chunk of 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, which May is stuffed to the gills with. 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 on this page, updated every month.
Scroll on for the best deals for May to book now
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British Airways
BA’s Original Sale is in full flow, with deals available until May 20. With a dining scene (nearly) as diverse as London’s, the Big Apple is ripe for taking a bite out of - and returns are as little as £379 in September. LA and Boston are also under the £400 return mark for autumn departures.
Buy now, British Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Whether you’re looking east or west, Virgin has a route to suit - even if you’re hoping to fly at the eleventh hour.
Last minute deals include London to Seattle for £432 return, Miami for £388 and the lights and sparkle of Vegas for £537.
Buy now £376.00, Virgin Atlantic
easyJet
The budget airline is famous for its low prices all year round, with steals available even hours before departure - good news if you’re itching to escape for the late May Bank Holiday.
May’s flight deals include Berlin from £31.49, Athens from £34.49 and Porto, one of the best value destinations in western Europe, from just £32.99, 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 waiting 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
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, the City of Love itself: Paris.
Fares start at £39 one way for selected dates from April to September 2025.
If you’re travelling last minute, it’s always worth checking out Eurostar Snap for cheap seats. The catch? You won’t know your exact departure time until a few days prior.
Buy now, Eurostar
Trainline
Trainline isn't just for UK travel: there are great deals to be had across the Channel too. If you're in Paris looking for the next leg of your journey, French rail company SNCF is currently holding a sale on First Class tickets.
They're well worth the cost with extra legroom, cosy seats and table service often thrown in. Where can you go? From the French capital, find seats to Lyon from £57, Nice from £75 and cross-border to Milan from £67 and Munich from £75.
Two trips in one? C'est bien.
Buy now, Trainline
Ryanair
If you're happy to fly from Stansted or Luton airports, Ryanair has cheap jollies in the bag. Right now, find one-way fare to Rimini, Oslo and Santiago for less that £15.
Buy now, Ryanair
Mr & Mrs Smith
Book that getaway you've been dreaming of for less with boutique travel specialist Mr & Mrs Smith.
The site puts some of the world's coolest and most luxe hotels under one digital roof, meaning you can find your next escape easily, whether that’s a B&B for the weekend or a blow-the-budget all-inclusive trip.
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 four-star hotel in Prague for £143pp, two nights to Istanbul for £171pp, and eight nights in four-star Phuket luxury for £695pp, 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 Agadir from £81, Majorca from £87, or Sarande in Albania from £100.
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
Rosewood Amsterdam
You may have had a drink at the Rosewood in Holborn, but the luxury hotel has just opened a swish new outpost in Amsterdam.
Formerly the Palace of Justice, doors opened on May 1 and early reports reveal that renovation has been sympathetic to the building's grand history, blending modern design into the mix. There's also a gorgeous spa to unwind after a day taking in the sights.
Opening deals include 15 per cent off and hotel credit for your next stay (book before September 1), or a buy two nights get one free offer (until March 31, 2026).
On your bike.
Buy now, Rosewood Amsterdam
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.
Buy now, The Other House
