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 the Weekend Maximisers (supersizing a weekend by taking off the Friday and Monday on either side), 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.
We may be feeling the pinch, but a collective reluctance to sacrifice the great British jolly means many travellers are seeking alternatives to the Costa del Sol. The top 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 predictably 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. Hoping for a last-minute upgrade? One United Airlines agent told us that you can wipe thousands off the cost of a premium seat by asking at check-in and travelling in the week.
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 July to book now
British Airways
If you’re on a budget, an all-inclusive deal may be the ticket to a stress-free holiday. BA has them in the bag with fly-and-stay options to Ibiza, Agadir and Bodrum for October departures.
If you’re happy to build your own break, get flights to Malaga sorted for £81 one way or take in Vegas glamour for £555 return in September.
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 £490 return, San Francisco for £413 and the lapping waves and palm trees of Barbados for £571.
Buy now £376.00, Virgin Atlantic
easyJet
The orange-themed budget airline is famous for its low prices all year round, with steals available even hours before departure.
May’s flight deals include Belfast, one of the most underrated cities we’ve been to, from £29.99, Bordeaux wine country from £35.99 and Barcelona, a city that always promises a good time, from just £38.99, all one way.
Buy now £17.99, easyJet
Vueling
Pack your summer schedule with fun trips, courtesy of Vueling. The carrier, which accepts Avios points as payment, has low one-way fares with destinations across the Continent and Canaries, with Bologna, Copenhagen and Genoa all standing by for exploration.
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 Light itself: Paris.
Fares start at £39 one way for selected dates from September to November 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 before, but if you’re flexible, it can really pay off.
Buy now, Eurostar
Trainline
Trainline isn't just for UK rail: there are great train rides to be nabbed across the Channel too. Whether you want to show the kids your Interrailing route or extend a weekend in Paris by adding another leg, the site has hundreds of destinations across 45 countries, so expect choice galore.
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 fares to Italy, Norway and Spain for less than £30pp.
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
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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, eleventh-hour packages include four nights in the Algarve for £624pp, four nights in Antalya for £412pp, and a short Sardinian soujourn for £599pp, all with return flights included.
Buy now, Lastminute.com
Booking.com
You may know Booking.com as the place to find cheap rates on hotels, B&Bs and private rentals, but the site also offers flight and hotel, and train and hotel packages, allowing you to nail down the major cogs of any vacation under one digital roof.
Find a fly-and-stay deal to Marrakech from £81, Rome from £123, or Lagos in Portugal from £98.
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.
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
