What are affordable holidays, really?

Affordable holidays are trips where the overall cost – including travel, accommodation and spending money – fits comfortably within your budget, without needing credit or causing financial stress.

Can affordable holidays still be good quality?

Yes. Affordable holidays focus on value, not the lowest possible price. By choosing destinations where your money goes further, travelling off-peak and booking smart, you can enjoy lovely hotels and experiences without overspending.

Are long-haul trips ever truly affordable holidays?

They can be. Places like Thailand or Mexico often have lower day-to-day costs, so once you’ve paid for flights, you may spend less on food and activities than in some closer European resorts.

How far in advance should I book affordable holidays?

For school holidays and popular destinations, booking several months ahead helps secure better prices and availability. For city breaks and off-peak dates, you might find value closer to departure – but there are no guarantees.

Do affordable holidays always mean self-catering?

Not at all. Self-catering can be great value, but so can half-board or all-inclusive, especially for families. The best option depends on where you’re going and how you like to eat and drink on holiday.

How can Jamie Wake Travel find better affordable holidays than I see online?

As an independent agency, Jamie Wake Travel has access to a wide range of tour operators, airlines and hotel suppliers, plus expert knowledge and packaged deals that don’t always appear on public search engines.

Are affordable holidays with Jamie ATOL-protected?

Many flight-inclusive packages booked through Jamie Wake Travel are ATOL-protected, and your confirmation documents will make this clear. We’ll always explain exactly what protection applies to your chosen trip.

Can I arrange payment plans for affordable holidays?

Often, yes. Depending on the tour operator, it may be possible to pay a deposit and then spread the remaining balance over several months, as long as it’s cleared by the final payment date.

What’s the best way to keep spending money under control on holiday?

Plan a realistic daily budget, choose a card with low or no overseas fees, and decide in advance how often you’ll eat out or book paid excursions. All-inclusive packages can also help you stick to a fixed spending plan.

How do I start planning my next affordable holiday with Jamie Wake Travel?

You can call 01495 400005 for a friendly chat, or submit your wish-list through the online enquiry form. Share your dates, budget and must-haves, and we’ll come back with tailor-made affordable holidays to choose from.

Affordable Holidays: How to Travel More for Less

Affordable holidays don’t have to mean giving up on sunshine, long-haul adventures or special family memories. With the right planning, you can travel more often, go further, and still feel in control of your budget.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through practical ways to stretch your money, plus five example destinations (from UK staycations to Thailand and Mexico) that prove affordable holidays can be anything but boring.

Why Affordable Holidays Matter More Than Ever

Between rising everyday costs and higher air fares, it’s no surprise many UK travellers feel their annual holiday is slipping out of reach. Recent guides from UK media and travel experts highlight that travel is still possible on a modest budget – as long as you’re prepared to be flexible with dates, airports and style of trip.

That’s where affordable holidays come in. It’s not about the “cheapest thing going”. It’s about:

Picking the right time to travel
Choosing destinations where your money goes further
Booking with protection and expert advice
Deciding what really matters to you on a trip

Do that, and you can turn one big blow-out into two or three well-planned getaways spread across the year.

Rethinking What “Affordable Holidays” Really Means

Before we dive into specific destinations, it helps to reframe what “affordable” looks like.

1. Start with your true total budget

Instead of asking “How cheap can I get this?”, try:

How much can I comfortably afford for the whole trip?
How many trips per year would I love to take?

From there, work backwards:

Set a realistic per-trip budget (for example, £600 for a week in Europe, £1,500 for a long-haul all-inclusive).
Factor in extras: airport parking, insurance, transfers, luggage, city tax, meals and activities.

Suddenly, it’s easier to see whether that tempting “low deposit” deal fits into your world, or would leave you stressed.

2. Decide your non-negotiables

For some people, an affordable holiday must be:

All-inclusive so you don’t worry about spending.
School holiday friendly.
Within 4 hours’ flying time.

For others, it might be:

Long-haul sunshine and a gorgeous pool – but you’re happy to eat in local cafés.
A central city hotel where you walk everywhere and use public transport.

Knowing your non-negotiables means a travel expert like Jamie Wake Travel can shortlist trips that hit your priorities without blowing your budget.

Smart Booking Tricks to Make Affordable Holidays the Norm

Let’s look at a few practical tricks that help you book affordable holidays again and again.

1. Travel off-peak or “shoulder season”

If you’re not tied to school holidays, travelling in May, June, late September or early October can dramatically cut costs while still giving you warm weather in many European and even some long-haul destinations.

Even if you are tied to school term dates, consider:

February half-term for ski or winter sun bargains
Easter in destinations where it’s warm but not yet high season
Travelling mid-week rather than Saturday–Saturday

2. Be flexible with your departure airport

Flying from a different UK airport can save hundreds of pounds on some routes – especially for long-haul trips. Many seasoned travellers now check prices from several UK airports before choosing their departure point.

If you live in the Midlands or South, you might have Bristol, Birmingham, London Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton and Cardiff all within reach. That opens up more competition – and more deals.

3. Mix board bases cleverly

Affordable holidays don’t all have to be all-inclusive. Sometimes, a bed & breakfast or self-catering stay in a good-value resort can work out cheaper once you factor in realistic meal prices.

Think about:

City breaks – often better as room-only or B&B so you can enjoy local food.
Family beach holidays – all-inclusive can be great if there are big eaters or lots of pool-bar ice creams.
Twin-centre trips – maybe three nights in a city hotel (B&B) and seven nights at an all-inclusive beach resort.

A good agent can model these combinations with you so you see how each option affects the total.

4. Use public transport and walking where possible

UK resources on affordable travel regularly highlight that some of the biggest savings come after you land, not just at booking.

Swap taxis for local buses or metro on city breaks.
Look for airport express trains or pre-booked shared transfers.
In resort, walk along the promenade or use local buses instead of pricey hotel taxis.

Those savings can fund an extra excursion or nice dinner.

You don’t always have to fly to feel like you’ve escaped normal life.

Think Cornish coves, Gower Peninsula beaches or Pembrokeshire’s rugged coast: sea air, cream teas, cliff-top walks and fish and chips at sunset.

Where to stay: Holiday parks and coastal lodges

Instead of a traditional hotel, consider:

Holiday parks with caravans or lodges near the beach
Self-catering cottages in villages a short drive from the coast
Boutique B&Bs for couples looking for a cosy escape

A typical affordable holidays-style option might be:

A modern holiday park near Tenby or Newquay with a heated pool, evening entertainment, kids’ clubs, and self-catering caravans or lodges. Many parks include entertainment passes and on-site facilities, so you control your food budget.

Self-catering means you can shop locally for groceries, pack picnics, and chose the days you treat yourselves to meals out – perfect for families watching the pennies.

Want more UK coastal options? Jamie Wake Travel can help you compare self-catering parks, lodges and hotels around Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, South Wales and beyond, so you get the right mix of comfort and value for your budget.

If you picture affordable holidays with sun, sangria and a sandy beach, the Costa del Sol is a strong contender.

With frequent flights from multiple UK airports, a wide range of accommodation, and year-round sunshine, it’s one of the easiest ways to get a warm-weather escape without shocking your bank balance.

Where to stay: Family-friendly beach hotels

Look for:

Resorts like Benalmádena, Torremolinos or Fuengirola
Hotels with pools, kids’ areas and walking distance to the beach
Either half-board (breakfast and dinner) or all-inclusive, depending on how much time you’ll spend on-site

A typical value option might be:

A 3–4★ hotel in Benalmádena with a large outdoor pool, buffet restaurant, family rooms and evening entertainment. Half-board packages often work well here because you can enjoy lunch at beachfront cafés and still stick to a predictable food budget.

Because Costa del Sol is so popular, there is healthy competition among airlines and hotels, which helps keep prices keen – especially outside peak August weeks.

Thinking about Spain for your next trip? Jamie Wake Travel can compare dozens of Costa del Sol packages, from simple 3★ stays to smarter 4★ options, tailoring dates, airports and board basis to keep your holiday affordable.

City breaks are one of the easiest ways to travel more often. If you choose the right cities, you can enjoy fascinating culture, incredible food and good-value prices.

Kraków is a prime example of an affordable holidays city destination:

Short-haul flight from the UK
Compact, walkable Old Town
Plenty of free or low-cost sights
Food, drink and public transport often cheaper than in Western Europe

Where to stay: Central mid-range hotels or aparthotels

For value and convenience, look for:

Hotels within walking distance of the Old Town or main square
Breakfast included, so you’re fuelled for sightseeing
Aparthotels with kitchenettes if you prefer to self-cater some meals

An example option:

A smart 3★ or 4★ aparthotel around 10–15 minutes’ walk from Kraków’s main square, with modern rooms, small kitchenettes and optional breakfast. You can stock up at local supermarkets and enjoy coffee or a glass of wine “at home”, saving on café prices.

Kraków works brilliantly as a 2–4 night break, and you can pair it with cheap walking tours, visits to Wawel Castle and riverside strolls that cost little or nothing.

Ready to add more city breaks into your year? Jamie Wake Travel can build affordable Kraków, Prague, Budapest and other city packages, including flights, hotels and transfers, so all you need to do is pack a cabin bag.

Many people assume long-haul holidays are automatically expensive. But once you factor in cost of living at your destination, you’ll often find that some further-flung spots offer excellent value overall.

Thailand is a classic example: flights can be a little higher, but food, drink, activities and even some hotels are surprisingly affordable once you arrive.

Where to stay: Mid-range beach resorts

In areas like Phuket or Khao Lak, look for:

4★ beach resorts with large pools and tropical gardens
Bed & breakfast or half-board packages
Locations within reach of local restaurants and markets

A typical affordable option:

A 4★ resort in Khao Lak with a lagoon-style pool, spacious rooms, on-site spa and direct beach access. With bed & breakfast, you can enjoy cheap and delicious Thai food at local restaurants each evening, keeping daily costs low.

Because meals in local eateries can be very reasonable, you might spend less overall than on a European all-inclusive, even though you’ve flown further.

Dreaming of Thailand but worried about cost? Jamie Wake Travel can help you compare flight routes, hotel standards and board options to create affordable holidays in Thailand that still feel like a treat.

If your idea of a perfect break is unpacking once at a tropical resort and not thinking about money again, you may assume Mexico is out of reach.

In reality, the Riviera Maya – including areas like Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras – can offer surprisingly good value compared with some closer all-inclusive destinations, particularly outside peak dates.

Where to stay: 4★ all-inclusive resorts

Look for:

4★ resorts with multiple restaurants and bars
A mix of family-friendly and adults-only areas if you’re travelling as a couple
Good-value packages that include flights, luggage, transfers and all-inclusive board

An example style of resort:

A 4★ all-inclusive hotel set among tropical gardens with several à la carte restaurants, large pools, kids’ activities and direct beach access. Your main costs are covered up front, so you only need spending money for excursions and souvenirs.

Because so much is included, it’s easier to stick to your planned budget – making this a strong contender for special-occasion affordable holidays like honeymoons on a budget or big birthdays.

Want to explore long-haul all-inclusive options? Jamie Wake Travel can help you weigh up Mexico against the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and Middle East, finding the dates and resorts that bring it into your budget sweet spot.

Everyday Habits That Make Affordable Holidays Easier

It’s not only about what you do when you book. A few small changes at home can add up to that extra getaway.

1. Create a dedicated “holiday pot”

Set up a separate savings pot with your bank
Arrange a monthly standing order (even £25–£50 adds up)
Add windfalls like refunds, bonuses or side-hustle income

By the time you’re ready to book, you’ve already done half the work.

2. Be strategic with annual leave

To maximise affordable holidays, use bank holidays and weekends to stretch your time away:

Turn 4 days’ leave into a 9-day break by travelling around bank holidays
Plan Friday–Monday city breaks instead of full weeks
Combine a short-haul break with extra WFH days if your job allows

3. Use cards that are kinder on fees abroad

Many UK travel money guides note that one of the easiest savings is to avoid high foreign card fees and poor exchange rates.

Consider:

Using a card with low or no overseas transaction fees
Withdrawing cash only when needed
Avoiding “pay in pounds” options on card machines abroad – choose local currency instead for better rates

Why Booking Protections Matter for Affordable Holidays

When you’re watching every pound, the last thing you want is to lose money if something goes wrong with your trip.

That’s why ATOL protection, supplier failure cover and good travel insurance are so important.

ATOL – financial protection for flight-based packages

ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) is a UK financial protection scheme run by the Civil Aviation Authority. If an ATOL-protected travel company ceases trading, you’re entitled to a refund if you haven’t travelled yet, or to be brought home if you’re already abroad.

In other words: if the worst happens, you’re not left stranded or out of pocket.

Supplier Failure Insurance

Jamie Wake Travel also offers Supplier Failure Insurance, which gives additional reassurance if an individual supplier (such as a hotel or airline that isn’t part of an ATOL package) were to collapse.

Together, these protections mean your affordable holidays are better safeguarded than many DIY bookings you might piece together online.

Use official travel advice

Before you travel, it’s wise to check official foreign travel advice from trusted UK sources such as the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) and the Travel Aware campaign. These services offer current guidance on safety, entry requirements and local rules overseas.

Staying informed helps you avoid costly last-minute changes and travel to destinations with confidence.

How Jamie Wake Travel Makes Affordable Holidays Easier

Trying to juggle flights, hotels, transfers, insurance and small print on your own can be overwhelming – and often doesn’tgive you the best value.

Working with an independent, UK-based agent like Jamie Wake Travel means:

You get personal advice instead of generic algorithms
Your time is saved – we do the research and comparisons for you
You benefit from ATOL protection on eligible packages and Supplier Failure Insurance
You have a real person to call if plans change or something goes wrong

You can search inspiration on the website using the holiday search tool, then let us fine-tune the options so your next getaway is as unique as you are – without losing sight of your budget.

If you’re ready to start planning, you can:

Call 01495 400005 to talk through ideas, or
Send the details of your dream trip via the online enquiry form, and we’ll come back with tailored, affordable holidays that fit your wish-list.

And if this guide has sparked ideas, why not share it with a friend or family member who loves a bargain break as much as you do?

So, where will your next affordable holiday take you?

What are affordable holidays, really?
Affordable holidays are trips where the overall cost – including travel, accommodation and spending money – fits comfortably within your budget, without needing credit or causing financial stress.
Can affordable holidays still be good quality?
Yes. Affordable holidays focus on value, not the lowest possible price. By choosing destinations where your money goes further, travelling off-peak and booking smart, you can enjoy lovely hotels and experiences without overspending.
Are long-haul trips ever truly affordable holidays?
They can be. Places like Thailand or Mexico often have lower day-to-day costs, so once you’ve paid for flights, you may spend less on food and activities than in some closer European resorts.
How far in advance should I book affordable holidays?
For school holidays and popular destinations, booking several months ahead helps secure better prices and availability. For city breaks and off-peak dates, you might find value closer to departure – but there are no guarantees.
Do affordable holidays always mean self-catering?
Not at all. Self-catering can be great value, but so can half-board or all-inclusive, especially for families. The best option depends on where you’re going and how you like to eat and drink on holiday.
How can Jamie Wake Travel find better affordable holidays than I see online?
As an independent agency, Jamie Wake Travel has access to a wide range of tour operators, airlines and hotel suppliers, plus expert knowledge and packaged deals that don’t always appear on public search engines.
Are affordable holidays with Jamie ATOL-protected?
Many flight-inclusive packages booked through Jamie Wake Travel are ATOL-protected, and your confirmation documents will make this clear. We’ll always explain exactly what protection applies to your chosen trip.
Can I arrange payment plans for affordable holidays?
Often, yes. Depending on the tour operator, it may be possible to pay a deposit and then spread the remaining balance over several months, as long as it’s cleared by the final payment date.
What’s the best way to keep spending money under control on holiday?
Plan a realistic daily budget, choose a card with low or no overseas fees, and decide in advance how often you’ll eat out or book paid excursions. All-inclusive packages can also help you stick to a fixed spending plan.
How do I start planning my next affordable holiday with Jamie Wake Travel?
You can call 01495 400005 for a friendly chat, or submit your wish-list through the online enquiry form. Share your dates, budget and must-haves, and we’ll come back with tailor-made affordable holidays to choose from.