Amid the dreary weather in Britain and our sights set on the next year, many individuals are now looking to plan their 2026 vacation. Fortunately, there are some clever money-saving tips that could potentially help you save thousands on your upcoming holiday with just three simple adjustments.
When considering expenses like transportation, accommodation, and spending money, costs can quickly accumulate. Thankfully, TUI has shared some essential saving strategies to help you keep more cash in your pocket, whether you are planning a European city escape or a sunny beach retreat.
In order to unveil the most cost-effective ways to book a holiday, First Choice, a part of the TUI Group, conducted an analysis of two years’ worth of booking data. Their research revealed that opting for slightly unconventional travel arrangements, termed ‘Wonky holidays,’ can significantly reduce the overall holiday expenses.
One key change suggested by First Choice is to vary the number of nights spent abroad. Instead of the standard 7 or 14-night duration, they recommend considering booking stays for 6, 8, 13, or 15 nights.
According to First Choice’s findings, travelers who booked stays of odd lengths, such as 5 or 11 nights, paid up to 13% less per night compared to those who opted for traditional durations. Additionally, they observed that flying on a Tuesday or Thursday, rather than a Saturday, could save each traveler around £70.
The travel company also advises selecting the most affordable airport available rather than the nearest one. Although it may be more convenient to use the closest airport, First Choice discovered that choosing departure or arrival airports strategically could lead to substantial savings, sometimes exceeding £1,000 per passenger.
The research, conducted in collaboration with money-saving expert Jordan Cox, emphasizes that these minor, unconventional adjustments, such as opting for an odd number of nights, flying midweek, or selecting an alternative airport, can potentially help travelers save up to £1,100 per person.
For instance, First Choice highlighted that booking a 7-night stay at the four-star Constantinou Athena Beach Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus, with return flights from London Heathrow on Saturday, 25 July 2026, would cost £1,500 per person. However, by switching the flights to London Luton and departing a week earlier on Tuesday, 14 July, the exact same holiday could be obtained for just £947 – resulting in a saving of £553 per person.
Furthermore, they pointed out that planning a getaway during quieter months like January, March, early April, or mid-September is typically 16% cheaper than traveling during peak summer months. By booking during off-peak periods, travelers can also take advantage of additional deals that are often available.
Jordan, the money-saving expert, highlighted, “People work hard all year for their holiday, but too often they end up paying a premium simply by following the crowd. The First Choice research shows that being flexible, whether that’s traveling midweek, choosing a different airport, or avoiding the standard seven- or 14-night stay, can unlock significant savings, sometimes even enough to take two trips for the price of one.”
Kevin Nelson, the managing director of First Choice, commented, “People seek extraordinary holidays and assurance that they are receiving excellent value. This is why we introduced Wonky Holidays: to simplify the process of finding flexible trips that offer better value without compromising on the experience.”
