Amid the dreary weather in the UK and with thoughts turning to the upcoming year, many individuals are already planning their 2026 vacations. Fortunately, there are smart money-saving strategies that could potentially save you thousands of pounds on your next holiday with just three simple adjustments.
When factoring in transportation, accommodations, and spending money, expenses can quickly accumulate. Fortunately, TUI has shared some key savings tips to help travelers cut costs, whether they are planning a European city escape or a sunny beach retreat.
In order to identify the most cost-effective ways to book a holiday, First Choice, a part of the TUI Group, analyzed two years’ worth of booking data. Their analysis revealed that making bookings with slightly unconventional travel details, termed ‘Wonky holidays,’ significantly reduces holiday costs.
One notable suggestion is to vary the duration of stay when traveling abroad. Instead of opting for the standard 7 or 14-night stay, they recommend considering bookings for 6, 8, 13, or 15 nights.
First Choice discovered that travelers who booked odd-length stays, such as 5 or 11 nights, saved up to 13% per night compared to those choosing traditional durations. Additionally, flying on a Tuesday or Thursday rather than a Saturday could save each traveler around £70.
The travel group also advises selecting the cheapest available airport for departure and arrival, even if it’s not the closest one. By swapping departure or arrival airports, significant savings can be achieved, sometimes exceeding £1,000 per passenger.
The research, conducted in collaboration with money-saving expert Jordan Cox, highlights that making these minor, unconventional adjustments, such as opting for odd-length stays, midweek flights, or alternative airports, can lead to savings of up to £1,100 per person.
For instance, First Choice compared the cost of 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, which amounted to £1,500 per person. By changing the flights to depart from London Luton and departing a week earlier on Tuesday, 14 July, the same holiday could be enjoyed for just £947 per person, resulting in a saving of £553.
Furthermore, booking a holiday during quieter months like January, March, early April, or mid-September is typically 16% cheaper than peak summer travel. Travelers can also benefit from additional deals available during off-peak periods.
Jordan, the money-saving expert, emphasized the importance of flexibility in travel planning, stating that small adjustments can lead to significant savings, potentially enabling travelers to take multiple trips for the price of one.
Kevin Nelson, the managing director of First Choice, emphasized the goal of providing travelers with incredible holidays that offer great value without compromising on experience, underscoring the importance of the Wonky Holidays initiative.
If you have a travel story to share, you can email webtravel@reachplc.com.
