Holidays In The School Holidays 2025

How To Get The Best Deals On School Holiday Breaks

Travelling during school holidays doesn't have to break the bank if you know a few money-saving tricks.

Book Early

One of the best ways to secure a good deal is to book early, as in 6 to 12 months in advance. Many tour operators, including TUI, Jet2holidays, and First Choice, release their holiday packages more than a year ahead, often with early-bird discounts, free child places, and low deposits. The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have when it comes to hotels, flight times, and room options, especially for really popular hotels.

Free Child Places

Several family-friendly holiday providers offer free child places when you book early. These deals allow one child to stay and fly for free when sharing a room with two paying adults, cutting hundreds of pounds off the total cost. Because these deals sell out quickly, it's best to book as soon as they're released, usually in autumn or early spring for the following year's holidays.

Consider Last Minute Deals

If you're flexible with where you go, last-minute deals can sometimes save you a fortune. Tour operators don't want empty hotel rooms, so they often drop prices close to departure to fill up spaces. While this works well for half-term and Easter getaways, it's riskier for summer and Christmas breaks, when availability is lower.

Sign up for email alerts from travel companies like us at My Budget Break, and find the best last minute offers on our website at mybudgetbreak.com as well as others like Teletext Holidays, Thomas Cook and easyJet Holidays so you don't miss out.

Be Flexible With Travel Dates & Airports

If your school allows teacher training days at the start or end of a holiday, see if you can leave a day earlier or later, even a one-day shift can make flights much cheaper.

Flying from alternative airports can also help. Major airports like London Heathrow or Manchester tend to be pricier than smaller ones like Bristol, East Midlands, or Liverpool. Checking different departure points could save you a surprising amount.

Consider Alternative Destinations

The most popular family destinations—like Spain, Greece, and Florida—tend to be the most expensive during school holidays. But lesser-known spots can offer great value while still providing a fantastic holiday experience.

Instead of the Costa del Sol, try Albania or Montenegro for stunning beaches at a fraction of the price. Swap Disney World in Florida for PortAventura in Spain or Europa-Park in Germany for a similar theme park experience without the high costs.

Discount Codes

You may also be able to use a discount code to get even more money off your holiday. These can sometimes be automatically applied, or you have to find them an apply for them yourself. You can find our favourite TUI discount codes here.

Top Destinations For School Holiday Getaways

The best school holiday destinations depend on your budget, how far you're willing to travel, and what kind of holiday you're after.

Best Short-Haul Destinations

Spain, Greece, and Portugal are top choices for a quick, sun-soaked escape. The Canary Islands are warm year-round, making them a great pick for Easter and Christmas. For a cultural twist, Italy or France offer beautiful cities and amazing food. Other budget friendly options include Bulgaria, Albania and Croatia. Be sure to also check new destinations from the big tour operators as these can sometimes have more availability and be cheaper. Holidays for the May and October half term can usually be cheaper than July and August because you're at the start and end of the typical holiday season.

Best Long-Haul Destinations

If you're willing to travel a little further, Florida is perfect for theme parks, while the Caribbean and Dubai offer luxury beach holidays with guaranteed sunshine. Thailand is another fantastic choice, with stunning beaches and family-friendly resorts, and can actually be really affordable when compared to closer destinations.

Best UK Staycations

If you're staying in the UK, Cornwall, Devon, and the Lake District offer stunning scenery, fun activities, and great family-friendly accommodation. Theme park breaks at Alton Towers or Legoland are also great for a quick and easy getaway.