Cheap Holidays? Here’s How to Save Money This Summer

In 2026, we’re all feeling tightness in the wallet department. From the energy crisis to global geopolitical tensions, a lot is weighing on the world. But honestly, for the average person, the stress on the economy translates less into questions about the big picture and more into questions about how to get away on a break this summer. Are cheap holidays possible in this climate? 

It’s hard to know how to save money for a holiday when everything is expensive, which is why it might make more sense to pick a more modest trip from the outset. This article will explore options for budget holidays this summer, ensuring you get the joy of a trip away without the same degree of financial stress.

Choosing a domestic stay

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but one of the most effective ways to save money on a summer holiday is to not leave the country. Yes, we’ve all seen those YouTube videos where someone books a last-minute flight for half the price of a train ticket, but those kinds of impulsive viral moments don’t work when trying to sort out a trip with your family.

When you account for the cost of convenience stores abroad, airport to hotel taxis, food at the airport and the countless hidden travel fees that come with going out of the country, a well-thought-out domestic holidays almost guaranteed to be cheaper. You can take some of your own food and 

Also, there’s so much to enjoy about the UK! From family trips to the New Forest to romantic breaks in the Lake District, it’s clear that sometimes it makes sense to look in your own back garden before venturing across the sea. 

All-inclusive budget holidays are making a comeback

If you want to head across to a different country for your holiday, choosing a package deal is actually back in fashion. People often think that paying for a package is “for suckers”, but they’re actually often a lot cheaper than a holiday can become if you manage it yourself. Yes, it can be something of a lump sum, but this transaction actually covers a lot of advantages.

• Spending your money at once allows your party to enjoy soft drinks, alcohol and food with reckless abandon, with no fear of bills stacking up over the trip. 
• Most packages offer financial protection, ensuring you have peace of mind in case flights are cancelled or airlines go bust. 
• Transfers are often covered by all-inclusive packages, saving you crucial money that can easily go out of the window when managing part-to-part travel.  

With these advantages in mind, going all-inclusive could be the best way to to book budget holidays for families or larger groups. 

Booking hacks & smart techniques for cheap holidays

It’s not just about where you go. There are also plenty of smart booking and on-the-ground techniques people can use to potentially save money on whatever trip they’re going on. 

• Booking trips midweek can drop flight costs by a reasonable amount, so if you have the holiday days left to take off work, it could be the move. 
• Using a VPN to check hotels and rental car prices, tricking the system into thinking you’re from a lower-income region can save you money on your bookings. 
• Booking well in advance or in the last two weeks is the best way to save money. The “normal” times to book holidays are generally going to be the most expensive. 
• Once you’re in the country, always pay in the local currency on your card, as this will ensure conversions aren’t as severe. 
• Always check for facility fees or additional charges on rooms or rentals that feel too good to be true. 

By following these guidelines, you should be able to enjoy an affordable holiday, whether you opt for an all-inclusive or a glamping excursion to the lakes. Keep your wits about you and make your time off worth it!