Cheap Holidays

Want to find your perfect holiday on a shoestring budget? Here are some tips and tricks to get you started:

• Be flexible: if you’re not tied down to specific dates or destinations, let us find you the best combinations of flights and hotels across the world so you don’t have to do all the leg work. Sometimes flying mid-week can be cheaper than departing on a weekend, while late-night flights are more cost-effective than flying mid-morning, so be prepared to get unconventional.
• Try to book early: While there are always some great last-minute holiday deals to be had, you’ll typically get the best prices if you book as early as possible.
• Go off-peak: If you don’t have any kids in tow, be sure to check out dates outside of the school holidays. Planning an off-season getaway also means that while temperatures remain high, destinations tend to be a lot quieter.
• Consider all departure options and airlines: Don’t neglect the lesser-known airlines or airports that are that bit further away. While the journey might be a bit longer, you could end up saving a lot more wonga.
• Set your filters: When searching for a cheap holiday, sort the results so the lowest-price holiday appears at the top of the list. You can also set your maximum budget and tailor your results so you find a holiday that has everything to suit you and your savings.
• Choose how you pay: Don’t forget that when you book with us, you’ll only have to pay as little as €25 per person upfront. You can also spread the cost of your holiday over monthly instalments, making a big spend feel a lot more pleasant.

Once you’ve got the best deal on your holiday, it pays to do a bit of prep to keep your costs down while you’re away. Here are our quick tips:

• Explore historical hotspots by day and tuck into extensive buffet spreads and tropical cocktails by night with an all-inclusive package. Simply put, this board basis covers all your meals and drinks at your hotel so all you have to worry about is which sun lounger to pick.
• If you do decide to have a meal outside of your hotel, a good trick is to choose restaurants that offer daily set menus. Often called ‘menú del día’ in Spain, or ‘prato do dia menu’ in Portugal, these menus usually include starters, mains, desserts and drinks for a fraction of the cost of an a la carte meal. Alternatively, indulge in some street food – cheap and cheerful, these freshly cooked street snacks are a great way to sample your destination’s gastronomic heritage.
• You can also keep costs low by opting for self-catering accommodation. Stock up on produce from local markets or supermarkets and cook up a storm for the whole group.
• When you’re out and about, take advantage of free attractions like parks, museums and galleries, or delve deeper into your destination by joining free walking tours.
• Shop around for the best exchange rates and deals on currency, and check if your bank charges fees on transactions made abroad.
• Before you book, check to see if you’ll need to apply (and pay for) any tourist visas and if you’ll be charged any mandatory resort fees or taxes, so you don’t get stung when you arrive.

Escape the miserable Irish weather with wallet-friendly package holidays to some of the sunniest places on Earth. Here are our top picks:

• Tenerife: Enjoy long, lazy days on a mix of white and black-sand beaches in Tenerife, where you won’t need to spend anything other than maybe on an ice cream or two. And with year-round warm temperatures, this Canary Island is a top choice for budget-conscious holidaymakers looking for off-season holiday deals and winter sun holidays.
• The Balearic Islands: Fully loaded with nightlife that’s second to none the Balearics are classics when it comes to cheap holidays. The islands of Majorca and Ibiza are full of all-inclusive resorts and tempting drinks deals.
• Spain: If you’re looking for cheap holidays to Spain, you can’t go wrong with Benidorm. A dazzling choice of hotels, seaside restaurants and English-speaking bars line the bustling promenades of this Costa Blanca resort, all in close proximity to an array of well-kept beaches.
• Turkey: For world-famous monuments, sunny shores and opulent all-inclusive hotels that won’t cost you the Earth, head to Turkey. Great for family holidays and couples escapes, you can chill out by the pool or soak up the sun on ravishing beaches lapped by the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
• Morocco: Work your way through flavoursome slow-cooked tagines, go quad biking through the desert, reach new heights in the Atlas Mountains or plonk yourself down on the beach with a good book in Morocco. All-inclusive holidays to Marrakech and Agadir will treat you to non-stop sun, good food and good vibes without breaking the bank.
• Portugal: One of Europe’s sunniest destinations, the Algarve in Portugal is a great choice for family holidays. As well as golden beaches and budget-friendly yet stylish hotels, you’ll find whitewashed villages, foodie hotspots and endless water sports waiting to be explored.

Take advantage of the array of cheap and free experiences you can have on your holiday.

• Make the most of your all inclusive hotel: The beauty of cheap all inclusive holidays is that you’ll often have sparkling swimming pools, kids’ clubs and entertainment to enjoy without spending anything extra.
• Discover a new museum: Many historical sites and museums are either free of charge or cheap to visit. You can uncover history and culture or see some impressive artwork.
• Explore the great outdoors: Towering mountains, long sandy beaches and lush green countryside – no matter where you go on holiday, there are always outdoor adventures. And the best bit? They come with a small (or no) price tag!
• Book a walking tour: For those who love a city break, a walking tour is a fun way to see your new surroundings, find out about the local history and make sure you don’t miss out on anything. These tours are usually offered at a reasonable price, or some tour guides will ask for a donation of your choice.