A guide to last-minute holidays from the UK
If you’ve booked the perfect extended Fall/Winter stay in the UK, at some point you may be looking at one or more quick getaways to sunnier climes. You’ll be happy you did especially when the UK weather gets grey and rainy. Despite 2025 getting closer and closer to signing off, there is still time to jet off to someplace warm especially if you’re staying in, say, London. But booking last-minute holidays can be stressful.
Here are some hints and tips to get you in the air with as little stress as possible.
TraveLling between December and February
It’s common knowledge that holidaying at off-peak times doesn’t break the bank. Demand from families tends to taper off as they are more constricted by school holidays.
Travelling between December and February is a great time to snag a bargain with package holidays and the individual elements both dropping in price. You may also find that popular destinations such as Spain, France and Portugal feel quieter due to the lack of tourists – perfect if you’re looking to rest and recharge.
Hot but affordable: Top destinations for late-year sun
When booking a last-minute holiday, you need to balance warmth and value for money. Certain destinations tick both of those boxes and more.
The Canary Islands are popular all year round. Known for rugged volcanic landscapes surrounded by white, sandy beaches, this archipelago offers everything you could need. If you wanted to go off-grid, head to La Gomera with its sprawling forests and marine life hotspots. Alternatively, for a bit of excitement, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria may suit you better due to their larger size.
On another archipelago, Madeira is another perfect place to visit for winter sunshine. Golf lovers can play with a view on Madeira’s several stunning courses. The Santo da Serra Golf Club is one of the most extraordinary, with space for both beginners and professionals. The 27-hole setting is surrounded by rich flora and four tranquil lakes, a spectacle while you’re playing.
Smart tactics to snag a deal
Some people are just lucky stumbling on a great deal, but there are some steps you can take to insure you root one out, too.
If you can be flexible when it comes to flights, great! By not filtering your departure to a specific airport, you can compare prices and decide whether travelling further to the airport is worth the savings.
Keep an eye out for flash sales as well. Individual airlines tend to have them which don’t appear on comparison sites, so you may be able to snag a deal for as little as £15 one way.
What to watch out for
As with all deals, cheap last-minute holidays tend to have limited availability. Also, the few spaces there may get snapped up quickly by other holidaymakers.
One thing to consider is the weather. Although you are seeking winter sun, the weather in the Northern Hemisphere can be more unpredictable in the winter months. Make sure you pack a couple of warm sweaters in case the temperatures fall. Also, you may find that there are fewer services available in the off-season. Some businesses will close shop for the winter so it may be harder to find shops and cafes that are open. No matter, often the holidays where ingenuity and persistence prevail are the ones remembered most. And you’ll have those savings to spend when you return!