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Plan your next summer holiday

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Summer holidays: Cheap summer holiday deals

Summer has to be one of the best times of the year to travel: you can enjoy warm weather, outdoor festivals, al fresco bars and cafes and long days of hiking through nature or wandering through cities. Whether you're planning your first glamping trip, a holiday with a group of friends, a family trip abroad or even a staycation in the UK, your summer adventure is bound to be a memorable one

No matter which type of holiday you're looking for, we've got deals to all your favourite summer destinations, from dreamy beach holidays to last-minute city breaks. You may even end up booking a trip to somewhere completely unexpected!

A word to the wise: Thanks to the summer school holidays, July and August are some of the most popular times to travel, so it's always worth trying to book an early bird holiday. But even if you haven't booked yet, you may still find an absolute steal; just take a look at our latest summer offers. 

The best destinations for summer holidays abroad

If you are looking to get away from it all this summer, then a summer holiday abroad may be just the ticket. And there are so many types of summer experiences to choose from, such as an island getaway in the Mediterranean, a European city break or a long-haul adventure in the Caribbean.

Don't know where to begin? We've rounded up all our favourite destinations for a summer holiday abroad - and ones that can still have a cheap pricetag if you book early enough!

1. Croatia

A quick 2-hour flight from London will see you in Croatia’s capital of Zagreb, a vibrant city at any time of the year. And it's a gateway to a perfect summer holiday. After all, Croatia is home to some of the best beaches in all of Europe and boasts spectacular natural scenery too.

Ideal for travellers of all kinds, this country offers you splendid beaches and rooftop views in Dubrovnik and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Split. You can find a wide range of summer activities in Croatia - from scuba diving and bungee jumping to paragliding and windsurfing. There really is something for everyone!

Top tips for Croatia: Walk around Dubrovnik's ancient city walls to experience the real-life King’s Landing from Game of Thrones; Krka National Park and Plitviče Lakes National Park are also unmissable destinations.

2. The Algarve, Portugal

When it comes to our list of go-to summer holiday destinations, the Algarve is a place that comes up again and again - and deservedly so. It's considered to be one of the best summer holiday destinations in all of Europe. Characterised by its wealth of attractions to visit, sunny places to stay and delicious local food and drink to enjoy, the Algarve is guaranteed to give you an unforgettable summer.

A 3-hour flight gets you to Faro airport; from there, it's a short journey to some truly lush beaches, wine tasting, boat tours and watersports - you certainly won't run out of things to do in the Algarve.

Top tips for the Algarve: Stay in the popular cities of Faro, Albufeira or Lagos for the full Portuguese experience. Visit the beaches, take in the clifftop views or go for a boat excursion along the coast; don’t forget to visit the Castle of Silves too!

3. Marrakesh, Morocco

You don't need to wait for summertime to take a holiday in magical Morocco. Marrakesh welcomes travellers with its warmth, colours and aromatic flavours - all of which are bound to put that summer spring back in your step. A Marrakesh city break will allow you to immerse yourself in this city's fascinating history and sample traditional cuisine within a stunning setting.

Lose yourself in the alleyways of the Medina, the city's Old Town, and explore the souks at your leisure. Souks are ancient markets where you can haggle with the local traders for everything from clothes and jewellery to traditional ornaments.

Top tips for Marrakesh: Grab a bargain at the Jemaa el-Fnaa market, visit the Bahia Palace and venture off on a day trip to explore the Atlas Mountains with a local guide.

4. Majorca, Spain

One of our all-time favourite islands, Majorca has consistently been a go-to destination for an unforgettable summer holiday. One of Spain's Balearic Islands, Majorca offers sandy beaches, Roman ruins and vibrant resorts that will leave you feeling relaxed and restored.

Majorca is ideal for a family holiday and offers many options for accommodating large groups. If you're a couple, this island has an amazing, romantic setup, but solo travellers also have plenty of options thanks to friendly locals and welcoming bars and restaurants.

Top tips for Majorca: Visit the Drach Caves and explore their mysterious waters. Visit Cala Millor for the vibrant nightlife, romantic settings and the beach.

5. Turkey

With so many Turkish resorts and towns to choose from, you're perfectly positioned to find a fun and affordable summer holiday. In Antalya, you'll find culture, architecture and beaches. If it's natural beauty you're after, then check out the Dalaman area.

Bodrum is a great choice for families. You'll find golden beaches and hidden coves - along with crystal-clear waters. There are also some great day trip options here, such as Bodrum Castle.

Top tips for Turkey: If you have time, head off to Istanbul, which has a little bit of everything. There's history and culture, such as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and you can even find beaches close to the city.

6. Greece

If you close your eyes and allow yourself to daydream of the ultimate summer destination, the sun-baked houses and turquoise-blue waters of Greece would inevitably come to mind. Whether you're keen on visiting the Greek Islands or mainland hotspots like Athens and Halkidiki, you'll be all set for a sunny summer holiday in Greece.

Escape to the beach at island destinations like Corfu, Santorini or Crete, or spend your days discovering historical attractions in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Top tips for Greece: When in Athens, leave aside a full day to discover the treasures of the city's Acropolis. In Corfu, don't miss out on seeing the dramatic Cape Drastis or wandering around the atmospheric streets of Corfu's Old Town.

The best destinations for a summer staycation in the UK

If you want to go somewhere this summer but don't fancy the fuss of hopping on a plane, then don't worry, there are plenty of fantastic summer destinations right here in the UK.

From holiday parks and theme parks to seaside breaks and wellness and spa trips, there's so much to choose from this summer. To help you get started, we've picked some of our all-time favourite destinations for a UK staycation.

1. London

On top of all the shops, bars, restaurants, theatres and comedy clubs that are available all year round, London has many things to do that are simply better in the summer. There is a choice of outdoor swimming pools, some heated, some not, and you can even find some open lakes to swim in.

Thanks to the warm weather, you can either jump on a train and head to the coast for a day at the beach or take advantage of the city beaches that pop up during the summer months. You can also choose one of London's spectacular parks and have a picnic outdoors.

Summer is also the time that London hosts its big music festivals and live events, such as British Summer Time Hyde Park and Westend Live.

Other summer must-sees include London Zoo as well as the stately Buckingham Palace, which opens its rooms to the public for a short period of time from July onwards.

2. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, is the place to be in the summer as this city really comes alive during the warmer months. The largest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place throughout August, taking over many venues in the city.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival has thousands of events to choose from, such as comedy, theatre, music, spoken word and more. Apart from the events you can attend, Edinburgh's streets come alive with live music, street performers and food stalls.

Outside of festival time, Edinburgh has loads of things to do; the city is big on Harry Potter shops, along with vibrant nightlife and award-winning theatre shows.

For those interested in Edinburgh's history, discover a secret street under the city on a tour to Mary King's Close, visit Edinburgh Castle or head to the Edinburgh Dungeon.

3. Lake District

With its incomparable countryside, charming villages and wealth of outdoor attractions, the Lake District is a particularly popular summertime destination. The Lake District covers a fairly large area, so there are lots of different types of accommodation you can choose from.

If you feel like getting in touch with nature, there are plenty of campsites and glamping options to choose from. The Lake District is also a hotspot for hiking enthusiasts; some of the most popular walks include Tarn Hows, Scafell Pike and Catbells.

For something a bit more luxurious, you can opt for one of the many boutique hotels, spa hotels and B&Bs that call this region home. Some of the best villages to visit (and base yourself in) include Grasmere, Hawkshead, Keswick and Kendal.

There are so many things to do and see in the Lake District, but don't miss out on the chance to see Lake Windermere or to visit Muncaster Castle, Hill Top or Rydal Mount.

4. Cornwall

Nothing epitomises the British summer holiday more than beautiful Cornwall. If you choose Cornwall as your summer holiday destination, you'll be all set to discover stunning seaside villages, a dramatic coast line and pristine beaches. If you're after a beach holiday specifically, the south coast of Cornwall is an unbeatable choice.

In terms of which areas to stay, St Ives, Newquay, Penzance, Truro and Falmouth are all popular choices. You'll find a wide variety of accommodation types in Cornwall too, from private houses and boutique hotels to campsites and treehouses.

This part of the UK is renowned for its natural beauty and there are some unmissable outdoor spots to see in Cornwall. Head to the coast to see places like Minack Theatre, St Michael's Mount, Land's End and Tintagel Castle.

Another well-known Cornish attraction is the Eden Project; these huge domes are home to thousands of different plant species.

5. York

For an action-packed countryside summer getaway, the city of York is an excellent choice. Located in the county of Yorkshire, York is easily reached from all other parts of the UK and has so much to offer anyone who chooses to stay here.

There's a lot to see and do. Start by paying a visit to York Minster, the city's cathedral, then discover more about York's Viking past at the Jorvik Viking Centre. For something a bit quirky, stop by the York Dungeon, or join one of the ghost walking tours on offer.

Summer is a great time to visit York. The warm weather and long daylight hours mean that you can get the most out of your stay. Enjoy a spot of shopping or a meal in the Shambles, one of the prettiest streets in the whole city.

While there's more than enough to keep you busy during a summer holiday to York, the city also happens to be an ideal base for some fun day trips. Immerse yourself in nature at North York Moors National Park or explore historical sites like Harewood House and Bolton Abbey.

6. Isle of Wight

Located off the south coast, the Isle of Wight offers a whole lot of value and variety for anyone choosing to spend their summer holiday here. Shanklin, Cowes, Newport and Ventnor are all popular areas to stay but you can easily access all parts of this small island no matter where you choose to stay.

The Isle of Wight is a hotspot for family holidays, but all other travellers are catered for as well. In the summer, you can enjoy the island's beaches; some of the best beaches include Yaverland Beach, Shanklin Beach and Compton Bay.

There's no end to what you can get up to on the Isle of Wight. Some of our favourite things to do are visiting the Needles, exploring Osborne House and spending a day at Blackgang Chine, the world's oldest theme park.

The Isle of Wight is a haven for foodies as well. There are plenty of al fresco bars and restaurants to choose from in the summer and, unsurprisingly, the seafood is particularly good. For something off the beaten track, stop for a meal at the Garlic Farm.

Find more summer holiday inspiration