BEST CHEAP TRAVEL DEALS TO BOOK IN AUGUST 2024: FLIGHTS AND HOTELS

Holidays: those magical days of annual leave are what make the daily grind worth the effort.

Fresh data from Barclays shows that many UK consumers are increasingly favouring experiences over buying things, with 57 per cent spending disposable income on experiences instead of material possessions. The research predicts that the average person is set to spend £3,322 in the 'Experience Economy' between June and September 2024, with almost half of that sum used on foreign holidays and staycations.

Short-haul vs long-haul

The way we travel has shifted over the last few years for two major reasons: the pandemic and the tangible effects of climate change. While the former revealed the sweet, accessible beauty of a UK staycation, the latter has pushed many to be more mindful when making holiday plans.

While long-haul destinations will always stoke wanderlust and hold a desire to explore new landscapes, food and cultures, short-haul escapes - especially ones that are reached using greener road or rail routes - mean you can squeeze a guilt-free break into a weekend without eating up too much of your holiday allowance.

When is the best time to book a holiday?

Holiday dates and prices wax and wane over the year, with prices spiking over the school holidays, Christmas break, Easter and the eight Bank Holidays that England and Wales enjoy. If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, the best time to travel is outside of these popular dates, and avoid Friday departures where possible.

Whether you’re aching to watch the sunrise in a new time zone or fancy checking into a chic B&B right here in the UK, there are plenty of travel and hotel offers that will have you reaching for your credit card.

We’ll keep you tuned into the best of them right here on this page, updated every month.

Scroll on for the best deals for August to book right now

British Airways

August may be here, but summer is far from over. It's not too late to high-tail it to a Med beach thanks to BA's last-minute deals which include flights to Greece from £82 one way or Spanish routes from £49.

If you're looking for a flight and hotel pairing, the carrier is offering three nights for the price of two in some of Europe's most scenic destinations: think Nice, Prague, Budapest and Lisbon.

Buy now, British Airways

Virgin Atlantic

East or west, Virgin has a route to suit. Right now US destinations are top of the pack with roundtrip deals to NYC, Orlando, Miami and Vegas starting from just £367. There are offers across cabins too, lessening the cost of travelling in premium and Upper Class.

The prices are decent but if you can sit tight until the end of the month, we reckon Virgin is likely to join other airlines in a Bank Holiday sale. That's when you'll really hit the jackpot.

Buy now, Virgin Atlantic

easyJet

The orange-coloured budget airline is famous for its low prices - yep, even in summer. Juicy August offers include Milan, Biarritz and Sardinia for as little as £14.99. Fancy an Indiana Jones-style adventure? easyJet Holidays offers trips to Egypt - including a Nile Cruise - from £521pp for seven nights.

Buy now £17.99, easyJet

WizzAir

For a cheap escape, WizzAir has some of the most enticing prices for European destinations around. Right now you can find £12.99 one-way fares to Lyon in France, or sizzle in Sicily, Faro or Agadir for £17.99 in August.

Note these prices typically only include basic underseat luggage: if you want to take a standard cabin bag, there will be extra fees.

Buy now, WizzAir

Ryanair

Ready to find some proper sun? If you're happy to fly from Stansted, Ryanair has deals on several Mediterranean destinations: think Genoa, Leipzig, Milan and Nimes with prices starting from £14.99 if you're willing to fly in the week (Mondays and Wednesdays).

Buy now, Ryanair

Cathay Pacific

Got your heart set on somewhere further afield? Now's the time to strike on routes across Asia, Australia and New Zealand with Cathay Pacific.

The airline has launched a summer sale that sees at least £200 wiped off the cost of flights. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the bustle of Vietnam or chill under the Balinese sun, the sale offers a bounty of pleasing deals.

Use discount code SAVE200GB to bag your discount. The sale ends August 31.

Buy now, Cathay Pacific

Eurostar

Connecting the UK to mainland Europe, Eurostar is your gateway to the Continent. The superfast train always has decent fares to be found to its destinations: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Lille, Cologne, Lyon, Avignon, Strasbourg-Ville and of course Paris.

The City of Lights is hosting the Olympics and Paralympic Games this month, making now the perfect time to book a ticket and get in on the sporting action. Fares start at £39 one way for dates in August and September.

Buy now, Eurostar

Great Rail Journeys

Embrace slow travel in style by visiting stunning European destinations on water. Operator Great Rail Journeys has launched a flash sale on its river cruise packages which include Bordeaux, the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge and the Seine with a stop at Monet's famous garden in Giverny.

Buy now, Great Rail Journeys

Lastminute.com

Lastminute has been in the impulse travel game since 1998 and still does it well. The company has just launched a summer sale including flight and hotel packages for destinations near and far.

There are deals under £200 for European destinations such as Prague, Paris and Dublin, while those dreaming of a longer break may be enticed by seven-nights in Lanzarote, Turkey or Portugal.

Buy now, Lastminute.com

Booking.com

You may know Booking.com as the place to find cheaper rates on hotels, B&Bs and private rentals but the site also offers flight and hotel and train and hotel packages, allowing you to plan the major components of a break under one digital roof.

Current the headline attractions include various corners of the Med and eastern Europe. If you're tired of wading through crowds, Booking.com's off-beat ideas could hold the key. Find a fly-and-stay deal to Durres in Albania for as little as £114pp or beautiful Sofia in Bulgaria from £122pp.

Buy now, Booking.com

TUI

Specialising in east Mediterranean and Middle Eastern breaks, package holiday experts Tui take care of all the details so you can get on with the very important business of R&R.

There's plenty of travel inspiration on offer, from flights only, cruise deals, skiing and hotel packages. For those hankering for a real adventure, try multi-destination options and pack more into your time away or choose all-inclusive for a stress-free holiday.

Buy now, TUI

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2024-07-02T18:10:43Z dg43tfdfdgfd