How to get the best value on holiday

Value isn’t always about saving money – but it helps!

When it comes to holidays, we have the expertise to delight both your wanderlust and your wallet. Jane, Katie and Dev share their top tips for maximising value on your next holiday.

Tons of tips to tap into

“You dream it. We make it personal with tons of our own tips you can tap into. We’ll tell you which day to sightsee in Tokyo (Sundays, when fantastically dressed teenagers gather in Harajuku) and which local restaurants to eat at in Barbados (the Lone Star, in a 1940s converted petrol station – try the barracuda).”

Go out of season

“Take advantage of better prices and fewer people by travelling in the off-season. Yes, that could mean Namibia or Mauritius in our summer months, but there are plenty of other places to consider. Beat the crowds in Italy from October to April or travel to Asia in ‘green season’ and enjoy the lush landscapes while having more or it to yourself. The Maldives in the summer might not be peak season but there are other factors to consider – when you can see specific marine life or when you’ll find the best offers. Canada is gorgeous in winter as you can see Québec City in the snow or ice on Niagara Falls.”

Room remix

“For many people, it’s the dream of a lifetime to stay in an overwater villa in the Maldives, but it’s often out of budget for a ten-night stay. Instead, book a garden villa, ending with two or three nights in an overwater villa so you can experience the dream without paying the full premium.

You could split a holiday between two different hotels to get the best out of the experience – in Mauritius, add a few nights in the mountains at Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge. If you’re including a city stopover in your holiday, consider upgrading to a club room as the extra cost is modest when you consider the benefits: free drinks, concierge and afternoon tea.”

Be surprised!

“Seek hidden gems in good-value destinations. Mexico and Dominican Republic are examples of where all-inclusives have stepped up their level to offer incredible value. They’re both accessible destinations with good connections to Miami and the wider USA and Caribbean, meaning there’s the opportunity for twin-centre holidays with shorter and more affordable flights. Plus, both are excellent winter sun destinations. Great value can also be found in Turkey, with lots of incredible all-inclusive packages. Head there in October – the summer season lasts longer and the sea is still warm enough to swim in.”

A twist on family holidays

“We don’t do standard packages – instead, we get to know our travellers. For example, you might automatically think of going short haul for your family summer holiday but if its beaches, adventure and activities you’re after then you’ll get brilliant value for money in Mauritius. Our summer is their winter but the temperature hovers about 27 °C and some hotels such as Zilwa Attitude and The Ravenala Attitude count anyone up to age 17 as children.

Asia is great for families as there are more two-bedroom options. In Bangkok, you can upgrade to a two-bedroom suite at Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, Vignette Collection for very little.”

Do it all

“If you can’t decide between beach, culture or nature, pick a destination that offers it all and add contrast to your trip in one carefully crafted journey. Thailand and Sri Lanka are amazing options where it’s easy to mix experiences across landscapes. Escorted group tours in Africa or India are jam-packed with cultural discoveries, iconic sights and authentic experiences – and cost substantially less than a private itinerary. They’re perfect for single travellers seeking a sociable experience.”

Be the early bird

“The earlier you book, often, the cheaper it is. With selected destinations in the Indian Ocean, Asia and Caribbean and with airlines and hotels where we have long-standing partnerships, we can guarantee prices (including upgrades) for travel up until April 2027. For destinations where we’re not able to guarantee the fares, we’ll always strive to get you the lowest fare available. Flight prices tend to rise closer to departure, so locking in your booking sooner rather than later is a smart move. Aside from flights, your hotel, transfers and any trips or tours won’t change once you confirm your booking. Rest assured, we’re here to help you get the very best value for your money.”

This feature was updated on 31st January 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.