Booking a holiday abroad can often feel like a significant financial commitment, but according to travel experts from TUI and First Choice, making just three simple adjustments to your booking process could save you hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. With many Britons already planning their 2026 getaways amid the dreary winter weather, these savvy saving strategies could make that dream trip far more affordable.
The Power of 'Wonky Holidays'
First Choice, which operates as part of the TUI Group, conducted an extensive analysis of two years' worth of booking data to identify the most cost-effective ways to plan a holiday. Their research revealed that what they term 'Wonky Holidays' – bookings that deviate from conventional travel patterns – can result in substantially lower prices.
By embracing flexibility and making a few unconventional choices, travellers can unlock significant savings without compromising on the quality of their holiday experience.
1. Adjust Your Stay Duration
One of the most impactful changes you can make is to reconsider the length of your stay. Instead of automatically opting for the standard 7 or 14-night packages, First Choice recommends booking stays of 6, 8, 13, or 15 nights.
Their analysis found that travellers who booked odd-length stays, such as 5 or 11 nights, paid up to 13 per cent less per night compared to those choosing conventional durations. This simple shift in planning can lead to considerable overall savings, especially for longer trips.
2. Fly on Alternative Days
The day you choose to fly can have a dramatic effect on the cost of your holiday. First Choice's data indicates that flying on a Tuesday or Thursday, rather than the popular Saturday, can save holidaymakers around £70 per person.
This midweek travel hack takes advantage of lower demand periods, allowing airlines and tour operators to offer more competitive pricing. For a family of four, this could mean an extra £280 to spend on experiences during the holiday itself.
3. Consider Alternative Airports
While travelling from your nearest airport is undoubtedly convenient, it may not be the most economical choice. First Choice suggests comparing prices across different departure and arrival airports, as this can reveal substantial savings.
In some cases, swapping airports could save travellers more than £1,000 per passenger. This might involve a slightly longer journey to reach the airport, but the financial benefit could make it well worth the extra effort.
Real-World Savings Example
To illustrate the potential impact of these strategies, First Choice provided a concrete example. A 7-night stay at the four-star Constantinou Athena Beach Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus, with return flights from London Heathrow on Saturday, 25 July 2026, would typically cost around £1,500 per person.
However, by making three simple changes – swapping to flights from London Luton, departing a week earlier on Tuesday, 14 July, and adjusting the stay duration – travellers could secure the exact same holiday for just £947 per person. This represents a remarkable saving of £553 per person, demonstrating the power of flexible booking.
Additional Money-Saving Insights
Beyond the three main hacks, First Choice also highlighted the importance of timing when booking holidays. Travelling during quieter months, such as January, March, early April, or mid-September, was found to be typically 16 per cent cheaper than peak summer travel.
When booking during these off-peak periods, travellers can often take advantage of additional deals and promotions that aren't available during busier times. This combination of strategic timing and flexible booking choices can compound savings significantly.
Expert Commentary
Money-saving expert Jordan Cox, who collaborated on the research, emphasised the importance of breaking away from conventional booking habits. "People work hard all year for their holiday, but too often they end up paying a premium simply by following the crowd," he noted.
"The First Choice research shows that being flexible, whether that's travelling midweek, choosing a different airport, or avoiding the standard seven- or 14-night stay, can unlock significant savings, sometimes even enough to take two trips for the price of one."
Cox added that even relatively small differences in price can add up substantially, particularly for families. "That extra money can make a real difference once you're away. A little research and a willingness to embrace slightly 'wonky' choices can go a long way."
Kevin Nelson, Managing Director of First Choice, explained the thinking behind their 'Wonky Holidays' concept. "People want incredible holidays, and confidence they're getting great value. That's why we created Wonky Holidays: to make it easier to find flexible trips that deliver better value without compromising on experience."
As Britons continue to plan their future travels in a challenging economic climate, these simple yet effective booking strategies could make the difference between postponing a holiday and enjoying a well-deserved break without breaking the bank.
