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 urge 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 ever year. 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 plastic.
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 October to book now
British Airways
BA's end-of-summer has taken flight, with many offers ending on October 1 - so there’s only a few hours left to grab a great deal.
Book returns to US destinations from £339 return on November, or plan further ahead to February and spend the shortest month sunning yourself in Dubai for £435 return.
Always wanted to try Club World? Business seats are as little as £127 each way (for a Dutch breaks in November).
Buy now, British Airways
Virgin Atlantic
East or west, Virgin has a route to suit. USA destinations are leading the way with roundtrip deals to NYC, Orlando, Miami and San Francisco starting from just £339.
Not quite ready to say goodbye to the sun? Find it in Barbados with seats from £387 return.
Buy now, Virgin Atlantic
easyJet
The orange-coloured budget airline is famous for its low prices all year around.
Right now you can get up to 20% off flights departing between October and March. There are deals to be had on package holidays and city breaks too, with up to £200 off the former and up to £100 off the latter. If you’re craving sunshine but don’t want to commit to long-haul, fly-and-stay deals to the Dalaman can be found from £268pp.
Buy now £17.99, easyJet
Vueling
Pack your autumn schedule with fun trips away thanks to Vueling. The carrier is offering seats on selected routes with up to 20 per cent off, allowing you to stretch your budget further. All that’s left for you to decide is whether you fancy breakfast in Bilbao or cocktails in La Coruna. Good conundrum to have.
Buy now, Vueling
WizzAir
For a cheap escape, WizzAir has some of the most enticing prices for European destinations around. Right now you can find one-way fares to the likes of Budapest, Lyon and Catania for as little as £12.74.
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
If you're happy to fly from Stansted, Ryanair has autumn escapes in the bag: think Seville, Malta and Faro with prices from £14.99 if you're willing to fly in the week (Mondays and Wednesdays).
Buy now, Ryanair
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.
Fares start at £39 one way for dates in November, December and January 2025.
Buy now, Eurostar
Great Rail Journeys
Embrace slow travel in style by visiting stunning European destinations by sea or rail.
The operator has waived its solo supplement for a range of 2024 breaks so if there's no single-traveller tax to pay. Other enticing offers include up to £500pp off on selected packages in 2025.
Buy now, Great Rail Journeys
Lastminute.com
Lastminute has been in the impulse travel game since 1998 and still does it well. The company continually showcases incredible offers including flight and hotel packages for destinations near and far.
Right now, the hot ticket is to Marrakech where you can enjoy two nights with flights from £105pp, breakfast included.
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 cogs of a break under one digital roof.
Find a fly-and-stay deal to Prague from £99 or Marrakech from £65.
Buy now, Booking.com
TUI
Specialising in east Mediterranean and Middle Eastern breaks, package holiday expert Tui takes care of all the details so you can get on with the very important business of R&R.
Need some inspo? You’ll find it all, 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
