It is a very welcome development of recent Black Fridays that travel deals are now in the mix.
While there’s nothing like ticking off your shopping list for less, the buzz of bagging cheap flights or a suite in a luxury hotel just cannot be beaten - especially if you travel at any given opportunity.
For me, travel deals are where I’m willing to splash out the most over Black Friday weekend, which officially began this year on November 29. Lining up trips - even just one-nighters - brings much-needed excitement to the start of any new year. After the fun and frivolities of December, who doesn’t want to shorten the January comedown?
This year, I travelled to Budapest on a cheap Black Friday flight; the year before, it was a long weekend in Petra, Jorda. I’m planning to repeat my winning formula this Black Friday, but the destination is still unknown - that’s all part of the fun.
There’s plenty of inspiration out there as the UK’s biggest and best travel companies vie for attention against the ticker tape parade that is Black Friday bargains. Booking.com, best known for pooling hotel rates in one handy place, is in the mix.
There are more than rooms on offer; you can plan your entire trip at Booking.com from flights, car hire, tickets and world-class attractions and tours: think a polar fjord cruise or a Wagyu beef foodie guide.
And if you’re not sure quite where to point your passport, visit Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner. It will suggest all kinds of holidays and activities based on budget or preferences. Whether you’re dreaming of golden desert sands or want a weekend by the beach feeling the sun on your bones (much needed in January, I’m sure you will agree), it will provide excellent inspiration.
The deals will begin in earnest on November 21 until December 4 with discounts of up to 35 per cent globally.
While we wait for the official kick-off, we’ve looked at a few hot deals that already have us reaching for our plastic.
Take a peek for yourself below
Feeling lucky?
Experience a true Irish welcome with a quick getaway to lively Dublin.
Right now, you can bag two nights at The Address Connolly, close to the thrumming heart of the city for just £245pp. Situated on Amiens Street the River Liffey is an easy stroll away, as are the major sites and nightlife of the city. The price includes return flights on Aer Lingus.
Buy now £245.00, Booking.com
Ciao bella!
If you’re talking dreamboat Italian destinations, Venice is up there. Aside from having actual dreamboats - known here as gondolas - the city is a magical place at any time of year with festivals, great restaurants and culture by the bucket load.
This two-night trip departs pretty soon (on November 29 to be exact), but if you’re looking to scoop a last-minute getaway before the festive season gets underway, it’s just the ticket.
The deal includes two nights at the glorious NH Collection Murano Villa plus return flights from London Gatwick from £159pp.
Buy now, Booking.com
Beautiful Buds
Spend two nights in the Hungarian capital at a centrally-located hotel that’s perfect for the whole family. With departures in February 2025 and breakfast included, it’s the perfect way to bring some excitement to the shortest month of the year.
Buy now £103.00, Booking.com
Have a Roman holiday
With Gladiator 2 fever running high, there’s bound to be more interest in the Eternal City: Rome.
Booking.com has two nights in a hotel a few blocks from the city’s main terminus for £108pp including flights. Travel is from London Gatwick at reasonable times (no forcing yourself awake in the wee hours and arriving exhausted) for dates in late January 2025.
Buy now £108.00, Booking.com
Hello sunshine
Need sun, and need it now? We hear you. With BST still months away, winter is the time to fly into the sun to get your hit of Vit D.
Booking.com is filling the prescription with a two-night break to Lanzarote in December from £151pp. You’ll stay at the excellent Ilunion Costa Sal Lanzarote, ideally spending the break in the heated pool, lazing on nearby Matagorda Beach or booking in for a well-earned massage.
Return flights from London Gatwick.
Buy now £151.00, Booking.com
So far souk good
Beat the New Year blues by high-tailing it to North Africa. Just under four hours away, Marrakech is a gem to visit in winter with pleasant temperatures, great food and family-friendly fun waiting on the other end.
Right now you can bag two nights at the all-inclusive Valeria Madina Club in early January from £148pp including return flights from Gatwick. The resort boasts a spa and wellness centre, heated pools, and plenty of restaurants to fuel the fun. It’s also close to the world-famous Majorelle Gardens and central souk.
Buy now, Booking.com
