Late summer continues to offer a variety of appealing holiday options across the UK and Europe, with many travelers seeking last-minute deals and cost-effective getaways. According to travel industry representatives, destinations such as Spain, Greece, and Turkey remain highly popular, while cruises are gaining traction as a value-for-money alternative to traditional hotel stays.

Independent travel agency Hays Travel reported an increase in demand for late bookings this summer, citing discounts of up to £700 on select holidays, along with thousands of complimentary child places still available for families. The agency noted good availability for trips extending into September and the October half-term period.

Ashley Quint, director of the Berkhamsted-based TravelTime World, highlighted cruises as an economical choice, often offering greater value than similarly rated hotels. Quint also recommended less mainstream Italian destinations for travelers seeking sun and quiet. Calabria, for example, now benefits from direct flights operated by Tui and Ryanair, improving accessibility. He specifically praised Tropea, a coastal town on the Tyrrhenian Sea, as an attractive alternative to more frequented areas like Puglia or Sicily.

Within the UK, Visit Britain’s latest monthly survey identified South West England as the leading region for overnight trips in August and September, while areas such as Northern Ireland, the North East, and the West Midlands saw comparatively lower demand, potentially offering more budget-friendly options.

Among suggested UK breaks is a self-catering stay on Anglesey, Wales, at Plas Cichle Georgian Manor, which offers a three-night glamping lodge experience complete with a hot tub. Located near the seaside town of Beaumaris, this family-run property includes on-site farmland and vineyard attractions.

In Yorkshire, Premier Cottages has availability at Broadgate Farm near Beverley, offering a two-bedroom barn conversion called The Forge. Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, the location provides access to scenic hiking trails such as the 79-mile Yorkshire Wolds Way.

Northumberland also presents affordable options through Breamish Valley Cottages, where guests can book bed and breakfast accommodations with access to amenities such as a spa, heated swimming pool, gym, and tennis courts. Proximity to the Cheviot Hills and Northumberland National Park adds to the region’s appeal.

European options include a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise departing Southampton on August 30, priced from £899 per person, which includes meals and stops at notable fjord locations like Hardangerfjord and Aurlandsfjord, as well as visits to Flam, Olden, and Bruges.

For those seeking sun and sand, Tui offers a week-long all-inclusive stay at the Valtur Calabria Otium Resort in southern Italy, departing August 29 with prices starting at £762 per person. The resort features a private sandy beach and is close to the archaeological park of Sibari.

EasyJet holidays features a seven-night self-catering break on Spain’s Costa Dorada coast at the four-star SunClub Salou aparthotel. The package, departing August 28, is priced at £700 for two adults with free child places. The resort is located a short walk from the beach and near family attractions such as the PortAventura World theme park.

In Greece, Thomas Cook advertises a week-long stay on Crete’s northern coast in Hersonissos at the Iliostasi Beach Apartments. This option, including return flights from Edinburgh and breakfast, is available from £475 per person and offers beachside views along with an outdoor pool and garden.

Travelers flexible with timing and destinations may continue to find favorable deals for late summer and early autumn breaks across the UK and southern Europe.