Booking a summer holiday this year comes with challenges as travellers navigate rising costs and hidden fees, but experts offer advice on how to find good deals and make cost-effective choices.

Katy Maclure, head of community and content at Jack’s Flight Club, highlights that flight prices have increased primarily due to rising oil prices, which have notably affected travel costs to destinations in the US and Asia. However, she notes that airfares within Europe have been less impacted so far. From the UK, low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Jet2 continue to offer attractive fares to popular European destinations including Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, Portugal, and France. Maclure cites recent flights to Rhodes and Crete available for under £100 return during the shoulder season, as well as Thessaloniki in northern Greece, which offers a less crowded alternative for travellers seeking charm without peak-season prices.

Maclure advises holidaymakers to avoid the most obvious or heavily touristed locations during the peak summer months, as prices tend to rise considerably. Instead, she suggests considering alternative destinations like Madeira, Slovenia, Albania, North Macedonia’s capital Skopje, or Zadar in Croatia as potential value options. She also encourages travellers to watch for flash sales from budget airlines, which frequently drop discounted fares, especially within three to six weeks of departure.

To manage extra costs, Maclure recommends pre-booking baggage allowances or investing in suitable luggage that complies with airline carry-on requirements, citing an example of a budget-friendly suitcase designed to fit under seats to help avoid additional fees. She also warns travellers to be cautious when booking bundled packages, as these may include unnecessary add-ons that increase the total cost. Instead, she advises comparing the costs of add-ons purchased separately versus bundles to ensure savings.

Rachel Mumford, UK travel expert at Kayak, underscores flexibility as crucial for securing the best deals. She recommends travelling during shoulder seasons—such as September and October or March and April—when prices tend to be lower. For families bound by school holidays, however, Mumford points out that package deals during peak summer months can provide better overall value, especially when travelling to popular destinations shortly after school breaks.

Mumford also stresses the importance of comparing total costs—including checked baggage, transfers, and other extras—when deciding between package holidays and arranging travel independently. She notes that while price is important, convenience can hold significant value depending on the traveller’s preferences and circumstances. Additionally, she suggests using artificial intelligence tools to generate destination ideas tailored to individual interests.

Meanwhile, in a different offering for holidaymakers, Butlin’s has introduced private Karaoke Pods at its three resorts. These soundproof pods accommodate groups of up to 12 and feature a song catalogue of over 45,000 tracks. Sessions last 55 minutes and cost £36, with the option to order drinks directly to the pods and receive photos or videos of performances. Heidi Watson, head of innovation at Butlin’s, said the pods aim to provide families and friends with memorable shared experiences.

Overall, travellers are encouraged to remain adaptable, research lesser-known destinations, monitor airline deals closely, and carefully assess the value of added extras to make the most of this summer’s holiday options amid ongoing fluctuations in travel costs.