A money and travel expert has shared some of the cheapest holiday destinations you can book right now, from as little as £28 return. Travel can often prove expensive, but there are a number of factors that add to the costs including destination, when you book, which airport you travel from and more.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to break the bank when booking a short retreat away. There are a number of ways to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible, such as setting price alerts, joining newsletters and being flexible with your dates.
Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk and travel expert, insists that travel does not have to be expensive – and follows this rule when he looks for the cheapest flights every week. Using a range of tools, Tom compares average price histories with current flights to find the best deals saving as much as 73%.
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He said: “I love travelling and so I’m always looking for the cheapest flights. We’re lucky to have Europe on our doorstep with a diverse range of countries and cultures. If you’re savvy, you can get return flights from just £28 to Palma, Spain. Here are the best flights to book now for the coming months, and some off-the-beaten track recommendations for each destination.”
Manchester to Amsterdam, Netherlands (January)
Dates: January 9 – 15
Airline: easyJet
Price: from £69 (Save 42%)
Normal price: £120
Tom said: “When in Amsterdam, I love to wander around De Pijp district. It’s brimming with vibrant local culture, and you must try a herring sandwich from one of the street stalls. The Albert Cuyp Market is great for Instagram snappers.”
London to Lisbon, Portugal (February)
Dates: February 2 – 9
Airline: Ryanair
Price: from £48 (Save 62%)
Normal price: £125
Tom added: “In Lisbon, head to the Mercado de Campo de Ourique. It’s filled with local delicacies, and you can taste authentic pastéis de nata amidst a lively atmosphere without the tourist crush.”
London to Riga, Latvia (February)
Dates: February 24 – March 2
Airline: Ryanair
Price: from £49 (Save 67%)
Normal price: £150
Tom said: “Riga’s Spikeri Quarter is a creative hub with art galleries and hip cafes. Try local rye bread at the Central Market for an authentic taste of Latvia.”
Manchester to Oslo, Norway (March)
Dates: March 1 – 10
Airline: Ryanair UK
Price: from £44 (Save 73%)
Normal price: £165
Tom said: “In Oslo, Vigeland Park is a must-visit—not only is it free, but the sculpture park is an open-air exhibit of extraordinary Norwegian art.”
Manchester to Munich, Germany (March)
Dates: March 3 – 12
Airline: easyJet
Price: from £59 (Save 70%)
Normal price: £195
Tom added: “Head to the Englischer Garten in Munich. It’s larger than Central Park and a perfect spot for a winter walk, stopping off at a traditional beer garden if it’s open.”
London to Madrid, Spain (February)
Dates: February 23 – March 4
Airline: Ryanair
Price: from £42 (Save 69%)
Normal price: £135
Tom said: “Explore El Rastro in Madrid, a legendary Sunday market with quirky finds and tapas bars tucked down side streets. Plenty of local colour and charm.”
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London to Palma, Spain (February)
Dates: February 21 – 28
Airline: easyJet
Price: from £28 (Save 76%)
Normal price: £115
Tom said: “Palma offers the lively Olivar Market where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes alongside Majorcan specialities. It’s where the locals shop and eat.”
London to Budapest, Hungary (January)
Dates: January 11 – 18
Airline: Wizz Air
Price: from £35 (Save 30%)
Normal price: £50
Tom said: “You have to go to the ruin bars in Budapest, particularly Szimpla Kert. It’s so different with its eclectic decor and unique atmosphere—a must-visit!”
London to Zagreb, Croatia (November)
Dates: November 14 – 20
Airline: Ryanair
Price: from £44 (Save 69%)
Normal price: £140
Tom added: “Zagreb’s Upper Town exudes old-world charm. Visit the Dolac Market for fresh produce and Croatian treats, and enjoy a comfortable stroll through historic streets.”
Manchester to Valencia, Spain (December)
Dates: December 9 – 16
Airline: Ryanair
Price: from £52 (Save 55%)
Normal price: £115
Tom said: “Don’t miss out on Ruzafa, Valencia’s bohemian quarter. I love its alternative eateries and art galleries, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.”
Tom has also shared his top tips for scoring the best travel deals, including:
- Set price alerts – use tools like Google Flights and Kayak to receive notifications on price drops.
- Be flexible with dates – midweek flights are often cheaper than weekend travel.
- Use travel forums – websites like Latest Deals and TripAdvisor for community-shared deals.
- Use incognito mode -prevent price hikes based on your search history in browsers.
- Consider nearby airports -sometimes, flying from a nearby airport saves money. Use Momondo’s ‘nearby’ search feature.
- Sign up for newsletters – airlines often provide exclusive offers to subscribers.
This post was originally published on here
