Cheap Summer Holidays:

Big Fun Without the Big Price Tag

Summer doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. With a little planning—and a few travel deal hacker tricks—you can enjoy a fun, relaxing holiday without draining your bank account. Whether you’re flying abroad or sticking closer to home, here’s how to find a cheap summer holiday that still feels like a treat.

1. Be Flexible With Dates

Airfare and hotel prices can double just because you’re flying on a weekend. If you can travel midweek—like leaving on a Tuesday and coming back on a Thursday—you’ll save big.

Travel deal hacker tip: Use flexible date tools on sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Momondo to spot cheaper days to fly.

2. Go Where the Deals Are

Instead of picking a destination first, search for the cheapest places to go. Some of the best trips start with a “Where can I afford to go?” mindset.

Try these sites:

• Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search shows you the cheapest places to fly from your city.

• TravelDealHacker (if you’re subscribed!) highlights limited-time airfare sales.

Hot summer budget picks for 2025:

• Portugal – Sunny beaches and affordable food

• Greece – Cheap island hopping if you avoid July

• Mexico – Summer rain lowers prices, but storms are usually short

• Bulgaria – Europe’s best value on the Black Sea

3. Book Smart (Not Always Early)

You don’t always need to book months in advance. For flights, 1–3 months ahead is usually the sweet spot for summer.

Travel deal hacker tip: Use Google Flights Price Alerts to track fares. If you’re booking late, check CheapOAir for last-minute flights.

4. Stay in Budget-Friendly Places

Skip the hotel and try:

• Hostels – Many now offer private rooms

• Vacation rentals – Great for families or groups

• Budget hotels – Use filters to sort by price and ratings on Booking.com or Agoda

Travel deal hacker tip: In smaller cities, stay just outside the tourist zone—you’ll get better rates and still be close to the action.

5. Travel Light

Budget airlines charge high fees for bags. Stick to a carry-on, and you’ll save $30–$60 per flight.

Travel deal hacker tip: Use packing cubes and a personal item backpack to make the most of your space.

6. Eat Like a Local

Skip the hotel breakfast and tourist restaurants. Try:

• Street food

• Bakeries

• Local markets

• Takeaway meals for picnics

It’s cheaper—and usually tastier too.

7. Enjoy Free Activities

Some of the best summer fun is free:

• Beaches

• City parks

• Hiking trails

• Free walking tours

• Local festivals

Check your destination’s tourism website for free events and deals.

Final Thoughts

A great summer holiday doesn’t have to cost a lot. With a little flexibility and some smart searching, you can explore the world—or just relax in the sun—without overspending.

Remember: A true travel deal hacker doesn’t just chase cheap tickets—they know how to turn any trip into a great experience at the right price.