Eye On Travel: Deals or No Deals? Last Minute Summer Getaways

Lates: Not getting what you didn’t pay for

If you have not yet booked an overseas summer holiday then it is probably because you a) prefer rainbathing to sunbathing b) think that Brexit means you are not allowed out any more or c) are waiting for a last minute bargain.

Despite this week’s hot weather and ensuing meltdowns, three days does not a summer make, as nobody once said. Last minute deals can be good. And they can be very bad. So what are your options for the school holidays and are there any good deals around?

Summer Holiday Vacancies: Not the Norm

When looking for a Late Deal you should target package holidays as these will be discounted if unsold and are likely to be cheaper than flight only. Note what is included - luggage usually is whilst transfers usually are not. Flexibility with airports and departure times can also open up more choices depending on your tolerance levels.

Of course, there’s a reason why there are unsold holidays to certain destinations or hotels -14 nights all inclusive at the Baghdad Travelodge anyone? - but sometimes the Tour Operators mis-calculate and there is excess capacity in the market.

Cruz Control: Still room in northern Tenerife

This year, parts of Spain and Portugal have sold out but there is availability off shore where around £700pp will get you a 7 night ALL INCLUSIVE stay in a 4* Hotel with Flights and luggage allowance.

Head to Puerto de la Cruz in northern Tenerife on 28 July for £711pp from Birmingham or on 30 July for £719pp from Gatwick. On 31 July £663pp will get you from Manchester to Funchal, Madeira.

Take me home, country Rhodes

Elsewhere in Europe, there is still availability in Greece, Cyprus and Malta. Leave Gatwick on 28 July and a 4* ALL INCLUSIVE week in Paphos is £632pp whilst the same from Stansted to Qawra, Malta is £672pp.

Alternatively leave Manchester on 26 July for Crete and 7 nights 5* Half Board will be £670pp or leave Gatwick on 27 July for Rhodes and get 7 nights 5* ALL INCLUSIVE for £715pp.

Creole: Delicious, Nutritious Mauritius

Further afield, flight prices are marked up for the peak period and special offers tend to have a catch: August can be familiarly wet & windy in the Caribbean (less so in Barbados and Tobago) whilst Dubai will be the same temperature as a pizza oven.

Better bets include the Indian Ocean islands. A 4* Half Board week in Mauritius from Heathrow on 10 August is going for £1,343pp whilst a 5* week in Maldives from Manchester on 14 August is £1,304pp

Chaweng gum: Addictive Thailand

Further east and two final choices to consider. Sri Lanka is a good all rounder in August on all coasts as it is between rainy seasons. A 4* ALL INCLUSIVE week here from Manchester is £1,211pp on 15 August.

Alternatively try Koh Samui in Thailand which escapes the monsoons elsewhere in the country. This is not a secret however and availability is limited. There are still some deals such as a week in a 4* Spa hotel from Heathrow for £1,249pp on 16 August.

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If you would like help finding a Late Deal, please Contact me and I will do the hard work for you. Likewise for tailor made packages, information or just to say hello.

Standard low cost packages are bookable through my multi destination EyeLine Travel website: http://eyelinetravel.co.uk .

All holidays that I arrange are ABTA/ATOL protected.

For holidays to Thailand, please visit my dedicated website: http://boutiquethailand.co.uk

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