Last-minute holiday deals offer big savings as prices fall across Europe
by Bill Giannopoulos · Greek City TimesTravellers booking their summer holidays at the last minute could save hundreds of pounds, with package holiday prices across Europe falling sharply compared with earlier this year.
New research by UK consumer group Which? found that package holidays to 53 of 71 European destinations are now cheaper than they were in March, with Greece among the biggest winners for late-season bargains.
The study analysed more than 17,000 August package holidays offered by easyJet Holidays, Jet2 Holidays and TUI, comparing prices available in March with those in July.
Industry experts say uncertainty surrounding tensions in the Middle East earlier this year prompted many travellers to delay booking their holidays. With regional tensions easing, tour operators are now offering significant discounts to fill remaining summer departures.
Greece among Europe’s best-value destinations
Greek destinations feature prominently in the list of Europe’s cheapest late-summer package holidays.
Kefalonia ranks among the best-value destinations, with an average seven-night package holiday now costing £829 per person, around 11% less than in March.
The Peloponnese has seen even larger reductions, with average package prices falling 16% to around £903 per person, making southern Greece one of Europe’s best-value destinations for August travel.
According to Which?, Kefalonia continues to receive high satisfaction ratings from visitors thanks to its crystal-clear beaches, picturesque villages and the harbour town of Fiskardo.
Turkey records biggest price drops
Turkey has experienced some of the steepest price reductions.
Package holidays to the Dalaman region now average £808 per person, a 14% decrease since March.
Even bigger savings are available in Fethiye, where average August package prices have dropped from £1,759 to £1,042—a saving of more than £700. Nearby Çalış Beach has also seen prices fall by around 37%.
Spain, Malta and Portugal also cheaper
Holidaymakers looking beyond Greece can also find lower prices in several popular destinations.
Spain’s Costa Dorada, Gran Canaria, Costa Blanca, Tenerife, Costa Brava, Malta and parts of Italy have all recorded lower package prices compared with spring bookings.
Portugal’s Algarve has also become more affordable, with average August package holidays now costing around £213 less than they did in March.
Flexibility key to finding bargains
Tour operators say travellers who are flexible with departure dates, airports or destinations are most likely to secure the biggest discounts.
TUI reported a noticeable shift towards last-minute bookings this summer, resulting in more competitive prices for August departures.
Which? based its research on seven-night package holidays departing around 2 August, including flights and accommodation for two adults, across a range of board options from room-only to all-inclusive.
While prices have fallen across much of Europe, travellers are still advised to check the latest government travel advice before booking, particularly for destinations in the Middle East, where conditions can change quickly.
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