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The last-minute summer holidays you can still book
If you haven’t confirmed anything yet for a much-needed getaway, you don’t need to panic – there are still plenty of options available for an extraordinary break in the hotter months. Amelia Neath lists some of the best.
Political instability and conflict in the Middle East have led many to delay booking their summer holiday this year. If you are now considering a getaway in the hotter months, it’s not too late to arrange a trip, whether that’s here in Britain, on the continent or somewhere far flung.
In many cases, the last-minute approach can actually lead to discounts at popular resorts and city break locations. And it's not just fly-and-flop destinations that still have availability – more adventurous trips also have slots up for grabs. Think a Costa Rican expedition with Intrepid or a Jersey walking holiday with Responsible Travel.
Whether you are travelling solo, with your family, seeking a romantic escape or a tranquil adult-only break, there is still time to choose a villa, book a hotel room or arrange a fuss-free package trip. Below, we have listed some of the best holidays still available for this summer.
1. Adventurous escape to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is having a moment among British travellers. Holiday company Intrepid is reporting a 42 per cent increase in bookings this year as many look for destinations less impacted by flight disruptions. Discover what the appeal is yourself by booking onto the brand’s “Classic Costa Rica” itinerary. Beginning and ending in San Jose, the adventure takes travellers through jungles, farmlands, beaches and cities to soak up the very best that the country offers. There are opportunities to stay with a local family in Santa Rosa de Pocosal while preparing traditional meals, as well as trips to thermal springs heated by an active volcano. Optional activities include wandering through the Monteverde Cloud Forest and a night wildlife walk. Intrepid’s “Classic Costa Rica” trip runs for 15 days, departing in June, July and August. Includes eight meals, transportation, most activities and 14-nights of accommodation. Excludes flights. From £1,397pp.
2. Chilled-out time at a Corsican villa
The Greek islands might be a holiday favourite, but there’s another option. For fewer crowds, more tranquillity and exceptional natural beauty, we recommend escaping to the Mediterranean island of Corsica. And we would swap busy hotel resorts for the peaceful privacy of a villa while we are at it. Villa rental company The Thinking Traveller still has spaces at their charming three-bed retreat, Casalonga, on the island. The renovated home is set among verdant hills, which are best viewed from its shaded dining terrace, outdoor lounging areas and private pool. This off-the-beaten-track stay provides endless hours of relaxation for a family, a group of friends or a band of couples. A week-long stay at Casalonga starts at £3,581, booked via The Thinking Traveller.
3. Post-GCSE family break in Lanzarote
Exam season can be a tough time for every student (and nearly as stressful for the families and friends who support them along the way.) After the pens are down and papers are handed in, get some well-earned rest on a break with On the Beach. The holiday company has spotlighted some brilliant post-exam stays, which are usually cheaper as younger students have yet to break up. Our top pick for a post-GCSE holiday is a seven-night stay at the Blusea Los Fiscos hotel in Lanzarote, which is an easy walk to Puerto del Carmen’s beaches. Facilities include buffets from breakfast to dinner, plus much-needed poolside snacks. A seven-night, all-inclusive stay at the Blusea Los Fiscos in Lanzarote, including flights leaving from Manchester on Monday 29 June, starts at £347pp for three adults.
4. Walking holiday in Jersey
The largest of the Channel Islands is one of the best-kept secrets among French and British holidaymakers and this itinerary from Responsible Travel knows exactly how to show it off. The 48-mile “Jersey Tidal Trail” walking route winds across the island’s dramatic, wild coast. Expect to see an abundance of seabirds, wildflowers and rock pools, and to spend time on sandy beaches such as St Ouen’s Bay. There are five days of guided coastal walking included, as well as stays at charming accommodation. The seven-night “Jersey Tidal Trail” booked through Responsible Travel includes flights, transfers, meals, accommodation and guided walks. From £1,304pp.
5. Adult-only break in Antigua
If an adult-only break is on your mind this summer, a break in a deluxe, Caribbean cottage might be the answer. The four-star Cocobay resort in Antigua has two plunge pools and two infinity pools, plus plenty of spaces to sprawl out and relax. Seek out the Wellness Cottage for spa treatments or head down to the two beaches, either side of the cliff, for a spot of snorkelling or kayaking. The resort is ideal for a romantic escape (or even as a honeymoon destination). Virgin Atlantic offers a seven-night stay at Cocobay, including direct flights from London Heathrow and all-inclusive accommodation. A package departing on 2 July starts at £1,827pp, including hotel savings of 35 per cent if booked by 2 June.
6. Golfing getaway in Tenerife
The four-star Gara Suites Golf and Spa in Tenerife still has space for sporty families this summer. Expect plenty to keep younger members of the group entertained, such as a kids’ club, playground and children's pool. Adults can spend time in the sauna or Jacuzzi at the spa, or head to the Golf Las Americas course just a five-minute walk away. Evenings are spent choosing from the Mediterranean buffet or dinner at the Asian a la carte restaurant, before heading down to the performance area to catch a show or live music. A seven-night stay at Gara Suites Golf and Spa with Loveholidays starts at £399pp (based on a 10 July departure, including breakfast and flights departing from London Stansted).
7. Countryside escape in Yorkshire
While the staycation crowd usually flocks to the seaside in summer, there’s a more restful getaway to be had in the Yorkshire countryside. Near the spa town of Ilkey, you will find Denton Reserve, a 2,500-acre estate replete with lakes for wild swimming, saunas and wild moorland to wander through. Stay at Denton’s Coach Houses, the former servants’ quarters that have been reimagined with antique market finds, useful kitchenettes and luxurious rain showers. Denton’s Coach Houses sleep two to four people. From £300 per night.
8. Private beach resort holiday in Corfu
Sun worshippers, sandcastle builders and swimmers alike will enjoy a stay at Domes of Corfu, on the west of the island, where a sandy beach is just steps away from the hotel rooms. Accommodation is designed for couples and families in mind, some with private balconies to take in the extraordinary island views. Buffet, a la carte restaurants and three bars keep guests full while the kids’ club, spa and olive oil tastings are among the most popular activities. Stays at Domes of Corfu start at around £175 a night.
9. Luxury city break in Bangkok
There’s still time to book a more far-flung adventure this summer, and Bangkok fits the bill. While the bustle of Thailand’s capital is what makes it exhilarating, many combine their city breaks with swanky accommodation to rest their weary feet. Stays at the five-star Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok include access to an exceptional spa, an outdoor pool and six on-site restaurants. Rooms range from standard pads with balconies to take in urban views to multi-bedroom stays with lounges. If you don’t mind a spot of rain in monsoon season, travelling to Thailand in the summer months provides a cheaper experience with fewer crowds. Summer rates at the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok start at £198 per night.
10. Summer weekend getaway in Amsterdam
If you tend to use most of your annual leave to find sunnier climes in the colder months, save a day or two for a long weekend in one of Europe’s most energetic cities. Come rain or shine, Amsterdam attracts plenty of tourists to its canal ring and townhouse architecture, but once you have finished exploring for the day, escape to Zaandam just outside the centre. Here you will find the quirky Zaan Hotel, built in the traditional Zaanse style with wooden siding and ornate white trim. Simple rooms range from doubles, triples and quads, ideal for group getaways, while an organic breakfast is spread out for guests in the morning. And with the Zaandam train station close by, you can be in the centre of Amsterdam within minutes. Three nights at the Zaan Hotel, including flights departing from London Southend on 31 May, start at £245pp with Easyjet Holidays.
11. A pool holiday in Alanya
If you have younger children, the Marilis Hill Resort in Alanya, on the southern coast of Turkey, is the place to go. Available in late July with Lastminute.com, a four-star, all-inclusive resort has all the trimmings of a great value family holiday: outdoor pools, waterslides, kids’ club, playground and plenty for the adults too, including sports activities, a bar and a spa to enjoy while booking the babysitting services. Standard rooms have sea views, or upgrade to a deluxe suite for a lounge area. Lastminute.com offers all-inclusive, seven-night packages to the Marilis Hill Resort Hotel and Spa. Price from £887pp, based on a 25 July departure from London Heathrow.
12. Toddler caravan escape with Parkdean Resorts
Summer bookings for Parkdean Resorts get swept up quickly, however the country’s largest holiday park operator still has availability for May and June. If you have young children who are not yet school age, take advantage by booking a stay before the peak summer rush. Parkdean’s Highfield Grange resort has recently undergone a major £5m transformation, including an indoor adventure golf, a new sports bar and immersive Bear Grylls escape rooms. A new all-inclusive upgrade can now be added onto stays, starting from £25 per adult and £10 per child per day. Caravans still available for May and June at Highfield Grange. Price from £145 for four nights.
Read more: The great summer holiday gamble – what are the chances my flight will be cancelled?
