Six Money-Saving Hacks to Save Hundreds When Booking a Holiday
Sunshine Saturday, the first Saturday in January, is the UK’s busiest day for holiday bookings. With millions expected to lock in their 2026 getaways, prices can soar, but smart planning can help travellers avoid paying over the odds.
In 2025, luxury travel agents eShores saw over 4x as many bookings as usual on Sunshine Saturday. To help travellers make the most of this peak booking day, Gavin Lapidus, Company Director, has shared his top tips for saving hundreds on holidays.
The six money-saving tips to consider when booking your next holiday
1. Book Luggage Early: save up to £30
Pre-booking a 10kg bag costs around £35, compared to £65+ at check-in, saving £30 per bag. On quieter flights, check-in upgrades can sometimes be cheaper, so consider how busy your route is. Booking luggage early also guarantees space for your bag, avoiding stress at the airport.
2. Fly early to mid-week: save up to £50
Flights departing Monday–Wednesday are typically £40–£50 cheaper per ticket than weekend travel. Not only are fares lower, but mid-week flights often mean quieter airports and fewer delays, making your journey smoother.
3. Don’t rely on last minute deals: save up to 30%
Booking 1–3 months ahead can save up to 25% versus last-minute fares. For long-haul, book 10–11 months in advance to save up to 30%. Waiting for a bargain is risky, prices usually rise as seats fill up, so early booking is the safest way to lock in savings.
4. Be flexible with airports: save up to 70%
Using “nearby airports” can cut costs by 10–70% and open up more options. It might even shorten your transfer time at your destination, so flexibility can save both money and hassle.
5. Book a round trip rather than one-way: save up to £160
Two one-way tickets can cost £110–£160 more than a return fare; stick with a round-trip for better value. Round-trip bookings also simplify your travel plans and reduce the risk of mismatched luggage policies across airlines.
6. Use tech to your advantage: save up to 90%
Price alerts and browser tools can unlock savings of 40–90%, with some international round-trip flights dropping below £120. Sign up for newsletters and join travel deal groups, these insider channels often share flash sales before they hit the mainstream.
Gavin Lapidus, company director of eShores, comments:
Planning ahead and using smart tools can save travellers hundreds of pounds, especially during peak booking periods. We see prices rise sharply as seats fill up, so flexibility and early booking are key. Sunshine Saturday is the perfect time to lock in the best deals before demand pushes costs higher.”
With millions expected to book holidays this Sunshine Saturday, these tips can help travellers secure the best deals and avoid paying over the odds.
For more information about eShores and how their experienced travel consultants can help you build your dream getaway, visit https://www.eshores.co.uk/
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