Cheap holidays in July
By Mark Hodson, Sunday Times Travel Writer and Editor of 101 Holidays
Look for cheap holidays in July 2012? This is a tricky time of year to find big discounts, but there are plenty of good-value holidays around, if you know where to look.
Firstly, it depends on when you plan to travel in July. The last week of the month is firmly in the school summer holidays, so you can expect prices to rise considerably. If you want the best deals you should travel early in July. You may also find the weather a little milder, and resorts will almost certainly be less busy.
The demand for flights in July is high, which means you need to book as early as possible, up to a year beforehand. If I find low fares to a destination I want to visit, I will book the flights then and there and worry later about finding somewhere to stay. That’s usually the easy bit!
There are other ways to save money. You can, of course, holiday in the UK. The weather in July ought to be good and as you are saving on flights you can afford to splash out a bit on hotels, cottage rentals or dining out.
An alternative approach is to book a cross-Channel ferry. These can be good value, particularly if you avoid the first weekend of the school summer holidays and steer away from the long routes in the Western Channel. The quick crossing between Dover and Calais is always much better value.
Cheap holidays in July in the UK
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy some of Britain’s finest countryside. We’ve found some great rental accommodation in Devon and Cornwall while neighbouring Dorset is often overlooked, but has great beaches and plenty to do. Check this excellent collection of B&Bs. Here’s a great selection of good-value cottage holidays in the UK.
Boating on the Norfolk Broads is a great holiday, particularly if you enjoy getting away from it all and engaging in a little activity. It’s not as expensive as you might believe to rent a motor cruiser, ideal for a family or a small group of friends. Or how about exploring canals by narrowboat? Search this great selection of boating holidays in England, Scotland and Wales.
The Isle of Wight has a slightly uncool image, but in recent years it has reinvented itself with lots of great activities and high standards of accommodation. See these special offers.
Why not explore our full list of UK holiday ideas?
July cheap holidays in Europe
Cross the English Channel and you have France at your feet – with wonderful beaches, villages, lakes, mountains, cities and forests waiting to be explored. If you have a family, we recommend staying at a holiday parc. Some of these are directly on sandy beaches with good accommodation in mobile homes, lodges and apartments and lots of activities for children.
The island of Ile de Ré lies off the French Atlantic coast is has superb white sand beaches and is cross-crossed with cycle paths. It’s perfect for food-lovers and nature-lovers, and you can stay in some affordable self-catering apartments.
Another option is to rent a cottage on the Atlantic coast. Find more good-value holidays to France.
You could rent a spacious tent or mobile home at Camping Duinrell near to a gorgeous beach and just 30 miles drive from the car ferry at Hook of Holland. It’s perfect for families with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, scuba diving, crazy golf, pedalos and a climbing wall. There is also a water park next door. See other cheap camping holidays.
In Spain you can save money by driving to Catalonia where we’ve found some great villas. Further south, villas on the Costa de la Luz are good value.
Croatia is good value in the Med with gorgeous beaches and dozens of islands where you can escape the crowds. The island of Hvar is a beauty and only a short ferry transfer from the mainland. Check out these stylish budget hotels.
Although most people head religiously to the beach each summer, it’s worth considering instead a holiday in the mountains. If you go to a ski resort in summer you’ll find amazing weather, lots of activities and good prices (it’s not high season).
This is also a great option if you don’t like the stifling heat and humidity of July in the Mediterranean. It’s often warm enough to swim in the lakes, but rarely so hot that you don’t feel like doing anything. Try these lakes and mountains holidays or these family holidays in the Alps. We’ve also tracked down some great deals in the Italian Lakes.
Another destination to consider is Iceland which has been great value since the economic crisis there. It’s ideal for people who love nature and like to explore on holiday.
If you’re travelling alone you can avoid paying single supplements by going with Solo’s Holidays, a singles specialist. If you want somebody else to do the driving, take a coach tour – it’s a great to meet new people and is great value.
Looking for further inspiration? We’ve compiled a more extensive directory of holidays in July. Also check out our suggestions for family holidays.
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