When is the best time to go on holiday?

You know winter has arrived when Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You takes over the high streets and radio stations.

As winter sets in, Brits may be planning when and where to go on holiday – whether it’s to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, indulge in Christmas festivities, visit a ski resort, or get cosy in one of the world’s best hotels.

We look at ways to secure the best deals this winter.

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The best time to go on holiday in winter

While winter isn’t the most affordable time to go on holiday, there are still ways to get the most value for your money.

According to Expedia’s Winter Travel Outlook, the cheapest day to fly internationally is 4 and 5 December. For domestic travellers, this falls on 3 and 26 February.

We take a more in-depth look at the best travel times this winter.

Source: Expedia, Winter Travel Outlook report

Source: Expedia, Winter Travel Outlook report

The best time to go on holiday in autumn

Autumn is often termed ‘shoulder season’, as it falls between the peak summer months and a busy winter, so you can get more value for money without compromising on quality.

Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands, says: “Autumn is the sweet spot for savvy travellers. Not only are airfares dropping during the shoulder season, but hotel and holiday rental prices are as well.”

If you’re planning a break for next autumn, here are the dates worth keeping in mind.

Source: Expedia, Autumn Travel Outlook report

Source: Expedia, Autumn Travel Outlook report

The most popular places to go on holiday in winter

While places like London, Edinburgh and Bath are popular with tourists and Brits alike, many underrated towns are attracting holidaymakers.

According to Expedia, Blackpool has grown popular thanks to its iconic Tower Ballroom, while Tenby is emerging as a hotspot for a Welsh winter retreat.

The data, compiled from July to October, covers travel between December 2025 to February 2026, and is compared with the same period last year.

We look at the most popular UK destinations this winter.

Source: Expedia, Winter Travel Outlook report

As for international destinations, Brits are after different things, whether it’s Romania or Malta for a cheap, last-minute holiday, visiting Christmas markets in Finland and Luxembourg, or top islands in Vietnam and Australia.

Source: Expedia, Winter Travel Outlook report

How to find the best value travel deals

Planning a holiday doesn’t always have to be stressful – as long as you’re well prepared. We look at a few ways to find the best travel deals and save on holiday.

1. Sort out your travel insurance

Let’s face it: travel insurance is the most boring part of booking a holiday. But it’s also one of the most important insurance policies to hold – it can be very helpful in the event you get struck by travel delays or face hefty medical fees. The last thing you want is your dream holiday turning into a nightmare.

We explore whether travel insurance is worth it in a separate guide, and how to get travel cover for over 70s.

2. Book refundable accommodation

Likewise, it’s always a good idea to reserve hotels that have flexible policies like ‘free cancellation’ or ‘reserve now, pay later’. That way, you can have peace of mind in case you need to change the dates of your trip or cancel at the last minute due to an unexpected emergency.

3. Bundle up

All-inclusive packages can be a good option if you want to travel with ease and lounge at a luxury hotel. You can customise your packages in one place, whether it’s flights, car hire, hotels or any activities you’re planning to partake in.

4. Don’t forget about travel money

It’s highly recommended you don’t get your travel money for the airport, where exchange rates are poor. You will also want to make sure that you have the right cards for travel abroad, so you don’t get stung by high fees.