Let’s be real: as soon as the school bell rings for the holidays, travel prices usually skyrocket. It feels like a tax on having kids. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to settle for a “budget” holiday just because you’re travelling in August or October.
With a bit of strategy (and the right tech), you can still get that five-star feeling on a three-star budget. Here is how to beat the system using the Alihoco School Holiday Deal Finder.
Most sites force you to pick a specific date. We don’t. Our secret weapon is the flexibility tool.
Below you will find a range of Family Friendly All Inclusive Holidays that depart between specific dates within the School Holidays. This means that as long as your dates of travel are flexible, you will have access to a huge range of all-inclusive offers departing from any major airport in the UK.
In 2026, we’re seeing a huge price gap between regions. Scottish schools usually break up earlier and head back in mid-August.
The Move: If you’re in the North of England, check flights from Edinburgh or Glasgow for the last two weeks of August. Because Scottish kids are already back in uniforms, those flights can be significantly cheaper than flying from Manchester or Gatwick.
Spain and Greece will always be the classics, but because they’re in high demand, they’re the first to hike prices. For 2026, keep these “value gems” on your radar:
Bulgaria (Sunny Beach): Incredible all-inclusive value and much cheaper “out of pocket” spending.
Morocco & Egypt: Guaranteed sun during the October and February half-terms when the Med is starting to cool down.
Tunisia: Making a massive comeback this year with stunning beachfront resorts at a fraction of the cost of Turkey.
These are the holy grail of family travel. Most operators offer one free child place for every two full-paying adults.
Pro Tip: Use the Alihoco filters to specifically show “Free Child Places.” They are usually snapped up by January for the summer, so if you see one—book it.
Saturday-to-Saturday is the most expensive way to travel. By shifting your departure to a Tuesday or Wednesday, you aren’t just saving on the hotel; you’re often halving your flight costs. Our Deal Finder highlights these “green days” so you can see the savings instantly.
Statistically, the most expensive weeks of the summer are the first two weeks of August. If you can hold out until the final two weeks of the summer holidays, prices start to drop as the “Back to School” panic sets in. You get the same sun, but with more breathing room on the beach.
Only if you’re brave! In 2026, the trend has shifted back to early bird booking. With flight capacity tighter than it used to be, waiting until the final week can sometimes backfire. We recommend booking at least 4–6 months in advance for the school holidays to lock in those low deposits (often just £25–£50pp).
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