It’s finally 2026, and after the hectic Christmas period and the freezing weather across the UK, many Brits will be looking ahead to plan holidays for this year.
And this Saturday (3rd Jan 2026), known as Sunshine Saturday, 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, and a travel expert has revealed how to save hundreds when booking your 2026 holidays.
Gavin Lapidus, company director of holiday specialists eShores, has shared his top tips for money-saving on holidays.
The first tip? Book luggage early to save up to £30.
Gavin says 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.
There are plenty of ways to save hundreds when booking your 2026 holidays
Secondly, you’ll want to fly early to mid-week – and save up to £50.
Flights departing Monday to Wednesday are typically £40-50 cheaper per ticket than weekend travel, according to Gavin.
Not only are fares lower, but mid-week flights often mean quieter airports and fewer delays, making your journey smoother.
Don’t rely on last minute deals, either. Booking one to three months ahead can save up to 25 per cent versus last-minute fares.
For long-haul, book 10 to 11 months in advance to save up to 30 per cent. Waiting for a bargain is risky, prices usually rise as seats fill up, so early booking is the safest way to lock in savings.
Be flexible with airports, too. Using ‘nearby airports’ can cut costs by 10–70 per cent and open up more options. It might even shorten your transfer time at your destination, so flexibility can save both money and hassle.
Gavin also advises to book a round trip rather than one-way, when it comes to your flights, as two one-way tickets can cost £110–160 more than a return fare.
Round-trip bookings also simplify your travel plans and reduce the risk of mismatched luggage policies across airlines, says Gavin.
Being smart with your planning and booking could help you to save cash
He also adds a great way of saving money is by using tech to your advantage.
Price alerts and browser tools can unlock savings of 40 to 90 per cent, with some international round-trip flights dropping below £120.
Gavin also advises signing up for newsletters and joining travel deal groups, as these insider channels often share flash sales before they hit the mainstream.
He finishes: ‘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.’
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Travel expert shares top tips to save hundreds when booking 2026 holidays
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