‘I’m a journey professional – this is the most affordable holidays to guide now’

A savvy money and travel expert has shared some of the most wallet-friendly holiday spots you can snag at the moment, with prices starting from £28 for a return trip. Jetting off doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, but there are a number of things that’ll hike up the price tag – like where you’re headed, when you book, which airport you’re flying from, and a load more.

But don’t worry about having to splash your cash for a getaway. There’s plenty of tricks to bag yourself a bargain, like setting up price alerts, signing up to newsletters, and being a bit flexible with your travel dates.

Tom Church, co-founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, is all about keeping it cheap and cheerful when he hunts down the lowest airfares every week. He’s uses a range of tools that help him weigh up average past prices against today’s tickets to nab deals that could save you up to 73%.

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He shared: “I love travelling and so I’m always looking for the cheapest flights. We’re lucky to have Europe on our doorstep with a diverse range of countries and cultures. If you’re savvy, you can get return flights from just £28 to Palma, Spain. Here are the best flights to book now for the coming months, and some off-the-beaten track recommendations for each destination.”

Manchester to Amsterdam, Netherlands (January)

Dates: January 9 – 15

Airline: easyJet

Price: from £69 (Save 42%)

Normal price: £120

Tom said: “When in Amsterdam, I love to wander around De Pijp district. It’s brimming with vibrant local culture, and you must try a herring sandwich from one of the street stalls. The Albert Cuyp Market is great for Instagram snappers.”

London to Lisbon, Portugal (February)

Dates: February 2 – 9

Airline: Ryanair

Price: from £48 (Save 62%)

Normal price: £125

Tom added: “In Lisbon, head to the Mercado de Campo de Ourique. It’s filled with local delicacies, and you can taste authentic pastéis de nata amidst a lively atmosphere without the tourist crush.”

London to Riga, Latvia (February)

Dates: February 24 – March 2

Airline: Ryanair

Price: from £49 (Save 67%)

Normal price: £150

Tom said: “Riga’s Spikeri Quarter is a creative hub with art galleries and hip cafes. Try local rye bread at the Central Market for an authentic taste of Latvia.”

Manchester to Oslo, Norway (March)

Dates: March 1 – 10

Airline: Ryanair UK

Price: from £44 (Save 73%)

Normal price: £165

Tom said: “In Oslo, Vigeland Park is a must-visit—not only is it free, but the sculpture park is an open-air exhibit of extraordinary Norwegian art.”

Manchester to Munich, Germany (March)

Dates: March 3 – 12

Airline: easyJet

Price: from £59 (Save 70%)

Normal price: £195

Tom added: “Head to the Englischer Garten in Munich. It’s larger than Central Park and a perfect spot for a winter walk, stopping off at a traditional beer garden if it’s open.”

London to Madrid, Spain (February)

Dates: February 23 – March 4

Airline: Ryanair

Price: from £42 (Save 69%)

Normal price: £135

Tom said: “Explore El Rastro in Madrid, a legendary Sunday market with quirky finds and tapas bars tucked down side streets. Plenty of local colour and charm.”

London to Palma, Spain (February)

Dates: February 21 – 28

Airline: easyJet

Price: from £28 (Save 76%)

Normal price: £115

Tom said: “Palma offers the lively Olivar Market where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes alongside Majorcan specialities. It’s where the locals shop and eat.”

London to Budapest, Hungary (January)

Dates: January 11 – 18

Airline: Wizz Air

Price: from £35 (Save 30%)

Normal price: £50

Tom said: “You have to go to the ruin bars in Budapest, particularly Szimpla Kert. It’s so different with its eclectic decor and unique atmosphere—a must-visit!”

London to Zagreb, Croatia (November)

Dates: November 14 – 20

Airline: Ryanair

Price: from £44 (Save 69%)

Normal price: £140

Tom added: “Zagreb’s Upper Town exudes old-world charm. Visit the Dolac Market for fresh produce and Croatian treats, and enjoy a comfortable stroll through historic streets.”

Manchester to Valencia, Spain (December)

Dates: December 9 – 16

Airline: Ryanair

Price: from £52 (Save 55%)

Normal price: £115

Tom said: “Don’t miss out on Ruzafa, Valencia’s bohemian quarter. I love its alternative eateries and art galleries, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.”

Tom has also shared his top tips for scoring the best travel deals, including:

• Set price alerts – use tools like Google Flights and Kayak to receive notifications on price drops.
• Be flexible with dates – midweek flights are often cheaper than weekend travel.
• Use travel forums – websites like Latest Deals and TripAdvisor for community-shared deals.
• Use incognito mode -prevent price hikes based on your search history in browsers.
• Consider nearby airports -sometimes, flying from a nearby airport saves money. Use Momondo’s ‘nearby’ search feature.
• Sign up for newsletters – airlines often provide exclusive offers to subscribers.