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.”
(Image: Getty)
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.