How to Find Cheap Holidays: The Complete Guide to Saving on Trips and Amazing Getaways

Introduction – how I turned finding cheap holidays into a fun game

I'll never forget the first time I tried to find a holiday at a good price. It was a moment of excitement – but also of frustration. So many websites, so many offers, so many confusing deals, and honestly? I was convinced everyone was trying to make me pay more than I really needed to.

But over time I learned that you can play the game differently – turn the search into a winning strategy, look for holidays smartly and save a fortune along the way. Today I'm no longer intimidated by the process – quite the opposite, I enjoy it! I know where to look, when to book, and how to make sure I'm genuinely getting the best price.

In this guide I'm going to share all my secrets for cheap holidays – whether it's a flight, a hotel, a package deal or even a last-minute escape. So if you want to stop overpaying for your holidays, let's get started!

Be flexible about the destination – how to find the cheapest holiday without fixating on one place

Do you really have to fly to exactly the destination you had in mind?
One of the best tricks for finding a cheap holiday is not locking yourself into a specific destination. Sometimes a small change of destination can save you hundreds, and even introduce you to amazing places you'd never considered.

So how do you do it?

✅ Search open-ended – try searching by dates rather than by destination. Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kiwi.com let you type "Anywhere" and see prices all over the world.

✅ Check alternative destinations – maybe Romania will be cheaper than Italy? And perhaps a holiday in Slovenia can replace pricey Switzerland? Sometimes we simply don't think of new destinations – but they can be every bit as amazing!

✅ Try nearby cities – for example, a flight to Brussels can be cheaper than a direct flight to Amsterdam, and from there you can take a cheap train.

💡 Bonus tip: Use the Google Flights map and explore destinations that fit your budget.

Be flexible with your dates – it can save you hundreds!

If you can be flexible with your dates, you can find excellent deals. Holiday prices vary enormously depending on the season, holidays and demand.

📅 So when is it cheapest to fly?

🔹 Fly midweek – flights and hotels are cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
🔹 Avoid peak season – try booking in the "dead" months like May, November and February
🔹 Look for last-minute holidays – hotels sometimes drop prices to fill their rooms

💡 Golden tip: Use Google Flights to check prices across a whole month and discover when it's cheapest.

Package holidays vs. booking separately – which really pays off?

Many people assume that booking a package with flight and hotel is the cheapest option. Sometimes that's true – but not always! Here are the pros and cons of each approach:

Package holidays (flight + hotel) – pros and cons

✅ Pros:
✔️ Easier – everything is arranged in advance and you don't have to deal with each detail separately.
✔️ Transfers included – in many cases this saves money on taxis or public transport.
✔️ Group discounts – booking a package sometimes gets you a better price.

❌ Cons:
❌ It isn't always genuinely cheaper – sometimes booking each component separately is better.
❌ No flexibility – you have to go with whatever the agent offers.

Booking separately – pros and cons

✅ Pros:
✔️ More freedom – you choose exactly the hotel and flight that suit you.
✔️ A chance at special deals – low-cost flights plus a well-priced hotel booked separately.

❌ Cons:
❌ Takes more time to research.
❌ You may have to pay for transfers separately.

💡 Winning tip: Check both approaches! Sometimes a package through a site like Expedia will be cheaper, and sometimes booking separately will save you hundreds.

How to find cheap hotels and avoid hidden fees

Most people make the same mistake – they look for a hotel on one site and book straight away. But if you want to genuinely save, here's what you should do:

✅ Compare prices across several sites – don't rely on Booking.com alone! Try sites like Hotels.com, Agoda and Expedia too.
✅ Use coupons and discounts – some sites offer discounts for new customers.
✅ Check whether the price includes taxes and fees – in many countries the displayed price isn't the final one!

💡 Bonus tip: Check whether there's a discount for booking directly with the hotel. Sometimes the hotel itself offers a better price than the big booking sites.

Low-cost flights or full-service airlines – which is really better?

🔹 Low-cost – for anyone chasing the lowest price who can make do with minimal service.
🔹 Full-service airlines – when you need comfort, checked luggage and a better airport location.

If you're after a really cheap holiday, low-cost will almost always win, but it's worth remembering:

❌ You pay for everything – cabin bag, seat selection, food, even check-in!
✅ You can save a lot if you travel with just a small bag.

💡 Golden tip: If low-cost flights look cheap, check how much adding a suitcase costs and compare with a regular airline.

Why is eSIMfly the most cost-effective solution for holidays abroad?

One of the most annoying things after landing in a foreign country is finding decent internet. So instead of wasting time hunting for a local SIM – why not use eSIMfly?

✅ Saves time – no need to visit shops or swap SIMs.
✅ Connects instantly – you're online the moment you land.
✅ Great prices – up to 80% cheaper than standard roaming plans.

💡 Final tip: Before you fly, order an eSIMfly plan in advance and guarantee yourself a cheap, fast connection for your holiday!

Summary – how to find a cheap holiday and save money

🔹 Don't fixate on one specific destination
🔹 Flexible dates = big savings
🔹 Compare packages against booking separately
🔹 Check hotels on several sites and watch out for hidden fees
🔹 Low-cost flights? Read the small print!
🔹 And don't forget to sort out an eSIM plan before you travel!

✈️ So come on, start planning your next holiday – and find it at the best price out there!

Wherever you are headed, there are eSIM plans for 100+ destinations, with the QR code emailed within minutes.