Planning a last-minute winter sun getaway

January 2025

Planning a last-minute winter sun getaway

January 2025

With cold winter days and long dark nights upon us, you may find yourself dreaming of sunnier climes. Sound familiar? Well, you're not alone! A recent study found that more than half of Brits (52%) said the frosty seasons are one of the worst things about living in the UK, with 75% considering taking an overseas break during the winter months.¹

So, whether it's exploring the medinas of Marrakesh, practising your yoga poses in Bali, or simply whiling your days away on a beach with a good book, going on holiday can be one of the best ways to banish the winter blues. Before you start packing your suitcase, we've got some helpful tips and things you should remember.

Set a budget

To get started, think about your travel style, budget and the activities that you’d like to do. Are you looking for rest and relaxation or would you prefer something more adventurous? Distance doesn’t always have to mean a trip is more expensive, but it’s helpful to think about how much you want to spend overall. That means looking beyond flights and accommodation, and considering travel money, insurance, the cost of local transport or car hire, plus any activities and excursions.

Be flexible

While it’s easy to think a holiday in the sun might be pricey, with the right flexibility you can find the perfect getaway without breaking the bank. For example, weekday flights tend to be cheaper than weekends as there’s less demand. Consider using a tool like Google Flights, which allows you to search for flights across different dates and compare the difference in fares. Similarly, using fare alerts and deal-finding apps can be a great way to stay on top of the best deals, with airlines, hotels and travel agencies often releasing last-minute special offers to fill unsold inventory.

Consider bundling

Bundling flights and accommodation, known as a ‘package deal’, can be cheaper than booking separately. Tour operators charter their own flights and book hotel rooms in bulk, meaning they’re often able to offer travellers a reduced rate. Choosing a package deal, which can sometimes include transfers and additional activities, also saves you the time and hassle of researching each part separately.

Package holidays also have the added bonus of greater consumer protection through travel association ABTA or the ATOL scheme, meaning that if anything goes wrong with the travel company, you’ll be refunded or found alternative accommodation and flights.

Have the right documentation

Depending on where you’re travelling to, you may need a visa. You may also be asked to provide Advance Passenger Information if you are travelling to certain countries. Airlines will usually make you aware of what you need before you travel and, generally, you’ll be able to fill out your details online. However, to avoid any nasty surprises, it’s worth checking entry requirements well in advance of your trip.

Buy travel insurance

Many countries don’t offer free healthcare, so you’ll need to have adequate protection in place in the form of travel insurance should the unforeseeable happen. Make sure you read the small print and ensure your policy covers the activities you plan to do while away. It’s also important you understand your rights and what you’re entitled to, such as cancellations and refunds.

Booking travel insurance as soon as possible after organising your trip will mean that you’re covered for issues that might occur before you leave too. While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest cover, you should make sure that your cover is comprehensive and that you are not left under-insured should something go wrong.

Plan your packing

Remember to check the baggage allowance for your flight; overpacking can be an expensive business. A recent survey showed one in five Brits had to pay excess backage fees in 2024.² Leave enough room for toiletries, phone chargers, prescription medicine and favoured gadgets so that you’re not without the essentials. To make life easier, make a list of everything you need and tick it off as you go.

Factor in bank fees

In the UK, it's common to use credit and debit cards for most payments, but if you plan to use these payment methods abroad, there are often currency conversion and convenience fees that you may have to pay. Not all providers charge the same, so always check before you travel.

It’s wise to take several payment methods with you in case of an emergency. Travel credit cards can be one option, offering the same exchange rate as the bank receives without additional fees. And if you’re planning to use cash, don’t rely on withdrawing it while you’re abroad as you might also be charged for using an ATM. If cash really is king where you’re visiting, consider exchanging some money before you travel, and shop around for the best rate. If in doubt, have a chat with a currency exchange bureau to understand the available options and costs.

With a little bit of planning and forward-thinking, you can make your much-needed winter getaway as simple and stress-free as possible.

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1. Source - Post Office Winter Sun Holiday Destinations Blog

2. Source - Ocean Florida Travel Blog

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