From travel tips to cash hacks… how to beat the squeeze for your next holiday
DREAMING of a sun-soaked holiday next summer – but worrying about the cost?
This week, the Sun’s Squeeze Team travel special, in association with tour operator Tui, has all the answers to help you plan for the ultimate break in 2023.
The cost-of-living crisis and rising gas prices are a real worry to many but act now and you can book a brilliant break for next year and have something to look forward to.
In this special report, we have:
- Easy cash hacks to save you on everyday expenses
- Top travel tips to book the savviest of breaks
- Amazing Tui initiatives to help you afford your holiday
- How you could win £3k of Tui vouchers for your dream holiday.
- Some incredible deals at great hotels in your favourite resorts
While January has traditionally been the month many of us start planning our summer breaks, with this year’s unique circumstances now could be the best time to secure your holiday.
READ MORE ON TRAVEL
You can lock in prices for the places you dream of visiting and Tui has many options to help you afford it — from £0 deposit options, direct debit payments and free kids’ places.
There are thousands of FREE child places on offer with Tui for 2023, including 100,000 in the school holidays alone.
And there are thousands of holiday options that require either no deposit at all, or from as little as £25 per person.
You’ll be locking in at today’s prices — giving you the peace of mind of knowing exactly how much you have to save. Why not split the cost? With Tui’s monthly direct debit option you can spread the price of your break into easier, affordable payments.
Most read in Travel
And what’s more, if you book any Tui beach, lakes and mountains or Marella Cruises package holiday between now and October 5 you will be entered into a random prize draw to win the full cost of your holiday back, with a winner guaranteed each day. Tui’s Richard Sofer says: “We know finances will continue to be challenging, givcost-of-living living crisis many families face.
“Holidays are precious and it’s understandable that people are reluctant to give up that special time to recharge and reconnect with loved ones.
“It really will pay to book early, though, locking in prices now and spreading out the cost over a longer period.”
TURKISH DELIGHTS
£430pp: Enjoy seven nights all-inclusive at the 5* Paloma Foresta in Kemer near Antalya. This hotel is at the foot of densely forested hills, right on the shores of a Blue Flag beach and features three palm-tree lined pools – one heated – as well as splash slides.
But it’s the food that really takes this resort to another level – a vast international buffet as well as FIVE a la carte restaurants. Fancy a tipple? Relax at the beach bar, enjoy music at the piano bar and there’s even an Irish pub for a pint of the good stuff.
You won’t be short of fun, either, with kids’ clubs, sports and entertainment both day and night. Prices start at £430pp including flights from Luton on March 14, 2023. See tui.co.uk.
£526pp: For the ultimate adults-only, beach-and-pool combo, spend seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5* TUI Blue Side in Antalya. Separated from a vast swathe of golden beach by a palm-lined promenade, this contemporary, modern resort also features a huge freeform pool, surrounded by cushioned loungers and oversize day beds.
Dine in style at the buffet restaurant or enjoy gourmet treats at the two a la carte restaurants before enjoying a cocktail at one of the hotel’s six bars. Pamper yourself in the hotel spa , with its Turkish bath, saunas and steam rooms, or get active with water sports and tennis. From £526pp with flights from Manchester on March 8, 2023. See tui.co.uk.
EGYPTIAN SUITES
£707pp: Families will love the choice of water fun with seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4* Aqua Blu, Hurghada. There are four pools and a water park.
Mum and dad will love swimming up to the bar in the lagoon-style main pool, the kids will adore the nine chutes and slides and lazy river in the aquapark.
The main restaurant has global fare as well as kids’ favourites. For a change of cuisine check out the buffets in the Italian and Tandoori restaurants. Round off the night with a drink in one of the four bars. With kids clubs and a playground this is family holiday heaven. From £707pp, including flights from Bristol on February 21, 2023. See tui.co.uk.
£740pp: Steps from the soft sands of Naqb Bay, soak up seven sunny nights at the all-inclusive 5* Royal Albatross Moderna in Sharm El Sheikh.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a lounger – there are 11 pools to sun yourself by as well as a waterpark. Four pools are heated in the winter months.
Variety is also on offer at mealtimes, with six restaurants and six bars. There are clubs for the kids and adults will love the Irish bar with its karaoke sessions.
Dive deeper into the surrounding area with snorkelling on the coral reefs outside the hotel. Seven nights is from £740ppwith flights from Luton on February 15, 2023. See tui.co.uk.
CHILL IN CAPE VERDE
£813pp: Get away from it all at the exotic 5* Riu Karamboa, a stunning confection of an all-inclusive adults-only hotel hugging the beach at Praia de Salines on the island of Boa Vista.
With its colourful minaret-style roof, it is reminiscent of a sultan’s palace. The sprawling pool comes complete with whirlpool bath and you’ll find lots of sports facilities to keep you busy by day and there are shows after dark. Enjoy global cuisine in the five restaurants, including three a la carte speciality ones.
Try kayaking or bodyboarding in the calm warm waters or indulge in a treatment in the hotel’s Renova spa.
Seven nights is from £813pp including flights from Manchester on May 4, 2023. See tui.co.uk.
£892pp: The turrets and towers of the 5* all-inclusive Riu Funana, on the island of Sal, are just steps from powder-soft white sands but you’ll be just as tempted by the vast lagoon-style pool with its swim-up bar, palms and sun loungers. You won’t go hungry as snacks are available 24/7 and there are four dining spots, including an Asian a la carte restaurant and poolside grill.
Kids clubs will keep little ones entertained by day and there is nightly entertainment from live shows as well as a nightclub. Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £892pp with flights from Gatwick on May 2, 2023. See tui.co.uk.
CANARIES GOING CHEAP
£507pp: Enjoy a break right in the heart of the action at the 3* TUI Suneo El Trebol in Costa Teguise, Lanzarote. This low-rise hotel is just 15 minutes from bars, restaurants and a trio of beaches. On site, there are two lagoon-style pools with bars in a palm-lined courtyard as well as splash park with slides.
Enjoy live-cooking stations in the buffet restaurant or have a drink or two at the piano show bar or in the adults-only pub with its evening entertainment.
The modern apartment rooms feature a bedroom plus a sofa bed in the lounge, which comes complete with a kitchenette.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £507pp with flights from Gatwick on April 23, 2023. See tui.co.uk.
£593pp: Enjoy the sparkling blue pools and stunning white low-rise rooms at the 3* Arena Beach Hotel in Corralejo, Fuerteventura – just a five-minute drive from the area’s sand dune beaches.
Take a break beside two tranquil pools while the kids enjoy the splash park with its lighthouse slide and fountains. Feast on traditional Spanish dishes plus global favourites in the buffet restaurant or enjoy drinks and snacks at the pool and lobby bars. There is a kids’ club and a mini disco to keep the little ones entertained and a host of activities for adults, including a spa.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £593pp leaving Gatwick on April 25. See tui.co.uk.
GREECE IS THE WORD
£838pp: The 4* adults-only, all-inclusive TUI Blue Atlantica Nissaki Beach on the beautiful, verdant Greek island of Corfu is the ultimate adults-only escape.
It is situated by the shores of the Ionian Sea, on the edge of a verdant hillside and is surrounded by olive groves.
Everything is designed with adults in mind. Try first-class dining and delicious cocktails in the two restaurants and two bars.
Expand your mind while you relax with wine tastings, cocktail masterclasses and cooking courses.
Or simply sit by the pool or grab a lounger on the beach and break out that latest holiday read. Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £838 with flights from Aberdeen on May 26, 2023. See tui.co.uk.
£639pp: Soak up stunning views of the Mediterranean from the all-inclusive 3* Rodos Star in Afandou. It is just a short stroll from the beach and close to the town’s bars and tavernas.
The hotel’s well-kept gardens surround a lovely pool and inside there’s an extensive buffet restaurant plus cocktail bar with evening entertainment.
Rooms are clean and comfy and you can even upgrade to a room with its own plunge pool. Seven nights’ all-inclusive is from £639pp including flights from Belfast on May 24, 2023. See tui.co.uk.
WIN £3K WORTH OF TUI VOUCHERS
HOW do you fancy treating the family to the ultimate all-inclusive Spanish sunshine break?
Or how about dipping your toes in the warmest Caribbean waters on a romantic getaway for two in Mexico?
Or does the thought of conquering the adrenaline-fuelled rides of Walt Disney World in Florida appeal?
Well you could be jetting away on your dream break with our fantastic prize draw in association with TUI. Voted the most trusted travel company by Sun readers in 2022, TUI is offering one lucky winner £3,000 in holiday vouchers for the trip of a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? Simply go to thesun.co.uk/travel/tui and fill in the entry form by 23.59pm on October 2, 2022, and you could be in with a chance of winning that amazing £3,000 holiday voucher.
Terms and conditions apply – see thesun.co.uk/travel/tui
IT’S EASY TO SAVE UP FOR YOUR TRIP
DITCH THE COSTLY COFFEE: Resist the temptation to buy a coffee on your way to work. Bring one from home instead and with average coffee costing £3 you could save £795, based on five a week.
FAKEAWAY NOT TAKEAWAY: The average takeaway for a family of four is £25. Recreate your favourite at home once a week and you could save up to £1,000 a year.
BARGAIN BATCH COOKING: To save both time and money, batch cook your meals in bulk then freeze them. There’s plenty of inspiration online and you could save thousands.
CLEAR OUT AND CLEAN UP: De-clutter any unwanted or unused items and sell them – you will be surprised what you can make. From clothes and accessories to games and DVDs, there are loads of apps and websites you can turn to sell unwanted stuff lying around at home. Or go old school and have a car boot sale.
NEED CASH? USE THESE SIMPLE TIPS
FLY MIDWEEK: Often the cheapest flights -– and package holidays – involve a midweek departure. Ditching the traditional weekend getaway could reap huge rewards and doesn’t involve taking any more time off work.
COMPARE REGIONAL AIRPORTS: Don’t just look at prices for your nearest airport. It’s always worth looking at those either further afield, or smaller regional airports. With school holidays often different depending on where you live, a slightly longer commute to a different airport could deliver serious savings.
BOOK EARLY FOR MORE CHOICE – AND FREE CHILD PLACES: Securing your 2023 holiday now means you’ll have the pick of the flights and even of free child places if two adults are travelling.
GO ALL-INCLUSIVE: These offer peace of mind for those wanting to ensure they get the best break in 2023. With everything included in the price from lunch and dinner to ice creams for the kids and cocktails, you won’t have to worry about coming up with hundreds of pounds in extra spending money.
GET COVERED: Booking an ATOL-protected package holiday with an established tour operator like TUI gives you peace of mind, should anything go wrong, they will look after you and ensure your trip goes smoothly.
ALWAYS PAY WITH A CREDIT CARD: All purchases over £100 are covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. And get travel insurance the minute you book your trip to take advantage of cancellation cover.
