5 tips that could 'save you hundreds' on your next holiday - and the top packages under £500

TUI's commercial director, Chris Logan, revealed five top ways to get a great deal on your next getaway.

The travel pro also highlighted the package holiday deals currently available for less than £500.

Travel midweek for massive savings

If you have the flexibility to travel on different days, use it. This is according to the expert who explained mid-week travel often offers more generous rates.

Logan explained: "Mid‑week departures offer a sweet spot of value and convenience for travellers. Flying midweek, especially Monday to Wednesday, could save you hundreds on the exact same holiday.

"This week, there’s a deal for a 7-night all-inclusive stay at the 4T TUI Suneo Kenzi Europa in Agadir, Morocco for just £523pp – that's 42 per cent off. Travelling on Monday, May 4 instead of Sunday, May 3 currently saves you nearly £300 per person.

"The hotel includes all food and booze, plus transfers, flights with TUI Airways and a generous 20kg luggage allowance per person, all for less than a weekend city break.

“The best hack is to always scroll down on our holiday pages – there's a calendar that breaks down prices by departure date, so you can instantly see which days are cheapest."

Travel during the shoulder season

Avoiding peak dates, such as the summer season or school holidays, is another way that flexibility can pay off. Logan added: "May and September offer gorgeous weather without the peak prices. You'll get balmy temperatures upwards of 20°C in destinations like the Canaries and Greece, but pay a fraction of the cost.

“Case in point: the 4T TUI BLUE Las Pitas in Gran Canaria is perfect for families, with TUI Kids’ Club activities available for little ones aged three all the way up to teens aged 17.

"Travelling in May means you can grab a deal for £362 per person based on a family of four. If you have kids that aren’t in school yet or you’re able to travel outside of peak season, then you could bag a great bargain.”

Choose your board basis wisely

Hotels can offer different boards, from self-catering to all-inclusive. Having everything included is great for those looking to stay at the hotel and indulge in food and drink, but self-catering can be a more savvy option if spending time at the hotel is less of a priority.

The expert said: "If you're not a big drinker, you don't need to splash out on all-inclusive. Half board could work out as much better value for money. And if you love exploring local restaurants and heading into town for dinner, self-catering or bed and breakfast are your best bets.

“The 4T TUI BLUE Alcudia Pins in Mallorca is a great example of this. You can pick a great range of board options from self-catering, B&B, half-board, full-board or all-inclusive at this resort, which means you can really cater (pun intended) the trip to you and your family. Bed and breakfast packages start from as little as £318pp.”

Act quickly

Timing is everything when booking a holiday. Britons can save on their trips with a last-minute deal. However, booking in advance and jumping on deals when you see them can be the best way to enjoy discounts.

Logan explained: “Bargain hunters really need to act fast. My biggest tip is to lock in your next trip asap to secure the best rates, as the deals are constantly updating and changing.”

Use the 'under £500' deals page

For more cheap deals, online travel companies, such as TUI, often have functions where they can filter by price. Logan said: "Most people don't realise TUI has a dedicated page that does all the hard work for you. The 'Holidays under £500' page brings together all the best deals in one place – you can filter by your local airport, star rating and board type. It’s how customers can find some incredible deals for five-star hotels for under £500.

“Right now, there’s a great deal for the 5T-rated Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort in Tunisia. Departing in May means the temperature will be heating up to a toasty 25°C.

"For just £438pp you could utilise all the 5T facilities, including five pools, three restaurants, swim up bars, kids’ clubs and even a tennis court. But it is true that the deals change every single day, so you need to jump on them quickly.”