Planning your perfect summer getaway

The anticipation of a summer holiday can be just as exciting as the trip itself!

With travel demand remaining incredibly strong among UK holidaymakers this year, many of us are planning a well-deserved break be it abroad or a location closer to home.

With prices rising for commercial flights and the summer months (and school holiday season) fast approaching, you’d be wise to start planning and booking as soon as possible!

But to make sure your escape goes as smoothly as it can, a bit of forward thinking goes a long way.

Hasty booking can lead to simple mistakes, or vital information being overlooked and you ending up on a holiday you don’t quite remember booking.

How to fix this? Resist the urge to rush into it: take your time and make sure you’ve got the following steps covered.

Choosing the right destination

The first step to a successful trip is selecting a location that suits both your travel style and budget.

Whether you’re craving a relaxing beach holiday or a bustling city break, the key to choosing the perfect location is to match the destination to your energy levels.

For example, taking a Lisbon city break can balance sunshine and shopping. This city boasts charming traditional trams, local cafés and bars, and some brilliant day trip options by train.

But from Paris to Ibiza, Europe is teeming with delightful yet affordable destinations that cater to every budget, and every interest from clubbing to historical architecture.

When narrowing down your options, consider these factors:

Climate and weather: Find out which regions offer the most reliable sunshine during the peak months. Not only will this help you pack the right clothing, it can also help you plan what activities to book for your trip- because nobody likes a day hike in torrential rain!
Interests and activities: Decide if you’d prefer a packed itinerary of museums and galleries or a slower pace focused on local culture. Whilst a jam-packed list of outings can make you feel like you’ve made the most of your trip, it can lead to you feeling like you need a second holiday to recover from this one.
Budgetary requirements: Look at the total cost of travel, accommodation and daily spending to find the best value for money. Use comparison sites when booking flights, and always be aware of additional fees for things such as early check-in or additional baggage.

Plan early and know the rules

Booking early is more than just a way to save money. Our passports might have changed colour since Brexit, but that’s not the only change to your holiday.

British travellers heading to Europe in 2026 need to be aware of the Entry/Exit System.

In major airports, this includes new biometric checks that can lead to longer queues at border crossings during peak periods.

By sorting your documents well in advance, you’ll be prepared for these administrative changes. We recommend carrying your passport securely, but always within easy reach when you’re at the terminal.

Packing is an area that many put off until last minute, but getting ahead of this task is a great way to relieve a common travel anxiety.

By packing your holiday clothes and essentials well ahead of time you give yourself chance to identify any items you might be lacking, and ensures you’re not arriving at the airport and realising you’ve forgotten your favourite swimsuits.

Check official travel advice

Before you commit to a booking, it’s worth checking the latest foreign travel advice from the UK government on your favourite destinations.

You can find essential, up-to-date guidance on personal safety and local laws. This is increasingly important amid tensions in the Middle East, which may affect holiday bookings to countries like Cyprus and Türkiye.

Checking this official advice keeps you aware of any travel warnings that might affect your insurance or your itinerary. From there, you can make the best decision for you and your travel companions.