Winter sun without the splurge: Affordable all-inclusive escapes

As the cold starts to creep in, Brits across the country are dreaming of a winter getaway. Sitting, soaking up the sun is way more attractive than freezing in the UK climate! The end of the year, however, can often be expensive with Christmas to plan for.

The trick is to snag yourself an incredible all-inclusive deal, which will take the stress out of budgeting and planning. Here are some destinations to consider, as well as tips for getting a bargain.

Why autumn-to-winter is the perfect time to bag a bargain

It is no secret that travel prices skyrocket during the summer months and around school holidays, sometimes by 20%. This is largely due to demand, as most families aren’t able to take their kids out of school.

Travelling in off-peak times (between November and March) means that prices are a lot lower, meaning you can upgrade your trip and still be within budget. This is especially helpful for those without children to consider.

Destination spotlight: Hammamet, Tunisia

For an injection of winter sun, Hammamet in Tunisia could be the perfect place. Tunisia, in general, has always been a hit with holidaymakers due to the abundance of sunshine, cost of holidaying and unique experiences.

Hammamet is only a short plane ride from the UK, meaning you can make the most of the gorgeously warm weather. Booking an all-inclusive holiday here is very budget-friendly, with a week away from Manchester airport costing roughly £225 per person.

Although it is one of the more touristy areas, Hammamet also offers rich culture and experiences. Exploring the old medina is a must when visiting as it is packed with traders selling a raft of goods – perfect for souvenirs and mementoes. For the perfect place to soak in the vista, head to the Kasbah Fort for panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and Hammamet itself.

Quick-win alternative: Canary Islands, Egypt and the Maldives

For travellers who are happier to fly a little bit further afield, the Maldives offers tropical sunshine, beautiful beaches and tropical adventures all year long. Although this tends to be a pricier holiday, there are occasionally price drops, making it worth keeping an eye on.

Alternatively, the Canary Islands are a short-haul option that boasts wonderful all-inclusive resorts for decent prices. Whenever you look at lists of cheap all-inclusive destinations, you will inevitably find a couple of Canary Island options.

Egypt has always been a strong contender for offering winter sunshine combined with historical intrigue and culinary explosions. Areas such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are always popular and offer excellent value for money.

How to spot a bargain

When booking an all-inclusive holiday, you need to be certain what you are paying for, especially as holidays are becoming more expensive.

Check whether all meals and drinks are included as well as the cost of extra excursions and taxes. Many holidays take a sour note when there are hidden costs. You should also make a note of the cancellation flexibility policy just in case.

Be sure to play around with different flight times if you can be flexible. You may find that travelling at different times brings the prices down.