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A summer holiday is always exciting, but even more so when it’s booked last minute. What better way to bid farewell to the season than to stretch it out in a sunny Spanish city, a chic Italian hotel, or a rural French hideaway? And that’s not even the best thing about an eleventh-hour trip; it’s the deals you can get.
It seems more and more of us are swapping the traditional year-long countdown to a holiday for a more spontaneous approach to travel – myself included. I’m chasing summer to Menorca in early September after finding a great deal on flights.
Last-minute all-inclusive holidays are proving particularly popular. Analysis from loveholidays, the UK’s leading online travel agent, reveals that package holiday bookings made in July jumped by 23 per cent year-on-year.
The antithesis of any Type A holiday planner, next-day bookings have risen even higher to 26 per cent year-on-year, while bookings made within seven days of departure increased by 13 per cent.
Summer’s not over yet, and for anyone still looking to get away, there are hundreds of last-minute holidays available for departures within a week to 90 days – including on five-star resort hotels.
So, get that suitcase packed and find a little inspiration below. These are the holidays appealing to my wanderlust, from sun-drenched Mediterranean resorts to relaxing island escapes.
On the Greek island of Corfu, enjoy a week-long holiday at Cooks Club. Set in the lively resort of Gouvia, the stylish adults-only hotel combines modern rooms with a laid-back atmosphere, a swimming pool and plenty of spots to relax with a book. Corfu Town is nearby, perfect for exploring Venetian architecture, winding streets, waterfront tavernas and the island’s rich history.
Save up to £199pp on a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Cook’s Club Corfu from 26 August.
Malta is one of the Mediterranean's most buzzy breaks. Find out what all the fuss is about with a seven-night stay at Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay. Set on the island’s northeast coast, the elegant five-star hotel overlooks the ocean and offers several pools, restaurants and a private lido. Nearby St Julian’s is ideal for waterfront dining, while Valletta’s historic streets and landmarks are easily reached for a culture-fuelled day trip.
Save up to £178pp on a seven-night stay, including breakfast, departing on 5 September from London Gatwick.
Craving a Mallorcan sojourn? Book a seven-night stay at Purobeach Resort Santa Ponsa. Set on the beautiful island’s southwest coast, the stylish resort features modern rooms, a relaxed beach-club atmosphere, pools and Mediterranean dining. Santa Ponsa’s sandy beach is nearby, while Palma’s historic streets, cathedral and vibrant waterfront are around 30 minutes away.
Save up to £169pp on a seven-night room-only stay, departing from London Luton on Tuesday 8 September.
In picturesque Corfu, a seven-night stay at MarBella is waiting. The elegant five-star resort overlooks the Ionian Sea. Set among lush gardens, the hotel offers several pools, restaurants and direct access to a private beach. UNESCO-protected, Corfu Town’s cobblestone maze, bright architecture and ancient fortresses are within easy reach.
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