Why parents should book holidays during ‘magic week'…when trips drop to HALF PRICE
MAGIC TOUCH Why parents should book holidays during 'magic week'…when trips drop to HALF PRICE
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AS every parent knows, getting a cheap break during the school summer holidays feels impossible.
Demand is high and availability is low, meaning the cost of a family holiday can skyrocket - but there is one week during the summer when bargains are bookable and you could save hundreds.
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Bodrum in Turkey has deals in August for less than half the price to go in July
Credit: Getty
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Writer, Helen Wright, pictured with her family in Turkey, always books the last week in August for a cheap summer getaway
Credit: Helen Wright
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Finn and Dad, Simon, have fun at a resort in Greece, where the family saved over £100 going on the last five days of the summer break in 2024
Credit: Helen Wright
Better still, it's not too late for a last-minute getaway.
As a travel writer and mum-of-two, I call this 'magic week'.
When the kids are off school, life often gets more hectic with parents looking for ways to keep the kids entertained.
Six weeks can feel like a long stretch.
However, now we are halfway through, if you are anything like me, things have fallen into step and finally starting to feel a bit calmer.
Like a lot of parents, you may have earmarked the last week in August to get everything ready for the new school term.
You're not alone. Uniforms need buying, shoes need fitting, and hair needs cutting.
Most people plan to do this at the end of August, and that's exactly when demand for holidays is at its lowest point of the whole summer.
Do you think you can get everything ready before? Because there are some incredible deals for the end of August, and you can save more than 50% on the same holiday that others booked in July.
Hence why I always try to get away this week during the school holidays.
The Turkish holiday destination that you've likely never heard of with 'beaches that never end'
In the past, I have found cheap flights to Florida for less than £200 per person, half-price package breaks in Spain and Turkey and discount flights to various destinations in Europe for less than £40 each way.
A lot of hotels with available rooms will also advertise discounted rates, so it pays to shop around.
Luckily, this year I have done the work for you and found some unbeatable deals if you are ready to go this month and get back just in time for school.
Bodrum, Turkey for £269pp
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Bodrum in Turkey often has great deals, but late summer is when you will find the mega bargains
Credit: Getty
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In the past, Helen has found deals in Turkey, Greece, Spain and the US by travelling in late August
Credit: Helen Wright
This holiday is for five nights, bed and breakfast, staying at the family-friendly Bodrum Beach Resort in Turkey.
Bodrum is a stunning spot on Turkey's coast, with a shoreline of sandy bays overlooking the turquoise-tinted Med.
As well as an abundance of historic and cultural spots, there is so much for families to do, including waterparks, attractions and brilliant child-friendly hotels.
Plus, at this time of year, hot weather is almost guaranteed, so long days at the beach before cooling off in the pristine waters are recommended.
Bodrum is also an affordable city for eating and drinking, making this package an absolute summer steal.
Get the deal: loveholidays.com Direct flights from Bristol on 28th August 2025, £269 per person.
At £289 below the peak summer price, this is a saving of more than 50% on the same holiday you could have booked in July.
Tenerife, Canary Islands for £276pp
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Tenerife is a Brit favourite for winter sun, but there are some great deals in summer too
Credit: Getty
With seven nights' self-catering, this is a fantastic deal for a break in fun and lively Tenerife, staying at the Gara Suites Golf and Spa Resort.
The hotel, which has its own on-site golf course (priced separately) is in Playa de las Americas, walking distance to beach bars and cafes and the lively promenade.
However, if you want a few days to relax by the pool and unwind after a busy summer break, the resort also has a large, beautiful pool.
Get the deal at Tui.co.uk, with direct flights, including luggage and transfers for £276 per person.
According to Tui, this is 57% cheaper than travelling at a peak time in July, so a mega bargain, with everything you need included for an easy, last-minute family holiday.
Agadir, Morocco for £249pp
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Agadir has a golden, sandy beach with a long promenade of restaurants, pubs and entertainment
Credit: Getty
The three-star Tagadirt Appart-Hotel in Agadir is a charming beach hotel that has a very authentic Moroccan feel, but with lots of family-friendly elements.
The hotel features both an indoor and outdoor pool and a dedicated children's swimming area, and a playground for younger guests to enjoy.
There's a kids' club available, though fees may apply, and the hotel provides a kids' entertainment programme with music and games throughout the day.
You will also be just a three-minute walk from a golden, sandy beach with a long promenade of restaurants, pubs and entertainment.
Eating and drinking is very affordable here, and it's an ideal spot for families.
Get the deal at holidaypirates.com with flights and seven nights room-only for only £249 per person.
Costa Brava, Spain for £269
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Underrated Blanes is the gateway to the sun-kissed Costa Brava
Credit: Getty
Just north of Barcelona is the Spanish seaside resort of Blanes, which is lesser-known to Brits, but has a huge coastline of beautiful, golden beaches.
The four-star Blaumar Hotel is within walking distance of the beach and has its own tree-lined, outdoor freshwater swimming pool and a separate children's swimming area.
There is also a terrace offering panoramic sea views where guests can unwind.
The quaint city of Blanes is just a 10-minute stroll away, with local, Catalan shops, tapas bars and restaurants. Rent a bike from the hotel; it's an easy cycle into town.
Back at the hotel, evening entertainment includes live shows and music.
Get the deal with loveholidays.com for five nights bed and breakfast, flying from Belfast on Ryanair for £269 per person, saving over £100 on the same deal last month.
Florida Fly-drive for £323
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Florida's Atlantic coast has beautiful beach destinations like Melbourne Beach
Credit: Getty
With holidays to Florida priced at an all-time high in the school holidays, you may be surprised to find a bargain deal if you have time to squeeze in a last-minute trip at the end of August.
A Fly-drive that includes flights to Melbourne, Florida and car hire for seven days is an ideal way to explore the Sunshine State on a budget.
Florida's Atlantic coast has beautiful beach destinations like Melbourne Beach and Cocoa Beach, as well as the Space Coast with Cape Canaveral and attractions like Kennedy Space Center.
Book the deal with Tui.co.uk for £323 per person, based on a family of four sharing a mid-size car. This is 69% cheaper than last month, saving a whopping £2,923!
This offer doesn't include accommodation, but you can grab fantastic hotel deals along the coast from as little as £55 per night.
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