Holidays 2026
Looking ahead to your holidays in 2026? It’s never too early to start planning. Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, city adventures or family getaways, booking your 2026 holiday now means access to early deals, more availability and plenty of inspiration for your next escape.
Why book your 2026 holiday now?
Booking your 2026 holiday early gives you more than just something to look forward to. You’ll get access to better prices, first pick of the best hotels and a wider choice of flights and destinations. For families tied to the school holidays, planning ahead is often the only way to guarantee your preferred dates without paying over the odds.
When to go on holiday in 2026
Timing your holiday right can make a big difference, especially if you’re travelling with children or looking to avoid peak season prices. Here’s a quick guide to planning around the Irish calendar:
Spring (March to May): Quieter cities and blossoming landscapes
Summer (June to August): School holidays and beach escapes
Autumn (September to November): Warm weather without the crowds
Winter (December to February): Christmas markets, ski breaks and winter sun
Remember to keep an eye on the school holidays and bank holidays for 2026 when planning your trip.
Best deals for 2026 holidays
Check our latest holiday deals and get your 2026 trip locked in while availability is high and prices are low.
All-inclusive holidays 2026
If you want to travel abroad without the hassle of thinking about what to eat and where to go for drinks, opt in for our last minute all-inclusive holidays.
Family holidays for 2026
Start planning your next family adventure with our top picks for 2026. From kid-friendly beach resorts to exciting theme park breaks, these holidays are made for memory-making.
Summer holidays 2026
Make summer 2026 one to remember with these sunshine-filled escapes. Whether you’re dreaming of golden beaches or a cultural city break, these offers are ideal for your summer getaway.
How to find cheap holidays for 2026
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy an unforgettable getaway. Here are a few tips to help you save on your 2026 holiday:
Book early to secure lower prices
Be flexible with your travel dates and departure airports
Travel outside of school holidays if possible
Consider less touristy destinations or hidden gems
Use our filters to find budget-friendly and all-inclusive options
Whether you’re planning a big summer trip or a spontaneous long weekend, there are always ways to keep your travel costs down.
Plan now, pay later: flexible options for 2026
At lastminute.com, flexibility comes as standard. Many 2026 holidays can be reserved with low deposits or paid in instalments, making it easier to spread the cost over time. This is especially helpful for families, groups or anyone juggling school calendars and work schedules. With ATOL protection and trusted partners, you can book with confidence.
What are the best long weekends and breaks to plan holidays in 2026?
In 2026, there are several opportunities for extended holidays thanks to how the UK bank holidays and weekends fall. Here are some key dates to keep in mind when booking your time off:
Easter break: Good Friday is on 3 April 2026 and Easter Monday on 6 April, giving you a four-day weekend. Book a few extra days around it for a longer spring escape.
Early May bank holiday: Falls on 4 May 2026 (Monday), perfect for a quick city break or a relaxing weekend away.
Spring bank holiday: Lands on 25 May 2026 (Monday). Combine with a few extra days for a full week in the sun, just before the peak of summer.
August bank holiday: 31 August 2026 (Monday). Great for a late summer getaway or one last beach break before autumn.
Christmas and New Year: Christmas Day is on a Friday and Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, meaning 28 December (Monday) will likely be a substitute bank holiday. New Year’s Day is on Thursday, so with some careful planning, you could turn this into a longer winter break.
Planning around these dates means more holidays for fewer days off, so they’re ideal for getting the most out of your annual leave in 2026.
FAQs: Holidays 2026
Booking early often means better deals and more choice, especially during school holidays or peak seasons. You’ll also benefit from early bird offers and flexible booking policies.
Popular spots include the Greek Islands, the Canary Islands, Italy, and Albania. Trendy city breaks like London, Paris or Barcelona also continue to top the list for 2026 travel.
Yes, many 2026 holidays are already live! Booking early through lastminute.com means you can secure your favourite hotels and flights while prices are still low.
Definitely, but the best choice tends to go early. For full flexibility, it's smart to book in advance and keep an eye on our last minute deals later in the year.
Yes, all-inclusive packages for 2026 are already available, with options across beach resorts, city hotels, and family-friendly destinations.
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