Hankering after another holiday? It’s not too late to go on a last-minute getaway! Round off the summer in style or escape England this autumn as the cherry on top of your 2025.
Reasons to go last-minute
- Rest and reset
Holidays are a wonderful opportunity to rest and reset, however you prefer to spend your time. Lie by a pool or unwind in a spa, hike or bike through beautiful countryside or discover sites in a historical city. Take the chance to escape before winter brings dark, cold days and the frenzied festive season.
- Grab great deals
One of the biggest advantages of being spontaneous with your travel plans is the opportunity for big discounts. You can find great deals on all-inclusive itineraries when you browse last-minute holidays online, in sun-sure locations such as the Canary Islands and Dubai and some of Europe’s most-visited capital cities.
Alternatively, let flight price and availability guide your decision. Airlines sometimes slash prices on spare tickets a few days before departure in a bid to fill the plane, and sales run periodically throughout the year including around Black Friday.
- Minimise stress
While the anticipation of a holiday is wonderful, the run up to can be stressful. Having too much time to plan can actually work against you, leaving you feeling stuck between options and unsure what to confirm and when.
A last-minute trip removes the risk of this happening. You just book, pack and go with the freedom to do whatever you like when you’re there, ensuring total stress-free excitement from start to finish.
Navigating the EES
From mid-October, the EU is launching a new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) based on biometrics. This will apply to British citizens travelling to Schengen countries like Greece, Spain, France and Italy for short stay trips.
Upon arrival at your Schengen destination, you will need to submit fingerprints and a photo. This digital system has been designed to replace manual stamps.
You don’t need to do anything prior to your trip, and there is no financial cost factor to consider. However, you should be prepared for longer wait times at border control and immigration in the weeks and months from 12th October. Travel sooner to save yourself the trouble if you’d rather avoid the queues.
Deciding where to go
Especially when you’re booking last-minute, it can be difficult to decide where to go. There are many wonderful destinations to consider, with some of the best options for the remaining months of 2025 listed below:
- Canary Islands: Located just off the north-west coast of Africa, this volcanic archipelago offers family-friendly resorts and water sports, striking black-sand beaches and warm temperatures year-round.
- Paris: Experience Europe’s most romantic city when it’s quietest, in the autumn after the summer hordes have gone. Stroll by the Seine, enjoy the luxury shopping and admire the world-class art and architecture.
- Tuscany: Enjoy the rolling hills and vineyards of Italy’s spectacular Tuscan countryside, without the scorching summer temperatures.
- Scottish Highlands: With star-strewn skies, dramatic colours and mild temperatures, the hills of Scotland’s stunning Highlands are at their most beautiful in October. Walk well-signposted trails and wander leafy cities.
- Dubai: Take advantage of the more moderate temperatures from October to December to discover Dubai outdoors. Experience exhilarating sea-based activities and once-in-a-lifetime glamping in the desert.
