Where should I book on Black Friday?

And, just like that, Black Friday’s over for another year. Discounts acquired, purchases made, bank accounts satisfied. If you missed our Black Friday deals, we guess there’s always next time… Luckily, these destinations aren’t going anywhere, so pick your fave and make a note for 2026. Can’t wait until then? Check out our cheapest deals.

Canary Islands 

Where do you go for classic holiday vibes and easy winter sun? The Canary Islands, obvs. This archipelago’s closer to Africa than Europe but it’s actually part of Spain, so you get that steamy Saharan weather with all your fave Spanish things… una sangria, por favor. Tenerife’s a major B.N.O.C. – it’s been a go-to for Brits on tour since the 60s and hasn’t slowed down since. Everyone just can’t get enough of its year-round rays, buzzy resorts and beaut beaches – and Siam Park, ofc, the largest waterpark in Europe. It’s a similar story in Gran Canaria, another staple for its unreal sandy sweeps, pretty ports and high-energy resorts, like Maspalomas. It’s a trending pick for outdoorsy types, too, thanks to its mountain trails, hill climbs and winding coastal roads that are ideal for hiking, running and road cycling.   

It’s totally worth visiting the lesser-known islands, too. They all have their own feel – Lanzarote’s got seriously stunning beaches and volcanic scenery straight from a sci-fi film, and Fuerteventura has big hotels and even bigger waves for surfing. Then, there’s La Palma, the smallest and most underrated Canary Island. It’s a lot lusher and leafier here – expect banana plantations and pine forests, and the towns are more like fishing villages than holiday resorts. The whole thing’s UNESCO-protected, with some of the best stargazing conditions on the planet.    

Balearic Islands 

Beach. Nature. Nightlife. The Balearics really are the blueprint for a dream destination… and they’re only around a two-hour flight away. These islands are sitting pretty just below Barcelona, but they’re deffo not your average Spanish set-up. Majorca’s Serra de Tramuntana mountains could be the Swiss Alps when they’re covered in snow, but the rest of the island’s gorg sweeps look like something from the Caribbean – Blue Flag bays, Playa de Muro and Cala Millor, are some of the best.  The island’s not all active and beachy trips, though… The capital, Palma, is pure city break material, Magaluf’s for 24-hour party people, and you’ve already seen hilltop Sóller and its tram all over your socials.   

Things over on Menorca are set to 0.5x speed. The coastline’s covered in white-washed resorts and peaceful beaches – special mentions go to Cala’n Bosch, Son Bou and Son Parc. Inland, everything looks just as fine. The Albufera des Grau Natural Park is a UNESCO-rated biosphere reserve packed with lagoons and marshland. Set off on a hike and keep an eye out for water birds like heron and fish eagles. If you prefer nightlife over nature, the liveliest it gets here is Mahon, the island’s capital – sip local wine in one of the city’s bar-lined squares before showing up the locals in a salsa club.   

Mexico 

Everyone’s obsessed with Mexico rn… and you’re about to be, too. Live it up on the Caribbean Coast’s cliché-level sands and party until the AM in Cancun, swim in natural pools – AKA cenotes – in Playa del Carmen, and zipline through the jungle in Riviera Maya. You’ll also be within day-tripping distance of one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza. Or, for that dreamy desert-island aesthetic, Isla Holbox is the one – there are no cars on the island, and it’s all swinging hammocks, colourful bars and beach-bum living.   

If you’re more into city breaks than Spring Break, Mexico City meets the brief. The capital’s an absolute treat for the senses – search for the best tacos from street food stalls, go tequila-tasting in a local cantina and catch a mariachi performance in Plaza Garibaldi. The city’s streets are covered in art – the best is in the Roma district – but the biggest name here is Frida Kahlo, so check out her digs at the Casa Azul Museum. And if you’re around at the beginning of November, it’s all about Day of the Dead. It’s THE event, with celebrations taking place all over Mexico and the best scenes are right here.   

Greece 

Nowhere does island life quite like Greece… and summer’s basically on here from May until November. The South Aegean Islands serve up blue-domed icons you already love, like Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos and Santorini. If Mamma Mia!’s still living rent-free in your head, check out Skopelos over on the North Aegean Islands – sounds like a tour of all the filming spots is a bit of you. The Ionian Islands are off the mainland’s west coast and feature faves like Zante and Corfu, as well as hidden gems like Kefalonia and Lefkas.   

We can’t talk about Greece and not mention Crete, ofc… It’s the furthest south of all the islands, so you already know it’s going to be HOT. You’ll love the ancient sites, like the Palace of Knossos and Old Town in Rethymnon. Or, for shorter flights, the mainland could be a winner. Athens has the Acropolis and golden beaches, then there’s Halkidiki’s white-sand beaches and Mount Athos views. 

Cape Verde 

Imagine Portugal and Brazil had a baby… enter, Cape Verde. This group of islands off the coast of Senegal is everything, if you want the tropical life without firming a long-haul flight. It’s only about 6 hours from home, temps don’t drop below 24°C all year and their time zone’s only an hour behind… we’re looking at you, digital nomads.  

There are 10 islands to hop between, but Sal and Boa Vista are the ones you want to know about. Smaller Sal serves up golden beaches, big party energy and activities for days – diving, surfing, swimming in a saltwater lake… it’s all going on here. Boa Vista might be bigger, but it feels a lot more zen. Its mega 55-kilometre coastline makes it a spot for serious sun lovers who want to eat, sleep, beach, repeat. It’s main town – Sal Rei – has nothing on Sal’s Santa Maria, but that’s all part of the appeal. Instead of bars and beach clubs, you’ve got local markets and family-run restaurants.    

Turkey 

Turkey’s a strong holiday all-rounder, bringing history, culture, beach and city to the table. Istanbul is a must-visit for city lovers – think ancient mosques like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and traditional Turkish coffee spots.  

If you’re after sun, sea and sand, the Turquoise Coast won’t disappoint. Antalya is the big name here, with incred beaches, luxe resorts and a charming old town with cobbled streets and ancient ruins. Along the coast, the Dalaman area is perfect for laidback beach breaks, plus easy access to nature parks and outdoor adventures – there’s a huge paragliding scene round here. Then, Bodrum’s that town – plenty of yachts pull up in the harbour to soak up the boujie nightlife and chic beach clubs. 

Egypt 

Holidays to Egypt are an epic mix of ancient wonders and modern resorts. The Red Sea resorts – Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh – are where it’s at for sunshine, sandy sweeps and world-class diving. Hurghada’s long coastline is lined with watersports centres, beach clubs and five-star stays. Sharm’s pretty similar, known for its HD-clear waters and thriving coral reefs.  

Beyond the beach, you can explore North African markets, sip mint tea in local cafés or even take a daytrip to the River Nile. If you’re into under-the-radar resorts, don’t miss Marsa Alam – a quieter pick with shores that feel untouched and waters packed with marine life. For culture and history, it’s got to be Cairo. The markets are the best kind of chaos, there’s the Egyptian Museum, and you can’t leave without seeing the iconic pyramids and Sphinx just outside the city. 

Feel like you missed out? You can still bag a trip to one of these destinations and snap up a deal.

Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.  

Author: Daisy Colley
Last updated: 03/12/25