• Booking summer holidays a week before you fly can mean big savings for last minute travellers  
• First Choice has last minute trips to Greece from £164pp and Turkey from £175pp 

8th July 2025: For many people, getting a summer holiday booked early gives a feeling of security and a calendar entry to look forward to.  

But whilst early booking guarantees the best range of choice and flexibility, new insight from First Choice suggests that for those willing to hold their breath and book last minute, the sweet spot for late deals is within two weeks of departure.  

Whilst it’s true that booking well in advance can generate competitive prices, when looking at the average prices for trips on their site, they found that the cheapest time to book late is between 1 – 14 days before travelling.  

When reviewing some of the most popular summer holiday destinations, First Choice found that savings can reach up to 75% off per person for those willing to risk booking a week before they fly.  

The top savings can be found in Greece, but Turkey, as well as mainland and island regions of Spain also see incredible average savings. 

• Greece: Average savings of up to 55%  

• Mainland Spain: Average savings of up to 46% 

• Turkey: Average saving of up to 31% 

• Balearics: Average saving of up to 38% 

• Canaries: Average saving of up to 35% 

Of course, late bookers run risks when it comes to range and what remains available, it for cost-savvy travellers who can be flexible with their dates, destination and trip type, that risk can pay off.  

For example, when digging into the current last-minute discounts available on First Choice for the next couple of weeks travel, those discounts increase to up to 75%, with 7-night stays from just £174pp. Some of the best deals include:  

Turkey from £174 per person (75% saving) 

A trip to the Gazipasa Star Hotel in Antalya, Turkey starts at £174 per person*. Price is based on 2 adults sharing a double room, on a room only basis for 7 nights, flights departing from Bristol Airport on 14 July 2025.  Hand luggage only and transfers not included.  

For more information visit firstchoice.co.uk 

Kavos from £174 per person (72% saving) 

A trip to the Odysseus in Corfu, Greece starts at £174 per person. Price is based on 2 adults studio, on a self-catering basis for 7 nights, flights departing from London Gatwick on 23 July 2025.  Hand luggage only and transfers not included.  

For more information visit firstchoice.co.uk 

Canary Islands from £241 per person (59% saving) 

A trip to the Rocamar in Gran Canaria, starts at £241 per person*. Price is based on 2 adults sharing a studio, on a self catering basis for 4 nights, flights departing from East Midlands Airport on 24 July 2025.  Hand luggage only and transfers not included.  

For more information visit firstchoice.co.uk 

Check out all their biggest and latest savings on our last-minute category page.