Nothing brightens up those January blues more than pencilling in a summer holiday — but with accommodation, flights, excursions, and spending money to think about, booking a trip is no simple feat.
Various tried-and-tested travel hacks can certainly help lessen the load
For example, booking a flight on a Tuesday is 1.3% cheaper compared to a Sunday, while sneaking your carry-on luggage onto the plane using a duty-free bag can save you the extra charges.
But to really get their money’s worth, the savviest jet-setters are mastering the art of the ‘wonky holiday’.
A new report from travel company First Choice has revealed holidaymakers can make massive savings by making unconventional tweaks to their break, such as staying for five or 11 nights compared the usual seven or 14.
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And that isn’t the only simple swap which could make all the difference.
What is a ‘wonky holiday’?
As part of its study, First Choice analysed all of its package holiday bookings made online between January 2024 and November 2025, looking at everything from trip durations, departure and arrival airports, day-of-week travel patterns, and seasonal pricing trends.
One of the findings that stood out most to researchers was that travellers who chose odd-length stays paid up to 13% less per night than those who opted for standard durations like one week or two weeks.
Despite the fact this tiny tweak has the potential to cut holiday costs by double digits though, these ‘standard’ trip lengths still proved far more popular, totalling 70% of all bookings.
Kevin Nelson, managing director at First Choice, commented: ‘Wonky durations can result in big savings…
‘While traditional trip lengths may be tidier from an annual leave perspective, cost-focused customers who have a bit more flexibility should definitely consider looking at different dates for a better price-per-night.’
Other ‘wonky swaps’ to save money on holidays
Beyond an odd-length holiday, another wonky swap that could help you save a few pennies is flying on a Tuesday or Thursday instead of a Saturday — a simple move which saved First Choice customers around £70 each.
There’s also the option of switching departure or arrival airports. According to the travel company, travelling via an airport just 45 minutes further away from your destination can unlock hundreds of pounds in savings per passenger.
Based on its data, First Choice revealed that switching Manchester Airport for Leeds Bradford resulted in each person spending an average of £186 less, while London Luton worked out £1,107 cheaper than Heathrow.
Combining all of these wonky saves together, the travel company tested their theory with an example break:
Normally, a seven-night stay to the Constantinou Athena Beach Hotel in Paphos with return flights from London Heathrow departing on Saturday July 25, 2026, would set you back approximately £1,500 per person.
But if you swap the flights to London Luton and book for just a week before on Tuesday July 14, you’ll get the exact same holiday for just £947 — that’s a saving of £553 per person.
Small changes can clearly make a big difference. So why not embrace the wonkiness on your next getaway, and see how much you can save.
Flight attendant reveals tip that could get you upgraded
A Virgin Atlantic flight attendant has debunked some of the most common ‘hacks’ for trying to get an upgrade and shared the best way to actually go about securing a better seat.
‘A rumour we hear all the time is that if you dress really smart, you’ll get upgraded,’ they explain.
‘It’s a fun idea, but honestly, it’s pretty outdated. Upgrades these days are not down to whether you’re wearing a blazer.’
‘Bringing treats for the crew is always such a kind surprise, and it genuinely brightens our day, but it won’t lead to free upgrades.’
So, how can you actually get an upgrade on your flight?
According to the flight attendant, upgrades are generally based on ‘availability, loyalty status, and operational needs’.
But while your best bet is still to pay for it, you’ll likely get a better deal if you leave it to the last-minute – all you have to do is ask.
‘Upgrading on board is often one of the cheapest options,’ they continue. ‘Simply ask any member of the cabin crew, we’ll check the availability and the cost, and if you’re happy with the price, we can take payment and move you as soon as possible.’
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