We've worked our way through hundreds of flight search data from across the UK, looking at average flight costs, popularity, and even weather forecasts in August – all in an effort to show the best holiday options for those of you who've left the summer holiday planning a bit late this year.

So get comfortable, read this, and then head onto Cheapflights.co.uk for the best flight, hotel and car hire deals. Don't worry, it's not too late to bag that amazing summer holiday...

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For budget travellers…

Short-haul pick: Ibiza, Spain

Definitely one for the sun-worshippers, you'll find temperatures soaring over 30 degrees in the month of August. And as long as you're not planning five nights of excess in San Antonio, Ibiza could be your answer to a bargain summer break. Our data shows that flights in August are 11% cheaper than the yearly average - potentially leading to savings of over £90 per person. You'll still be able to enjoy the Ibiza atmosphere (if you're looking for it), but if you're thinking more laidback resorts than Laidback Luke (sorry... dance music joke, we'll see ourselves out) then head to the more peaceful areas along the north and eastern coasts such as Portinatx and Cala Pada.

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Long-haul pick: New York, USA

Ok, we're not going to lie, if you want to travel long-haul in August, you'll be hard pushed to find a real bargain that isn't served up with a side of Monsoon season. But if you're looking for the best value over the summer months, then picking August over July for a trip to New York is where there are savings to be had. Our data shows that you can save over £100 in the month of August compared to pricey July. And there are hundreds of events going on including Restaurant Week, plus a variety of outdoor film, street-food and cultural events.

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For trendsetters…

Short-haul pick: Burgas, Bulgaria

Bulgaria has now well and truly been 'discovered' as a cheaper alternative to the Spanish Costas and the Greek Islands. Our data certainly reflects this, with flight searches spiking at 186% higher than average for Burga in August. It's no wonder really, you've got the lively resorts like Sunny Beach, pretty towns such as Nessebar oozing Balkan charm, a coastline of Blue Flag beaches and oodles of history crammed within a short driving distance - not to mention the city of Burgas itself that is definitely worth a day trip.

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Long-haul pick: Bali, Indonesia

With searches for August up by 81% compared to the rest of the year, Bali is where those in the know are searching for this month. And it's not difficult to see why. Indonesia made it into our top 20 most affordable long-haul destinations in our Compass Report and August also just so happens to be one of the driest months of the year for visiting this tropical island. Prepare yourself for temperature averages of 27 degrees, white sands and if you want it, nightlife at its most fun.

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For advanced planners…

For advanced planners: Croatia

So, what if you're looking to get away later in the year? In our recent article, When to buy, when to fly, our data crunching revealed big savings are to be had if you book a trip to Croatia in August, with a view to visiting in October. So get that marked in your calendar and enjoy Croatia without the hoards of Game of Thrones obsessed tourists. Whether it's a city break in charming Zagreb, or a few days of bathing on the Adriatic Coast, October still has the sunshine, without August's crowds.

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Just so you know, this data is based on averages from departure points across the UK and is intended as a guideline only. Check the latest up-to-date prices and search for flights at Cheapflights.co.uk.

The post Our travel picks: The best places to visit in August appeared first on Cheapflights.

Editor’s note: All information is correct at time of publication on 1st June 2017. We do our best to bring you the most timely information, but until superhuman speed is perfected, we can only move so fast. Please always double check current policies with your airline(s) or agent before you book. 

Which countries are affected by the UK ban?

Large phones, laptops and tablets are not allowed in the cabin on direct flights to the UK from:

Turkey
Lebanon
Egypt
Saudi Arabia
Jordan
Tunisia

These restrictions cover all airlines.

Which electronic items are currently included in the ban?

Phones, laptops and tablets larger than the following dimensions will not be allowed in the cabin:

• Length: 16.0cm
• Width: 9.3cm
• Depth: 1.5cm

You must also check the size of the following accessories. You can’t take any of these accessories or devices in your hand luggage if they’re larger than these measurements, even if you bought them at the airport. If in doubt, check with your airline prior to departure.

• Keyboards
• Power supplies and transformers
• External hard drives

Most smart phones will be allowed in the cabin, including many currently popular handsets such as:

• iPhone 7 Plus
• Samsung Galaxy 7 Edge
• Samsung Galaxy Note 3
• LG G3
• Sony Xperia Z2

Tips to keep your electronics safe in the hold:

It’s impossible to guarantee the safety of any item checked in an aircraft hold. Unfortunately, accidents – or worse – do happen. These few simple steps may go some way to mitigating the risks, but the best deterrent is simply – if you can manage without it – leave the screen at home.

• Pack electronics in a protective case
• Wrap items in a towel/clothing, then pack in the centre of the suitcase ensuring there is clothing below, above and to the sides of the items to provide extra padding. Wrap each electronic separately, not in one pile
• Lock your case to reduce the chances of items going missing, but only use a TSA-approved lock to secure your suitcase
• Check your insurance cover for electronics packed in the hold
• Pack efficiently by not taking items you won’t really need or will attract attention to your suitcase. Also consider buying toiletries once at your destination to reduce the chance of liquids leaking into your electronics

Top tips for travelling long-haul, device-free:

While these new restrictions are a bit of an inconvenience, these handy tips will help you make the most of your newly screen-free travel experience:

• Expect confusion and delays - Arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure. There are likely to be extra-long queues as the new ruling takes effect – expect delays from confused passengers, while bags are repacked at check-in and while bags are screened at departures
• Look forward to the inflight entertainment - Check your flight’s in-flight entertainment options before travelling, to see the latest movies, TV shows, radio shows and exclusive content available during the journey
• Time to relax - Indulge in some free pre-flight relaxation in World Duty Free to aid rest on the flight. A number of brands offer free treatments including hand and arm massages at Jo Malone London, facials at La Mer and MAC make up sessions. To keep the glow going, buy mini toiletries sets to use mid-air to arrive feeling pampered
• Help yourself catch some zzz’s - Get some much-needed sleep and stay hydrated to help fight off jet lag. Invest in a decent travel pillow, eye mask and noise cancelling headphones, and buy extra water
• Book Club - Rediscover the joy of reading a book, from an old favourite to a new author, lose yourself in the pages and the hours will slip past
• Still puzzling what to do? - Flex your brain with a puzzle book. Crosswords and Sudoku are perfect for stimulating your brain and using your hands whilst on a long flight
• Power up your phone - Upload apps and content onto your mobile phone that can be viewed, played or read while in flight safe mode
• Business travel with brains - Business travellers should consider buying access to an airport lounge to use the lounge’s computers before they fly, or during a stopover. Carry work files on a USB to use at the lounge and in case of delayed or lost baggage, especially if these files are crucial shortly after arrival at your destination

Top tips for travelling device-free with children:

We all know how helpful screens can be in keeping kids in order during a long and tiring flight – giving both them and their parents a bit of a break. Here’s how to achieve the same effect without hours of games, apps or movies to fall back on:

• Do sticker books - Stickers stick. To everything. And that’s exactly why they’re so perfect for the plane – there are no little bits to lose, or drop repeatedly in the footwell. Usborne do a great range of holiday and airport themed sticker books. And the appeal isn’t limited to toddlers – there are plenty of options elsewhere for older children, too, from Minecraft to Star Wars themed
• Colour in - These days, colouring books are just as much for adults as kids. If you’ve got teens, pack something like Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel Colouring Book and you may well be fighting over it. And if you’ve got toddlers and you’re worried about them getting pen everywhere, have a look at Crayola Colour Wonder books. They come with pens, so you don’t have to remember to pack them, and they’re specially designed to only work on the pages of the book
• Play etch-a-sketch - Avoid having to bring pens or pencils at all, and get a travel-sized etch-a-sketch pad. The little stylus is attached by a string, so your little one can’t lose it. And once they’re fed up of their masterpiece, they can wipe it clean and start all over again
• Build LEGO - There are some very cool DIY LEGO travel boxes on Pinterest, and it’s really easy to do at home. Just buy a LEGO set that comes in a carry-case – lots do – then superglue a LEGO base plate to one of the inside surfaces of the case. Pull down the tray table, open it up and your child can build whatever they fancy, without dropping the pieces everywhere
• Give them your iPod - Still own an iPod? Got a teenager or pre-teen? Let them fill it with audiobooks, download some podcasts and create their own soundtrack of holiday songs before the trip. Then invest in some decent earphones designed for young ears and enjoy the peace and quiet
• Do an activity book - Lonely Planet do a great range of books where every page is packed with interactive things to do, so it’ll be a decent amount of time before anyone says they’re bored. Try the Adventures In series for pre-schoolers, Spot The Lot for kids aged five and up, and the Not For Parents range for older kids and pre-teens. They’re all travel-themed, naturally
• Get crafty - You don’t need to pack glue and paint to get crafty on the plane – there are loads of craft activities that are mess-free. ELC’s Sew and Lace cards are ideal for travel as they’ll keep toddlers and young children busy without any fuss, plus they’re super cheap. And Robots to Make and Decorate is another glue-free option aimed at older kids, which is all flat-packed in a handy book
• Play travel games - Loads of classic games come in travel-friendly sizes. Pack a mini Guess Who? for younger kids or Uno cards if your children are a bit older and you can play them on holiday, too. Plus, 50 Fun Games For On The Go is a good one for ideas that don’t need any props. Even if each game only takes five minutes, that’s more than four hours of your journey covered
• Design a postcard - Put them to work before your trip, and get them making postcards to can send from their holiday. Take a blank pack and some pens, or buy a postcard book – there are loads to choose from. It works especially well for younger kids, who can help buy stamps and find a postbox
• Read a book - Go old-school and pack an actual made-of-paper book for your pre-teen. Choose something travel-themed, or just go for something you’d be happy to read, too, and you’ll save space in your hand luggage. Young adult novels like Divergent and The Fault In Our Stars are prime examples

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Visit the floating flower market

[caption id="attachment_319326" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Salim Virji, tulips at the Floating Flower Market via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0[/caption]

Known locally as the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s floating flower market dates back to 1862 and happens every day from Monday to Saturday, rain or shine. It’s free to browse the plethora of colourful blooms on offer, but if you do feel like dipping into your wallet, you can grab a bouquet of tulips to brighten up your hotel room or check out the traditional Dutch souvenirs also for sale. (Just remember, it's illegal to carry flowers or bulbs back home with you.)

Hang out in Vondelpark

One of the best free things to do in a new city is to explore a local park. One stretch of green space perfect for a lazy afternoon picnic is Amsterdam's Vondelpark. The most popular park in the city, Vondelpark is home to a beautiful rose garden, filled with over 70 different types of roses, as well as cafes, restaurants and an open-air theatre.

Check out the Canal Belt

Built in the 17th century around the old city centre, Amsterdam’s beautiful Canal Belt is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Free to explore, the area is made up of a series of interconnected waterways, where you’ll find a variety of historic canal houses.

Hop on a bike

[caption id="attachment_319327" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Moyan Brenn, Amsterdam via Flickr CC BY 2.0[/caption]

See the city like a local by exploring on two wheels. Amsterdam is ideal for biking thanks to bike lanes and bike-friendly attitudes. You can rent a bike for 24 hours from a variety of bike rental companies, like Yellow Bike, for around €12.

See the cat boat

Cat lovers take note: Poezenboot, or the Cat Boat, is a floating animal sanctuary for stray and abandoned cats. While cats usually avoid water, these felines have embraced life on the water. You can visit them for free (though donations are appreciated).

Sip a coffee at Kopjes Cat Cafe

If the cat boat wasn’t enough, you can see a few more fluffy creatures at Amsterdam’s first cat café. Entry will set you back €3, then you can spend your time hanging out with eight rescued felines who will be happily seeking out head scratches and belly rubs.

Visit the Bridge of 15 Bridges

There are over 1,200 bridges in Amsterdam, so heading to the crossing of the Reguliersgracht and the Herengracht, where, if you position yourself correctly, you can catch sight of 15 of Amsterdam’s many bridges at the same time. For an extra lovely view, swing by in the evening when the city’s bridges are illuminated.

Browse the Sunday Market

If you happen to be in Amsterdam on the first Sunday of the month, head to the city’s Westergasfabriek area, which is turned into a massive market. Here you’ll find free food and drink samples, as well as the chance to shop for unique souvenirs.

Take in the views from atop OBA Public Library

Going to the library might not sound like the most exciting activity, but at the OBA (Public Library Amsterdam), you can visit the top floor for amazing views of the city.

See Rijksmuesuem Garden

[caption id="attachment_319329" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Kent Wang, Rijksmuseum via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0[/caption]

In addition to Vondelpark, you can also escape into nature – for free – with a visit to Rijksmuseum Garden. The beautifully landscaped grounds make for a relaxing way to spend a few hours when you’re not museum-hopping or exploring Amsterdam on foot or bike.

Tour a diamond factory

Learn everything there is to know about the make, cut, clarity and colour of diamonds with a free tour of Gassan Diamonds. Tours are available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and you'll see diamond cutters at work, learn about how diamonds are found and see loose polished diamonds on display.

Explore the organic farmers' market

[caption id="attachment_319331" align="aligncenter" width="620"] ilovebutter, Farmers market via Flickr CC BY 2.0[/caption]

See what’s fresh, local and seasonal at Amsterdam’s Noordermarkt (North Market), which happens every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You’ll find organic produce here, as well as bread, cheese, fresh herbs and local treats to snack on.

Explore the Nine Streets

Known to locals as De Negen Straatjes, Amsterdam’s Nine Streets area consists of nine cobbled side streets that connect the main canals between Leidsegracht and Raadhuisstraat. This is a great area to simply explore on foot, but it’s also where you’ll find some of the best independent boutiques and vintage stores in the city.

Try out Friday Night Skate

Get some fresh air and exercise with a free inline skating tour of Amsterdam. Tours happen every Friday and are free to join with the only stipulation being that you’re an experienced skater and can brake well. Tours typically cover 20 kilometres from start to finish.

Shop a flea market

Spend some time browsing the oldest flea market in the Netherlands, where you’ll find over 300 stalls selling everything from jewellery to used books and vintage cameras.

Go on a free walking tour...

Discover more about Amsterdam – for free – with an informative walking tour of the city. Check the website to see when tours are running (which is almost daily, at various times) and then head to the meeting point at the National Monument in Dam Square.

...Or a free boat trip

Check out Amsterdam from the water by taking a ferry ride on the River IJ (pronounced “eye'). You can catch a ferry from behind Central Station and departures are frequent. The trip is both free and a great way to see the city’s waterfront.

Take a brewery tour

Learn more about beer with a tour of Brouwerij 't IJ, a small brewery in Amsterdam. Tours in English are offered at 3:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday for €5.50 and include a beer of your choice at the end. They often fill up, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.

Take a selfie with the 'I Amsterdam' sign

[caption id="attachment_319332" align="aligncenter" width="620"] _dChris, Amsterdam via Flickr CC BY 2.0[/caption]

One of the most popular city squares, Museumplein, is where you’ll find the I Amsterdam sign, an iconic landmark and great place to take a selfie. Sit in your favourite letter or take a step back and pano the whole sign.

Listen to a free lunchtime concert

Free lunchtime concerts are held on Wednesdays at 12:30 p.m. at the Royal Concertgebouw. The classical music performances are popular, so get there with plenty of time to grab a good spot.

What's the first thing on your Amsterdam agenda? Let us know in the comments and start your flight search on Cheapflights.co.uk.

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For this blog post, we've asked the experts from headforpoints.com, the UK’s biggest website for collectors of frequent flyer miles, to pass on their knowledge about the best ways to earn and collect air miles* and why even occasional flyers should sign up for frequent flyer programmes.

*This post largely focusses on the British Airways and OneWorld alliance Avios air miles scheme (‘Avios’ is the name BA gives to the points/miles currency awarded when you fly). Other airline programmes work in similar ways. 

Even the cheapest tickets will earn you miles

You can check how many miles you'll earn from your flight beforehand by using online calculators - for example, the BA Avios calculator or the Virgin Flying Club calculator. So whether you're flying to Munich or Miami, you'll still collect those precious miles.

Earn more with your family

If the whole family travels, you can earn even more. British Airways operates ‘household accounts’. This lets you pool your Avios points together in one account and even children over the age of two can collect Avios. A family of four travelling in World Traveller Plus to LA would get almost 44,000 Avios between them. So there is a real value in having a joint family account.

Make use of airline alliances

More often than not, you don’t need to be flying with the same airline to collect your air miles. British Airways is part of an airline alliance OneWorld. This includes Iberia, Qantas, Qatar Airways, American Airlines, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific, among others. If you book a flight with any of these airlines, you can add your British Airways Executive Club account number and you will earn some Avios in return.  You can also earn Avios on Aer Lingus flights as it is now a sister company to BA. Other airline alliances work in the same way. It effectively means that wherever you're flying to, there's an opportunity to scoop up those points.

So how do you earn points with Cheapflights?

When you perform a flight search on Cheapflights.co.uk, make sure to use our filters to filter out any unwanted airlines or airlines that don't offer frequent flyer programmes. And be sure to sign up for the frequent flyer programme with the airline you're intending to fly with. Every time you find a flight through Cheapflights, you'll be able to collect your miles from your frequent flyer's portal by entering your booking reference number once you have clicked through to your chosen flight.

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What is the best way to spend my points?

Let's use Avios points as an example here. The easiest way to spend Avios points is called ‘part pay with Avios’. It allows you to redeem your points for a cash discount on your next flight booking – even if you won’t be the passenger. You need as little as 1,250 Avios points for a £10 discount.

Economy flights from London to Europe cost between 4,000 and 7,500 Avios each way, depending on the distance and date. You will need to pay £17.50 each way to cover the taxes and charges that BA incurs.

British Airways guarantees to make at least four economy seats and two business class seats available on every flight, even in peak season. Usually, there are more. If a flight to, say, Berlin was selling for £115 return and you could book it for 8,000 Avios points plus £35 in taxes, you are getting 1p per Avios point of value. Avios tickets come with a free luggage allowance so there isn’t anything more to pay unless you want to select a seat in advance.

A family of four flying to LA in Premium Economy would earn enough Avios for the whole family to have a weekend in Amsterdam or Paris – and still have plenty of Avios left to get a cash discount on another booking. You can see now why it's crazy not to collect the miles you're owed.

Business Class flights to Europe start at 7,750 Avios points plus £25 in taxes each way. If you’ve never flown in Business Class, this is worth a splurge. You get dedicated check-in desks, fast track security, access to the impressive BA lounges at Heathrow and Gatwick that are full of free food and drink, priority boarding, a seat at the front, a guaranteed empty middle seat next to you and free food and drink in-flight, including Champagne.

You can also redeem your Avios for flights with other airlines in the OneWorld alliance. If you are travelling in Asia, for example, redeeming Avios on Cathay Pacific or Japan Airlines is a good way of hopping from country to country.

You don’t have to spend your points on flights

We know that not everyone is able to jet off here, there and everywhere all the time. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get some value from your Avios points or from any other frequent flyer programmes. For example, British Airways allows you to redeem for wine - as little as 9,000 Avios points gets you six bottles of New World wine. A bottle of Hendricks Gin starts at 6,500 Avios. If you have a large Avios balance, then you can even pick from Bollinger and other premium brands.

Flying isn’t the only way to collect points

Avios has partnerships with many other companies, which allow you to collect points to top up your balance. The Avios eStore lets you earn miles from your online shopping. A partnership with Tesco Clubcard lets you convert 100 Clubcard points into 240 Avios points. Shell Drivers Club points can be converted into Avios. The list of partners is certianly a long one.

Credit cards are the easiest way to pick up a substantial number of Avios for free

American Express offers a charge card which is free for the first year (you can cancel at any point) and gives you 20,000 American Express Membership Rewards points after you’ve spent £2,000 on it. Those can be converted into 20,000 Avios points, 2,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points or 1,000 Hilton Hotel rewards points - and that's just the start of the list.

There are some amazing deals available via travel credit cards which the general public never pick up on. The Hilton credit card is free and gives you a free weekend night in any of their hotels globally once you’ve spent £750. This even includes hotels in the super-luxurious Waldorf-Astoria brand. If you and your partner each got one of these cards, you would get a free two-night weekend break between you.

In conclusion...

We've shown you that you can get some genuine value, even from a very small number of air miles. So next time you book with Cheapflights.co.uk, sign up to the relevant scheme - you can even add your number at check-in if you don’t have one when you book. You’ve got nothing to lose and when you return you might find that you’ve earned enough points for something useful.

If you want to know more tricks on how to earn and spend frequent flyer miles and hotel loyalty points, take a look at headforpoints.com.

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Read on to find out how you can save on long-haul flights with stopovers...

London to Hong Kong

So, let's take a look at this popular route - London to Hong Kong. We found that flying with British Airways in June would set a couple back more than £2,350. But, if you opt to fly indirectly on the same dates - via Helsinki with Finnair - a return ticket would cost just £1,233 for two people - and that also includes an overnight hotel stay. This equates to a saving of £1,027 per couple - that's 44% cheaper.

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London to Cape Town

The London to Cape Town route also offers some interesting stopover options and hefty savings versus flying direct.  A non-stop, return flight for two passengers with British Airways in November is an eye-watering £2,033. But, if a couple were to fly on the same dates via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, they could get two return tickets and a hotel stay in Istanbul for just £1,029 - saving a staggering 46% or £928.

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London to Beijing

The Chinese capital of Beijing is an increasingly popular destination and the price of direct flights definitely reflects that. However, there are savings to be made if you stopover in Warsaw, with Polish national carrier LOT. Flying this way will cost you two-thirds of the price of flying direct.

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London to New York

You can also save a considerable amount of money if you decide to reach New York via Reykjavik with Icelandair. Thanks to Icelandair and their heavy promotion, it's never been cheaper to travel to North America as it is now. Flying with this stopover can save you 9% versus flying direct - plus you'll get the chance to experience 24-hours in the cool Icelandic capital.

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Use Cheapflights.co.uk to search for flights with stopovers

Use Cheapflights.co.uk's search engine if you've got any other far-away destinations in mind. Routes like London and Manchester to Bangkok can be way cheaper if done with a stopover in one of the Middle East's airport hubs, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Muscat. And the good news is, when you search on Cheapflights.co.uk, the search result will automatically show you the cheapest possible flights, and you can use our handy search filters to remove those pesky and expensive direct flights.

There are loads of possible routes to consider - whether you are booking one-way or searching for return flights - where there are great savings to be made. For example, if flying London to Los Angeles, consider stopping in Amsterdam. Bound for Rio de Janeiro? Go there via New York. Heading from London to St Lucia, a stopover in Paris is a great option. And if it's Johannesburg you're visiting, then try going from Abu Dhabi. There’s a whole host of indirect flight options available on long-haul routes. And when you get there, all you have to do is to step beyond the transit area of your ‘layover’ destination and experience a city you might not have otherwise visited.

And a few more tips...

Bear in mind that most airlines will allow passengers to spend 24 hours or more in the layover city, at no extra cost, before continuing their onward journey. These indirect flights are often significantly cheaper than a non-stop fare, even when you factor in the cost of a hotel stay in the stopover destination. So you're basically getting two holidays for the price of one!

Flying indirect is a great way to bag a bargain flight and enhance your holiday experience. We recommend that you do your homework in advance, to ensure you're fully aware of any visas, ESTAs or other documentation that might be required to get through customs and immigration in the stopover city.

*The prices we listed are good as of May 2017 – to get the latest prices, launch a flight search now.

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Barca isn't the cheapest of the Spanish cities, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of budget things to see and do. Here are some of our favourites. Let's make that last-minute getaway a reality...

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Stroll (or bike) the Passeig Marítim

What could be finer than a stroll along the waterfront of one of Europe’s great cities? Add in plenty of stands for an iced drink, the sound of street music and souvenir shopping, and then you're on to a winner. Passeig Marítim is supremely walkable or you can rent a bike at the beach to explore this impressive and lively city beach.

Escape Barcelona while you’re in Barcelona

[caption id="attachment_320311" align="alignnone" width="620"] photo credit: Wikimedia Commons[/caption]

Yes, you came to Barcelona to experience Spain in general and Barcelona in particular, but part of Barcelona's charm is its rich international heritage. It’s visible in her people and her politics, but nowhere is it as plain and vibrant as in El Raval district. Here you’ll find shops, restaurants, shrines and galleries, that have influences from all over the world. And we mean all over: every nation of Europe is represented, along with China, Nepal and other parts of the Far East and there is a strong Northern African influence as well. It's prime bar-hopping territory, particularly along Carrer Joaquím Costa, that is a great starting point for a night on the town.

Spot architecture along the Passeig de Gràcia

[caption id="attachment_320312" align="alignnone" width="620"] photo credit: photoaliona via iStock[/caption]

Architecture enthusiasts need to spend some time wandering along Passeig de Gràcia. You’ll see ground-breaking architecture from the past half-century in the form of national headquarters from major international companies, and in every style you can think of. The gems of the experience though, are the two works by Gaudi: the churchlike, organic edifices of Casa Batlló and Casa Milà.

Shop at an ancient flea market

[caption id="attachment_320313" align="alignnone" width="620"] photo credit: MarcoZouvek via iStock[/caption]

Whether you’re a bonafide shopaholic, or just picking up some souvenirs for your housesitter, you need not go further than Encants Barcelona. This market is home to 500 different shops offering everything from furniture to handicrafts, clothing and food. It’s atmospheric bargain hunting at its best, and it’s old: the market has run in one form or another for 600 years. Entry is free. But how much you spend before you escape is up to you.

Go big on art at the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)

Art at a museum is one thing (and it’s a big thing in Barcelona), but street art is the only way to really complete your understanding of a city’s artistic culture. The Gothic Quarter is among the oldest sections of Barcelona, and a mecca for street artists of all stripes and styles. You’ll find paint and even installations festooning the walls, doorways and parks of this district, with some hidden away in corners you wouldn’t otherwise think to explore. Walking the alleys and lanes of Barri Gotic is exciting, interesting, and most importantly, free.

Pass the time at Plaça Reial

The Plaça Reial is a large urban plaza shaded by palm trees and surrounded by shops and restaurants. It’s a nexus of foot traffic by locals and tourists alike, and if you’re a fan of people-watching, it’s the place to be in Barcelona. The coffee, snacks, and tapas you’ll devour while you’re at it aren’t exactly free... but the entertainment is. Fit it into your day either as an experience of its own, or an opportunity to rest between more active pursuits.

View Roman ruins at El Born

[caption id="attachment_320316" align="alignnone" width="620"] photo credit: dem10 via iStock[/caption]

El Born museum is housed in one of the oldest market halls in the city. You can view, for free, recently uncovered ruins of a Roman settlement including roads and frameworks for homes and shops. Other exhibits at El Born aren’t quite as awe-inspiring, but they’re worth a visit as well.

Bonus Tip: A Barcelona Card isn’t free (it’s not even technically all that cheap), but it is a lot cheaper than buying your transportation piecemeal. This option gives you unlimited free rides on all the city’s public transportation. You can buy for three to five days at a time, and it’s an enormous money saver. The card also gives you free access to the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Natural History Museum, the CaixaForum Art Gallery, the Fundacio Joan Miro, and the Cultural Center of Contemporary Barcelona.

As with any trip, your journey begins with getting to Barcelona. Start searching on Cheapflights.co.uk to find the best prices for flights and hotels - getting your trip off to a money-saving start.

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Sounds obvious, right? But different airline ticket providers – from the big online agencies to local travel providers – simply don’t have access to all of the same airlines, flights, availability and pricing. So no single airline, consolidator or agency will always have the lowest airfare, nor will they always have the best selection of airline tickets. You have to weigh your options. And that’s where Cheapflights.co.uk can help. Cheapflights lets you compare flights from a variety of providers so you can find the best deal out there right now.

Be flexible 

It’s all about supply and demand. Some departure times are more popular – and more expensive – than others. While cheap plane tickets are available at peak times, you generally have to book far in advance. If you’re looking to score a cheap flight and have some flexibility, you’re in luck. Here are four ways being flexible can pay off in a big way…

• Consider alternative airports

When comparing options, consider other airports in your area. While one airport may be your go-to because of convenience, you’ll never know how much you could save if you flew out of (or into) another airport nearby. For example, when flying from the North West, consider all airports like Manchester, Leeds/Bradford or Sheffield and when heading to a destination like New York, consider all your options – JFK, LaGuardia and even Newark. Same goes for London airports – don’t set your sites on Heathrow without at least considering the saving potential of Stansted, Luton, Gatwick and even Southend. (But also be sure to consider all associated travel costs, including transportation to and from the airport.)

• Choose your dates wisely

Everyone wants to depart at 7 p.m. on a Friday night, which means that those flights tend to become quite pricey rather quickly. The same goes for Saturday mornings, or any other time when it’s the most convenient for the majority of travellers. If you can make it work for your schedule, try flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, rather than on the weekend. Overnight flights are another great way to save. Not only are they often cheaper, but you won’t need to pay for accommodation the night you’re in the air. Select a window seat, bring a neck pillow and (try to) get your Zzzs.

• Fly on public holidays

Travelling over a bank holiday? If you can, consider swapping your pre-bank holiday flight for a flight on the actual day. Not only will you likely save money, but you’ll skip a percentage of the crowds who have the same travel plans as you.

• Pick a deal, not a destination

Looking to get away? Don’t settle on one destination until you see what’s out there. Looking for a beach holiday? Don’t limit yourself to Ibiza. If you know the type of trip you want to take (be it a beach holiday, a long weekend in a city, a ski trip or an outdoorsy adventure), there may be destinations with all that you’re looking for on offer, for much less than the destination you originally had in mind. Do some research, compare your options and you’ll likely walk away with a trip booked that ticks all your boxes AND leaves money in your pocket.

Pick the perks that matter to you 

Finding the absolute lowest airfare can be rewarding, but there are other factors to consider, like value – the overall mix of price, quality and convenience. Before you shop, it makes sense to decide what’s most important to you. You might be getting a really cheap plane ticket, but do you want to stop and change planes several times? Some airlines are more comfortable and provide more in-flight amenities than others, while budget carriers strip away the perks so they can charge less per seat.

Budget airlines (and the comparable basic economy fares offered by many of the bigger airlines) typically offer bare-bone fares with a low price tag but no perks. While that may not be for everyone, if you can travel light, this could mean an extremely cheap flight. That said, read the fine print prior to booking to see what’s included in the ticket price.

You’ve got mail

Newsletters and email alerts are a great way to stay up to date on fare sales and travel deals. Sign up for the Cheapflights newsletter to have the latest fare sales, hotel discounts and holiday package deals sent straight to your inbox. Flash sales and last-minute flight deals can provide unmatched savings, and signing up for travel email alerts is one way to make sure you don’t miss them when they pop up.

Quick and dirty tips

• Be flexible – alternative airports and flexible departure dates and times can save you money.
• Book early – generally, the earlier you book, the more you can save on plane tickets, especially for short-haul flights within Europe.
• Discount airlines – if you don’t mind fewer perks, these cheap flights offer tons of savings.
• Do your research – compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal available.

It’s not hard to find cheap flights when you’re well informed and well connected. Ready to give us a try? Start your search at Cheapflights.co.uk.

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In need of a holiday? A getaway? A break from it all? Well, you've come to the right place...

To celebrate the launch of the UK's first ever Cheapflights Travel Awards, we've teamed up with Teletext Holidays to offer one lucky person the chance to win a holiday for two worth up to £1,000.

You could be sunning yourself on the beaches of Spain, Portugal, Greece or Turkey in no time!

So what have you got to do to win this incredible prize?

It's easy! Click the link below and tell us who you think are the best of the best in the world of travel.

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So, when you're taking advantage of the increasing number of super cheap tickets to Ireland from pretty much any airport in the UK, why not consider spending some time in this surprisingly cosmopolitan and relaxed city. Cheapflights.co.uk can help with finding flights there, but with so much charm and culture on offer, you should probably steer clear of conversations with the locals, who might just convince you there’s really no need to leave...

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Getting there

The best and most cost efficient way to get from the airport to the city centre is by taking the 226 bus. It gets in at Cork’s bus station in the city centre. Conveniently, the same bus also stops off at the pretty coastal town of Kinsale, which is adored by tourists for its homey bars and excellent restaurants (try The Black Pig for a beautiful, bohemian tapas experience that can scale up or down from cheap and hearty to a many plate feast). 

Getting around

Cork is easy to get around by bike or on foot. Not every street is suitable for biking, but there’s a safe, scenic stretch from the “Lee Fields” past Fitzgerald’s Park and into the city centre via Pope’s Quay. Cork’s Coca-Cola Bikes are available for €170 for a three-day pass. You can also opt for cheaper one-day bike tours if you’re OK with surrendering your wheels at the end of the day. When you’re walking through Cork's centre, you may find yourself scratching your head as you encounter one or another of the river’s mysterious twin channels. Much of Cork city centre is built on reclaimed marshy islands so the city streets follow an unpredictable course.

If you’re heading to another Irish city or out for a day trip, Cork’s bus and train station are a short walk away from the city centre. Taxi ranks are dotted throughout the city centre. If you're visiting on the weekend, consult timetables on Bus Éireann, as buses can be scarce on Sunday. Uber and Lyft are not currently available in Cork, but you can download the ride-hailing alternative Hailo, which is a good option if you’d rather order a ride to your door and don’t have local taxi numbers.

Local colour

[caption id="attachment_317460" align="aligncenter" width="620"] William Murphy, Cork City Gaol [Now a Museum]-122346 via Flickr CC BY 2.0[/caption]Local colour in Cork has two meanings: first, the people and the conversation, second, the distinctive architecture. Take the time to chat with locals and observe how rich the spoken language is -- in Ireland we’re blessed with an idiosyncratic English that owes a little bit to the native Irish language.

Then there is Cork’s red and white flag, an easy shorthand for the city’s prevailing architecture -- a cherry red sandstone and white limestone combination that's seen on many prominent city buildings. If you stroll through Cork’s Huguenot Quarter, you’ll experience Cork’s patchwork of architectural styles in a district known for cafés, bookshops and fancy boutiques. Cork’s loosely designated quarters are a good guide to the city. Orient yourself on Cork’s main street Patrick Street (“Pana” in Corkese) and explore the city from there.

When in Cork...

If you're spending some time in the city, there are a few sites that are non-negotiable and are pretty much mandatory on a visit to Cork. The English Market is on top of many people’s lists for good reason. Cork’s covered market is the lively heart of the county’s renowned food scene, drawing in traders from the county’s agricultural hinterlands. It’s a cornucopia of fresh food, cheeses, local honey and preserves and stuff you can’t get anywhere else (The Start-Up Stall hosts a new venture every 4-6 weeks).

A great secret to touring around Ireland is that many publicly funded cultural institutions are completely free. This means you can drift around Cork’s Crawford Art Gallery, The Cork Public Museum, The Glucksman Gallery (suggested fee €5) without worrying about the cost. A little way outside the city centre, the University College Cork campus (home to the Glucksman Gallery) and Fitzgerald’s Park (where you can visit the Cork Public Museum) are some of the most photogenic places in Cork. UCC was founded in 1845 and boasts some beautiful examples of Victorian Gothic architecture. The campus is planted with exotic trees and dramatically situated on a cliff overlooking the river’s south channel. In Fitzgerald’s Park on the north side of the river, you can visit the museum and enjoy the lovely rose gardens and river views. One of Cork’s most beloved landmarks, the “Shakey Bridge,” is a beautiful 1920s suspension bridge that floats above the river and park.

On Cork’s North Side, you can find out about Cork’s butter trade at the Butter Museum, and experience some of the city’s best views atop Saint Anne’s Shandon Church (known as the four-faced liar for its clock-faces that each tell different times). The small entrance fee of €5 is worth getting to ring the bells (make everyone for miles suffer your version of "Baa Baa Black Sheep," it’s tradition). Architecture buffs should also definitely stop off at St. Fin Barre’s cathedral. The architect, William Burges, was given free rein to realise his fantastical French Gothic Revival vision. The result is a masterpiece that's worth pausing to enjoy, or staying longer for an informal tour (admission is €5). Cork City Gaol is another atmospheric Cork must-see. Normal admission is €8. Evening tours are €10 and must be arranged a week in advance.

No trip to Cork would be complete without a visit to Blarney Castle. Kissing the famous Blarney Stone will apparently bestow the “gift of the gab” on you, which means you might just enthral rather than annoy your friends with your holiday stories. Magic or not, Blarney Castle is an impressive medieval keep with skyscraper-like views of the countryside (warning: not for those with vertigo), and it's set in beautiful landscaped gardens. Take the 215 buses to Blarney from Cork, which depart from the bus station.

Feed your soul

[caption id="attachment_318010" align="aligncenter" width="620"] William Murphy, The English Market - Cork City via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0[/caption]

So you have an early night planned after your long day of sight-seeing in Cork? Shelve that idea and remember you’re on holiday in Ireland where the craic is mighty and the pubs are plentiful. Even if you’re not a drinker, the pubs are cosy enough to enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage and a chat most evenings. Try The Oval for maximum cosiness (especially if you manage to bag the snug by the fire). See also Cork’s heritage pub trail. Other noted drinking places include Fionn Barra’s, the famed Hi-B bar, The Friary, the traditional vibe of Le Chateau and The Franciscan Well for speciality beers.

If you’re planning on staying out later, try The Crane Lane or The Bodega. On Oliver Plunkett Street, wine drinkers can flit between Arthur Mayne’s, The Pharmacy (the pub retains the wall fixtures, tiling and wares of the former pharmacy) and Meade’s, which feels like someone’s genteel living room converted into a quirky, candlelit bar.

Cork music and cultural venues include The Triskel Arts Center - a cinema, music venue and general cultural hub, Cyprus Avenue, Coughlan’s, St. Peter’s Church and The Crane Lane. Or try Sin É to catch live Irish traditional music. If you’re travelling to Cork in October you might hit the city in the middle of Cork’s famous International Jazz Festival. The city is crammed with visitors that weekend, so book in advance and plan accordingly.

For serious coffee drinkers, Maher’s, Three Fools Coffee and Italee are high quality. Bear in mind that cafés in Cork generally don’t open late, so get your caffeine fix early (The Parlour Café is open until 10 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday). Other great places for food, people-watching or sweet-tooth-sating include Alchemy Coffee and Books, O Conaill’s Chocolate Shop, Café Depeche (with an extensive chai and mocha selection), Ali’s Kitchen, The Opera House Café, The Farmgate café and The Bookshelf Coffee House.

A chicken tagine or chickpea stew at Café Gusto is a cheap and filling way of getting your main meal earlier in the afternoon. Or try Uncle Pete’s for a cheaper meal with wine later in the evening. Head to Cork’s Victorian Quarter where you can choose from a crop of affordable but hip burger joints and stop off at The Fish Wife for traditional fish and chips. If you’re looking for fine dining, Cork’s vegetarian restaurant Café Paradiso is reliably excellent. The Ivory Tower is a unique, constantly evolving dining experience that is a Cork favourite (booking in advance recommended for these).

Cram your suitcase

[caption id="attachment_317470" align="aligncenter" width="620"] William Murphy, The English Market [Cork City Centre] REF-106860 via Flickr CC BY 2.0[/caption]If shopping or gift-buying is your goal, there are plenty of interesting places to browse books and records: Vibes and Scribes is known for bargains, The Time Traveller’s Bookshop sells specialist antiquarian books, and Plugd records is run by a knowledgeable staff. For treasure hunting, clothes and gift buying, there’s Hubert’s Book Bindery, Miss Daisy Blue’s vintage boutique, Søstrene Grene (Danish design and amazing prices), Mother Jones’ Flea Market, and Carroll’s Irish Gift Shop among many others. You can’t talk about shopping in Cork without mentioning Penneys (known better as the world-dominating Primark brand), where locals go to pick up cost-effective last minute outfits for a night out. An urban legend even rumours that a visitor to Ireland once thought “Penneys” meant “thanks,” after hearing girls respond to compliments on their outfits by just saying the name of the shop.

Stay awhile

If sleep is on the agenda while you’re in Cork, you can easily find somewhere affordable to lay your head when the day’s over. Check out this guide for a handy breakdown of Cork’s accommodations. Hostels like Kinlay House and Sheila’s Hostel are time-honoured spots situated close to the bus and train station.

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