Jet-setters can grab seasonal savings on sand, sea and sunshine just a few hours from the UK
For holiday lovers ready to beat the winter blues and escape the relentless British drizzle, a hit of Vitamin D might be exactly what’s needed. While the January gloom can be tough, having something to look forward to is a great way to start the year on a high note.
Of course, after the festive period, many of us are focused on saving money in the New Year. Jetting off abroad can easily set avid travellers back thousands, especially for exotic breaks or all-inclusive escapes, but TUI has launched a range of deals that make that dream getaway much more affordable.
The travel agent is encouraging Brits to “Say Yes to Summer” by taking advantage of some of its most flexible booking offers. To help make holidays more accessible to all, many can be secured with £0 or low deposits and the option to pay later.
Families can beat the winter blues with TUI by snagging one of the thousands of free kids’ places available, making it easier than ever to enjoy time together as a family. To secure up to £500 off selected holidays, shoppers should sign up for a free myTui account here.
Whether it’s to save money in the New Year or to have something to look forward to, we’ve rounded up three of the very best TUI holiday breaks that those searching for some sun can book today.
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The Costa del Sol is a family favourite thanks to its “Sunshine Coast” reputation, offering over 300 days of sun a year and warm Mediterranean waters that are perfect for paddling. With summer highs reaching 30°C and incredibly mild winters, it offers an outdoor lifestyle filled with water parks, sandy beaches, and a welcoming, child-friendly atmosphere.
Combining traditional Andalusian architecture with a modern family feel, the H10 Estepona Palace is the perfect beachfront retreat to take someone’s mind off the winter weather. It offers direct access to the soft sands of Guadalobón Beach, and the resort is designed to be family-friendly.
Younger visitors will find a dedicated children’s pool and a fun-filled playground, as well as the Daisy Club for seasonal entertainment, featuring activities such as arts and crafts and lively evening mini-discos. There is also evening entertainment for grown-ups during the summer season.
With three freshwater pools nestled in tropical gardens, there is plenty of space for both splashing and relaxation. Best of all, this sunny Spanish getaway is reachable in under three hours from the UK, making the journey as easy as the stay.
With a four out of five-star rating on TripAdvisor, one guest said: “Fabulous hotel. Location is beautiful on the beachfront. Can walk into Estepona. Wonderful, friendly, helpful staff.” Some guests were less impressed however, noting “slow check in queue” and some “old fashioned interiors.”
Another happy review added: “Excellent hotel – very happy with our choice and what we wanted from our stay in Estepona.”
For those who fancy a child-free getaway on the Costa del Sol instead, the TUI BLUE Yaramar resort in Fuengirola offers adult-only half board breaks for discerning grown-ups. The hotel is designed to be more chilled-out with a dedicated relaxation zones, activities tailored for grown-ups and sophisticated music and dance performances after dark.
Marmaris, in Turkey is a fantastic spring destination for families, offering comfortably warm temperatures that range from 21°C in April to 25°C in May, perfect for outdoor adventures without the intense summer heat. Located roughly four hours and 15 minutes from the UK, it provides a quick escape to a stunning coastline filled with scenic beaches, family-friendly waterparks, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Nestled away on the Turkish Riviera, the TUI Blue Grand Azure resort in Marmaris offers four-star accommodation in a stunning location. Centrally located, the town is home to a smart marina and a charming old town with a historic castle, as well as all the modern restaurants, bars and lively nightlife.
This beachfront retreat offers a private stretch of sand and a giant lagoon pool set within tropical gardens, as well as an indoor pool for relaxing dips. Families are well-catered for with a variety of sports and a professional spa, alongside four distinct restaurants that provide a wide range of dining options.
Visitors love the Grand Azure, giving it an impressive 4.7 stars out of five on TripAdvisor. One guests described it as “one of the best hotels we’ve stayed in” and another called it “an all inclusive gem with a great beach and brilliant entertainment.”
With very few negatives listed by holidaymakers, one visitor did note that they found “the reception service to be poor.” Prices start from £672 per person on an all-inclusive basis in March 2026.
Turkey is also popular with holidaymakers on a budget, as the pound remains strong against the Turkish Lira. Right now, an all-inclusive week away in the upscale The TUI MAGIC LIFE Jacaranda in Side starts from £444 in January.
Gran Canaria is a year-round family favourite, offering “eternal spring” weather with pleasant average temperatures ranging from 21°C in winter to 27°C in the summer. The island is perfectly set up for all ages with shallow-water beaches and a safe, welcoming atmosphere, all reachable in just over four hours from the UK.
Perched on a cliffside with sweeping Atlantic views, the newly refurbished Servatur Puerto Azul is just minutes from two sheltered beaches. The resort features five outdoor pools, including a stunning infinity pool and a tropical lagoon area shaded by palm trees. While adults can retreat to a peaceful sun terrace with its own whirlpool bath, the main terrace transforms at night into a hub for family-friendly live entertainment.
Younger guests won’t be bored either with a dedicated splash park filled with jets, fountains and waterslides. There is also a shallow paddling section adjoining the main pool and a hotel-run kids’ club, ensuring there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Prices start from £708 per person, for an all-inclusive break in January.
The Servatur Puerto Azul consistently earns high praise from travellers, with one guest describing it as an “absolutely fantastic hotel with stunning views and exceptionally friendly staff,” while another raved that the “refurbishment is incredible and the new infinity pool is simply out of this world.”
However, even with its recent upgrades, some visitors find room for improvement; a 3-star review noted that while the “facilities and pools are great, the restaurant can get incredibly crowded and noisy during peak meal times.”
Other online travel agents vying for holidaymakers’ attention at this time of year include Love Holidays, which is offering deposits from just £19 for selected 2026 holidays. With short-haul holidays in Spain, Portugal, Turkey and more, they have budget breaks flying from across the UK.
On The Beach also has a wealth of destinations for sunseekers to choose from. The brand has also added a range of city breaks to their holiday options for 2026.
As a travel agent, TUI has an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star average score on TrustPilot, backed by over 115,000 customer reviews. One five-star reviewer praised the “very easy” online booking experience, noting that the inclusion of a 20kg hold bag and clear flight options made the process seamless.
Another frequent traveller highlighted their reliability, stating they have “never had an issue” and found TUI’s service to be consistently superior to other travel companies. However, some long-term customers have noted a lack of formal loyalty rewards compared to other airlines.
One three-star review mentioned that after 30 years of booking, they would love to see a “reward scheme or room upgrades” introduced for returning guests. Despite this, the brand remains a top choice for those seeking a straightforward and well-supported holiday experience.
