Booking a package holiday can offer valuable protection. But they can also slash the cost of going away, particularly if you’re heading to a popular beach destination. This guide looks at what protection they give, when’s best to book, where to go and how to weigh up if all-inclusive is worth it.

Overseas holidays are possible again, but things can change quickly and it’s still worth looking for a  cheap holidays where you’ve no-quibble rights to change dates or cancel for a refund or voucher without charge. Here’s what you should be aware of…

It’s crucial to check the rules on where you can travel on a cheap holidays

Check the entry requirements for the destination you want to visit so you’ll know if the country will actually let you in, and what tests you may need. See our list of the top 20 holiday destinations’ entry requirements. Do also check Foreign Office country advice, which is about safety when away – this is key for travel insurance cover and your rights to a refund, as if there’s an advisory against travel it can invalidate travel insurance policies if you go away, but it also increases your chances of a refund from travel firms.

Look for flexible bookings that let you easily change your mind, or the date, or cancel If you’ve booked a flight that’s been cancelled, you’ve a legal right to a full refund, but many airlines now offer flexibility if you choose to change your flight when it’s still running – see airline-by-airline cancellation policies.

Travel insurance is vital – get it as soon as you book

Flexible bookings are a form of self-insurance for Government-related restrictions that mean you can’t go on your holiday. With very rare exceptions, travel insurance won’t cover cancellation due to Government rules, but it does cover you for a multitude of other non-Covid risks such as theft or bereavement.

Most policies will cover you if you get coronavirus before you go away and can no longer travel, or while you’re away and need treatment or to delay your flight home.

The Cheapest Places to Travel in 2023

Unsurprisingly, Mexico makes the list of the cheapest places to travel in 2022. The country has long ranked as an affordable and easy-to-reach destination for many Americans; reasonably priced direct flights are abundant.

Within Mexico, San José del Cabo (in Baja California Sur), Puerto Vallarta, and Cancún come out on top as the cheapest places to fly, with January being the most affordable month to visit for each. Fortunately, January is nothing short of glorious in each of these beachy destinations — warm, balmy, and filled with rich colors, textures, and flavors to beat the winter blues, so cheap holidays

Searching for a city break instead of a beach retreat? Mexico City, with its rich Aztec heritage and generous smattering of museums, is another affordable option in Mexico. May is the cheapest month to book a flight there.

Colombia is a beloved travel destination for its rich history, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering food. It’s also well priced against what many Americans are used to paying for, say, a fresh arepa and cup of Colombian coffee. cheap holidays to Colombia.

February is the least expensive month to fly to the country’s capital, Bogotá. The weather here is chilly, but not too cold to stroll the painstakingly maintained Bogotá Botanical Garden, which dates back to 1955 and is filled with almost 20,000 plants (and costs just over $1 USD to enter).

In January, head to Cartagena, a port city on the country’s Caribbean coast. You don’t have to spend much to enjoy your time here — simply walking the picturesque streets is enough for most visitors.