Breadcrumbs ![The Chicest & Savviest Bank Holiday Escapes To Book Now](https://media.sheerluxe.com/gzXJcO8BXxWIm5VBYL_2NPcw34g=/500x221/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F05%2Fskyscanner-hero.jpg) ![The Chicest & Savviest Bank Holiday Escapes To Book Now](https://media.sheerluxe.com/PG1F0zuDpHweOnSWWdXIZxRO8w0=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F05%2Fskyscanner-mobile-thumb.jpg) [Travel](/culture/travel) / 22 May 2026 # The Chicest & Savviest Bank Holiday Escapes To Book Now Long weekends are the perfect excuse for a spontaneous escape – preferably one that doesn’t involve stressful planning or eye-watering prices. That’s why more travellers are swapping obvious hotspots for hidden gems this bank holiday, be it under-the-radar European cities or design-led country breaks. Whether you’re planning a coastal escape, a staycation or a last-minute trip abroad, Skyscanner makes finding flights, hotels and car hire feel effortless. Here’s everything you need to know… [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/52538) Created in partnership with SKYSCANNER [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/-5PvnvDNRdLmsbK2cLct-gAwRFo=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F05%2Fskyscanner-portrait-1.gif) ](https://www.skyscanner.net/) Lars Groenendijk/Unsplash; Jeff Vinluan/Pexels There’s something about the May bank holidays that makes everyone suddenly desperate to get away. Whether it’s a spontaneous European city break, a country reset with friends or a British coastal escape, this is the weekend that signals the start of summer. The challenge, of course, is that everyone else has the same idea. Flights climb, hotel prices surge and the best rental accommodations disappear quickly. But according to savvy travellers, booking smarter matters just as much as booking early – and that’s where [ Skyscanner](https://www.skyscanner.net/) comes in. More than just a flights platform, Skyscanner helps travellers compare flights, hotels and car hire all in one place, making it easier to build a stylish getaway that feels seamless from start to finish. From chic boutique hotels to country cabins and design-led apartments, it’s become the go-to for travellers looking to maximise both budget and experience. Here’s how to plan a bank holiday escape – without overspending… ### Book The Stay First For many travellers, accommodation is now the main event. A beautifully designed hotel, a wellness retreat with a spa or a stylish cottage can completely shape the feel of a long weekend – especially when you only have a few days away. One of the smartest features on[ Skyscanner](https://www.skyscanner.net/) is its Unique Stays filter, which helps uncover more characterful accommodation options beyond the standard hotel chains. Think converted farmhouses in the [Cotswolds](https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels/united-kingdom/cheltenham-hotels/near-cotswolds-aonb/pl-206832897), coastal hideaways in [Cornwall](https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels/united-states/cornwall-hotels/ci-46848884), boutique riads in [Marrakech](https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels/morocco/marrakech-hotels/near-marrakesh/pl-206563173) or chic Scandinavian apartments in [Copenhagen](https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels/denmark/copenhagen-hotels/ci-27539902). It’s an easy way to discover hotels and rental accommodations that feel more curated and design-led, while still comparing prices and availability in one place. For style-conscious travellers planning a group trip or romantic weekend away, it takes much of the stress out of finding somewhere that feels genuinely special. ### Swap The Obvious Destinations For Smarter Alternatives Peak-season travel doesn’t necessarily mean spending more – it just means travelling more strategically. Instead of booking the busiest destinations, many travellers are choosing slightly more under-the-radar alternatives that offer the same atmosphere with fewer crowds and better value. Opt for [Porto](https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels/portugal/porto-district-hotels/rg-44292898) instead of Lisbon, [Seville](https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels/spain/seville-hotels/four-star/ci-27547022/sr-4) over Barcelona or [Palma](https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels/spain/palma-hotels/near-palma-majorca/ai-95565111) for a long weekend that combines beach clubs, boutique hotels and incredible food. Closer to home, [Margate](https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels/united-kingdom/margate-hotels/near-margate-main-sands/pl-207413352), [Whitstable](https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels/united-kingdom/whitstable-hotels/ci-33167646) and the [Norfolk](https://www.skyscanner.net/hotels/united-kingdom/norfolk-hotels/rg-44304385) coast continue to appeal for stylish UK staycations with excellent restaurants, sea views and a slower pace. Using flexible search tools on Skyscanner also makes it easier to compare destinations if you’re open-minded about where to go. Rather than locking yourself into one expensive route, you can discover destinations that fit your budget, dates and travel style more naturally. Advertisement Scroll to continue [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/YvVreE6Qh8DWRUki1nwjqnL7UR8=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F05%2Fskyscanner-landscape.jpg) ](https://www.skyscanner.net/) Arkin Si; Shawnanggg/Unsplash ### Use The Long Weekend Properly One of the smartest travel habits is making your annual leave work harder. By adding just a couple of days onto the bank holiday weekend, travellers can turn a short break into a much more restorative escape – whether that’s a wellness-focused retreat, a foodie city break or a beach escape ahead of peak summer prices. Flexibility also helps with saving money. Early-morning flights, late-evening returns and travelling Friday-to-Monday instead of Saturday-to-Monday can often unlock noticeably better prices during busy periods. ### Don’t Overlook Car Hire For country escapes, vineyard weekends or coastal trips, car hire can completely change the experience. Having the flexibility to explore smaller towns, beaches and restaurants at your own pace makes a trip feel far more relaxed – particularly if you’re travelling as a group. Using Skyscanner to compare car hire alongside flights and hotels also makes planning feel much more streamlined. Instead of jumping between multiple booking sites, travellers can organise the key parts of a trip in one place and more easily track overall costs. ### The Best Trips Feel Effortless The most memorable bank holiday escapes aren’t necessarily the most extravagant ones – they’re the trips that feel seamless, stylish and well planned. Whether that’s a boutique stay with friends, a spontaneous European city break or a luxury-feeling coastal reset, smarter booking tools can make all the difference. From discovering characterful hotels to comparing flights and organising transport, Skyscanner makes it easier to plan trips that feel elevated without losing sight of value. *For more information & to book your next trip, visit* [SKYSCANNER.NET](https://www.skyscanner.net/) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/LEed5oh5DB9x-FF0jFXBnPa2f44=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F05%2Fskyscanner-portrait-2.jpg) ](https://www.skyscanner.net/) *more from* Culture [View All Culture](/culture) ![The Gold Edition Hot List](https://media.sheerluxe.com/j7rgesKwp5u6NE_iGiKp59qoMA8=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F05%2Fsl-gold-180526-site-assets-hot-list-thumb.jpg) [Travel & Culture](/gold/travel-culture)/ 18 May 2026 [## The Gold Edition Hot List ](/culture/the-gold-edition-hot-list-0) ![The Luxe List: May](https://media.sheerluxe.com/uVHXe2SfrmBhI4Qfq_nCNMThQkc=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F05%2Fsl-site-assets-010526-thumb-interiors-luxe-list-2.jpg) [Culture](/culture) / 01 May 2026 [## The Luxe List: May ](/culture/the-luxe-list-may) ![9 Great Recommendations Straight From The SL Community](https://media.sheerluxe.com/OCgr6pbCJ5anv_IoCEiLfabDGyA=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F04%2Frecommendations-from-the-sl-community-hero.jpg) [Culture](/culture) / 23 April 2026 [## 9 Great Recommendations Straight From The SL Community ](/culture/9-great-recommendations-straight-from-the-sl-community) ![Pip’s Guide To Summer In Mallorca](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ud0DlWLs38KbM4YZ8innLZvgJqg=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F05%2Fpip-mallorca-hero.jpg) [Travel](/culture/travel) / 19 May 2026 [## Pip’s Guide To Summer In Mallorca ](/culture/travel/pips-guide-to-summer-in-mallorca) ![Why Crete Is On Our Travel Radar This Summer](https://media.sheerluxe.com/_Cj9KPT0i-10Fz4SQUeeNIPZIO4=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F05%2Fcrete-portrait.jpg) [Travel](/culture/travel) / 06 May 2026 [## Why Crete Is On Our Travel Radar This Summer ](/culture/travel/best-hotels-in-crete) ![Where The SL Team & Friends Are Going This Summer](https://media.sheerluxe.com/_tZJKyHaoXqg1fUE0p8UOGOr8kE=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F04%2Fsl-site-assets-140426-hero-team-trips-more-to-come.jpg) [Travel](/culture/travel) / 14 April 2026 [## Where The SL Team & Friends Are Going This Summer ](/culture/travel/where-the-sl-team-friends-are-going-this-summer) ![What’s New & Noteworthy In Travel This Season](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Mw4tV06EBJOHUTUhxUQev9geDQI=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F03%2Fsl-site-assets-050326-thumbhero-travel-notes.jpg) [Travel](/culture/travel) / 06 March 2026 [## What’s New & Noteworthy In Travel This Season ](/culture/travel/whats-new-noteworthy-in-travel-this-season) ![What’s New & Noteworthy In Travel ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/1NP1lJlJkR7ch1GpXv-fqaQ2OTg=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fsl-site-assets-290126-thumb-travel-notes.jpg) [Travel](/culture/travel) / 29 January 2026 [## What’s New & Noteworthy In Travel ](/culture/travel/whats-new-noteworthy-in-travel) ![17 Expert Travel Hacks To Know ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/HSrXeNX2oGEuO_mQpf8P0Y0mY6c=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fsl-site-assets-270126-thumb-hero-travel-hacks-more-to-come.jpg) [Travel](/culture/travel) / 27 January 2026 [## 17 Expert Travel Hacks To Know ](/culture/travel/17-expert-travel-hacks-to-know) Share This Story [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?display=popup&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com&u=https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fculture%2Ftravel%2Fthe-chicest-savviest-bank-holiday-escapes-to-book-now&t=The+Chicest+%26+Savviest+Bank+Holiday+Escapes+To+Book+Now) [ Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fculture%2Ftravel%2Fthe-chicest-savviest-bank-holiday-escapes-to-book-now&description=The+Chicest+%26+Savviest+Bank+Holiday+Escapes+To+Book+Now&media=) [ E-mail ]() DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. 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