When you picture the start of a holiday, what comes to mind? A lengthy motorway journey and a very early alarm, or a quick lift to your local airport before the sunshine begins? Flying from a regional airport can be a brilliantly convenient way to begin your getaway. With less travelling before your flight, easy-to-navigate terminals and the possibility of snapping up a great last-minute deal, your local airport could be the starting point for your next holiday.
From Leeds Bradford and Glasgow to Newcastle to Bristol, and beyond, regional airports can connect holidaymakers with popular sunshine destinations in just a few hours. Depending on the departure airport and destination, you can say goodbye to the drizzly UK weather and be sunning yourself on sandy shores from as little as three hours.
Here are some of the reasons why it can pay to look a little closer to home when planning your next escape.
Your holiday can begin closer to home
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a regional airport is right there in the name: it’s regional. Rather than travelling across the country before you have even reached the departure lounge, you may be able to fly from an airport much closer to home. That could mean less time in the car and more time getting excited about the holiday ahead.
If you are planning a spontaneous getaway, that convenience can be particularly useful. A last minute holiday feels even easier when the airport is nearby and you can keep the pre-holiday travel simple.
Smaller terminals can make the airport feel more manageable
Regional airports often have fewer terminals than some of the UK’s largest hubs, which can make finding your way around feel more straightforward. With fewer areas to navigate, getting from the entrance to check-in, security and the departure lounge may feel that little bit simpler. This can be especially welcome for families, groups travelling together or anyone who prefers a more compact airport experience.
It also means you can concentrate on the important decisions, such as whether to start the holiday with a coffee, a cooked breakfast or a celebratory airport pint.
A family lift could make a last minute break even easier
When a holiday is booked at the last minute, finding airport parking can quickly become another job on the to-do list. Flying locally may give you another easy option: calling in a favour from a family member or friend.
If the airport is only a convenient drive away, arranging a lift can feel much more realistic than asking someone to make a long round trip to a major airport. It could also mean you do not need to organise or pay for airport parking.
Of course, promising to bring back a souvenir or returning the favour with an airport run of your own is always recommended!
You might uncover a brilliant last minute deal
Regional departures can sometimes have remaining package holiday availability, particularly when a flight or hotel still has spaces available close to departure. For flexible travellers, that can create opportunities to find a great-value escape from a nearby airport.
Availability and prices can change quickly, especially for holidays departing soon, so it is worth keeping an open mind about destinations, dates and board options. You might begin your search looking for one island and discover an all inclusive favourite somewhere completely different.
Sunshine may be closer than you think
Flying from a local airport does not mean limiting your choice of holiday. Regional airports offer routes to popular destinations across Spain, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt, the Canary Islands and so many more.
That means you could enjoy a week of beaches and tavernas in Greece, an all inclusive stay in Majorca, a sunshine break on the Costa del Sol or a relaxing Turkish escape in Dalaman or Marmaris, just a couple of hours away from your sofa! You could be leaving home in the morning and enjoying al fresco dining or relaxing near the beach later that day.
Package holidays can keep spontaneous travel simple
Booking close to departure should feel exciting, not complicated. Choosing a package holiday can help by bringing key parts of the trip together in one place. Our packages all include flights, transfers and luggage, and can even include your meals and drinks if you opt for all inclusive.
Instead of beginning with one exact resort or hotel, try searching by your nearest airport and looking at the range of destinations available. Being flexible with your departure date, destination and board basis can help you discover options you may not have initially considered.
Once you have chosen your local departure airport and found a deal that works for you, all that is left is to pack, check who is available to give you a lift and decide which holiday book is coming along for the journey!
Start your next holiday locally
From shorter journeys from home and compact terminals to convenient family drop-offs and exciting last-minute availability, there are plenty of reasons to include your regional airport in your next holiday search. Your local airport could be your shortcut to the sunshine.
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