These six early bird deals will save you hundreds of euros

Summer vacation seems a long way off at the moment, but if you’re smart, you’re already taking care of it. Almost all travel booking platforms and agents offer discounts for early bookers. The online travel agency HolidayCheck, which recently received an award from Stiftung Warentest, is running its first round of early bird offers for package holidays until January 15, 2024.

You can save several hundred euros per trip. This is also confirmed by Christoph Heinzmann, travel expert at HolidayCheck: “The organizers usually have staggered discounts – those who book very early save the most.” But even after mid-January there is still potential for savings on summer holidays, because the early bird season is underway until mid-March. We present a few hot deals that promise bargain holidays in Europe’s most popular destinations – in 4 and 5 star hotels.

1. Crete: Anemos Luxury Grand Resort

Experience something great on Greece’s largest island? This is what the 5-star hotel Anemos Luxury Grand Resort on the north coast of Crete promises. It lies between two former fishing villages, Kavros and Georgioupoli, on a twelve kilometer long sandy beach. Nestled between mountains and the Aegean Sea in a nature reserve. Perfect for bathing, swimming and long walks on the beach.

The hotel complex, which was newly opened in 2016, has a large garden, various restaurants, bars, pools and offers of wellness and leisure activities for children, adults and families, as well as numerous awards. Two examples: The beach has the “Blue Flag” environmental seal of approval, and the hotel has the Gold Award as the best Greek design resort. The stylish furnishings and cleanliness of the rooms are also highlighted by many guests who rated the hotel on HolidayCheck. Not to forget the cuisine, which many call a land of milk and honey.

• Price example: 7 nights in a double room with half board including flights and hotel transfers cost from 1003 euros per person

2. Kos: Sandy Beach Hotel & Family Suites

Small seaside resort on the wide, gently sloping sandy beach in the north of the island of Kos: the 4-star Hotel Sandy Beach is hidden behind the dunes of Marmari. The main house and several bungalow buildings, which accommodate many family rooms, are located in a large garden area with tropical plants. For the younger generation there is a mini club (3 to 12 years), playground, two children’s pools as well as a children’s entertainment team and a teens club.

During the day, guests can let off steam with various activities such as beach volleyball, table tennis, mini soccer, aerobics or water polo – or in the two swimming pools. The sandy beach and the turquoise sea are just 50 meters from the hotel. In the evening, three restaurants and bars await hungry and thirsty guests, who can then enjoy one of the evening shows and animations. Early bookers can save around 340 euros with this deal.

• Price example: 7 nights in a double room with all inclusive and flight costs from 1332 euros per person

3. Turkish Riviera: Hotel Delphin Diva

Sandy beaches and idyllic bays with a turquoise sea, behind them rise the mountains of the Taurus Mountains, which are up to 3000 meters high. The southern coast of Turkey is also called the Turkish Riviera and is known for the beauty of its landscape. Lara Beach stretches east of the old town of Antalya. A gently sloping, golden-yellow sandy beach that has been awarded the Blue Flag environmental seal of approval. Here, the 5-star Hotel Delphin Diva attracts athletes, families and holidaymakers who appreciate the Ultra All Inclusive concept.

The six-story main building with its two towers has something castle-like about it. A total of seven pools will make every water lover happy. There is a lot on offer at the Delphin Diva – from sports tournaments, pool games, animations, evening shows, tennis court, aerobics, water aerobics and a large spa area to children’s clubs and the possibility of going to the hairdresser. And the savings potential is impressive: if you book early, the promotional discount is 250 euros.

• Price example: 7 nights in a double room with All Inclusive Plus and flight for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children (5 and 7 years) costs from 3598 euros

4. Mallorca: CM Playa del Moro

Directly on the pedestrian promenade on the beach: The 4-star hotel CM Playa del Moro in the holiday resort of Cala Millor on the north-east coast of Mallorca scores with its central location – and the view of the sea. Because of this, it can be described as a city hotel, a beach hotel, a family hotel, a sports hotel or even a golf hotel (there are six golf courses in the area). The nine-story building has around 150 rooms and is described by many HolidayCheck users as clean, well-kept and modern.

The rooms on the upper floors are particularly praised for their unobstructed views of the Mediterranean through floor-to-ceiling windows. There is an indoor, outdoor and hot tub, a spa, a small gym, aqua aerobics, bicycle rentals, breakfast and dinner buffets with Mediterranean and international dishes, and evening entertainment. Early bookers receive a 250 euro promotional discount when booking the CM Playa del Moro.

• Price example: 7 nights in the Junior Suite with breakfast and flight cost from 922 euros per person

5. Egypt: Cook’s Club El Gouna

Design and aesthetics in sand colors and shades of gray – for adults only: The Cook’s Club El Gouna is located on a saltwater lagoon and impresses with its stylish interior and cool atmosphere. This is how DJ sound works by the pool, with relaxed but sometimes faster beats. And the Berlin bartender David Wiedemann serves trendy cocktails at the pool bar. The pool is the vibrant center of the 4-star adult-only hotel, bringing guests – including solo travelers – together. No wonder that Cook’s Club is also considered the party hotel of El Gouna.

It is only a few minutes walk to the marina, the city center and the private lagoon beach. A fitness center, daily yoga classes as well as snorkeling and diving tours round off the offerings of the exceptional hotel, which is one of the New Generation Hotels. The destination of Egypt itself was recently included in the top ten cheapest travel destinations of 2024 by the world’s most famous travel guide, Lonely Planet.

• Price example: 7 nights in a double room with breakfast including flight and hotel transfer cost from 598 euros per person

6. Croatia: Valamar Meteor Hotel

The Makarska Riviera stretches south of Split. Not far from the town center of the same name is the 4-star Hotel Valamar Meteor. Right on the beach, a long pebble beach on the Adriatic. Children are welcome guests here, as evidenced by the many family offerings – from the new baby pool with water attractions to playrooms and activities such as magic shows or parties.

But there is also a lot to experience for adults in the hotel on the Dalmatian coast: sports, spa and gourmet experiences in several restaurants and bars. The infinity pool, the well-kept ambience and the great location not far from the pretty port of Makarska received a lot of praise from HolidayCheck users. And another highlight: The Lonely Planet travel guide has chosen Croatia as one of the hottest travel destinations for 2024.

• Price example: 7 nights in a double room with breakfast and flight cost from 1009 euros per person