With August bank holiday quite literally around the corner, what better way to count down the days than to book a last minute holiday? Because while an extra morning in bed is appealing, nothing sounds better than maximising your hours out of work by really cramming in the fun.
Seeing as a last-ditch summer heatwave is on the way, we're hoping to end the summer with a bang and have alfresco evenings, long days at the beach and catch-ups with friends in the sun planned for three whole days.
If you're hoping to do the same but don't yet have anything planned, check out our pick of the six best last minute August bank holiday deals. Whether you've got a staycation or trip across the continent in mind, you could rent out a gorgeous villa with a few of your mates or escape to a romantic Rapunzel-esque tower with your other half.
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Check out our pick of the best ways to spend the UK's next long weekend...
Visit the most affordable city in Europe
Vilnius was recently named the cheapest city for a weekend away in a Post Office Travel Money survey. Two nights at a hotel for two in the Lithuanian capital, entry into a top museum, a cup of coffee, a glass of wine and the average cost of a meal for two comes to just £147.35, making it a terrific option of the pricey summer months.
While there, enjoy the long days, hip culture and lush green spaces on a city break off the beaten path. Check in to the four-star Artis Centrum Hotel in the old town, which has a swimming pool, from £71 per night or the fun Downtown Forest Hostel from £7.20 per night.
Grab some girlfriends and stay in a cool European hostel
Hostels have come a long way in recent years and are no longer just a place to dump your bags and get some shut-eye. Many are now super-stylish, social hotspots, which rival luxury hotels when it comes to Instagrammability.
CHECK OUT MORE HOSTELS FOR A GIRLS' TRIP
There are some that are ideal for a girls' trip too as they come with chic female-only dorms. Unite Hostel in Barcelona, St Christopher’s Inn Canal in Paris, Lucky Lake in Amsterdam and We Love F Tourists in Lisbon are fun places that have the likes of their own bars, home-cooked meals and Instagrammable interiors.
Soak up the sun in the cheapest summer holiday destination
Why not turn the three-day weekend into a longer break to really make the most of the last bank holiday of the year? Skyscanner recently named Kalamata the best-value summer getaway spot and if you haven't heard of the Greek location before, you'll want to.
It's close to some of the dreamiest beaches in the country and great nightlife. British Airways has seven-night flight and hotel holiday packages from £350 this summer, while On the Beach has trips from £400. Olympic Holidays, TUI and Love Holidays also offer Kalamata holidays from as little as £183 for seven nights.
Go on an exotic city break from just £13 a night
Marrakesh may be a city that attracts A-listers to its five-star hotels but you don't have to be a millionaire to experience luxury in the Moroccan hotspot as one incredible riad is a travel influencer's dream and costs from only £13.86 a night.
Rodamon Riad is made up of blue and white tiles, an incredible pool surrounded by tropical plants and white washed bedrooms. It's just a 10-minute walk from Jamaâ El Fna Square and offers a rooftop terrace and bar with views of the Atlas Mountains. Now that's an affordable way to experience an August bank holiday like a celeb!
Get a bargain last-minute deal
Can't decide where to go or who you're travelling with yet? Be spontaneous and book a last-minute escape. Some of the best holiday deal websites are On the Beach if you're looking to hit the sands, lastminute.com as a one-stop shop for last-minute booking and Secret Escapes for amazingly affordable luxury trips of up to 60 per cent off.
BA Holidays also offers surprisingly good deals to Europe and beyond, while SpaBreaks.com has some excellent deals if you just want to relax without breaking the bank.
Sleep in a quirky Airbnb
Yurt? Castle? Boatel? You name it, we've found it and we can't think of a more perfect time to stay in an unusual Airbnb than the August bank holiday weekend.
From an antique cart in France to a yacht in Mallorca, an offbeat holiday rental offers the ideal alternative to a hotel. Many of them are found in places that are just perfect for a short break this summer, too.
Summer holiday clothes: meet your new capsule wardrobe
Nothing beats a 'throw on and go' maxi dress when you're on holiday. Sleeper's breezy linen dresses have achieved cult-like status with the fashion set, and it's easy to see why. Their ethically-crafted dresses are always cut in the most flattering shapes for the beach or a post-swim dinner.
When you've got a limited baggage allowance, it's all about bringing pieces that multitask. This chic straw tote will fit all your beach essentials, or the bits and bobs you need to make dinner from the market. Plus, it's heavily discounted.
Make like a 90s movie star in some oval sunnies - Bella Hadid is a fan of this style from Le Specs.
After (over) a year of being stuck inside our houses, it's time to see and be seen, baby. This Creamsicle-coloured bikini from H&M provides major style bang for your buck.
Buy the matching bottoms here.
These editor tested and approved pyjamas are made from the softest ever bamboo viscose that just melts around you. Not only is it sustainably sourced, but it's smartly designed to keep you cooler in hot climates, and warmer in the cold months.
Protect that precious skin from the sun's rays in an oversized straw hat. How sweet is the black bow?
When you're tourist-ing around on the cobblestones, you need a comfy pair of walking sandals. This brown leather pair will stay secure on your feet with the adjustable ankle strap.
There's a reason bohemian peasant blouses have never gone out of style. This one from New Look is on super sale, and the chic relaxed fit means you'll always feel comfortable - even after polishing off that cheese board. Plays well with denim.
For dinner, cocktails, and nights Out Out: sunny holidays call for a cheery, fun evening bag. This gorgeous raspberry sorbet bag will brighten up any outfit year round, and is big enough to fit the essentials.
On chillier evenings, it's nice to have a comfy cosy pullover to slip into. We like the preppy nautical stripes on this oversized Stories jumper.
£80
If you're only going to bring one pair of earrings on holiday, it's got to be a classic hoop. Carrie Elizabeth's 14k Gold Vermeil hoops are the perfect everyday size. They're chunky enough to light up your face with a little sparkle, but small enough to be comfortable to sleep in after a day of swimming. These are worth the investment - you'll never take them out!
The stylish Mango top ruches into a subtle cropped silhouette. The puff sleeves are v romantic, right?
Nothing lights up a tan like some softly iridescent pearl jewellery, and Astrid & Miyu have great options. Check them out for affordable gold and silver plated pieces, too.
We can imagine it now - sipping rosé, ordering the burrata starter, and just enjoying the view in this beaut dress. Ahhh, holiday bliss.
Calling all wedge lovers: Mango's woven pair is on super sale right now for only £19.99.
A lightweight beach coverup is great to throw on when you're running to the snack hut (or the bar). M&S's timeless mini sarong will pair with any of your swimsuits.
An adjustable wrap dress gives you maximum comfort while still looking polished. River Island's pink mini dress is cute for both day and night.
Is it even a summer hols if denim cutoffs aren't involved? This affordable pair is cute with anything and everything.
This 90s-inspired, oversized button up shirt is another one of those wardrobe multitaskers. Wear it loose as a beach coverup if your shoulders have had too much sun, or knot it into a crop top and pair with a skirt at dinner. Don't be afraid to go one or two sizes up for an even more relaxed fit.
Is there anything sexier and more timeless than a classic black one-piece? Melissa Odabash makes quality styles to be taken care of and worn for years, and Bravissimo is ace for supportive bigger bust styles.
When you're seeing the sites and really getting those steps in, a good pair of trainers is in order. These pretty New Balance ones will go with anything, thanks to their neutral colour scheme.
When you're relaxing on hols, the last thing you want is an underwire digging in. DKNY's white style will look nice under all your summer blouses.
Roshina is a contributing editor to Hearst UK. She was previously Senior Travel Editor, where she covered titles including Country Living, Red, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar and Good Housekeeping.
When she's not scoping out the next destinations we should explore (Uzbekistan, the Austrian Alps, Tbilisi), she loves revisiting old favourites (Mauritius, the Dolomites, Istanbul) and spending summer in the mountains - especially when hiking or wrapped in a spa robe.
