The recent half term break’s probably served as an unwelcome reminder that the school summer holidays are just around the corner. And if you want to get away before peak season hits and avoid the children and crowded beaches that come along with it – then now is the perfect time. The weather is warm; the beaches are still relatively empty and the prices have yet to rise. If that still isn’t enough to tempt you, we have five fantastic late deal holidays for under £250 per person. Ensuring that you get more for less:

Cyprus

Situated right in the heart of bustling Paphos Town, Agapinor Hotel is a great place for a last minute break; and an all-inclusive package with flights from London Gatwick costs just £239 per person at the start of July. You’ll be close to Paphos’ main attractions too, with the botanical gardens, bazaar and museum all a short stroll away. Don’t miss the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park either which provides visitors a glimpse of Aphrodite’s Isle as it was during the time of the Ancient Greeks.  For just €4.50 you can visit the old theatre, the lighthouse and take-in the beautifully preserved mosaic floors. In the evening, the area around the park is the place to be, with plenty of lively bars and tavernas.

Malta

Malta is one of the best value destinations in Europe and you can take a trip there for £201 per person, staying at the Blue Sea St. George’s Park La Vallette Resort in lively St. Julian’s. This fantastic deal is on All Inclusive board basis, so all meals are included.

St. Julian’s Bay contains many diving shops and the adventurous will enjoy exploring some of Malta’s many shipwrecks, which attract professional divers from all over the world. The Blue Lagoon of Comino is revered, and non-divers can also absorb the surroundings from a boat trip which also takes in the neighbouring island of Gozo.

Nice

If you don’t have long for a holiday, then why not take a short break where you can unwind, before the schools break up? Three nights in sunny Nice should be just enough time to soak up some rays. Staying in the three-star Best Western Hotel, you’ll be in the heart of the French Riviera. You might be tempted to spend the majority of your weekend sunbathing on the swish Promenade des Anglais beach, but there are plenty of cultural attractions here too. Don’t miss the Museé Matisse for a look at some of the neo-impressionists best work, or the Museé Marc Chagell, for a chance to gaze upon some of the artist’s biblically inspired pieces.

Turkey

How does 7-nights all-inclusive in sunny Side sound? This bargainous break will cost you just £119 per person staying at the Side Kervan hotel. If you can bear to drag yourself away from the poolside bar, Side’s impressive Greek amphitheatre is definitely worth a visit. With seating for 15,000 people, the space can feel really immense, particularly during the summer season when they put on shows and live opera performances.

Spain

There’s a reason why Benidorm is so popular – for us Brits it offers a home away from home. Sure, it can get crowded during the summer season, but that just gives more of an incentive to look for last minute travel deals. A 7-night half-board break at the five-star Hotel Cabana costs £188 in the middle of July. The hotel is situated right on the beachfront and is arguably Benidorm’s most recognised building. One of Europe’s largest hotels, it contains a wealth of attractions, including two outdoor pools, a fitness centre and a children’s playground. Of course, this being Benidorm, you can be sure Gran Bali offers great evening entertainment, with live music and dancing taking place every night.

Are you looking to get away before the school holidays hit? Why not follow us on Twitter for more last minute holiday offers?

Images by Stephen,  Sergey Galyonkin, Flavio Ensiki, Kristoffer Trolle, Samuel Schultzberg, and Enrique Domingo via flickr

*Prices correct at time of publication, subject to change and availability