Holidays From East Midlands Airport

It's pretty much regional and low-cost airlines flying from East Midlands, but there's still a wealth of choice on where you can go. While Aurigny and Blue Islands provide flights to the Channel Islands, it's the low cost airlines like Jet2, Ryanair and holiday airline TUI, offering destinations throughout Europe, from short breaks in Germany, to beach holidays in Spain. In fact, TUI also offers holidays a little further afield, including Egypt and Cape Verde.

All the main tour operators and travel agents can offer flight inclusive holidays from East Midlands. Check out online brands like loveholidays and On The Beach who also offer Ryanair packages, while TUI Holidays and Jet2holidays have ABTA and ATOL protected packages using their own flights. You may also prefer to speak to someone about your trip so if you have a few questions you feel are best answered by a travel agent, take a look at brands like Trailfinders, Travel Counsellors and Kuoni.

Although certain destinations like Amsterdam, Marrakech and Barbados aren't available, whether you just want a quick getaway to visit somewhere new, or enjoy 2 weeks of doing nothing by the pool, here are a few of our favourite East Midlands destinations:

Benidorm, Spain

One of the classic beach destinations for Brits, Benidorm offers a lively holiday, full of plenty of things to see and do. Enjoy golden beaches, lots of nightlife and plenty of accommodation options ranging from self catering apartments to all inclusive resorts. Fly into Alicante for Benidorm.

Corfu, Greece

Corfu is a fantasic summer holiday destination. With direct flights between April and October from all three of the main airlines meaning there's plenty of choice for both who you fly with and where you stay. From popular Sidari in the north to Kavos in the south, whether you prefer a quieter break, or a fun-filled, family holiday in the sun, there really is something for everyone.

Paphos, Cyprus

Another great beach destination, Paphos is the gateway to western Cyprus. Here you'll find all sorts of accommodation options to suit different budgets including holiday apartments and luxury resorts.

Algarve, Portugal

From April through to October, the Algarve is alive with holidaymakers, enjoying the bars, restaurants and sunny weather that is on offer. Head to Albufeira if you like plenty going on, or try out Alvor, a quiet little fishing town with an enormous, sandy beach if you want to skip the summer crowds.

Lapland

That's right, in the run up to Christmas, there are breaks and holidays to Lapland available from East Midlands. Flights are charter flights and trips are usually only a couple of days, but you'll be able to try out things like snowshoeing and dog sledding, as well as meet the reindeer and maybe Santa Clause too!

Last Minute Escapes

With multiple airlines flying from EMA, you're spoilt for choice, and that makes last minute holidays very possible. Be flexible on where and when you fly and you could grab a bargain break to the sun. Brands like TUI and Jet2holidays hate to see their flights and accommodation going empty so they'd often rather reduce the price and offer great late deals than miss out.

All Inclusive

Keep an eye on how you spend money on your next holiday by going all inclusive. Knowing that you've already paid for pretty much all your food and drinks upfront is an absolutely brain saver, leaving you to worry about how you'll spend your days...by the pool...or the beach. All inclusive packages vary from company to company. They might include airport transfers and luggage, or you may just be getting food and drink at the hotel included, so double check to see what's included before you hand over your card details. Companies like On The Beach, easyJet Holidays and loveholidays may need you to add these on.

Villa Holidays

Flying with Jet2 and TUI, you can add on villa packages, including car hire, ensuring you can have the best holiday with family and friends. Upgrade to get yourself your own private pool, or simply enjoy the space and gardens that having a private villa allows.

Family Holidays

Jet off from EMA on your next family holiday with family friendly brands like TUI and Jet2holidays, and you could save £££s when a child travels with 2 adults. It's easy to take advantage of the hundreds, if not thousands of free child places on offer by simply checking out your prefered holiday company and seeing what's available. School holiday deals aren't as frequent and can mean higher prices but there are even free kids' places in the summer holidays. And don't forget, if you book far enough out, you can often pay a low deposit and pay the rest of the balance over a period of months to help make the cost more manageable.

The airport sits conveniently between Derby, Leicester and Nottingham, near Castle Donington and the famous Donington Park Circuit, making it a convenient option for those in the Midlands.

Getting There

The nearest train station to the airport is East Midlands Parkway, however, it's worth noting that there aren't any bus services between here and the airport. If you're arriving by train, you'll need to take a taxi. Alternatively, Derby (12 miles away), Nottingham (12 miles away) and Long Eaton (7 miles away) train stations do have Skylink bus services to the airport, and have trains to many other cities in the UK, including Sheffield, London and Birmingham.

If you're arriving by car, several car parking options are available, including the premium Meet & Greet service which should be pre-booked and just a 1-2 minute walk from the terminal building, and the more budget friendly JetParks option which is a 12-15 minute bus transfer ride. Together with other short stay and long stay parking, these should all be booked in advance for the best prices.

In The Terminal

Inside the terminal, after departures (which has a fast track security option), you'll find the classic shops like WHSmith and Boots, as well as fashion brands like Accessorize and JD Sports. World Duty Free is also on hand for those tax-free electronics too.

Grab a quick drink or bite before your flight at Starbucks, Burger King, and Frankie & Benny's, or enjoy a quick pint or glass of wine at the Pork & Pickle and Castle Rock pubs.

Fancy kicking your holiday off in style? Treat yourself to a little extra space and complimentary food and drinks at the Escape Lounge, open everyday between 4am and 6pm near Gate 17. Families are welcome, meaning you can skip the airport restaurants and head here, and to save money, make sure you book the lounge in advance.

Airport Hotels

There are a number of airport hotel options, ranging from budget friendly Travelodge to more premium chains like Hilton, as well as the Leonardo which is a 10 minute walk to the terminal.

Leonardo Hotel

The closest hotel to the airport terminal is the Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport. Previously the Jury's Inn, this 4-star hotel is just a short walk to the terminal and offers free WiFi throughout the hotel. You'll also find a restaurant, bar and gym here too.

Premier Inn

A short drive (or a 20-25 minute walk away) is the Premier Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels. Both budget friendly options, Premier Inn hotel can only be booked direct through their official website and should be booked in advance for the best deals. There is a £4 overnight parking charge and has a restaurant for breakfast and dinner, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Radisson Blu Hotel

With over 200 modern and spacious rooms, the Radisson Blu Hotel is another great airport hotel option to minimise your eye bags on those super early flights. About a 30 minute walk from the terminal or a 5 minute drive, the hotel has a restaurant and bar, a gym and free Wi-Fi. Certain hotel packages booked directly with the hotel may include a complimentary airport shuttle so have a look to see what's on offer.