A heady combination of extreme weather blazing across Europe, unprecedented global conflict and a botched rollout of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System has rendered this summer quite unlike any other.Many Britons have opted to stay closer to home over the past few months – inciting a rampant boom in staycation holidays, with interest up some 20 per cent on last year, according to Booking.com.However, warmer weather has also meant an extension of the traditional summer season, as sunny days spill over into September – or even October – in some parts of Europe.Savvy holidaymakers are booking their holidays later and later, snapping up last-minute deals instead of tying themselves into trips months in advance.In fact, research by Loveholidays shows bookings for next-day holidays have increased by 26 per cent year-on-year, with bookings made within two days of departure also up by 19 per cent.And there's no wonder why, when research from lastminute.com shows that holidaymakers can save as much as £1,000 by booking outside of peak season.So, if you’re eager to bag a (bargain) break, where is there still availability? Research by travel operator Loveholidays shows bookings for next-day holidays have increased by 26 per cent year-on-year, with bookings made within two days of departure also up by 19 per centTUNIS, TUNISIAA POPULAR destination back in the 1970s, when the package holiday was first en vogue, Tunisia has been enjoying a renewed moment in the sun this year – seeing a 19 per cent surge in demand according to First Choice, as tourists plump for destinations away from the usual overcrowded European spots.And with September temperatures ranging from a more manageable 19-29C (67-84F) in Tunisia, travellers can take advantage of cooler weather and explore all that this corner of northern Africa has to offer.From meandering through the medinas in the capital Tunis, to cycling through the ruins of Carthage and trying the sumptuous cuisine, Tunisia offers a different kind of break by the Mediterranean Sea.BOOK IT: Spend seven nights all-inclusive at the Golden Tulip President Hammamet from £633pp, including return flights from Gatwick (firstchoice.co.uk).A week’s all-inclusive stay at SplashWorld AQI Venus Beach is available from £487pp, including flights from Southend and hand luggage (firstchoice.co.uk).Seven nights at Paradis Palace Hotel, in Hammamet, available from £339pp, on an all-inclusive basis. Includes flights from Gatwick (tui.co.uk). By heading to Tunisia in September, holidaymakers can take advantage of cooler weather, which sits at around 19-29C (67-84F), as the heat of the summer begins to peter outPAPHOS, CYPRUSTourism on this pretty, sun-soaked island suffered a difficult few months at the beginning of this year due to the conflict between the US and Iran – although it was never officially removed from the official travel advice list from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).Five months on, though, and Cyprus is tucking into a slightly delayed summer season with its usual gusto.And there couldn’t be a better time to go. As a result of the unsteady start to the year, prices are significantly down for holidays to this Mediterranean gem – making Cyprus a great choice for thrifty travellers after a last-minute bargain. In fact, according to Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, ‘the average seven-night package is down by as much as £250 per person year-on-year’.With ten hours of sunshine daily and September temperatures between 29-31C (84-88F), this is the perfect spot for a late getaway.BOOK IT: A seven-night stay at the all-inclusive Kefalos Damon Hotel Apartments is available from £478pp, including return flights (tui.co.uk).Four nights’ B&B at Avlida Hotel costs from £325pp, including flights from Manchester (thomascook.com). With 10 hours of daily sunshine and September temperatures between 29-31C (84-88F), Cyprus makes for a perfect late season getawayALICANTE, SPAINWhile Britons usually head to the Costa del Sol for summer sojourns to Spain, easyJet Holidays has reported an uptick in last-minute trips to Alicante this year, seeing a 10 per cent growth in interest when compared with 2025.And replete with medieval fortresses, whitewashed houses, seaside promenades and fantastic food markets, there’s no shortage of reasons to explore this underrated coastal break.September weather is pleasant – highs of 28C (82F), tempered by refreshing sea breezes – making the hiking trails lining the Sierra de Aitana mountains inviting.BOOK IT: Easyjet Holidays has seven nights room-only at the Hotel Bonalba Alicante from £473pp, including return flights and private transfers (easyjet.com).Or spend seven nights at Hospes Amerigo, room only, from £834pp, including flights (easyjet.com). While Britons usually head to the Costa del Sol for summer sojourns to Spain, easyJet Holidays has reported an uptick in last-minute trips to Alicante this yearFETHIYE, TURKEYPerhaps fuelled by Christopher Nolan’s return to the silver screen with the epic film The Odyssey, there has been a 21 per cent rise in interest in Turkish holidays, according to British Airways.Indeed, with the ancient city of Troy being in modern-day Turkey, the latter half of the season has seen a surge in late bookings, as The Odyssey fans make for the beaches and coastlines. On the south-western Turquoise Coast – and just 45 minutes from Dalaman Airport – Fethiye offers a warm, sunny option for a September trip with temperatures sitting at 25C (77F), with minimal rain.For active holidaymakers, the Lycian Way, which runs between Fethiye and Antalya, traces mountain villages and coastal terrain, with entry points at all levels of difficulty.For those wanting to luxuriate on Turkey’s white sands, there are myriad beaches from which to choose, ranging from the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon to the pebbled shores of Calis Beach, a short water taxi ride from the centre of Fethiye.BOOK IT: British Airways Holidays is offering seven nights full-board at the five-star Hillside Beach Club from £1,729pp, including return flights from Gatwick and one checked bag. Book by August 28 for travel between September 22 and October 31 (britishairways.com).On The Beach has seven nights all inclusive at Club Tuana Fethiye from £715pp, including return flights from Gatwick (onthebeach.co.uk). Propelled by the success of Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster, The Odyssey, Turkey has seen a rise in interest this summer, with set-jetters eager to explore the beaches and landscapes that once inspired ancient Greek poet HomerPALMA, MAJORCAAs with much of Europe, Majorca and its fellow Balearic isles have been struck with severe heatwaves in recent months, with temperatures soaring well above 40C (104F).The final throes of summer – as the heat dips to a more manageable 26-29C (79-84F) – is the perfect time to soak up all that Majorca has to offer, with its secluded beach coves, Moorish ruins and the active nightlife of the capital Palma.There are also several cultural events to enjoy in September on the island, including the Festa des Vermar, a three-week grape harvest festival, with local traditions including grape-stomping and grape-throwing, and the Festes del Rei en Jaume, which features a parade of giants, a historical battle re-enactment and a ‘night of fire’. September in Majorca offers a range of cultural experiences for travellers to enjoy, including a three-week grape harvest festival, where local traditions include grape-stomping and grape-throwing (pictured)BOOK IT: Seven nights at the TUI SUNEO Lagomonte on an all-inclusive basis from £671pp, including return flights with Tui (tui.co.uk). Alternatively, spend seven nights all-inclusive at AluaSun Cala Antena from £459pp, including return flights from Stansted (loveholidays.com).Mr&Mrs Smith is also offering 20 per cent off stays at Hotel Son Xotano, from £420 a night, including breakfast (mrandmrssmith.com). The final throes of summer is the perfect time to soak up all that Majorca has to offer, from secluded coves to lively nightlife in capital PalmaLATE-SEASON CRUISINGIt's a great moment to bag last-minute bargains – all while the weather stays warm, the seas are calmer and the atmosphere on board is still lively.For those wanting to explore gastronomy while at sea, Cunard is offering seven-night sailings hosted by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, as part of its ‘Gavroche at Sea’ series.Enjoy live cooking demonstrations, talks and a five-course tasting menu to a backdrop of Norway’s dramatic fjords.BOOK IT: Spend seven nights with Cunard onboard the Queen Anne, sailing to and from Southampton, calling at Kristiansand, Oslo and Skagen, Denmark. Prices from £1,459pp (cunard.com). For those wanting to experience top-class gastronomy at sea, Cunard is offering seven-night sailings hosted by Michelin-starred chef Michel RouxAlternatively, as temperatures cool and crowds begin to thin, make for the Med on a showstopping tour of the Greek islands, Italy and Turkey.BOOK IT: Caribbean Cruises is offering a seven-night tour from £1,423pp, calling at Santorini, Ephesus and Mykonos (royalcaribbean.com).All prices are correct at the time of writing.