How to save money this summer by taking two vacations in one

AFTER two years of travel chaos, there is a lot to catch up on.

So why limit yourself to exploring one destination when you could visit two at the same time?

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Not only can you pack two vacations into one trip, but you can also save a lot on ticket costs.

Here, SOPHIE SWIETOCHOWSKI selects some great offers for two-centre vacations in this country, Europe and beyond.

UAE: Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah

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TEMPERATURES reach a sizzling 35°C around October in Dubai.

And from your sun lounger at Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Dubai, you can be in the perfect place to take it all in.

The hotel features a rooftop swimming pool that offers prime views of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper.

Enjoy three nights bed and breakfast here before heading to the nearby emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah, home of the world’s longest zipline, the Jebel Jais Flight, taking thrill-seekers at speeds of up to 150km/h over dusty slopes promoted to the top of the mountain.

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Spend four nights B&B at the 4H Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island, right on the beach with a luxurious spa.

The seven-night package costs from £901 per person, based on two adults sharing a room, and includes flights from Heathrow on October 1st.

See destination2.co.uk.

Mexico: Cancun & Tulum

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COUPLES planning a breathtaking trip can spend the money, feast on fine dining and explore ancient ruins on an all-inclusive 14-day adventure in Mexico.

Start in Cancun at the Hard Rock Hotel on the beach, where you don’t have to lift a finger.

You can have your food delivered straight to the jacuzzi in your room.

Just as luxe is the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya further south, which has an ocean bay for snorkeling and five pools, six bubbling hot tubs, and a massive spa.

If you feel like exploring, head to the port city of Tulum and roam the rocky ruins or plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The package costs from £2,490 per person including flights from Gatwick in November and transfers.

See tui.co.uk.

Greece: Rhodes & Halki

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IF blissful days sunbathing on soft sands and warm nights roaming the cobblestone streets of Rhodes sound like your cup of tea, then this seven-day island-hopping trip is for you.

You’ll stay in rustic villas and trendy apartments, but it’s unlikely you’ll spend more than a few hours in them.

Not with Rhodes Old Town right on your doorstep.

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Venture behind the medieval city gates and meander through the maze of narrow streets lined with boutique shops and small restaurants serving authentic Greek cuisine.

Then travel to the tiny island of Halki, where pastel-colored houses line a crescent-shaped bay.

The seven-night deal is priced from £639 per person for a mix of self-catering and B&B, including summer flights from Gatwick, ferries and private transfers.

See olympicholidays.com.

Channel Islands: Jersey & Guernsey

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For stunning coastlines, rural horizons and great food, you don’t need to venture far.

Holidaymakers can immerse themselves in a mix of French and British culture on this seven-day adventure to Jersey and Guernsey.

Spend three nights half-board at the 3H Hotel de Normandie in the heart of Jersey’s capital, St Helier, where cobbled streets are lined with quaint pubs and cafes.

Then sail to Guernsey where you can join a trip to the Isle of Sark, known to many as the ‘Crown Jewel of the Channel Islands’.

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The sky is so dark that you don’t even need a telescope to admire the twinkling stars.

Seven nights half board is from £839 per person including ferry ride, horse-drawn carriage ride to Sark’s La Seigneurie Gardens and flights from Gatwick, Southampton or Bristol on 30 September.

See justgoholidays.com.

Cyprus: Paphos & Latchi

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Take the whole family to Paphos for three nights — the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite — and head straight to Coral Bay, where the shallow waters are perfect for toddler paddling.

Ithaki amusement park is a ten minute walk away, with a mini golf course that older children will love.

Private transfers then take you to the peaceful fishing village of Latchi for four nights, ideally situated between some of the best hiking trails in the country.

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If all you want to do is relax, the beach hotel Souli where you will stay lies at the foot of the Akamas mountain range and offers panoramic views of the rugged landscape.

The seven-night trip costs from £459 per person and combines self-catering and B&B accommodation, including flights from Gatwick in the summer and private transfers.

See olympicholidays.com.

Croatia: Split & Igrane

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THIS 14-night trip includes relaxed island hopping and visits to white pebble beaches, as well as ticking off key spots along the stunning Dalmatian coast.

Expect crisp seafood — plucked fresh from the ocean — postcard-worthy beaches and remarkable architecture as you explore the city of Split and surrounding islands, including Brac, a 50-minute ferry ride away.

Vacationers can choose their accommodation ranging from the budget-friendly Bluesun Alga in Igrane to the beachfront Le Meridien Lav.

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The latter has an impressive infinity pool overlooking the clear blue ocean.

TUI Holidays are priced from £820 per person for two people on a B&B basis, including flights from Gatwick on 5 September and transfers.

See tui.co.uk.

Mediterranean Islands: Sardinia & Corsica

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YOU really will get more bang for your buck during this two week break as you travel across two countries and sail the Mediterranean Sea.

Start your journey on the Italian island of Sardinia at the 4H Hotel Rocce Sarde, perched on top of a hill.

Here you can explore the pretty town of San Pantaleo, which is just over a mile from the hotel.

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Then catch the ferry to the picturesque French island of Corsica, known for its white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters.

Check into the Hotel San Giovanni, a charming family-run property in Porto Vecchio, where sandy buildings are sheltered by ancient trees.

The 14 night B&B package costs from £1,496 per person, including flights from Gatwick, ferry crossings and car hire.

See sardinianplaces.co.uk or call 01489 866959.

Portugal: Porto & Douro Valley

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THE best way to explore the UNESCO-listed city of Porto, with its winding streets and colorful houses, is on foot.

And that’s exactly what you can do on this four-night tour of Portugal.

First, immerse yourself in city life, spending lazy days sipping iced coffee in traditional cafes and marveling at historic buildings scrawled with street art.

Then swap it for the rural landscapes of the Douro Valley.

Here you’ll stroll over shady hills dotted with silver olive trees and grape vines used to make local wines.

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You stay in a stylish hotel, housed in a building from the 16th century, as well as a rustic manor house with a small but fine restaurant.

The trip costs from £680 per person based on two people, including four nights B&B accommodation, two dinners, transfers and a guided tour of the still operating Quinta de la Rosa winery. Flights are not included.

See inntravel.co.uk.