Cold feet, warm dreams?
Welcome to the early-bird summer escape, your cheat code to swap frost for flip-flops. The savviest travellers know that timing is everything for a bargain summer ‘26 getaway, and right now it’s on your side. According to KAYAK’s latest flight search data, flight prices for summer 2026 are currently down 7% compared to summer 2025. Our insights reveal the summer 2026 destinations heating up and the best-value spots for budget-conscious travellers. Planning your summer holidays now could be your best travel hack for 2026.
How to save big on summer 2026 holidays.
Get it right for the summer ‘26 trip and be the smart one of your friends by using KAYAK flight search data, uncovering the destinations that deliver big experiences, for small (and not so small) budgets. From sun-soaked European beaches, to surprising far-flung escapes, expect wallet-friendly hidden gems and mind-blowing spots.
European bargains across the South.
Wander far, spend less: from North America, to the Middle East and Asia.
Travel price peaks.
KAYAK’s flight search data reveals plenty of affordable options, but it also highlights destinations where prices are on the rise. So if you’ve got your eye on one of these spots it’s worth planning and booking ahead to avoid next summer’s potential price pinch.
Priciest destinations.
If you’re thinking of a trip to Down Under, you’d better brace yourself, return flights to Brisbane, Perth and Sydney currently cost an average of £1,165, £1,127 and £1,108 respectively. Without a doubt, trips there are worth every penny, but only if you’re ready to part with quite a few of them.
Biggest price increases.
You might also want to save a bit extra for some European escapes: Flight prices to Reykjavik are currently 28% higher next summer than they were in summer ‘25, while Lisbon and Amsterdam are seeing an increase of 26% and 20% respectively at the moment.
Biggest price drops.
Good news, holidaymakers, your summer 2026 trip just got cheaper. There are some great deals to find for next summer, with lower flight prices even in some all time favourite spots. Atlanta in Georgia, USA, and Ko Samui in Thailand are leading the price decrease ranking, with current prices for a summer 2026 trip being 17% lower than during summer 2025, landing on an average of £739 and £855 respectively. Puerto del Rosario, Funchal, San Jose and Arrecife are also registering a current price drop of 16% as of now. Also on the list for an upgraded summer travel trip, while downgrading on stress: Tenerife, Mahon and Prague.
Buzz-worthy summer destinations.
Curious to know what’s trending for summer 2026? British travellers are looking to go. The latest news is that the top favourite destinations are an even split between European cities and beaches, and some far-flung adventures in Asia, Latin America and Africa. See in which summer hotspots you’re most likely to bump into fellow British travellers next year.
#1
Madrid, Spain
Madrid’s nocturnal summers seem to strike a chord with British travellers: Think slow, art-filled mornings, before heading out to enjoy tapas at sunset and rooftop cocktails. Flight searches to Spain’s capital are up by 81% compared to summer ‘25, with fairly affordable return-fares at £113 on average.
#2
Zakynthos, Greece
If a romantic sunset is on your summer menu, Zakynthos is your go-to. Head to the Bohali viewpoint above Zakynthos Town, no more words needed. Afterwards, hit a seaside taverna for fresh seafood and local rosé. Flight searches have increased by 56%, with an average return fare of £326.
#3
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Grachten, Hofjes and Stroopwafels, Amsterdam’s eclectic mix of entertainment, culture and local eats is a top pick for a summer 2026 city break. Not a surprise, with a current average flight price of £153, and an increase in flight searches of 54%.
Planning your trip in advance gives you the luxury of choice, whether it’s a cosy staycation or a faraway adventure. But can you really save money by booking early? While predicting airfares isn’t an exact science, we have the tools to help you find a great deal, no matter when you book and go. Set up a Price Alert and we’ll let you know when fares drop.
Here are also some data-driven insights to turn the uncertainty about next summer’s plans into smart travel moves.
European steals
For sun-seekers, flight prices to Spain and Malta, two of my summer favourites, are looking more affordable next summer. Prices currently are 9% and 6% lower next summer than in summer 2025 respectively. If you want to explore something a bit off the beaten summer-paths, the Czech Republic is a good, and cheaper choice, as we are seeing flight prices down by 14% in comparison.
Long-haul deals
Who does not love a bargain? These long-haul deals are hard to ignore. Indonesia, Costa Rica, the Philippines and Thailand show price drops between 16% and 11% at the moment compared to summer 2025. Paired with favourable exchange rates, these are too good to miss.
Savings at your doorstep
I’ve always believed you don’t need to go far to find something special. From coastlines to countrysides, the UK is full of summer treasures. With domestic flight prices down 3% versus last year, it’s a good time to enjoy a staycation.
Fancy flying
I’m often asked if upgrading to premium class is ever worth it. With first-class and business-class prices down -14% and -3% respectively, next summer might just be the time to check it out yourself. Enjoy!
Methodology
The summer 2026 report is based on an analysis of return economy flight searches made on KAYAK.co.uk and associated brands between 01-06-2025 and 15-11-2025 for travel dates between 01-06-2026 and 15-09-2026, defined as the summer holiday period. Year-over-year data is based on the comparison to the same search and travel periods in the previous years.
All flight prices mentioned are average prices for return flights in economy class, and departing from anywhere in the UK. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed. Percentages for changes in searches and pricing are approximate.
‘Best-value destinations’ are defined as destinations with our lowest average return economy flight prices, while ‘Most expensive destinations’ are destinations with our highest average return economy flight prices.
‘Biggest price drops’ are destinations with the biggest year-over-year decreases in average return economy flight prices and ‘Biggest price increases’ are destinations with the biggest year-over-year increases in average return economy flight prices.
‘Trending destinations’ is based on the destinations with the biggest year-over-year increase in search volume for return economy flights.
Destination exclusions may have been applied in cases of insufficient data or according to the official travel advisory at the time when the data analysis was conducted.
Based on flight searches made on KAYAK.co.uk and associated brands in the period between 01-12-2024 and 15-09-2025 for flights with departure between 01-06-2025 and 15-09-2025 from any airport in the UK. All prices are average prices for economy return tickets. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed. Percentages for differences in prices are approximate.
The post Summer 2026: Where to go and how to save. appeared first on KAYAK Blog UK.
