Key Dates for Your Summer Travel
As spring draws to a close and the warmth of summer approaches, it’s time to start planning your dream holiday. With the travel season in full swing, Skyscanner has released its Smarter Summer Report, offering valuable insights for British travelers.
The report highlights the best times to book your summer getaway. According to Skyscanner’s data, the cheapest week for summer travel in 2026 falls between 29 June and 5 July. This is the ideal window for securing the best deals on flights and accommodations. The platform also notes that Fridays are the cheapest days to travel, emphasizing the importance of timing your holiday perfectly.
Top Destinations for Your Summer Break
If you’re planning to take time off between 29 June and 5 July, it’s time to decide where to go. Skyscanner’s list of popular destinations for British travelers is dominated by European cities. Málaga tops the chart as the most affordable option, with flights averaging £178 (€205.46) and accommodation starting at around £200 (€230.96). The cheapest week for a Málaga trip was found to be 31 August to 6 September, with Tuesday being the most cost-effective day to travel.
Faro in Portugal takes the second spot, with flights and board priced at £193 (€222.87) and £204 (€235.58) respectively. The Algarve region is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a summer escape in August, with the same period identified as the cheapest time to fly.
Ibiza, just below Bangkok and Orlando, ranks in the top five, with average flights starting at £181 (€209.01) and hotel prices around £316 (€365). Other European destinations in the top 10 include Corfu (6th), Milan (7th), Rome (8th), Split in Croatia (9th), and Lisbon (10th).
Spain also features prominently in Tripadvisor’s Trending Destinations for Summer 2026 rankings, with Alicante, Playa de Palma in Majorca, Malaga, and Sitges placing first, third, fourth, and seventh respectively in the top 10 European Trending Destinations list.
Budget-Friendly Options for Thrifty Travelers
Skyscanner’s report also highlights destinations for budget-conscious travelers. The platform suggests that June and September are the quietest months of the summer, offering sunshine at more affordable prices. These months provide a better chance of securing dinner reservations and avoiding long queues.
For those seeking cheap flights in June from the UK, Poprad in Slovakia is recommended, with average tickets costing around £55 (€63.50). Other budget-friendly options in Europe include Szczecin and Lublin in Poland, with flights expected to cost £59 (€68.12) and £62 (€71.59) respectively.
In September, which is slightly cheaper than June, a flight to Poprad will cost an average of £54 (€62.35). Tickets to Dortmund in Germany are around £58 (€66.97), while Lodz and Szczecin in Poland are priced at £65 (€75) and £69 (€79.68) respectively. These destinations offer great value for travelers looking to enjoy the summer without breaking the bank.
