The smarter summer report is your shortcut to planning with confidence, so you can find the best places to go on summer holiday. Discover clever timings, better-value and useful insights to help you decide where and when to go.
Clever alternatives
Make your money go further
With lots of people eyeing up the same places, it pays to look elsewhere. These cheaper, handpicked alternative summer destinations serve up similar sunshine, scenery or city vibes, often with lower prices, fewer crowds and a bit more room to explore.
Smarter places to travel this summer
Affordable destinations to consider this summer
Have a quick view of clever alternative destinations
Under-the-radar destinations
Summer destinations without the crowds
The places everyone’s searching for are only part of the story. We’ve uncovered destinations quietly waiting to be discovered when planning summer holidays full of character, lighter on crowds and ready to surprise you.
Top 10 lesser-known destinations for 2026
Turku, Finland
Thunder Bay, Canada
Crotone, Italy
Kalymnos, Greece
Ioannina, Greece
Pico, Portugal
Clermont-Ferrand, France
Kiruna, Sweden
Astypalaia, Greece
Cordoba, Argentina
Try our 'Underrated Destinations' filter to discover amazing lesser known places that don’t come with the larger crowds and queues.
Search for Underrated DestinationsThe most popular destinations
The must-see spots dominating the charts
Some places are popular for a reason. These are seeing high interest, loved for their standout sights and all round holiday appeal. If you’re looking where to go for a summer break that’s tried and tested, start here, with tips on when to go and how to save.
Málaga, Spain
Picasso's hometown, with a seaside twist
Faro, Portugal
Bangkok, Thailand
Orlando, United States
Ibiza, Spain
Corfu, Greece
Milan, Italy
Rome, Italy
Split, Croatia
Lisbon, Portugal
June and September are summer’s quieter overachievers. You still get the sunshine, but with lower prices, shorter queues and a much easier shot at that dinner reservation. It’s the best of summer, with a bit more breathing room.
The cheapest destinations to go in June 2026
Poprad, Slovakia — average flight price: £55
Rabat, Morocco — average flight price: £57
Szczecin, Poland — average flight price: £59
Lublin, Poland — average flight price: £62
Castellon de la Plana, Spain — average flight price: £63
Reggio Calabria, Italy — average flight price: £68
Baden-Baden, Germany — average flight price: £68
Kosice, Slovakia — average flight price: £72
Poznan, Poland — average flight price: £74
Limoges, France — average flight price: £77
The cheapest destinations to go in September 2026
Poprad, Slovakia — average flight price: £54
Dortmund, Germany — average flight price: £58
Lodz, Poland — average flight price: £65
Rabat, Morocco — average flight price: £68
Szczecin, Poland — average flight price: £69
Castellon de la Plana, Spain — average flight price: £69
Baden-Baden, Germany — average flight price: £69
Brno, Czechia — average flight price: £71
Gothenburg, Sweden — average flight price: £72
Perpignan, France — average flight price: £74
Information and indicative prices as of March 2026, based on Skyscanner data. Prices converted from GBP using April rates. Please check final prices and travel guidance before booking.
Travel with confidence this summer. If you’re facing travel disruption, we’re here to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Know the facts.
Tools to help you save
From solo travel inspiration to family summer holiday ideas on a budget, there are easier ways to spot price reductions and track fares.
Make summer stretch on and on...
From travels around Italy and India with Accidentally Wes Anderson, to discovering amazing places with Explore Everywhere, there are lots of ways to keep that summer feeling going.
