{"id":1955672,"date":"2026-05-26T11:43:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T08:43:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1955672"},"modified":"2026-05-26T11:43:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T08:43:38","slug":"looking-to-book-a-budget-summer-holiday-experts-share-their-top-travel-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1955672","title":{"rendered":"Looking to book a budget summer holiday? Experts share their top travel tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/14\/84\/1200x675_cmsv2_fa2d49ef-0653-5699-9e44-71a1b3bebafd-9771484.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2896736-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896736\" data-cid=\"9773052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896736-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/52\/189x106_cmsv2_3efd5514-7818-5177-9900-ca73545f1178-9773052.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Options trader Brian Garvey works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, 22 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Markets<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil steadies at $100 and markets stay volatile as US-Iran talks stall\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896645-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896645\" data-cid=\"9772533\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896645-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/25\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_ea9c00cb-fb12-5794-b054-73f9563d9c4e-9772533.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Muette - Boris Charmatz\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Art<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Suffering in silence: Brussels arts festival tackles childhood trauma\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896679-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896679\" data-cid=\"9773082\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896679-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/82\/189x106_cmsv2_fe137983-105a-582e-ae46-1455392cd60e-9773082.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police use water cannon to disperse supporters of the CHP during a rally in Izmir, 26 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Turkey<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Police fire tear gas to break up Turkey opposition rally in Izmir\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896732-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2896732\" data-cid=\"9773011\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896732-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/11\/189x106_cmsv2_036f9fd8-abe7-5eae-a422-4a0d969ad7a0-9773011.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"South Korean firefighters and rescue team try to search at the overpass collapsed while it was being dismantled in Seoul\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    South Korea overpass collapse kills three in Seoul\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896736-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2896736\" data-cid=\"9773052\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896736-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/52\/189x106_cmsv2_3efd5514-7818-5177-9900-ca73545f1178-9773052.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Options trader Brian Garvey works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, 22 May 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Markets<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil steadies at $100 and markets stay volatile as US-Iran talks stall\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896645-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2896645\" data-cid=\"9772533\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896645-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/25\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_ea9c00cb-fb12-5794-b054-73f9563d9c4e-9772533.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Muette - Boris Charmatz\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Art<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Suffering in silence: Brussels arts festival tackles childhood trauma\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896679-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2896679\" data-cid=\"9773082\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896679-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/82\/189x106_cmsv2_fe137983-105a-582e-ae46-1455392cd60e-9773082.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Police use water cannon to disperse supporters of the CHP during a rally in Izmir, 26 May, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Turkey<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Police fire tear gas to break up Turkey opposition rally in Izmir\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896732-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2896732\" data-cid=\"9773011\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896732-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/30\/11\/189x106_cmsv2_036f9fd8-abe7-5eae-a422-4a0d969ad7a0-9773011.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"South Korean firefighters and rescue team try to search at the overpass collapsed while it was being dismantled in Seoul\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    No Comment<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    South Korea overpass collapse kills three in Seoul\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Travel<\/p>\n<p>                          Travel News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Looking to book a budget summer holiday? Experts share their top travel tips<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/14\/84\/1536x864_cmsv2_fa2d49ef-0653-5699-9e44-71a1b3bebafd-9771484.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Rising costs don\u2019t have to mean abandoning summer travel plans, especially with these tips\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Rising costs don\u2019t have to mean abandoning summer travel plans, especially with these tips<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Photo by Samuel Isaac on Unsplash<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Photo by Samuel Isaac on Unsplash\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspFakhriya M. Suleiman\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1779795818\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-05-26 13:43:38 +02:00\">26\/05\/2026 &#8211; 13:43 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" 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u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Despite rising travel costs and ongoing economic uncertainty, Europeans\u2019 appetites for a summer getaway hasn\u2019t curbed in the least. With these tips, the long awaited holiday season can stretch euros further when abroad \u2013 even if that means being closer to home.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--travel js-article-content\">\n<p>The summer holidays are on the horizon and soon enough we\u2019ll all be complaining of the hottest temperatures since records began and the noticeable scarcity of air conditioning. But alongside the heat comes another headache: the rising costs of travel. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>With soaring jet fuel fears, thousands of flights being cut and airlines quietly passing additional costs onto passengers, many of us will not be forced to think how, and where, we\u2019ll spend our holidays this year. <\/p>\n<p>So, are Europeans abandoning travel plans altogether, or simply learning how to do so slightly differently? <\/p>\n<p>The Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI)\u2019s annual Travel Trends Report 2026 found that the continent continues to attract strong demand globally despite ongoing geopolitical and economic pressures. <\/p>\n<p>Cities such as Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels ranked in the top three among 10 destinations, continuing to record year-on-year growth in the percentage of scheduled seats from international travel. Barcelona, Madrid and Frankfurt also recorded strong gains in inbound travel.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAgainst a backdrop of continued geopolitical uncertainty, Europe\u2019s travel economy has shown resilience thus far,\u201d said Natalia Lechmanova, Chief Economist Europe at Mastercard. <\/p>\n<p>Affordability, however, is a key driver in how travellers are making decisions. Rising costs for transport and accommodation, fluctuating international exchange rates and shaky income growth are impacting destination choices and how many trips people are taking in one stint. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs travel patterns normalise, Europeans are placing greater emphasis on value, affordability and experience-led journeys,\u201d Lechmanova added. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur data shows that Europe\u2019s enduring appeal continues to anchor global travel demand, even as the geopolitical backdrop, currency shifts and wider economic conditions increasingly shape how and where people choose to travel.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As many as 77% of Europeans remain resolute in their travel plans for this summer, according to findings from a Europ Assistance&#8217;s 2026 Holiday Barometer survey of 26,000 people, conducted with Ipsos. <\/p>\n<p>Countries like the UK and Portugal ranked highest among the Europeans with a desire to travel this year, with 84% and 82% of respondents having plans to do so. Even in countries where enthusiasm was on the lower end, such as in Germany and Belgium, 70% and 72% of respondents were still considering travel.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Revealed: Europe\u2019s cheapest and most expensive city breaks for 2026<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">How to travel this summer without paying more for the crisis in the Middle East<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Short-haul trips are on the rise for European summer holidays \u2013 here\u2019s where to book now<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Air versus land travel<\/h2>\n<p>Research by Raisin, a savings and investment platform, found that travellers are paying an average of 13.1% more for airfares across nine European destinations when flying from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. <\/p>\n<p>The average cost of flights for a family of four \u2013 excluding baggage fees \u2013 has risen from \u20ac808 last year to \u20ac914 in 2026. Vienna was the only destination surveyed where prices fell, declining slightly from \u20ac987 to \u20ac968. <\/p>\n<p>One solution may lie in no-frills flying. Low-cost carriers continue to promote travel at a cheaper rate but without the perks of carry-on bags, checked baggage or seat reservation. However, for an additional fee, these can all typically be added by carriers upon request. <\/p>\n<p>For a carrier like EasyJet, this model seems to keep passengers happy. The British low-cost carrier told Euronews Travel: \u201c40% of our customers travel having paid the fare only, which includes a small cabin bag for free.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEasyJet\u2019s options and pricing are transparent and well understood by our customers. We allow them to pay for only what they want and no more, instead of all customers having to pay for things they don\u2019t want or need, which keeps our fares lower for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Other travellers may choose to avoid flying altogether. <\/p>\n<p>Raisin&#8217;s research found that train fares from Amsterdam Central Station increased by only 2.5% from last year. Train travel was also found to be cheaper on nine out of the 10 routes surveyed, with the exception of a train trip to London costing more than by air. <\/p>\n<p>Jasper Berkhout, a researcher at Raisin, advised travellers to shop around and compare rates from different providers and websites. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cOn comparison sites, you can often select a box to include nearby airports in your search,\u201d he said. \u201cFor trains, it pays to book in advance; carriers like Deutsche Bahn, for instance, offer a \u2018Sparpreis\u2019 [significantly discounted ticket] with substantial discounts.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The UK Post Office has also advised train travel over flying \u2013 including keeping an eye out for deals via the Eurostar to cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Rotterdam. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/14\/84\/808x454_cmsv2_d37268d2-93aa-568c-b545-2ef15262ec2b-9771484.jpg\" alt=\"Train travel is a popular trend this summer in Europe\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Train travel is a popular trend this summer in Europe<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Photo by Hem Poudyal on Unsplash<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Are package holidays a safer bet?<\/h2>\n<p>With a reported 13,000 flights being cancelled in May alone, due to the jet fuel crisis, some passengers may have delayed in booking their summer trips. <\/p>\n<p>Rory Boland, editor of consumer website Which? Travel, said it is \u201cunderstandable that holidaymakers are feeling apprehensive\u201d about their summer travel plans due to the wave of cancellations. He added: \u201cOur advice for this summer is to book a package holiday, as that is the best way to protect the full cost of your holiday should greater disruption occur.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Home or away?<\/h2>\n<p>In 2024, as many as 1.19 billion personal and professional trips were made by Europeans, with a staggering 92% being intra-European voyages, according to Eurostat. The research also found that typically, holiday expenditures on foreign trips outside of the continent were 40% more expensive compared to domestic trips. <\/p>\n<p>To make your money stretch further when travelling on the continent, The UK Post Office advises travellers to do plenty of digging in advance: &#8220;Although flights to some European destinations may be cheap, the city itself might be expensive on arrival.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Other key advice includes walking over hailing a taxi, dining on local street food rather than at packed touristy restaurants and cafes as well as preparing for potential unexpected expenses, such as applying for a free Global Health Insurance Card. For UK travellers, it&#8217;s a gateway to lower cost emergency medical care across the EU.<\/p>\n<h2>Staycations and shorter distances<\/h2>\n<p>Data from Airbnb has shown that 25% of travellers in countries including France, Germany, Sweden, Portugal and the Netherlands will be embracing staycations in 2026. Those who are going abroad are travelling shorter distances. <\/p>\n<p>In Sweden, for example, the median booking distance has dropped 26% since 2023 and is now under 500 kilometres. Another trend on the rise is splitting the cost of travel across a larger group, with bookings of four people or more up across Portugal, Spain and Sweden.<\/p>\n<h2>When\u2019s the best time to book?<\/h2>\n<p>In its Smarter Summer Report, Skyscanner revealed the best times to book. According to the flight comparison website\u2019s data, the key dates for your calendar are 29 June to 5 July for the cheapest week of summer travel in 2026. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you\u2019ve ever muttered \u2018maybe I\u2019ll just wait and see\u2019, this is your cue to stop waiting and start scrolling,\u201d Skyscanner said. \u201cYour ideal travel window might be closer (and cheaper) than you think.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>While the Post Office earmarked Tuesday as one of the cheaper days to travel, Skyscanner believes it\u2019s a Friday, highlighting that \u201cthere\u2019s timing a holiday \u2013 and then there\u2019s perfectly timing a holiday\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Skyscanner\u2019s report also looks out for travellers on a budget. \u201cJune and September are summer\u2019s quieter overachievers,\u201d the site said. \u201cYou still get the sunshine, but with lower prices, shorter queues and a much easier shot at that dinner reservation. It\u2019s the best of summer, with a bit more breathing room.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re after cheap flights in June from the UK, the site recommends Poprad in Slovakia, where the average ticket will be around \u00a355 (\u20ac63.50). Other budget-friendly options in Europe include Szczecin and Lublin in Poland, with the flights expected to cost \u00a359 (\u20ac68.12) and \u00a362 (\u20ac71.59) respectively. <\/p>\n<p>In September, which is slightly cheaper than in June, a flight to Poprad will cost \u00a354 (\u20ac62.35) on average. Tickets to Dortmund in Germany will be around \u00a358 (\u20ac66.97), while Lodz and Szczecin in Poland are \u00a365 (\u20ac75) and \u00a369 (\u20ac79.68) respectively.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/06\/33\/808x454_cmsv2_3a7f0ce2-7658-547a-ac3c-f55183ad8d74-9770633.jpg\" alt=\"Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Photo by ADEV on Unsplash<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Europe\u2019s cheapest city breaks<\/h2>\n<p>Eastern Europe continues to dominate Europe\u2019s best-value city breaks for 2026, according to the latest City Costs Barometer by the UK\u2019s Post Office Travel Money. <\/p>\n<p>In its biggest comparison yet, the report analysed the cost of 12 everyday tourist items for two people across 50 European cities, including meals, drinks, attractions, airport transfers and two nights in three-star accommodation. <\/p>\n<p>For the first time, Sarajevo topped the rankings as Europe\u2019s cheapest city break, praised for its low-cost accommodation, affordable transport and good-value cultural attractions. Bucharest, Tirana and Belgrade also ranked highly.<\/p>\n<h3>Top 10 best value European city breaks<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: \u00a3248\/\u20ac287<\/li>\n<li>Bucharest, Romania: \u00a3258\/\u20ac299<\/li>\n<li>Tirana, Albania: \u00a3263\/\u20ac304.50<\/li>\n<li>Belgrade, Serbia: \u00a3265\/\u20ac307<\/li>\n<li>Tren\u010d\u00edn, Slovakia: \u00a3272\/\u20ac315<\/li>\n<li>Riga, Latvia: \u00a3278\/\/\u20ac322<\/li>\n<li>Lille, France: \u00a3289\/\u20ac334<\/li>\n<li>Vilnius, Lithuania: \u00a3289\/\u20ac334<\/li>\n<li>Strasbourg, France: \u00a3319\/\u20ac369<\/li>\n<li>Podgorica, Montenegro: \u00a3332\/\u20ac384.50<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2896162-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896162\" data-cid=\"9770561\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896162-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/05\/61\/480x270_cmsv2_c18d57ea-28ca-5430-bb45-1f98c8c40c90-9770561.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Prague Airport handled 17.8 million passengers in 2025 \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which airport was named the best in Europe for 2026?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2895848-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2895848\" data-cid=\"9769381\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2895848-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/93\/81\/480x270_cmsv2_84fd8a23-f59d-54fc-a00a-8638a4dfbe7d-9769381.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Packing can be a nightmare \u2013 but it doesn\u2019t have to be \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Moments<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The holiday packing hacks travel experts swear by<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886136-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2886136\" data-cid=\"9721639\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886136-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/16\/39\/480x270_cmsv2_beb83444-4266-50d7-abb7-d18d9d159518-9721639.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"When in doubt, do as the locals do \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Don\u2019t Hike Naked in Switzerland&#8217;: Top tips for first-time travellers<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div 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u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2849382-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2849382\" data-cid=\"9560464\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2849382-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/04\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_cba69ac4-7bd3-5886-88da-252745379693-9560464.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Travel - Euronews\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Euronews Travel Channel \u2013 Travel News, Guides, Magazines &amp; Inspiration | 24\/7<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2896652-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896652\" data-cid=\"9772602\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896652-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/29\/79\/320x180_cmsv2_457042d2-15d5-533b-883e-fc698d5642d8-9772979.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The new line connects London Euston to Stirling in Scotland\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    London to Stirling trains for under \u20ac35 have just launched<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2896428-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896428\" data-cid=\"9771560\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896428-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" 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src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/13\/14\/320x180_cmsv2_c907b965-210a-584d-9d21-c868caeedb44-9771314.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Simple Flying has just launched its own flight tracker\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    AV geeks, you need to know about this new flight tracker<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2896428-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896428\" data-cid=\"9771560\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    These are the best countries to move to around the world<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div 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class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which European countries attract the most tourists?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896162-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2896162\" data-cid=\"9770561\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896162-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/05\/61\/480x270_cmsv2_c18d57ea-28ca-5430-bb45-1f98c8c40c90-9770561.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Prague Airport handled 17.8 million passengers in 2025 \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which airport was named the best in Europe for 2026?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2895848-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2895848\" data-cid=\"9769381\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2895848-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/76\/93\/81\/480x270_cmsv2_84fd8a23-f59d-54fc-a00a-8638a4dfbe7d-9769381.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Packing can be a nightmare \u2013 but it doesn\u2019t have to be \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Moments<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    The holiday packing hacks travel experts swear by<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2886136-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2886136\" data-cid=\"9721639\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2886136-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/72\/16\/39\/480x270_cmsv2_beb83444-4266-50d7-abb7-d18d9d159518-9721639.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"When in doubt, do as the locals do \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Travel News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;Don\u2019t Hike Naked in Switzerland&#8217;: Top tips for first-time travellers<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2849382-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2849382\" data-cid=\"9560464\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2849382-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/04\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_cba69ac4-7bd3-5886-88da-252745379693-9560464.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Travel - Euronews\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Euronews Travel Channel \u2013 Travel News, Guides, Magazines &amp; Inspiration | 24\/7<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896652-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896652\" data-cid=\"9772602\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896652-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/26\/02\/320x180_cmsv2_2b9358a9-c9a3-5b8b-ad13-da77f4687ad7-9772602.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for tourists from many European countries\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for tourists from these countries<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896724-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896724\" data-cid=\"9772979\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896724-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/29\/79\/320x180_cmsv2_457042d2-15d5-533b-883e-fc698d5642d8-9772979.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The new line connects London Euston to Stirling in Scotland\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    London to Stirling trains for under \u20ac35 have just launched<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896428-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896428\" data-cid=\"9771560\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896428-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/15\/60\/320x180_cmsv2_95c94cb5-2214-56e0-8583-5c130f53c197-9771560.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Switzerland was just named the best place for immigrants around the globe\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    These are the best countries to move to around the world<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896365-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896365\" data-cid=\"9771314\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2896365-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/13\/14\/320x180_cmsv2_c907b965-210a-584d-9d21-c868caeedb44-9771314.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Simple Flying has just launched its own flight tracker\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    AV geeks, you need to know about this new flight tracker<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896428-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896428\" data-cid=\"9771560\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    These are the best countries to move to around the world<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2895768-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2895768\" data-cid=\"9768913\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Portugal flight disruption fears grow ahead of nationwide strike<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896183-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896183\" data-cid=\"9770633\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Europe\u2019s cheapest and most expensive city breaks for 2026<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2896365-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2896365\" data-cid=\"9771314\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    AV geeks, you need to know about this new flight tracker<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2894643-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2894643\" data-cid=\"9762840\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Which European countries attract the most tourists?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The summer holidays are on the horizon and soon enough we\u2019ll all be complaining of the hottest temperatures since records began and the noticeable scarcity of air conditioning. But alongside the heat comes another headache: the rising costs of travel.With soaring jet fuel fears, thousands of flights being cut and airlines quietly passing additional costs onto passengers, many of us will not be forced to think how, and where, we\u2019ll spend our holidays this year.So, are Europeans abandoning travel plans altogether, or simply learning how to do so slightly differently?The Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI)\u2019s annual Travel Trends Report 2026 found that the continent continues to attract strong demand globally despite ongoing geopolitical and economic pressures.\u00a0Cities such as Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels ranked in the top three among 10 destinations, continuing to record year-on-year growth in the percentage of scheduled seats from international travel. Barcelona, Madrid and Frankfurt also recorded strong gains in inbound travel.\u201cAgainst a backdrop of continued geopolitical uncertainty, Europe\u2019s travel economy has shown resilience thus far,\u201d said Natalia Lechmanova, Chief Economist Europe at Mastercard.\u00a0Affordability, however, is a key driver in how travellers are making decisions. Rising costs for transport and accommodation, fluctuating international exchange rates and shaky income growth are impacting destination choices and how many trips people are taking in one stint.\u00a0\u201cAs travel patterns normalise, Europeans are placing greater emphasis on value, affordability and experience-led journeys,\u201d Lechmanova added.\u201cOur data shows that Europe\u2019s enduring appeal continues to anchor global travel demand, even as the geopolitical backdrop, currency shifts and wider economic conditions increasingly shape how and where people choose to travel.\u201dAs many as 77% of Europeans remain resolute in their travel plans for this summer, according to findings from a Europ Assistance&#8217;s 2026 Holiday Barometer survey of 26,000 people, conducted with Ipsos.Countries like the UK and Portugal ranked highest among the Europeans with a desire to travel this year, with 84% and 82% of respondents having plans to do so. Even in countries where enthusiasm was on the lower end, such as in Germany and Belgium, 70% and 72% of respondents were still considering travel.Air versus land travelResearch by Raisin, a savings and investment platform, found that travellers are paying an average of 13.1% more for airfares across nine European destinations when flying from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.The average cost of flights for a family of four \u2013 excluding baggage fees \u2013 has risen from \u20ac808 last year to \u20ac914 in 2026. Vienna was the only destination surveyed where prices fell, declining slightly from \u20ac987 to \u20ac968.One solution may lie in no-frills flying. Low-cost carriers continue to promote travel at a cheaper rate but without the perks of carry-on bags, checked baggage or seat reservation. However, for an additional fee, these can all typically be added by carriers upon request.For a carrier like EasyJet, this model seems to keep passengers happy. The British low-cost carrier told Euronews Travel: \u201c40% of our customers travel having paid the fare only, which includes a small cabin bag for free.\u201cEasyJet\u2019s options and pricing are transparent and well understood by our customers. We allow them to pay for only what they want and no more, instead of all customers having to pay for things they don\u2019t want or need, which keeps our fares lower for everyone.\u201dOther travellers may choose to avoid flying altogether.Raisin&#8217;s research found that train fares from Amsterdam Central Station increased by only 2.5% from last year. Train travel was also found to be cheaper on nine out of the 10 routes surveyed, with the exception of a train trip to London costing more than by air.Jasper Berkhout, a researcher at Raisin, advised travellers to shop around and compare rates from different providers and websites.\u201cOn comparison sites, you can often select a box to include nearby airports in your search,\u201d he said. \u201cFor trains, it pays to book in advance; carriers like Deutsche Bahn, for instance, offer a \u2018Sparpreis\u2019 [significantly discounted ticket] with substantial discounts.\u201dThe UK Post Office has also advised train travel over flying \u2013 including keeping an eye out for deals via the Eurostar to cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels and Rotterdam.\u00a0Are package holidays a safer bet?With a reported 13,000 flights being cancelled in May alone, due to the jet fuel crisis, some passengers may have delayed in booking their summer trips.\u00a0Rory Boland, editor of consumer website Which? Travel, said it is \u201cunderstandable that holidaymakers are feeling apprehensive\u201d about their summer travel plans due to the wave of cancellations. He added: \u201cOur advice for this summer is to book a package holiday, as that is the best way to protect the full cost of your holiday should greater disruption occur.\u201dHome or away?In 2024, as many as 1.19 billion personal and professional trips were made by Europeans, with a staggering 92% being intra-European voyages, according to Eurostat. The research also found that typically, holiday expenditures on foreign trips outside of the continent were 40% more expensive compared to domestic trips.To make your money stretch further when travelling on the continent, The UK Post Office advises travellers to do plenty of digging in advance: &#8220;Although flights to some European destinations may be cheap, the city itself might be expensive on arrival.&#8221;Other key advice includes walking over hailing a taxi, dining on local street food rather than at packed touristy restaurants and cafes as well as preparing for potential unexpected expenses, such as applying for a free Global Health Insurance Card. For UK travellers, it&#8217;s a gateway to lower cost emergency medical care across the EU.Staycations and shorter distancesData from Airbnb has shown that 25% of travellers in countries including France, Germany, Sweden, Portugal and the Netherlands will be embracing staycations in 2026. Those who are going abroad are travelling shorter distances.\u00a0In Sweden, for example, the median booking distance has dropped 26% since 2023 and is now under 500 kilometres. Another trend on the rise is splitting the cost of travel across a larger group, with bookings of four people or more up across Portugal, Spain and Sweden.When\u2019s the best time to book?\u00a0In its Smarter Summer Report, Skyscanner revealed the best times to book. According to the flight comparison website\u2019s data, the key dates for your calendar are 29 June to 5 July for the cheapest week of summer travel in 2026.\u00a0\u201cIf you\u2019ve ever muttered \u2018maybe I\u2019ll just wait and see\u2019, this is your cue to stop waiting and start scrolling,\u201d Skyscanner said. \u201cYour ideal travel window might be closer (and cheaper) than you think.\u201d\u00a0While the Post Office earmarked Tuesday as one of the cheaper days to travel, Skyscanner believes it\u2019s a Friday, highlighting that \u201cthere\u2019s timing a holiday \u2013 and then there\u2019s perfectly timing a holiday\u201d.Skyscanner\u2019s report also looks out for travellers on a budget. \u201cJune and September are summer\u2019s quieter overachievers,\u201d the site said. \u201cYou still get the sunshine, but with lower prices, shorter queues and a much easier shot at that dinner reservation. It\u2019s the best of summer, with a bit more breathing room.\u201d\u00a0If you&#8217;re after cheap flights in June from the UK, the site recommends Poprad in Slovakia, where the average ticket will be around \u00a355 (\u20ac63.50). Other budget-friendly options in Europe include Szczecin and Lublin in Poland, with the flights expected to cost \u00a359 (\u20ac68.12) and \u00a362 (\u20ac71.59) respectively.\u00a0In September, which is slightly cheaper than in June, a flight to Poprad will cost \u00a354 (\u20ac62.35) on average. Tickets to Dortmund in Germany will be around \u00a358 (\u20ac66.97), while Lodz and Szczecin in Poland are \u00a365 (\u20ac75) and \u00a369 (\u20ac79.68) respectively.Europe\u2019s cheapest city breaksEastern Europe continues to dominate Europe\u2019s best-value city breaks for 2026, according to the latest City Costs Barometer by the UK\u2019s Post Office Travel Money.In its biggest comparison yet, the report analysed the cost of 12 everyday tourist items for two people across 50 European cities, including meals, drinks, attractions, airport transfers and two nights in three-star accommodation.\u00a0For the first time, Sarajevo topped the rankings as Europe\u2019s cheapest city break, praised for its low-cost accommodation, affordable transport and good-value cultural attractions. Bucharest, Tirana and Belgrade also ranked highly.Top 10 best value European city breaks\u00a0Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: \u00a3248\/\u20ac287Bucharest, Romania: \u00a3258\/\u20ac299Tirana, Albania: \u00a3263\/\u20ac304.50Belgrade, Serbia: \u00a3265\/\u20ac307Tren\u010d\u00edn, Slovakia: \u00a3272\/\u20ac315\u00a0Riga, Latvia: \u00a3278\/\/\u20ac322\u00a0Lille, France: \u00a3289\/\u20ac334\u00a0Vilnius, Lithuania: \u00a3289\/\u20ac334\u00a0\u00a0Strasbourg, France: \u00a3319\/\u20ac369\u00a0Podgorica, Montenegro: \u00a3332\/\u20ac384.50<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/2026\/05\/26\/looking-to-book-a-budget-summer-holiday-experts-share-their-top-travel-tips&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/77\/14\/84\/1200x675_cmsv2_fa2d49ef-0653-5699-9e44-71a1b3bebafd-9771484.jpg&#8221;] Markets Oil steadies at $100 and markets stay volatile as US-Iran talks stall Art Suffering in silence: Brussels arts festival tackles childhood trauma Turkey Police fire tear gas to break up Turkey opposition rally in Izmir No Comment South Korea overpass collapse kills three in Seoul Markets Oil steadies at $100 and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1955672","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1955672","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1955672"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1955672\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1955672"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1955672"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1955672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}