As jet fuel uncertainty continues to drive up flight prices, holidaymakers may be seeking alternative destinations. Airline tickets for long-haul flights have already surged by up to £300, and experts warn that short-haul flights to the Mediterranean could rise within weeks.
Staycation Boom
Even for those not planning to fly, a staycation boom is underway across the UK, with holiday companies reporting patterns similar to the pandemic, when prices increased by up to 100 per cent. Expedia's Summer Travel Outlook reveals where travellers are heading and suggests affordable destination swaps for cheaper stays or quieter streets.
"Summer travel still matters deeply to travellers, but how they travel is changing," said Melanie Fish, Expedia Group travel expert. "With airfare under pressure, travellers who stay flexible, stay closer to home and look beyond the obvious destinations can still unlock meaningful savings without compromising the experience."
Staycation Swaps
Stirling instead of London: Stirling, a medieval city in Scotland, offers a characterful alternative to bustling London. Hotels in the Scottish city are priced 15 per cent lower than London's average £185 per night, and visitor numbers are up 45 per cent year-over-year. Stirling delivers historic architecture, walkable streets, and easy access to nature.
St Andrews instead of Edinburgh: While Edinburgh boasts medieval history and impressive architecture, it can be crowded. St Andrews offers a more relaxed setting with a 40 per cent year-on-year rise in visitors, featuring historic streets and coastal walks.
Harrogate instead of York: York's cobblestone streets and independent eateries attract many, but it can be busy and expensive. Harrogate, also in North Yorkshire, offers elegant architecture, green spaces, and a refined food scene. Hotels there are 30 per cent cheaper than York, averaging £130 per night, and visitor numbers are up 40 per cent year-over-year.
Scarborough instead of Cornwall: Cornwall is known for its surfing beaches and family-friendly attractions but comes with high prices. Scarborough, on the Yorkshire coast, offers similar British seaside appeal with sandy beaches and is 25 per cent cheaper, averaging £135 per night.
International Swaps
Ljubljana, Slovenia instead of Paris: Paris, the City of Love, can be busy and expensive. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, offers romantic riverfront cafés, elegant bridges, and green boulevards. It is 15 per cent cheaper than Paris, with rooms around £160 per night.
Lefkada, Greece instead of Corfu: Lefkada is a Greek island with tranquil turquoise waters and traditional villages, offering the same scenery as Corfu but for 35 per cent less. Hotels average £190 per night, and popularity is up 75 per cent year-over-year.
Fuengirola, Spain instead of Barcelona: Barcelona offers Catalan Modernisme architecture but can be crowded. Fuengirola, on the Costa del Sol, provides a vibrant atmosphere with beaches and colourful promenades. Hotels are 15 per cent cheaper, averaging £160 per night.
New Orleans, United States instead of New York: New York offers skyscrapers and culture but with high prices. New Orleans is 55 per cent cheaper, averaging £140 per night, and has grown in popularity by 160 per cent year-on-year. It offers great food, live music, and attractions.
Best Times to Fly This Summer
Cheapest days to fly: Domestically, June 16 and August 21; internationally, June 5 and 19.
Cheapest days to stay: Domestically, June 7 and 21; internationally, June 2 and 7.
Quietest days to fly: Domestically, July 29 and August 31; internationally, August 25 and 30.
Quietest days to stay: Domestically, August 25 and 31; internationally, August 30 and 31.
