Millions of Britons are already planning their escapes for summer 2026, with savvy travellers poised to save hundreds of pounds by timing their bookings right. Analysis of international summer booking data from 2025 by the travel search engine Kayak has pinpointed the optimal booking windows and trending destinations for the year ahead.
The Golden Booking Windows: January and May
The first two weeks of January emerged as the absolute best time to book a summer trip last year. During this period, holidaymakers secured return economy flights for an average of just £438. However, this window of opportunity is brief. Prices sharply increased in February, which was the most expensive month to book in 2025, with average fares soaring to £599 – a significant 38% hike compared to January.
For those who miss the January sales, May presented another strong opportunity. Last year, airfares in May ranged between £417 and £467 on average, proving cheaper than waiting until the peak summer months of June and July.
Top Destinations for 2026: Value and Adventure
Kayak's data reveals a clear shift in traveller interest for the upcoming season. There has been a notable 37% year-on-year increase in flight searches for Central America, with plane ticket prices to the region currently 13% lower than last summer. For example, flights to San Jose, Costa Rica, are already 16% cheaper compared to summer 2025.
Closer to home, Madrid is experiencing a massive surge in popularity, with flight searches for the Spanish capital up by a staggering 81%. Fares remain very reasonable, averaging around £113. Other European destinations showing strong interest include Amsterdam, the Greek island of Zakynthos, and Porto in Portugal.
Expert Advice: Book Early for Best Prices
Rachel Mumford, a travel expert at Kayak UK, commented on the trends. 'The 2026 summer is set to be dominated by footy fans making the most of the world's biggest tournament,' she said, referencing major sporting events. 'But for the fans just looking for an escape away from the sporting fever, there are plenty of budget-friendly options elsewhere, like Porto and Madrid, that are offering particularly strong value for money.'
She added, 'That said, summer 2026 is a perfect opportunity to explore the Americas and finally tick off those bucket-list trips. Central American hotspots, offering a mix of adventure and untouched landscapes, are already catching Brits' attention.'
Her key recommendation for securing a bargain is clear: 'The demand is further set to increase during this peak travel period and therefore, booking early can be key to securing the best prices and availability.' With clear data on the best booking times and destinations, travellers planning for 2026 can now strategise to maximise their holiday budget.
