British travellers looking for their next great escape have just been handed a golden ticket, with a stunning European city being crowned the best-value destination for 2026.
The revelation comes from a major new report by the flight comparison website Skyscanner, which analysed global airfare data to pinpoint locations where round-trip ticket prices for 2025 have seen the most significant drops compared to 2024.
A German Gem Tops the Charts
Skyscanner is now actively encouraging holidaymakers to snap up tickets to Cologne, the historic German city gracing the banks of the Rhine River. The data presents a compelling case: flight prices to this popular city break destination have plummeted by a remarkable 44 per cent since last year.
This makes the 'magical' city not only wonderfully affordable but also incredibly convenient. A non-stop flight from London takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes—a journey that might be quicker than some travellers' commute to the airport itself.
What Cologne Offers the Savvy Traveller
Once you arrive, Cologne unfolds as a destination where your pound stretches far. Visitors can:
- Marvel at the breathtaking Cologne Cathedral, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore traditional local breweries and sample the famous Kölsch beer.
- Delve into culture at the city's numerous museums and art galleries.
- Enjoy a leisurely amble along the picturesque riverside promenade.
For the ideal time to visit, Skyscanner specifically recommends February 2026 to experience the city's famous Carnival, known locally as 'Fastelovend'. This major folk festival, running from Sunday, 15 February to Tuesday, 17 February 2026, fills the streets with vibrant celebrations, parties, and parades in the lead-up to Ash Wednesday.
Other Budget-Friendly Destinations for 2026
While Cologne leads the pack, Skyscanner's list highlights other destinations becoming more accessible. For sun-seekers wanting to swap the UK's winter gloom for a tropical beach, Goa presents a perfect alternative. This pocket-sized Indian paradise has seen airfares drop by 34 per cent year-on-year.
Securing the third spot is Kaunas in Lithuania. Described as an ideal spot for culture lovers seeking something under-the-radar, this picturesque city is now 31 per cent cheaper to fly to than in 2024, offering medieval castles, a charming Old Town, and a cool creative scene.
For those who can't wait until 2026, there's more good news. Airfares to Cologne's famed Christmas markets have also seen drastic reductions this year, with some one-way flights from London starting at an incredible £14.
