The best-value destination for 2026 has been revealed – and the ‘magical’ European city is less than a two-hour flight away from London.
Skyscanner has identified ten global locations with the largest airfare price drops compared to last year, allowing travellers to get more bang for their buck during their 2026 travels.
In its latest report, the flight comparison website looked at places where round-trip ticket prices for 2025 dropped compared to 2024.
Several factors can lead to a flight being more affordable, such as the addition of new routes, old routes resuming, or simply the fluctuation of airfare prices based on supply and demand.
And right now, Skyscanner is encouraging travellers to snap up a ticket to Cologne, a historic city set along the Rhine River in western Germany.
Data cultivated by the site shows flight prices to the popular city break destination have almost halved (44 per cent) since last year.
Cologne, which boasts a rich heritage, breathtaking gothic architecture, and a vibrant, contemporary scene, is not only affordable, but it’s also a short trip away for visitors travelling from the UK.
Non-stop flights from London to Cologne take around 1 hour and 25 minutes – quicker than some holidaymakers’ route to the airport from their home.
Right now, Skyscanner is encouraging travellers to snap up a ticket to Cologne, a historic city set along the Rhine River in western Germany
Data cultivated by the site shows flight prices to the popular city break destination have almost halved (44 per cent) since last year
Non-stop flights from London to Cologne take around 1 hour and 25 minutes – quicker than some holidaymakers’ route to the airport from their home
Once there, visitors can marvel at the city’s Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, explore local breweries, stop by numerous museums and galleries, or amble along the riverside promenade – all without breaking the bank.
Skyscanner recommends a visit to the city in February, highlighting the Carnival as a key event ‘worth timing a trip around.’
Running from Sunday, 15 February to Tuesday, 17 February in 2026, ‘Fastelovend’ is a major folk festival with street celebrations, parties and parades taking place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday.
For those who’d prefer to ditch the bleak British weather for a far-flung beach escape in the beginning of 2026, Goa might be the perfect pick.
Skyscanner’s second-highest recommended destination has seen airfare prices drop by 34 per cent year-on-year, making India’s pocked-sized paradise the ultimate choice for savvy travellers yearning for sun, sea, solace and seafood spots.
Coming in third is Kaunas, a picturesque city in south-central Lithuania, that’s currently 31 per cent cheaper to fly to than it was in 2024.
Described by Skyscanner as an ideal destination for ‘culture lovers seeking something under-the-radar’, Kaunas offers something for all: stunning 14th century castles, a charming Old Town, contemporary food and coffee spots and a cool creative scene.
For travellers looking to visit Cologne before the year is up – flights to its most ‘magical’ Christmas markets have been significantly reduced.
For those who’d prefer to ditch the bleak British weather for a far-flung beach escape in the beginning of 2026, Goa might be the perfect pick
Coming in third is Kaunas, a picturesque city in south-central Lithuania that’s currently 31 per cent cheaper to fly to than it was in 2024
Airfares to Cologne have seen a drastic drop in the past year, according to Skyscanner, with some one-way flights from London airports starting at just £14.
Cologne is home to several distinct and popular Christmas markets, each with a unique theme.
While the city’s main market, the Cathedral Christmas Market, is renowned for its historic backdrop, the illuminous Alter Markt, located by the Rhine, is themed around the legend of the Heinzelmännchen dwarves.
Neumarkt is also popular choice for its unique St. Nicholas-themed setup, extraordinary light art and festival atmosphere.
Source link
CHECK OUT: Top Travel Destinations
READ MORE: Travel News
