With the festive season finally behind us, in comes dreary January – with all of the cold of December, but none of the sparkling lights, Christmas presents and mulled wine in abundance.
As such, many Brits will be turning their attention to upcoming holidays in 2026.
But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide where to go – and, following the always expensive run-up to Christmas, you might be seeking a more budget-friendly holiday for later in the year.
If you’re on the hunt for a 2026 travel destination, new research by leading global travel app Skyscanner has revealed the cheapest destination for 2026 – with average flights costing £105.
The app conducted research with OnePoll in November 2025 with 2,000 respondents to find the places where your money can stretch further.
Skyscanner looked at return economy flights booked on Skyscanner between January 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025 for travel between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.
France’s Lyon, a popular destination but without the exhorbitant prices of such cities as Paris, was a clear winner for its low return flight cost, the research found.
It’s the perfect destination for foodies to explore with its traditional restaurants, fine dining and quality markets.
Lyon takes the top spot in Skyscanner’s ranking of the cheapest 2026 holiday spots
The French city is known for its beautiful architecture and riverside setting
This walkable city is also home to ancient Roman ruins and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vieux Lyon.
A whole month search on Skyscanner reveals flights to top-rated Lyon from as little as £44 return this February – and average flights costing £105 return.
All flights for the top 10 spots have flights for less than £136 return on average, making them all winning bargain getaways.
The second place trophy went to Milan, Italy, with average flights from £111.
The Italian hub of fashion, art, and design is the perfect starting point to explore the Italian Alps and embark on unforgettable routes through the majestic Dolomites.
In the third spot was Madrid in Spain, with £114 return flights.
Home to some of world’s most prestigious art museums as well stunning architecture, this welcoming city offers must-try tapas and vibrant green spaces.
For the new year, Skyscanner has launched its Cheapest Destination Planner., which allows travellers to find the cheapest places to travel every single month, including average flight price and the cheapest day to travel.
In second place was Milan in Italy, famous for its iconic Duomo cathedral
Taking the third spot is Madrid, the capital of sunny Spain
The top 10 cheapest destinations for 2026:City Average Return Flight Price 1. Lyon, France £105 2. Milan, Italy £111 3. Madrid, Spain£114 4. Copenhagen, Denmark£117 5. Prague, Czechia£122 6. Berlin, Germany£128 7. Bucharest, Romania£128 8. Agadir, Morocco£130 9. Venice, Italy£134 10. Tromsø, Norway£136 Source: Skyscanner
Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations expert Laura Lindsay said: ‘January travel planning is hugely important to Brits as holidays provide a much-needed moment to look forward to post the festive period.
‘Sadly, our research shows that in 2026, many Brits are overwhelmed at the prospect of booking (51 per cent), with costs top of mind for most (62 per cent).
‘At Skyscanner, we’re committed to making sure everyone can get the break they deserve, by using smart data to find real savings.
‘With the average flight prices of our cheapest destinations less than £136 return to some really fantastic locations, we hope 2026 can still be a great year of travel for all!
‘Our new Cheapest Destination Planner has been designed to take the stress out of planning, helping travellers understand how to make their money go further this year.’
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