With flight prices to some destinations increasing as the jet fuel uncertainty continues, many holidaymakers may be looking for alternative spots to go to.
Airline tickets for long haul flights have already risen by an eye-watering £300 and experts are warning that short haul flights to destinations such as the sunny Mediterranean could rise within weeks.
Even if you’re not planning to jet away, there is currently a staycation boom occurring across the UK with holiday companies already seeing ‘similar patterns’ to the pandemic, when prices surged by up to 100 per cent.
Fortunately, Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook reveals exactly where travellers are heading this year and suggests some affordable destination swaps that may offer 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. Travellers can also find added value by booking flights and hotels together. It’s about doing more with every travel pound.’
Staycation swaps
Stirling instead of London
Stirling, in Scotland, is a characterful medieval city that could be a great alternative to busy London
London attracts millions of visitors every year with its iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
But, its price reflects its vast offerings and hotels in the capital average at around £185 per night.
Up in Scotland, Stirling is a slightly cheaper alternative that’s on the rise with holidaymakers.
Hotels there are priced 15 per cent lower than London and visitors there are up 45 per cent year-over-year.
Stirling delivers historic architecture, walkable streets and easy access to nature, offering a heritage‑rich city break experience.
St Andrews instead of Edinburgh
St Andrews has much of the same charm that Edinburgh boasts, but feels more relaxed
The capital of Scotland is rich in medieval history and draws hordes in with its impressive architecture.
But with all the charm and character comes crowded streets and busy attractions.
St Andrews offers a slightly more relaxed setting and is smaller to navigate compared to Edinburgh.
It is becoming increasingly popular too, with a 40 per cent year-on-year rise to the historic streets and coastal walks of St Andrews.
Harrogate instead of York
Harrogate is another northern gem in Yorkshire that works out 30 per cent cheaper than York to stay
York is another charming city that boasts cobblestone streets, independent eateries and heaps of character.
But it is often busy and can be expensive. Instead, Expedia recommends heading to Harrogate, also in North Yorkshire, for a similar experience.
Harrogate offers elegant architecture, green spaces and a refined food scene and is attracting 40 per cent more visitors year-over-year.
It’s the perfect alternative to bustling York during the peak summer months and hotels work out 30 per cent cheaper too, averaging at £130 a night.
Scarborough instead of Cornwall
Along the beautiful Yorkshire coast is Scarborough, a seaside dupe for Cornwall
Famous for its surfing beaches, picturesque views and family-friendly attractions, Cornwall often makes sure holidaymakers pay the top price too.
But Scarborough offers a northern alternative, located on the stunning Yorkshire coast, an boasts the same British seaside appeal and sandy beaches.
The town is often more accessible with its pricing than Cornwall during the busy season and hotels are 25 per cent lower than the popular coastal spot, averaging at £135 per night.
International swaps
Ljubljana, Slovenia instead of Paris
Ljubljana beats Paris on its price, and still offers charming streets and eateries to explore
Known as the City of Love, hordes of tourists head to Paris for weekend getaways to take in the iconic sights.
But the French capital can often be busy and expensive to explore.
Thankfully, Ljubljana – the capital and largest city of Slovenia – is a great dupe for Paris.
It is quieter and boasts romantic riverfront cafés, elegant bridges, green boulevards, and has a walkable city feel.
Ljubljana is also 15 per cent cheaper than Paris on average, with rooms costing around £160 per night.
Lefkada, Greece instead of Corfu
Lefkada is a great Greek alternative for popular Corfu
Lefkada is another Greek island that’s a perfect dupe for dreamy Corfu.
Soaring in popularity – up 75 per cent year-over-year – it boasts tranquil turquoise waters and traditional villages.
The beautiful island offers the same scenery and sunshine as Corfu but for 35 per cent less.
Hotels there average around £190 per night, according to Expedia.
Fuengirola, Spain instead of Barcelona
Located in Costa del Sol, Fuengirola is perfect for holidaymakers wanting a vibrant trip
When heading to Spain, hordes of Brits visit Barcelona during their holidays to bask in its Catalan Modernisme architecture and busy streets.
But Fuengirola offers much of the vibrant and lively feel that Barcelona does, and hotels there are 15 per cent lower on average, costing around £160 per night.
The bustling coastal city, located in Spain’s Costa del Sol, boasts beaches and colourful promenades.
It’s home to a major marina and has plenty of attractions to enjoy like a zoo and a shopping centre.
New Orleans, United States instead of New York
Holidaymakers hoping to plan a trip to America could head to New Orleans instead of New York
Many people head to the Big Apple for the skyscrapers, culture and buzzing energy. But all of that can come with heaving crowds and expensive price tags.
New Orleans offers an escape that’s still in America but is slightly more slower-paced and is 55 per cent cheaper than New York, averaging at £140 per night.
It has grown in popularity 160 per cent year-on-year and offers great food, live music and plenty of attractions to check out.
The best times to fly this summer
Cheapest days to fly
Domestically: June 16 and August 21Internationally: June 5 and 19
Cheapest days to stay
Domestically: June 7 and 21Internationally: June 2 and 7
Quietest days to fly
Domestically: July 29 and August 31Internationally: August 25 and 30
Quietest days to stay
Domestically: August 25 and 31Internationally: August 30 and 31
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