When is the best time to go on holiday?
As Brits plan where to go on holiday this summer, we take a look at when you should travel, so you get the best value for your money.
With summer just a month away, many Brits will undoubtedly be planning to go on holiday.
Whether you plan an island break, a golfing getaway or splurge on a cruise, we look at the best value-for-money dates to go on holiday, the busiest travel times, and the most popular summer hotspots across the globe.
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The most popular places to go on holiday in summer
According to Expedia’s Summer Travel Outlook, while destinations like Barcelona and Rome are popular, underrated European cities like Fuengirola in Spain and Lefkada in Greece are attracting a growing number of tourists looking for newer experiences with better value.
The data, compiled between 5 January and 12 April 2026, covers hotel and travel searches for June and August 2026, compared to the same period last year.
We look at the most popular UK destinations this summer.
Ranking | Trending destinations for a UK staycation |
|---|---|
1 | Stirling, Scotland |
2 | Harrogate, England |
3 | St. Andrews, Scotland |
4 | North Yorkshire, England |
5 | Scarborough, England |
6 | Northampton, England |
7 | Torquay, England |
8 | Tenby, Wales |
9 | Aviemore, Scotland |
10 | Chester, England |
Source: Expedia Summer Travel Outlook report
As for international destinations, Brits are chasing beach days in Costa Rica, Greece and Spain.
Ranking | Trending destinations for a holiday abroad |
|---|---|
1 | New Orleans, USA |
2 | Cusco, Peru |
3 | Aruba |
4 | Lefkada, Greece |
5 | Corsica, France |
6 | Costa Rica |
7 | Grand Canyon, USA |
8 | Antigua and Barbuda |
9 | Fuengirola, Spain |
10 | Ljubljana, Slovenia |
Source: Expedia Summer Travel Outlook report
The best time to go on holiday in summer
If you're looking for the best time to travel in summer – whether it's a quieter journey to avoid the crowds or for a more budget-friendly trip – here's what you need to know.
Travel periods | Domestic travel | International travel |
|---|---|---|
Cheapest days to fly | June 16 and August 21 | June 5 and 19 |
Most expensive days to fly | 3 and 11 June | 20 and 21 July |
Least busy days to fly | 29 July and 4 August | 25 and 30 August |
Busiest days to fly | 7 and 26 June | 5 and 12 June |
Source: Expedia Summer Travel Outlook report
Travel periods | Domestic travel | International travel |
|---|---|---|
Cheapest days to stay | June 7 and 21 | June 2 and 7 |
Most expensive days to stay | 2 July and 5 August | 8 and 11 August |
Least busy days to stay | 25 and 31 August | 30 and 31 August |
Busiest days to stay | 12 June and 3 July | 5 and 12 June |
Source: Expedia Summer Travel Outlook report
The best time to go on holiday in spring
Spring is a popular time for holidaymakers looking to escape the final chapter of cold weather in Britain. We look at the best times to travel in further detail below.
Travel periods | Domestic travel | International travel |
|---|---|---|
Cheapest days to fly | 3 and 15 May | 6 March and 24 April |
Most expensive days to fly | 11 and 12 April | 28 and 29 March |
Least busy days to fly | 13 and 27 May | 28 April and 31 May |
Busiest days to fly | 1 and 8 March | 27 March and 3 April |
Source: Expedia Spring Travel Outlook report
Travel periods | Domestic travel | International travel |
|---|---|---|
Cheapest days to stay | 1 and 2 March | 3 March and 27 April |
Most expensive days to stay | 23 and 31 May | 5 April and 23 May |
Least busy days to stay | 5 and 31 May | 28 April and 31 May |
Busiest days to stay | 6 and 27 March | 2 and 3 April |
Source: Expedia Spring Travel Outlook report
The best time to go on holiday in winter
While winter isn’t the most affordable time to go on holiday, there are still ways to get the most value for your money.
Travel periods | Domestic travel | International travel |
|---|---|---|
Cheapest days to fly | 3 and 26 February | 4 and 5 December |
Most expensive days to fly | 17 December and 3 January | 17 and 21 December |
Least busy days to fly | 27 January and 4 February | 22 and 25 February |
Busiest days to fly | 2 and 4 January | 19 and 20 December |
Source: Expedia Winter Travel Outlook report
Travel periods | Domestic travel | International travel |
|---|---|---|
Cheapest days to stay | 5 and 26 January | 16 January and 2 February |
Most expensive days to stay | 28 and 29 December | 27 December and 14 February |
Least busy days to stay | 4 and 25 February | 22 and 24 February |
Busiest days to stay | 5 and 12 December | 20 and 27 December |
Source: Expedia Winter Travel Outlook report
The best time to go on holiday in autumn
Autumn is often termed ‘shoulder season’, as it falls between the peak summer months and a busy winter, so you can get more value for money without compromising on quality.
Melanie Fish, head of public relations for Expedia Group Brands, says: “Autumn is the sweet spot for savvy travellers. Not only are airfares dropping during the shoulder season, but hotel and holiday rental prices are as well.”
If you’re planning a break for next autumn, here are the dates worth keeping in mind.
Travel periods | Domestic travel | International travel |
|---|---|---|
Cheapest days to fly | 19 and 29 November | 12 and 26 September |
Most expensive days to fly | 5 and 23 November | 2 and 11 November |
Least busy days to fly | 2 and 11 November | 16 and 25 November |
Busiest days to fly | 1 and 19 September | 5 and 6 September |
Source: Expedia Autumn Travel Outlook report
Travel periods | Domestic travel | International travel |
|---|---|---|
Cheapest days to stay | 26 October and 2 November | 4 and 10 November |
Most expensive days to stay | 28 September and 29 November | 18 and 19 October |
Least busy days to stay | 16 and 17 November | 18 and 23 November |
Busiest days to stay | 5 and 12 September | 4 and 6 September |
Source: Expedia Autumn Travel Outlook report
How to find the best value travel deals
Planning a holiday doesn’t always have to be stressful – as long as you’re well prepared. We look at a few ways to find the best travel deals and save on holiday.
1. Sort out your travel insurance
Travel insurance may be considered the most boring part of booking a holiday, but it’s also one of the most important insurance policies to hold. It can be very helpful in the event you get stuck by travel delays or face hefty medical fees. We explore whether travel insurance is worth it in a separate guide, and how to get travel cover for over 70s.
2. Book refundable accommodation
It’s a good idea to reserve hotels that have flexible policies like ‘free cancellation’ or ‘reserve now, pay later’. That way, you can have peace of mind in case you need to change the dates of your trip or cancel at the last minute due to an emergency.
3. Bundle up
All-inclusive packages can be a good option if you want to travel with ease and lounge at the best luxury hotels in the world, or even a Michelin Key hotel. You can customise your packages in one place, whether it’s flights, car hire, hotels or any activities you’re planning to partake in.
4. Don’t forget about travel money
It’s highly recommended that you don’t get your travel money at the airport, where exchange rates are poor. You will also want to make sure that you have the right cards for travel abroad, so you don’t get stung by high fees.
