New research has pinpointed the most affordable destinations for British families planning a summer holiday in 2026, with several popular hotspots seeing significant price drops. The analysis, conducted by the travel comparison website TravelSupermarket, shows where savvy holidaymakers can save hundreds of pounds on a week in the sun.
Bulgaria Tops the Bargain Charts
According to the data, Bulgaria has emerged as the number one bargain destination for an all-inclusive family holiday next summer. The research, which analysed searches made between 5 October 2025 and late December 2025 for travel between May and September 2026, found the average cost for a week-long stay in Bulgaria is just £760 per person. This represents a 7% drop (or £54 less per person) compared to the previous summer.
Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, commented: "Bulgaria looks set to reclaim its crown as the go-to bargain all-inclusive destination." The findings come during January's peak booking season, offering timely advice for families planning their getaways.
Price Drops and Premium Destinations
The study examined 13 popular short-haul destinations, uncovering substantial price variations. Following Bulgaria, Morocco ranked second cheapest at £852 per person, with Malta in third place at £862.
Perhaps the most notable price fall was for Croatia. Although it ranks as the tenth cheapest destination at £1,046 per person, the cost of a typical break there has tumbled by 12% since last year, making it £136 cheaper for summer 2026. "Croatia had been starting to get a reputation as a pricey destination, especially since adopting the Euro in January 2023, so this 12% price drop is really good news for families," added Webber.
At the other end of the scale, Cyprus was identified as the most expensive short-haul option in the selection, with an average cost of £1,186 per person. Spain, including the Balearic and Canary Islands and perennially popular with UK tourists, came fourth at £888 per person, with prices virtually unchanged from 2025.
Long-Haul Value for Money
TravelSupermarket also identified the best-value long-haul destinations for families. Cape Verde offered the most affordable package at £1,247 per person. This was followed by the United Arab Emirates (£1,297), the Dominican Republic (£1,664), and Mexico (£1,694).
The full ranking of the cheapest short-haul summer holiday destinations for 2026, based on average price per person for a week, is as follows:
- Bulgaria - £760
- Morocco - £852
- Malta - £862
- Spain - £888
- Tunisia - £934
- Italy - £948
- Egypt - £1,010
- Portugal - £1,017
- Montenegro - £1,037
- Croatia - £1,046
- Turkey - £1,057
- Greece - £1,096
- Cyprus - £1,186
With clear price differences across the board, the research provides a crucial guide for families aiming to maximise their holiday budget in 2026.
