British families planning their 2026 summer getaway can save hundreds of pounds by choosing their destination wisely, according to new research. With the peak January booking season underway, travel comparison website TravelSupermarket has analysed the latest prices to reveal the most affordable all-inclusive sunshine holidays for the year ahead.
Bulgaria Reclaims Crown as Top Bargain Destination
The analysis, which examined family holiday searches made between 5 October 2025 and late December 2025 for travel between May and September 2026, found Bulgaria has emerged as the number one bargain spot. A week-long all-inclusive break there averages just £760 per person. This represents a £54 per person (7%) saving compared to summer 2025 prices.
Following closely behind are Morocco, with an average cost of £852 per person, and Malta at £862. Spain, a perennial favourite with British tourists and including the Balearic and Canary Islands, ranks fourth at £888 per person, with prices remaining virtually static from the previous year.
Significant Price Drops and Steep Costs Revealed
The research highlighted dramatic price differences across 13 popular short-haul destinations. At the other end of the spectrum, Cyprus was identified as the most expensive option, with a week averaging £1,186 per person.
One of the most notable findings is the substantial price drop for holidays in Croatia. Now the tenth cheapest destination at £1,046 per person, the cost of a typical break has tumbled by 12% (or £136) since last summer. Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, commented: "Croatia had been starting to get a reputation as a pricey destination... so this 12% price drop is really good news for families who were beginning to feel priced out."
The full ranking of the cheapest short-haul summer holiday destinations for 2026 is:
- 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
Long-Haul Value for Adventurous Families
For families considering a long-haul trip, the research also pinpointed the best-value destinations. Cape Verde offers the most affordable long-haul package at an average of £1,247 per person. It is followed by the United Arab Emirates (£1,297), the Dominican Republic (£1,664), and Mexico (£1,694).
With the data showing clear winners for budget-conscious travellers, families are advised to act during the current booking window to secure the best deals for their 2026 summer holiday.
