The latest vacation report reveals where savvy travelers can stretch their dollars furthest in 2026, and the timing couldn't be better.

With airfare prices dropping across the board, destinations that once seemed out of reach are suddenly within grasp.

Whether you're dreaming of pristine beaches, historic cities, or mountain adventures, these ten awesome locations offer exceptional value without compromising on experience.

The combination of affordable flights and travel prices dropping means 2026 can be your year to explore somewhere extraordinary.

The question isn't whether you can afford to travel next year, but rather which of these incredible places you'll choose first. Here's our picks of the best bang for your buck, and how to get there.

How did we crack the code on next year's most compelling destinations?

With the help of Skyscanner's travel experts, who've analyzed flight price trends and identified where your money will go furthest.

The secret lies in year-over-year airfare data that reveals dramatic price drops to some of the world's most exciting and affordable cities.

Picture yourself dancing through São Paulo's electric nightlife or pampering yourself with Seoul's legendary beauty treatments and skincare innovations, all while spending significantly less on getting there than you would have just twelve months ago.

These bargains are reshaping how we think about international travel and expanding its access. Airlines are launching fresh routes and expanding service frequencies, particularly through budget carriers hungry for market share.

Travelers out of Miami and Philadelphia can now catch new daily direct flights to Italy, eliminating the hassle and expense of connections. A surge in competition has created opportunities that didn't exist before.

Understanding these current airfare dynamics gives you an edge as a traveler. Flight prices mirror any commodity market, rising and falling with demand patterns. AKA: When fewer travelers book a particular route, airlines slash prices to fill seats. When interest surges, fares climb accordingly. The travelers who win are those who recognize these windows and act decisively.

Right now, the window is wide open for these ten exceptional destinations that combine cultural richness, unforgettable experiences, and prices that make spontaneous adventure feel possible again.

The travel landscape is shifting from collective experiences to deeply personal journeys.

While 2025 saw travelers chasing shared moments and viral destinations, 2026 marks a turn inward.

Travelers are no longer asking where everyone else is going. They're asking where they need to go and how each trip can reflect their authentic selves. Plus, everyone's still looking for the most cost-effective ways to save.

With cost of living concerns still weighing on budgets, every trip carries more significance.

Travelers are demanding that their adventures deliver genuine value aligned with their passions and priorities. The result is travel that weaves seamlessly into real life, rather than serving as an escape from it - while also keeping affordability top-of-mind.

Beauty enthusiasts are building itineraries around skincare rituals. Others choose destinations specifically for unique accommodations that become the experience itself.

Some crave unexpected connections on the road, while others seek solitude with a compelling book in an inspiring setting.

What are travelers planning next year?

Skyscanner's survey of 2,000 American travelers reveals that:

• 32‏% will travel with their family, including multigenerational journeys
• 32‏% will stay in accommodation that’s part of the experience or destination
• 31‏% will explore local supermarkets or grocery stores
• 24‏% will embark on a hiking adventure
• 23‏% will meet new people on the road, either making friends or dating
• 22‏% will lose themselves in a good book
• 14‏% will shop for local skincare and beauty products
  
  

1) Based on % price drop for economy class round-trip flights booked between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2025 for travel throughout 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, then selected for travel suitability.