Winter having now arrived, it’s a great time to pause and reflect on what you’ve been doing for the past year, as well as to start planning for what’s to come after Christmas. If you’re concerned about the financial impact of the festive season and the budget, then you might have already begun to look at affordable holiday destinations. Let’s look at four potential destinations for your holidays in 2026.
Cologne, Germany
There’s never been a better time to visit Cologne. According to data from Skyscanner, a trip to the city is around 44% cheaper than it was this time last year. Consequently, you’ll be able to tour the amazing Gothic cathedral, soak in the riverside promenades, and enjoy a vibrant and lively cultural scene, typified by the carnival that takes place each year in February.
Madeira, Portugal
As island destinations go, Madeira can be exceptionally affordable – provided, of course, that you avoid the more upmarket hotels and restaurants. During winter, it’s possible to find rooms for as little as thirty euros a night, which will leave you with plenty of cash left for the occasional mid-range dining experience.
Among the best attractions on the island, of course, are the free ones. You’ll be able to hike along the famous Levadas, swim in the natural pools in Porto Moniz, or enjoy a spectacular sunrise from the summit of Pico do Arieiro.
Seville, Spain
If you’re planning a city break in Spain, then Seville might strike you as a more affordable cousin of Madrid and Barcelona. You’ll get the architectural grandeur of the former, and the nightlife of the latter. What really sets the city apart, however, is the cuisine. The city is just a short drive from Huelva, meaning you can pick up genuine Ibérico ham quite easily.
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Bulgaria is much more affordable than many comparable destinations in Western Europe. If you’re in search of sunshine, then you needn’t compete with the crowds on the Costa del Sol; instead, head over to the Black Sea coast and check out the variety of budget-friendly resorts you might find there. The coast offers around 230 beaches, bays, and estuaries, enshrouded by verdant woodland. If you’d like a dose of the region’s history, then you might head over to the UNESCO-endorsed Nessebar, or the secluded Bolata beach, toward the northern edge of the region.
