LOOKING for somewhere cheap to visit in 2026, that won’t have you stuck on a plane for hours?
We’ve put together a list of some of the most affordable short-haul destinations to visit, with insider tips on where to eat and stay for cheap.
Whether it’s a weekend city break, a romantic getaway or a quick foodie trip – here’s our top picks for the best in short-haul holidays.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is one of Europe’s most exciting and lively capital cities, with loads to see and do, and plenty of good craic to be had.
There are plenty of fun experiences like the Guinness Storehouse (from €22 (£19) or Jameson’s Distillery tour (from €26 (£22.80)), both of which are worth every penny.
But there’s also no need to spend on days out when there is so much to see just by strolling through the city.
Wander down Grafton Street to listen to some of the most talented buskers you’ve ever heard.
Or take a picnic to Stephen’s Green to feed the resident swans, relax and watch the world go by.
And if you’re looking for the best pint, we have some insider tips.
Whilst it’s worth visiting the famous Temple Bar for a photo op, there are some much more authentic (and cheaper) places to get a drink.
Grab your pint of Guinness from bars loved by locals such as Gravediggers or Mulligan’s for a more authentic experience.
Flights from multiple UK airports to Dublin are often only £14.99 each way with Ryanair.
Plus the flight over is so fast, cabin crew barely have the time to get the trolley down the aisle before you’ve landed!
Stay at a hostel like Generator Dublin for an urban, industrial vibe right in the heart of the city, whilst paying as little as £14 to stay the night.
Milan, Italy
Milan might be known as one of Europe‘s top fashion capitals, but this sleek Italian city is a surprisingly cheap stay.
Skip the pricey guided tours – Milan is best explored on foot.
Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, admire the Duomo (or climb the rooftop for €15 (£13)), and unwind in Parco Sempione behind Sforza Castle.
There are loads of architectural masterpieces which are free to enter, such as the grand Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio and the stunning San Maurizio – often dubbed the Sistine Chapel of Milan.
There are also some great museums with free entry, such as the Palazzo Morando art museum and the Mudec – Museum of Cultures.
Another major perk of Milan is that you can feast on authentic Italian food to your heart’s content – without breaking the bank.
Head to the Navigli district, famous for its canals and buzzing nightlife, where you can order an aperitivo for around €10 (£8.80) and you’ll get a cocktail plus a plate of free snacks, or even a mini buffet to go with it.
Or for some traditional pasta, visit restaurants such as Il Brutto Anatroccolo for mains from €8 (£7).
The flight from London to Milan is only 2 hours long, and costs as little as £14.20 each way with easyJet.
There are plenty of cheap hotels to choose from, including the 4-star Cosmo Hotel Palace for £54 per night.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest might look like a luxury city break at first glance, with its grand architecture, thermal spas and classy rooftop bars.
But the Hungarian capital actually one of the most affordable capitals to visit in Europe.
Start your trip in the city’s famous ruin bars – once crumbling buildings turned into quirky bohemian pubs.
Here you can grab a pint for 1000 HUF (£2.25) and dance the night away without burning a hole in your pocket.
Szimpla Kert is the most iconic ruin bar, packed with vintage furniture, fairy lights, and live music most nights.
To relax, skip the expensive spas and head to the picture-perfect Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
It’s the largest medicinal bath in Europe, and costs 12,500 HUF (around £28) to visit.
Soak in your choice of 15 steamy outdoor pools surrounded by Budapest’s signature neo-baroque architecture.
The city is also dotted with street vendors selling delicious chimney cake, or ‘Kürtőskalács’ – a delicious sweet pastry that is a must-try when in Budapest.
It’s made by wrapping dough around a spit before rolling it in cinnamon sugar or chocolate, and you can grab them for as little as 445 HUF (or £1).
Return flights to Budapest cost as little as £42 with Ryanair, and city centre hotels such as the Benczúr offer rooms for as little as £30 a night.
Girona, Spain
Girona might not be the first place that comes to mind for a Spanish break, but it should be.
This colourful Catalan city has all the charm of Barcelona – without the chaos or the price tag.
Wander through the Old Town”s medieval streets to see sights like the impressive Gothic Cathedral and the famous colourful houses that line the Onyar River.
There are plenty of fascinating historic sites to visit, like the arching Arab Baths and the Força Vella, the Roman fortress remains.
You can even walk along the city walls for some unbeatable views.
There’s also some quirky places to visit such as the Cinema Museum, Game of Thrones filming sites and the Pont de las Peixateries Velles – the city’s iconic red bridge.
Food is where Girona really shines.
A coffee costs €1.50 (£1.30) and you can tuck into a menu del día (a hearty three-course lunch) for under €15 (£13).
Rocambolesc is known for its tubs of ice cream and gelato with lashings of delicious chocolate toppings.
Don’t miss out on xuixos, the city’s signature cream-filled pastry that’s best enjoyed warm with an espresso.
One-way flights from Manchester to Girona with Ryanair start from £14.99.
For a cheap place to stay, opt for the Ibis Budget Girona Costa Brava – with doubles from £48 per night.