A week’s stay costs significantly less than many popular European rivals
Many UK households are reconsidering their holiday plans for 2026(Image: Philip Openshaw via Getty Images)
Many UK households are reconsidering their holiday plans for 2026, with nearly half (47%) of Brits with travel plans deciding to cut back due to soaring flight costs.
Research from the credit card firm Aqua examined the cost of a week’s stay in summer holiday destinations across the UK and Europe to uncover where Brits can stretch their money the furthest this year.
Albania has emerged as the top destination for a summer getaway in 2026, with return flights costing £100 and a week’s stay for two in July coming in at £381.
One British seaside resort also made a notable appearance on the list. Blackpool is the only UK destination to feature in the top 10, landing in ninth place as one of the most budget-friendly summer holiday spots for 2026, boasting the lowest average prices for local attractions (£31) and fuel costs averaging £35.
Things to do in Blackpool
Blackpool offers a wealth of attractions listed on TripAdvisor, among them Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Tower Ballroom and The Blackpool Tower.
It is Blackpool Pleasure Beach, however, that sits at the top of TripAdvisor with a rating of four, based on an impressive 15,000 customer reviews. The amusement and theme park is open seven days a week, with unlimited-ride eTickets available from around £31.50 online for adults (ages 12+) and £22.50 for children, compared to gate prices of up to £50.
Ticket prices at Blackpool Pleasure Beach vary by date, and booking at least seven days in advance can save visitors up to £14 per ticket.
Those who prefer to pay as they go can purchase individual ride tickets starting from £7.
Visitors have been singing the praises of Blackpool Pleasure Beach on TripAdvisor, with one guest writing: “An amazing day on the theme park with amazing rides, all the staff were friendly and helpful, great day all round, would recommend going.”
A second visitor added: “Amazing friendly staff, always happy to help, amazing rides as well, can always have a great day at the Pleasure Beach.”
“We had a fantastic trip to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, which was enjoyed by all ages,” said another. “Our youngest is just a toddler, and our oldest is a teenager, and they both had a great time. There is really something for everyone.”
A fourth guest enthused, “Best day ever today! Jake and Jamie, who work on the Big One, you were right, it doesn’t go upside down! Although we got wetter than we ever would have on Valhalla! All staff were great, and the facilities were too. Can’t wait to come back.”
Rounding off the glowing reviews, one visitor posted: “Great, I had a wonderful time at the amusement park. I am glad I enjoyed all the attractions and entertainment. The atmosphere there was absolutely delightful. It was a pleasure to hear about such positive experiences.”
Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the spectrum, London ranks as the most sought-after staycation destination in the UK. The capital tops the list with steep accommodation costs (£1,133 per week for two adults), affordable meals (£20), and pints (£7).
Yet a number of top attractions, including the British Museum and the National Gallery, are free to enter, which helps to soften the blow on overall expenditure.
Brighton takes second place, with accommodation on the pricier side — the second highest of all destinations analysed (£1,715 a week for two adults). Falmouth, UK, follows closely in third, also driven by some of the steepest accommodation costs (£1,501 a week for two adults).
The top 10 most affordable European destinations for 2026:
- Albania
- Prague
- Porto
- Madrid
- Lisbon
- Costa Del Sol
- Budapest
- Tenerife
- Blackpool
- Lanzarote