The Smarter Summer Report is your shortcut to planning with confidence, so you can find the best places to go on summer vacation. Discover clever timings, better value and useful insights to help you decide where and when to go.
Clever alternatives
Make your money go further
With lots of people eyeing the same places, it pays to look elsewhere. These cheaper, handpicked alternative summer destinations serve up similar sunshine, scenery or city vibes, often with lower prices, fewer crowds and a bit more room to explore.
Smarter places to travel this summer
Affordable destinations to consider this summer
Take a quick look at clever alternative destinations
Under-the-radar destinations
Summer destinations without the crowds
The places everyone’s searching for are only part of the story. We’ve uncovered destinations quietly waiting to be discovered when planning summer vacations full of character, lighter on crowds and ready to surprise you.
Top 10 lesser-known destinations for 2026
Jeju, South Korea
Zadar, Croatia
Bastia - Corsica, France
Naxos, Greece
Gdansk, Poland
Cork, Ireland
Mykonos, Greece
Perth, Australia
Bologna, Italy
Helsinki, Finland
Try our "Underrated Destinations" filter to discover amazing lesser known places that don’t come with the larger crowds and queues.
Search for Underrated DestinationsThe most popular destinations
The must-see spots dominating the charts
Some places are popular for a reason. These are seeing high interest, loved for their standout sights and all-round vacation appeal. If you’re looking where to go for a summer break that’s tried and tested, start here, with tips on when to go and how to save.
Toronto, Canada
Skylines, street food and lakeside nights
Toronto is skyline views, neighbourhood food spots and summer nights by the lake. Catch a game, wander between indie cafés and markets, and spend long evenings on rooftop patios — this city blends big-city energy with an easygoing pace.
Calgary, Canada
Vancouver, Canada
Paris, France
Tokyo, Japan
Rome, Italy
Lisbon, Portugal
Montreal, Canada
Athens, Greece
Dublin, Ireland
June and September are summer’s quieter overachievers. You still get the sunshine, but with lower prices, shorter lines and a much easier shot at that dinner reservation. It’s the best of summer, with a bit more breathing room.
The cheapest destinations to go in June 2026
Yellowknife, Canada — average flight price: $220
Winnipeg, Canada — average flight price: $243
Halifax, Canada — average flight price: $272
Kelowna, Canada — average flight price: $289
Victoria, Canada — average flight price: $338
Vancouver, Canada — average flight price: $346
Liberia, Costa Rica — average flight price: $368
Ottawa, Canada — average flight price: $375
Montreal, Canada — average flight price: $386
George Town, Cayman Islands — average flight price: $398
The cheapest destinations to go in September 2026
Prince George, Canada — average flight price: $315
Calgary, Canada — average flight price: $324
Toronto, Canada — average flight price: $345
Whitehorse, Canada — average flight price: $355
Vancouver, Canada — average flight price: $374
Halifax, Canada — average flight price: $425
Willemstad, Curaçao — average flight price: $431
San Juan, Puerto Rico — average flight price: $441
Ottawa, Canada — average flight price: $450
Montego Bay, Jamaica — average flight price: $450
Information and indicative prices as of March 2026, based on Skyscanner data. Prices converted from CAD using April rates. Please check final prices and travel guidance before booking.
Travel with confidence this summer. If you’re facing travel disruption, we’re here to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Know the facts.
Make summer stretch on and on...
From travels around Italy and India with Accidentally Wes Anderson, to discovering amazing places with Explore Everywhere, there are lots of ways to keep that summer feeling going.
