The smarter summer report is your shortcut to planning with confidence, so you can find the best places to go on summer holiday. 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 up 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
Have a quick view of 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 holidays full of character, lighter on crowds and ready to surprise you.
Top 10 lesser-known destinations for 2026
Johannesburg, South Africa
Gold Coast, Australia
Venice, Italy
Urumqi, China
Stockholm, Sweden
Geneva, Switzerland
Busan, South Korea
Dublin, Ireland
Honolulu, United States
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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 holiday 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.
Bangkok, Thailand
Where golden temples meet midnight noodle stalls
Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia's most electrifying cities, where ornate temples and floating markets sit alongside rooftop bars and world-class street food. The Thai capital rewards curious travellers with endless variety — whether you're weaving through the chaotic energy of Chatuchak Weekend Market, cruising the Chao Phraya River past the glittering spires of Wat Arun, or hunting down the perfect bowl of pad see ew in a laneway at midnight.
Tokyo, Japan
London, United Kingdom
Denpasar, Indonesia
Seoul, South Korea
Melbourne, Australia
Perth, Australia
Sapporo, Japan
Osaka, Japan
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
June and September are summer’s quieter overachievers. You still get the sunshine, but with lower prices, shorter queues 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
Langkawi, Malaysia — average flight price: $166
Ipoh, Malaysia — average flight price: $190
George Town, Malaysia — average flight price: $195
Denpasar, Indonesia — average flight price: $208
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia — average flight price: $212
Phuket, Thailand — average flight price: $225
Medan, Indonesia — average flight price: $253
Bangkok, Thailand — average flight price: $256
Surabaya, Indonesia — average flight price: $280
Yogyakarta, Indonesia — average flight price: $289
The cheapest destinations to go in September 2026
Kuching, Malaysia — average flight price: $141
Langkawi, Malaysia — average flight price: $152
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia — average flight price: $164
Krabi, Thailand — average flight price: $174
Denpasar, Indonesia — average flight price: $191
Phuket, Thailand — average flight price: $198
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — average flight price: $217
Phu Quoc, Vietnam — average flight price: $220
Cebu, Philippines — average flight price: $236
Jinan, China — average flight price: $281
Information and indicative prices as of March 2026, based on Skyscanner data. Prices converted from SGD 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.
Tools to help you save
From solo travel inspiration to family summer holiday ideas on a budget, there are easier ways to spot price reductions and track fares.
