Best-value places to go in 2026 (and when)
Planning your 2026 trip with Expedia? Smart move locking in deals early. Let’s break down the best-value destinations by season and trip type, plus how to dodge price spikes around big events.
Spring: Fresh starts without the crowds
- Beach: Florida Gulf Coast (Clearwater, Sarasota) offers sunny skies and wallet-friendly rates before summer hits.
- City: European gems like Lisbon and Budapest shine with affordable stays and fewer tourists.
- Nature: U.S. national parks such as Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah are perfect for budget-friendly hikes and stunning views.
Summer: Peak fun, but book early
- Beach: Mexico’s Riviera Maya and the Greek Islands are hot spots. Lock in early Expedia deals to save.
- City: Skip the usual tourist traps and check out Porto or Montreal for culture and value.
- Nature: Alaska’s wilderness is breathtaking, and late summer shoulder-season rates can surprise you.
Fall: Festivals and foliage without the premium
- City: New Orleans and Charleston offer lively festivals and mild weather at reasonable prices.
- Beach: Canary Islands and Southern California provide off-peak beach vibes.
- Nature: New England’s fall foliage is a must-see—book early to snag the best rates.
Winter: Warm escapes and wildlife wonders
- Beach: The Caribbean and Hawaii are your go-to spots for winter sun. Early Expedia bookings pay off here.
- City: Miami and Los Angeles keep things warm and lively.
- Nature: Winter wildlife tours in Costa Rica or the Canary Islands offer unique experiences without breaking the bank.
Watch out for 2026 price spikes—and how to avoid them
Big events mean big crowds—and big prices. Here’s what to expect and how to save:
| Event | When | Where (High Prices) | Budget-friendly Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup | June-July | U.S., Canada, Mexico host cities | Nearby non-host cities; shoulder seasons (May, Sept) |
| Winter Olympics | February | Milan, Turin, Alpine resorts | Florence, Venice in late winter/early spring |
| U.S. Semiquincentennial | July 4, 2026 | Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. | Smaller nearby cities; late June or early August |
| Solar Eclipse (Aug 12) | August 12 | Path of totality in U.S. Midwest/East Coast | Areas just outside path; days before/after eclipse |
Pro tip: Use Expedia’s flexible date search to spot cheaper windows around these events. Booking a few days off-peak can save you hundreds.
Quick checklist to lock in your 2026 deal on Expedia
- Start searching now and set price alerts for your top destinations.
- Use Expedia Rewards to stack discounts and earn points.
- Book refundable or flexible cancellation options to stay nimble.
- Check passport expiration dates and renew early if needed.
- Consider travel insurance for peace of mind, especially around big events.
With these tips, you’ll snag the best value spots and avoid the 2026 price rollercoaster. Ready to start your search?
How to squeeze more savings out of Expedia
Nail the best booking windows for 2026 travel
Booking at the right time can save you a bundle on Expedia. Here’s the sweet spot for locking in low prices:
| Travel Type | Best Booking Window Before Trip |
|---|---|
| Domestic Flights | 2 to 5 months |
| International Flights | 4 to 7 months |
| Hotels & Packages | 3 to 6 months |
Booking too early (think 9+ months ahead) or last-minute (within 30 days) usually means paying more. Use Expedia’s flexible date search to spot cheaper travel days—mid-week flights often cost less, and avoiding peak holiday periods can shave off extra dollars.
Also, don’t overlook nearby airports. Flying out of or into a secondary airport within a reasonable distance can save you hundreds. For example, if you’re heading to New York, check flights into Newark or LaGuardia instead of JFK. Combine flexible dates and nearby airports on Expedia to unlock the widest range of budget-friendly options.
Pro tip: Set up price alerts on Expedia for your routes and hotels. You’ll get notified when prices drop, so you can pounce at the perfect moment.
Stack One Key perks, bundles, and promo codes like a pro
If you’re serious about savings, here’s how to layer Expedia’s tools:
- Join One Key — It’s free and unlocks member-only discounts and perks.
- Bundle your bookings — Flight + hotel + car packages usually beat booking each separately.
- Set price alerts — Keep tabs on fare and hotel rate changes.
- Watch for promo codes — Expedia occasionally drops codes that stack on top of your member and bundle discounts.
When it comes to Price Drop Protection, it’s a smart add-on if you’re booking far in advance—especially with big 2026 events like the World Cup or Winter Olympics causing price swings. It refunds you the difference if prices fall after you book. But if you’re booking closer to your trip or using flexible dates to snag the lowest prices, it might not be worth the extra cost.
Quick checklist to maximize Expedia savings:
- Book flights 2–7 months ahead depending on destination
- Reserve hotels and packages 3–6 months before travel
- Use flexible date and nearby airport search tools
- Sign up for One Key membership
- Bundle flight + hotel + car bookings
- Set price alerts for your itinerary
- Keep an eye out for promo codes
- Consider Price Drop Protection if booking early for major events
Locking in your 2026 trip on Expedia with these strategies will help you dodge price spikes and keep your budget intact—so you can focus on the fun stuff ahead.
Budget and practical planning so you don’t overpay
What’s a realistic all-in budget for a 5–7 day trip in 2026?
Your budget depends on the type of trip you want. Here’s a quick breakdown including those sneaky hidden costs like resort fees, baggage, and car rental insurance:
| Trip Type | Estimated Cost Per Person | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Beach (Caribbean, Mexico) | $1,500–$2,500 | Flights, mid-range hotel + resort fees, meals, baggage, transfers, some activities, car rental + insurance/parking ($300–$500 extra if needed) |
| City (Europe, U.S.) | $1,200–$2,000 | Flights, hotel, public transit or occasional car rental, meals, baggage, entrance fees |
| Nature (National parks, wilderness) | $1,000–$1,800 | Flights, cabins/lodges, car rental + insurance, park fees, meals, gear rentals |
Hidden costs to budget for:
- Resort fees: $20–$50 per night
- Checked baggage: $30–$60 per bag each way
- Car rental insurance: $15–$30 per day
- Parking: $10–$30 per day
Using Expedia’s package deals can bundle some of these and save you money.
What should you handle now to keep your 2026 booking flexible?
Locking in a deal early is great, but don’t get stuck with a non-refundable mess. Here’s your quick checklist to stay flexible:
- Check your passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least six months after your trip. Renew early if needed—it can take months.
- Visa research: Some destinations require visas or e-visas. Apply well in advance to avoid delays.
- Cancellation & refund rules: Read Expedia’s policies carefully. Opt for refundable fares or flexible hotel rates when possible.
- Travel insurance: Get coverage that includes trip cancellation, interruption, and medical emergencies. Some plans even cover price drops or allow penalty-free changes.
- Use Expedia tools: Book with Price Drop Protection or flexible tickets to add peace of mind.
- Keep organized: Save all confirmations and watch your email for updates or changes.
Taking care of these now means you can adjust your plans without losing your deal or paying big fees later.
You’re already ahead of the game by planning early—stick to your budget and stay flexible, and your 2026 trip will be both amazing and affordable. Happy travels!