Summary
International travel has come with a hefty price tag this summer, causing many to put a pin in their plans. According to Skyscanner, about 30 percent of Americans haven’t finalized their travel plans yet, with 47 percent still deciding on their destinations. However, Skyscanner aims to assist travelers hoping to fulfill their summer travel dreams by releasing its top alternative European destinations with significant savings, utilizing its Destination Decider tool.
“Hunting out these underrated alternative destinations has never been more of a priority,” said Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s global travel trends expert. She stated that 93 percent of global travelers are open to visiting a “dupe destination,” with about 64 percent indicating they’d do so to save money. “Skyscanner’s on hand to support travelers’ new ‘alternative’ streak with our money-saving tools like the Everywhere search.
Belfast Instead of London
Transitioning from the British capital to Northern Ireland’s capital can yield travelers savings of up to 73 percent, based on live prices for economy round-trip tickets, as reported by Skyscanner. “Anyone considering a trip to London to soak up Richard Curtis–inspired scenes of quaint pubs and narrow streets steeped in history, will undoubtedly fall in love with Belfast,” Lindsay stated. “The city has the most charming, atmospheric pub scene.”
Moreover, she herself experienced this charm on a multigenerational trip with her parents, taking the black cab tour to learn about the city’s struggles from a local perspective and visiting the Titanic Museum. “Be sure to allow time to drive up to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge for breathtaking views,” she suggested, highlighting the bridge that hangs nearly 98 feet above the sea.
Girona Instead of Barcelona
Located about 67 miles northeast of Barcelona, Girona offers an alternative glimpse into Spain’s Catalonia region, featuring a flourishing food scene and picturesque waterfront views. “Girona is a pint-sized riverside city that is a great jumping off point for the Catalonia region,” stated Lindsay, noting that travelers can save up to 81 percent on flights. “The hills are popular with cyclists and provide a dramatic backdrop to the city.”
Additionally, it is centrally located, less than an hour from quieter beaches like her favorite, Tamariu, as well as the area’s iconic sites. “If you can’t resist gazing at Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia, Barcelona is only a 90-minute drive away,” said Lindsay. “You can enjoy a few hours there before returning to the peaceful charm of Girona.”
Krakow Instead of Rome
Choosing the southern Polish city over the Eternal City may seem unconventional; however, Lindsay assures there is a strong historical connection, especially given the nearly 50 percent lower flight costs. “The stately market square is a gorgeous focal point, the Jewish quarter is essential to explore to gain a deeper understanding of the city, and an hour’s visit to Auschwitz Birkenau is crucial for historical context,” she explained regarding Krakow.
With one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe, she added: “The city has historical interest at every corner, all delivered with elegant charm.”
Seville Instead of Madrid
“Seville is a city bursting with energy, showcasing elite Spanish soccer, tapas, and endless sunshine—the underrated gem of Spain,” commented Lindsay about this southern city. “I loved the lively rooftop bars soaked in sun and caught some amazing soccer matches.”
With Skyscanner reporting savings of up to 56 percent on flights, it’s a worthwhile alternative. “Seville’s bar scene invites patrons to linger; the bars encourage leaning, the wine is perfect for sipping, and orders are chalked down right in front of you,” she elaborated. “Seville stands among Europe’s great cities and can easily rival a trip to Barcelona or Madrid.”
How to Find More Alternatives on Skyscanner
Skyscanner’s “destination experts” derived these top alternatives by analyzing the 50 most popular destinations booked on its platform last year for “economy return travel in July and August 2022,” according to a press release. The experts then identified 20 alternative destinations that fulfilled the same search criteria as the most popular destinations but offered significantly cheaper flights.
These alternative destinations provide more options for American travelers seeking international getaways. Skyscanner also noted 45 percent savings by swapping Paris for Budapest and 35 percent savings when opting for Cabo San Lucas over Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
Lindsay recommends utilizing both the Destination Decider tool and the Everywhere search feature to assist travelers in discovering unexpected locales that will satisfy their vacation desires.
