A holiday doesn’t have to be weeks or months long.
In fact, according to new research, more travellers than ever are going on spontaneous, short weekend getaways, rather than big summer holidays.
In its 2026 What The Future (WTF) Report, KAYAK found that nearly 66 per cent of holidaymakers plan to take several mini trips this year.
These mini escapes deliver the same refresh in half the time – and need far less planning.
The share of flight searches for one to four-day holidays has increased by eight per cent within the last year, while the use of #weekendgetaway increased by 60 per cent on TikTok.
With that in mind, KAYAK has helpfully revealed the best-value short-haul destinations for 2026.
With average return flights costing just £93, Dublin is the cheapest place for Brits to head for a mini break.
In second place is Madrid, with flights costing £101, on average.
With average return flights costing just £93, Dublin is the cheapest place for Brits to head for a mini break
In second place is Madrid, with flights costing £101, on average
Milan and Basel, Switzerland, come in joint third place, with fights from the UK costing £107 for both, on average.
Meanwhile, Brussels rounds out the top five, with average return flights costing £108 from the UK.
Basel was also ranked as the best-value smaller destination outside of the UK for Brits to visit – with many Gen Z and Millennial travellers revealing they’d rather holiday in a small town than a big city.
KAYAK’s findings have been made up of combined insights from a survey of 14,000 holidaymakers, including 2,029 UK ‘next gen travellers’, social and cultural research, and expert commentary.
And the report also found how much of an impact AI is having on travel planning.
Some 31 per cent of UK respondents say they now trust an AI recommendation more than friends or social media.
And 32 per cent confess they trust AI’s picks because it pulls advice from millions of sources.
Matthias Keller, Chief Product Officer, KAYAK, commented: ‘In 2026, AI will become an even more powerful, invisible engine behind travel, anticipating what travellers need before they ask and removing friction at every step.
Milan and Basel, Switzerland (pictured), come in joint third place, with fights from the UK costing £107 for both, on average
‘The future of travel isn’t just smarter; it’s more human and personalised, with technology enhancing the experience along the way.’
David Hoctor, Vertical Director of Travel, Global Business Solutions at TikTok, added: ‘TikTok is reshaping how people explore the world, and is home to a vibrant culture of search and discovery when it comes to planning travel – from flights, to hotels, to destinations, and beyond.
‘KAYAK has identified a number of emerging travel behaviours that we are seeing play out in real-time on TikTok, from micro-travel trips with friends, to “awe-inspiring” dream vacations with their loved ones.
‘We’re thrilled to see these trends take shape in the year ahead as travellers plan their next trips.’
