European Travel Trends for 2026: Direct UK Flights from £18.99
New research indicates that 84% of travelers plan to explore the world as much or more in 2026 compared to 2025. The emerging travel trends for the year emphasize wellness through nature, train-hopping adventures, and slow, meaningful experiences. Europe offers numerous destinations that perfectly align with these preferences, and the Metro Travel team has compiled a list of stunning European hotspots with direct UK flights available in 2026.
Skiathos: The Mamma Mia! Island
Skiathos, a picturesque Greek island in the Sporades archipelago, gained fame from the 2008 film Mamma Mia!. While only a small portion was filmed here, the island boasts much more to discover. Its main attraction is the spectacular beaches, including Lalaria in the north with crystal-clear waters, towering cliffs, and white pebble coves offering guaranteed tranquility. Koukounaries in the southwest features a long sandy beach popular for watersports, while Banana Beach is known for its lively bars. Inland, visitors can explore hiking trails like the Koukounaries Beach Loop or visit Skiathos Town for shops, bars, and traditional tavernas.
Travel Details: Jet2 offers flights from London Luton to Skiathos on Saturday, May 30, 2026, with fares starting at £166 and a journey time of three hours and 30 minutes. Average temperatures hover around 24°C. Accommodation options include BONSAI, a rustic boutique hotel with rooms from £50 per night, and the four-star Hotel Punta with a private beach and swimming pool, offering double rooms for £101.
Bordeaux: France's Wine Capital
Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the banks of the Garonne River, is renowned as one of the world's premier wine capitals with over 2,000 years of winemaking history. The nearby village of Saint-Émilion is celebrated for its medieval charm and world-famous vineyards. Bordeaux's culinary scene, often called 'Petite Paris,' features multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and contemporary bistros, contributing to its title as Best European Destination in 2015. The city's 18th-century architecture includes the elegant Place de la Bourse and Grand Théâtre, while medieval traces are visible in the Saint-André Cathedral and Grosse Cloche. The fashionable Chartrons neighborhood offers ethical boutiques, boulangeries, and wine bars.
Travel Details: EasyJet provides flights from London Luton to Bordeaux on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, for just £18.99. Budget travelers can stay at Eklo Hotels Bordeaux Centre Bastide with rooms from £46 per night, while those seeking luxury can choose Hotel Konti Bordeaux in an 18th-century building with rooms averaging £119 per night.
Dortmund: German Industrial Heritage
Dortmund, a German city historically known for coal and steel production, is famous for its iconic football team and beer culture. Must-visit sites include the German Football Museum and the Brewery Museum Dortmund. The Dortmund U-Tower, a former brewery turned art center, offers cultural experiences. Westfalenpark, one of Europe's largest inner-city parks at 70 acres, features the German Rosarium with over 3,000 rose varieties blooming in summer. Westphalian cuisine, a hearty and rustic food tradition from North Rhine-Westphalia, includes specialties like Westphalian ham and Pumpernickel bread.
Travel Details: Wizz Air flies from London Luton to Dortmund on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, for £20. Accommodation options include NP Hotel Königshof near the Museum of Art and Cultural History with rooms from £62, and Moxy Dortmund City close to the Dortmund U-Tower and Theatre Dortmund with rooms around £83 per night.
Rhodes: Greek Island Gem
Rhodes, the largest of Greece's Dodecanese islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea, combines relaxation, culture, and history in a blissful Mediterranean climate. The UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town features the 7th-century Palace of the Grand Masters, a rare example of Gothic architecture in Greece, and the historic Street of the Knights with cobblestone roads and 14th-century inns. The Acropolis of Lindos offers hiking opportunities with panoramic views of Cycladic houses and beaches. Top-rated beaches include Lindos Beach with shallow, clear waters, Anthony Quinn Bay for snorkeling, and Traganou Beach for local-style lounging.
Travel Details: Jet2 operates flights from London Luton to Rhodes on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, for £92 with a journey time of four hours and 15 minutes. Average temperatures reach around 27°C. Stay options include the three-star botanical-inspired STAY Rhodes Hotel in Rhodes Town from £136 per night, or the four-star family-friendly Kresten Palace Hotel for £119 per night.
Chania: Cretan Coastal Charm
Chania, Crete's second-largest city, features ancient stone walls, golden beaches, winding alleys, and a 14th-century Venetian harbor. The vibrant Old Town is divided into Topanas (Christian) and Venetian quarters, filled with boutiques, tavernas, and bougainvillaea-covered buildings. The Venetian Lighthouse, reachable via a scenic 15-minute walk, is the city's most famous landmark. The harbor area offers nightlife with Cretan cuisine and raki, a strong grape-based spirit. Nearby attractions include Elafonissi Beach, voted the world's best beach last year, and Balos Lagoon with shallow turquoise waters and white-pinkish sand.
Travel Details: Jet2 provides flights from London Luton to Chania on Sunday, June 14, 2026, for £92 with a four-hour flight time. Accommodation includes Epavli Boutique Hotel with a sun terrace and swimming pool from £125 per night, or Neachora Beachfront Suites with direct beach access from £49 per night.
These destinations highlight the diverse travel opportunities available from the UK in 2026, catering to wellness, culture, and adventure seekers with affordable direct flight options.
