Golden retrievers help calm holiday travelers at Newark Liberty Airport
At Newark Liberty International Airport, golden retrievers are greeting holiday travelers with comfort and wagging tails during one of the busiest travel seasons.
- Travelers are showing increased interest in Eastern European destinations for 2026, according to a KAYAK forecast.
- These less-traveled cities offer culture and history with fewer crowds and lower prices than popular Western European spots.
- International airfare is down 10% for 2026 compared to the previous year, making Europe more accessible.
Travelers are ready to embark on a 2026 Euro trip, but not to the popular destinations you’re likely thinking of.
According to KAYAK’s 2026 Travel Trends Forecast, travelers are most interested in heading off to Europe next year, especially given that international airfare is down 10% compared to 2025.
Instead of perennial destinations like Paris and Rome, travelers are venturing a little further east to lesser-known spots where they can indulge in culture, history and food but with fewer crowds and lower prices. Seven of KAYAK’s top 10 trending destinations for 2026 are located in Eastern Europe, such as Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.
“Eastern Europe is on the rise as travelers look for high-impact trips without the high price tag,” said Sarah Kennedy, KAYAK travel trends expert, in a statement to USA TODAY. “With new routes coming in 2025 and 2026 and summer Europe airfare down 14% according to KAYAK data, more travelers are broadening their searches and discovering destinations they once overlooked.”
Here are some underrated Eastern European destinations to add to your list.
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
As the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, you may have heard of Sarajevo as the place where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, sparking World War I.
Travelers to Sarajevo can delve into history by exploring its museums and churches, taste Bosnian food and even leave the walkable city to ski or hike at nearby mountain villages. According to KAYAK, airfare to Sarajevo in 2026 dropped 36%, averaging $632.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s largest city and capital invites travelers to enjoy its vibrant nightlife, beautiful green spaces and stunning Orthodox architecture.
Sofia also sits at the foot of Vitosha, a popular ski mountain, making it worth a visit in winter as well. Compared to 2025, airfare to Sofia is 24% cheaper, averaging $641.
Budapest, Hungary
A beloved Eastern European gem, Budapest charms travelers with its grand architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites like its Gothic castle of Buda, geothermal baths and gastronomic scene.
Average airfare to Budapest clocks in at $720, 22% cheaper than in 2025.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague during the holidays is undeniably magical, as travelers can explore its famous Christmas markets, drink mulled wine, and see its stunning architecture. Frankly, the City of a Hundred Spires is worth a visit anytime of year, with its parks, outdoor beer gardens and museums enticing during the warmer months.
Travelers can score flights 19% cheaper next year, averaging $695.
Tirana, Albania
Travelers often overlook Albania, but its Mediterranean climate and stunningly blue waters are enough to entice anyone looking to relax on their holiday.
The capital city of Tirana is full of color – literally, with its famously bright architecture – and character, from unique art museums to scenic hikes. In 2026, flights to Tirana are 18% cheaper, costing $679 on average.
Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest is somewhat neglected by most travelers, often bypassed for its dark past and gritty character or seen as a pitstop to Transylvania. Those who do make the visit to Romania’s capital will find themselves rewarded with museums and grand architecture, plus an emerging nightlife and restaurant scene.
According to KAYAK data, flights to Bucharest are 16% cheaper in 2026, averaging $730.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow is an underrated gem, with a slew of historical sites and cultural attractions to take in, like the historic city center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the holidays, the city especially comes alive with festivities and a sprawling Christmas market. In 2026, flights dropped 11% to an average of $678.
