Last-Minute Summer Trips to Europe: Book Spain or Türkiye, Skip London’s Crowds, Rent a

Last-Minute Holidays? Head to Spain or Türkiye

New data from the UK shows next-day bookings for summer trips jumped 26% this July, with British travellers chasing sun in Spain and Türkiye (Euronews). If you are still planning a 2026 getaway, you will find more availability and better value in coastal resorts like Costa del Sol or Antalya. Rome, Barcelona and Amsterdam remain pricier and more crowded in August. Book a package deal or a direct flight from a regional UK airport to save. Expect hotel prices from around 80 EUR per night in Türkiye and from about 100 EUR in Spain. Check the official tourism sites for local promotions.

London's Quiet Alternative: Postman's Park

Instead of queuing for the London Eye or Tower of London, head to Postman's Park in the City of London. This small garden, featured in a Jude Law film, holds a memorial to heroic deeds and rarely sees a crowd (Euronews). It is free, open daily, and takes about 20 minutes to visit. Pair it with a walk along the nearby Thames Path. Avoid the Leicester Square area on weekends.

Airbnb Now Rents Cars: What It Means for You

Airbnb added car rentals to its app, powered by Expedia's CarTrawler network (Skift). So if you are already booking an apartment in Madrid or a villa in the French countryside, you can add a car in the same booking flow. Prices for a small car start from around 30 EUR per day in Spain and Italy. However, independent comparison sites often beat that. Always read the fuel and mileage policy before confirming.

Quick Tip for August Travel

Rail strikes are frequent in France and Italy this summer. Check operator apps the day before travel. For Barcelona, book museum tickets at least a week ahead to avoid sellouts.

All prices are estimates and subject to change. Confirm current rates on official websites.