Brussels instead of Paris, Naples instead of Rome: You could save 30% or more on your European jaunt just by switching destinations

If you’re making your summer travel plans, you’re also likely looking to score some deals. With airline tickets getting more expensive, here’s one simple way to cut travel costs by as much as 30%: be flexible on the destination.

Some Americans who are hoping to visit Europe this summer are taking a novel approach to booking their trip. Instead of booking tickets to their destination of choice, they’re making their decision based on whatever country they can get to with the least amount of travel rewards points.

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It’s a strategy that might not work for those who have a dream destination in mind, or those who prefer a set-in-stone plan over going with the flow, but for travelers who just want to get away, no matter where they land, it could be a big money saver.

Would-be traveler Michelle Sutton told Bloomberg that she and her wife changed their plan to travel to Croatia this summer after seeing one-way business class tickets flying out of Cleveland would be $6,000 each, which was about 100,000 points (1). The couple has decided that instead they will book a trip based on wherever has the lowest points fares, possibly Germany or Portugal.

Fares are sky high

Airlines have been dealing with higher jet fuel prices amid the Iran war by adding higher checked baggage fees and by raising fares. Airlines have also said that they will offer fewer flights to deal with the high cost of fuel.

The shutdown of Spirit Airlines also means Americans now have one less budget carrier to consider for their travel.

According to the U.S. Travel Association’s latest Travel Price Index, airline fares rose 14.9% in March 2026 compared to the previous year (2).

Being flexible could mean big savings

If you have your heart set on visiting a certain European country this summer, you could save money by staying in a city with less expensive accommodations, or instead opting for a neighboring country.

According to Expedia, would-be travelers are increasingly searching for what the company deems “destination dupes,” locations that offer comparable experiences to familiar hotspots, but at a lower cost (3).

Expedia found that searches for lodging in Naples this summer were up 25% compared to last year; the city’s hotel rates are 30% lower than Rome, at an average of $225 a night (4). And searches for lodging in Brussels, Belgium, was up 40% — the city offers hotels averaging $229 a night, which is 40% lower than Paris.

Travelers are also aiming to cut costs by using rewards points. Bloomberg reported that American Express’s AmexTravel portal hit record global travel bookings in the first quarter of 2026 (5).

However, it may cost you more points than it did last year to book your tickets. According to Points Path, points fares for international travel are up 14% for travel between June 1 and September 20, compared to last year (6).

If you’re looking to score a deal on airfare, you can use one of the many websites and apps that track flight prices, and there are also sites that track fares by points prices, such as Seats.aero. You can also check whether booking directly on an airline’s website will end cost you less per ticket.

And, when push comes to shove, you can consider whether it’s really worth taking your vacation during the summer. Shoulder season, the time between peak travel season and the off season, can offer lower rates. According to Expedia, booking international travel between October 26 and November 24 can net you the best deals (7).

Brussels instead of Paris, Naples instead of Rome: You could save 30% or more on your European jaunt just by switching destinations

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