Staycations continue to be very popular with the Spanish and why not, the country has got everything.
It appears that Spaniards are once again choosing Spain as their favourite destination in 2026, with domestic flights occupying the top positions in the overall ranking for next year, according to Kiwi.com, which points out that this pattern has already been reflected during the Christmas season.
Apart from Madrid and Barcelona, the Spanish destinations that are growing the most are Seville, Palma and Lanzarote, which have more than quadrupled their bookings compared to the same period in 2025. Overall, based on bookings made up to 21 November 2025 for travel in 2026 from Spain, Kiwi.com has recorded an 82% increase in passenger numbers and an 89% increase in bookings compared to last year.
In addition, the average ticket price for travel in 2026 is 11.5% cheaper than in 2025, with an average of €131. The most significant drop is in medium-haul travel (-9%), favoured by greater competition among airlines. Outside the mainland, Italy, the United Kingdom, Morocco and Hungary are the destinations with the highest demand for next year. Italy has traditionally been a strong draw for Spanish travellers, with 156% more bookings than in 2025.
In the case of Hungary, specifically Budapest, bookings began to take off strongly during the Christmas period, and currently show an increase of 98%. With Poland also experiencing growth of 133% next year, there is a growing interest among Spaniards in Central and Eastern European countries.
The top 10 international destinations include two long-haul destinations: Thailand, with a 40% increase in bookings, and the Philippines, which, despite remaining in a leading position, has seen a 23% decline.
In 2026, trends point to a change in planning habits, with greater flexibility and spontaneity, according to Kiwi. The average stay will be slightly shorter in 2026 than in 2025, at four days compared to five. The booking window is also shrinking, from 138 days in advance for flights in 2025 to 128 days in 2026. So far, the busiest weeks will be 5 January, coinciding with Three Kings Day, 19 January and 9 February. There is also a peak during the week of 27 April, associated with the 1 May bank holiday.
What to do on a staycation
Be a tourist in your own city: Visit local landmarks, museums, parks, and attractions that you normally overlook.
Explore your neighborhood: Discover new restaurants, cafes, or shops in your local area.
Relax and recharge: Treat it like a real vacation by disconnecting from work and daily routines. This could include a spa day, a movie marathon, or catching up on reading.
Engage in local activities: Attend local events, go to a baseball game, or visit a nearby beach.
Try a new experience: Book a day at a local hotel with a pool or spa, or try a new workout class.
Benefits of a staycation
Cost savings: Avoid the high costs of flights, accommodation, and long-distance travel.
Sustainability: Reduce your carbon footprint by not traveling far and support local businesses and tourism.
Convenience: No need for extensive packing, long journeys, or dealing with the logistics of traveling to a new place.
Relaxation: Enjoy a break without the stress and fatigue often associated with long trips