Britons could save more than half on flights to some European destinations by waiting until the summer crowds have disappeared, according to new research.It named the most affordable places to jet off to in the coming weeks, as more deals open up for the end of peak season.International flights in September and October are, on average, 26 per cent cheaper than during July and August 2026, according to new data from KAYAK.Those travelling during the period, known as “shoulder season”, can catch the last of the sunny weather at lower prices. Albania is home to some incredible beaches | GETTYCountries with the biggest flight price dropsAlbania – £111 (-52%)Romania – £123 (-47%)Bulgaria – £146 (-43%)Sweden – £113 (-41%)Algeria – £237 (-38%)Norway – £130 (-36%)Poland – £113 (-35%)Tunisia – £207 (-35%)Barbados – £682 (-34%)Ghana – £763 (-32%)Albania was found to have the biggest saving, with the average flight price dropping by 52 per cent compared with the peak summer months.The country has become increasingly popular with British holidaymakers thanks to its mix of beaches, mountains and historic towns. Coastal destinations such as Himarë, Sarandë and Ksamil can also stay warm into autumn.Romania takes second place, with flights averaging £123 – 47 per cent less than in July and August. Holidaymakers can find a mix of historic cities, dramatic countryside and the Carpathian Mountains, with Bucharest and Transylvania among its best-known cities.Bulgaria ranks third, with average flights costing £146 during shoulder season. The country is particularly good for a beach getaway, thanks to resorts along the Black Sea. Cities such as Sofia offer a cheaper option for a cultural city break.Sweden also makes the top five, with flights averaging £113. Meanwhile, Norway sees prices fall by 36 per cent to £130.Bucharest and Transylvania are popular with tourists in Romania | GETTYBulgaria ranks third, with average flights costing £146 during shoulder season | GETTY Further afield, flights to Barbados fall by 34 per cent to £682, while Ghana sees a 32 per cent reduction to £763. KAYAK added that its data shows growing interest in island destinations once the peak summer period ends. Six of its 10 top trending destinations – Paphos, Luqa, Chania, Arrecife, Palermo and Rhodes – are island or coastal escapes. Paphos recorded a 129 per cent rise in searches, while Luqa saw interest increase by 92 per cent, suggesting British travellers are increasingly looking for Mediterranean sunshine without the crowds of July and August.UK travel expert at KAYAK, Rachel Mumford, said: “It’s easy to assume the best deals only come around in the depths of winter, but our data proves some of the biggest savings of the year are hiding in plain sight, shortly after the hotter summer months.“As we see more people embracing off-peak travel, finding the cheapest destinations will mean being flexible with travel dates, tracking flight price trends, and tapping into tools like Ask AI to find the best-value options for you.”