Short Haul Holidays
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Discover some of the best short-haul holidays in 2025
From short haul city breaks to short haul winter sun breaks, Expedia offers a range of package holidays to smoothly book your flights, accommodation and car rental in 2025. Head to Northern Europe to experience the popular short-haul holiday destinations of Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Dublin. These 3 capitals merge tradition and modernity but keep their own very distinctive atmospheres. The rich history of central Europe comes to life in Vienna and Budapest, 2 majestic cities built on the banks of the Danube. In Italy, Florence is a haven for lovers of all things art and history. Vienna, Budapest and Florence can all be appreciated as part of short-haul package holidays. The Mediterranean offers plenty of choices if you're after some sun and prefer short haul beach holidays. Whether it's exploring shipwrecks in the crystal-clear waters of Malta, enjoying the quirky architecture and stunning beaches of Barcelona, sampling the local delicacies of Lisbon or living it up in Ibiza, Expedia has plenty of short haul destinations for you to discover. With Expedia, you can browse and see what fellow guests have said about their short-haul travel bookings. You might notice that some properties show a fully refundable option. This means that your booking may be cancelled up to 48 hours before check-in and you will generally receive a full refund.
Top 10 destinations for short-haul holidays
Live it up in the sun in Barcelona, Spain
With its sunny disposition, sandy beaches and quirky architecture, Barcelona is a top pick for short haul holidays. Wander through streets marked by the unique style of Gaudi and enjoy street food specialities in the Pincho bars of El Poble-Sec. Music lovers rejoice: Sonar and Primavera Sound, 2 of Spain's most exciting music festivals, take over the city in May and June.
Stroll the streets of stylish Amsterdam, Netherlands
The beautiful canals of Amsterdam lend the city an instantly recognizable flair. Lose yourself in the old city centre and its 13th-century buildings. Explore Amsterdam's vibrant cultural scene, its world-class Rijksmuseum and exciting nightlife. To make the most of your short haul holiday, head over the last week of April to catch the exciting King's Day celebrations.
Enjoy a regal spa break in Budapest, Hungary
With over 100 natural hot springs, Budapest is the undisputed world spa capital and one of the most popular short haul holiday destinations. The Danube provides a stunning backdrop to many of the city's beautiful historic buildings. A wealth of ruin bars awaits you, from the hyper-trendy Doboz to classics like Szimpla Kert.
Take it easy in serene Copenhagen, Denmark
Consistently ranking as one of the happiest cities in the world, Copenhagen is an easy pick for short haul package holidays. Walk along canals flanked by colourful merchant houses, rub shoulders with friendly locals in the many traditional Danish eateries of cosmopolitan Nørrebro and elegant Østerbro, or take a refreshing dip in one of the city's many harbour baths.
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Discover the rich history of Florence, Italy
Florence is widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and one of the top short-haul breaks in Europe. The birthplace of the Renaissance is famous for its fantastic architecture, world-class museums and rich history. Foodies will delight in local delights such as bistecca alla fiorentina, an expertly cooked cut of top-quality steak.
Experience laid-back hedonism in Ibiza, Spain
Possibly the most famous Balearic Island, Ibiza is synonymous with hedonistic clubs such as Pacha and Ushuaia as well as breathtaking beaches and scenic landscapes. Ibiza is a fantastic opportunity to recharge your batteries on short-haul winter sun breaks. Experience the many facets of the island, from VIP luxury hotels to peaceful free-spirited retreats.
Explore warm and picturesque Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a favourite for short haul city breaks thanks to its exceptionally pleasant weather and picturesque scenery. Long strolls down its cobblestone streets are great to burn off all the pastel de nata and other delicious local specialities that you will find on every street corner. With beaches galore, sun tanning and surfing opportunities are almost always nearby.
Dive into the deep past of Malta
Malta is a solid short haul travel pick for adventure and history lovers. The Mediterranean island offers caves such as the popular Blue Hole, and is one of the best places to learn wreck diving. History buffs will love the church-studded capital Valletta and the UNESCO-protected megalithic temples, some of the oldest temples known to mankind.
Savour the good times in Dublin, Ireland
With its friendly demeanour and vibrant local culture, Dublin is a first-rate short-haul destination for city breaks. Learn about Ireland's turbulent history in the Kilmainham Gaol Museum, explore Phoenix Park, the largest city park in Europe, and finish your day by enjoying the good-natured company of the locals around a pint of Guinness or 3.
Get a taste of classical music history in Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a popular short haul holiday destination and a living testament to the grandeur of times gone by. Catch a performance at the Viennese Philharmonic to honour the city’s rich classical music history. A pitstop in a Viennese coffee house is recommended. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream accompanied by a slice of world-famous Sacher torte.
Top tips to enjoy short-haul holidays
What are short-haul holidays?
Where are the cheapest short haul destinations?
To find some of the cheapest short haul destinations, it's good to keep in mind places where accommodation and food costs are cheaper than average. Package deals for Budapest can be very good value for money, particularly out of season. Keep an eye out for green tags that highlight special offers such as free hotel nights or free car rental days to save even more money.
How to get the best short haul holiday deals?
If you're after some of the best short-haul holiday deals in 2025, use the Expedia search filters to compare different destinations and different times of the year. Ibiza is wonderful and much more peaceful outside of the busy summer season. You might even find luxury accommodation at drastically lower prices.
When is the best time to book a short-haul holiday?
As the saying goes, book early to avoid disappointment, but it's never too late to book your 2025 short haul holidays with Expedia. The earlier you book, the cheaper your accommodation may be. To get the most out of your booking experience, make sure to check out Expedia's package deals which often include accommodation, flights and car rental at a discounted price.
Where to go on a short-haul holiday with kids?
Dublin is a great short haul holiday destination for families. Kids will love Viking splash, an interactive boat trip through Dublin's streets and waterways, and Dublinia, a fun museum where they will learn all about the life of the Vikings and can even dress up in traditional Viking clothes.
Where to go for a romantic short-haul holiday?
Florence must be one of the most romantic cities in the world. As the home of the Renaissance, the city is a feast for the eyes with art and architecture galore. And what better way to end a romantic day out than by cosying up on a terrace to enjoy fantastic local cuisine? Check Expedia for last-minute short haul holiday deals for spontaneous romantic getaways.
Where to go for a luxury short-haul holiday?
Vienna might be as sophisticated a city as they come. The Austrian capital is home to the Wiener Staatsoper, one of the world's foremost opera houses. Plan a short haul city break around a visit to the opera for that extra luxury feel. Fantastic hotel options include the Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof with its elegant neoclassical façade. For a more modern experience, try the MOOONS or Hotel Topazz & Lamée.
Where to go for all-inclusive short-haul holidays?
The Mediterranean island of Malta offers a wide selection of all-inclusive hotels and resorts. The Holiday Inn Express Malta, the Gomerino Hotel, and La Falconeria Hotel all feature beautiful pools and a wide selection of handy amenities. Ibiza is also a popular short-haul destination for all-inclusive holidays.
Where to go for short-haul city breaks?
2 of the best short haul destinations are Amsterdam and Lisbon. Amsterdam's wonderfully intricate ne2rk of canals lined by quirky merchant houses makes for particularly romantic getaways. Lisbon is a vibrant capital city, where it's hard to decide whether it's the food and the nightlife or the stunning beaches that are the city's most cherished features.
Where to go for short-haul beach holidays?
Barcelona is a particularly popular short haul destination for beaches. Relax in the sun all day, party all night, rinse and repeat. As ever in Spain, tapas reigns king. Make sure to plan some time to sample delicious local specialities such as mongetes amb botifarra, a hearty dish of white beans, fat and fresh sausages. Fun day trips from Barcelona include Sitges, a city famous for its film festival and vibrant LGBT culture.
What protection does Expedia offer for short-haul holidays?
If you're booking your short haul holiday with Expedia, you will have the option to add travel protection before you finalize your booking. Travel protection typically covers flight cancellations, car rental and medical emergencies. Make sure to read through your policy before booking. If you didn't add travel protection when you booked your package, you can almost always add it at a later date.
What payment options does Expedia offer for short haul holidays?
Most regular payment options such as Visa, American Express or MasterCard are accepted by Expedia. If you're planning your next holiday but are not yet able to cover the full cost, Expedia offers you the possibility to book your short haul holidays now and pay later
