Summer-ready travellers looking for inspiration have a host of options, according to new data from the travel experts at KAYAK.

As the summer season reaches its peak, data from KAYAK, the world's leading travel search engine, suggests that British travellers are searching for spontaneous getaways this August. Wherever you're thinking of heading, chances are there’s price drops to be found compared to this time last year.  

For those looking for inspiration for a last-minute summer getaway, KAYAK has revealed its top 10 most searched flight destinations this month.

(Image: Shutterstock / muratart)

Istanbul tops the charts

Istanbul, Turkey, is  the most searched last-minute travel destination for August, captivating spontaneous travellers with its unique and unforgettable experiences. This transcontinental city, straddling Europe and Asia, offers an unparalleled experience with landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Visitors are drawn to its bustling bazaars, such as the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, where they can immerse themselves in the local culture and cuisine. Istanbul's scenic Bosphorus Strait, nightlife, and culinary scene make for a perfect hotspot. With return flights down on price by 22% compared to this time last year on average, Istanbul is an irresistible choice for a last-minute escape.

Top 10 last-minute destinations for August travel, found on KAYAK UK.

All prices are average prices for economy, return tickets. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed.

1.    Istanbul, Türkiye: average return flight price £278 (Down by 22% from 2023)

2.    New York, United States: average return flight price £513 (Down by 6% from 2023)

3.    Bangkok, Thailand: average return flight price £822 (Down by 7% 2023)

4.    Barcelona, Spain: average return flight price £146 (Down by 15% from 2023)

5.    Alicante, Spain:average return flight price £203 (Down by 5% from 2023)

6.    Málaga, Spain: average return flight price £204 (Down by 3% from 2023)

7.    Dubai, United Arab Emirates:average return flight price £582 (Down by 2% 2023)

8.    Paris, France: average return flight price £124 (Down by 3% from 2023)

9.    Lisbon, Portugal: average return flight price £228 (Up 19% from 2023)

10. Toronto, Canada: average return flight price £638 (Down by 8% from 2023)

(Image: Alexandr Spatari)

Rachel Mumford, KAYAK Travel Expert commented: “While August is a peak travel period, we're seeing some popular destinations are falling in price compared to last year, so travellers shouldn't be deterred from looking for a last-minute summer escape.”

“Those looking to get away and keep an eye on their budget can use our new AI-powered tool, KAYAK PriceCheck. Just take a screenshot of a flight itinerary from any site, upload it to the KAYAK app, and we’ll compare the price against hundreds of travel sites to see if we can find you a better price.”

For more information about planning your summer getaway, visit kayak.co.uk.