In partnership with
Aug 30, 2026
HAPPY SUNDAY, Europe can be expensive—but it doesn’t have to be. This Sunday, we’re looking beyond the usual cities to find where your fall travel budget can go further.
Plus, the top travel deals of the week you don’t want to miss.
Europe doesn’t have to mean Paris, Rome or Barcelona—and your fall trip doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
New research from Thomas Cook found 13 European cities where a full day of sightseeing, food, local transportation and a mid-range hotel costs $116 or less per person.
The standout? Tirana, Albania.
In September, a full day in Albania’s capital averages just $68 per person.
Here’s where the savings add up
• Hotel: about $37 per person/night
• Dinner: about $10
• Coffee: about $2.30
• Paid attractions: about $5
And Tirana isn't simply cheap. It has a lively café scene, interesting architecture and easy access to beaches, lakes and national parks. Because Albania still sees fewer tourists than Europe's biggest destinations, you may also get something else for your money: fewer crowds.
Other cities on the list include:
- Bucharest ($77/day)
- Antalya ($90)
- Warsaw ($90)
- Istanbul ($95).
WHY THIS MATTERS
Fall is becoming one of the smartest times to visit Europe. Temperatures are generally more comfortable, summer crowds begin to disappear, and in lesser-known cities, your money can stretch considerably further.
The bigger lesson isn't necessarily “Book Tirana.”
It's to stop assuming that the famous European cities are automatically the best value.
A smarter traveler looks beyond the usual suspects.
If your goal is to explore Europe without spending European-prices-for-everything money, the cities just outside the spotlight may be worth your attention.
THE SMARTER TAKE:
Before booking a fall trip, compare the total daily cost—hotel, food, transportation and attractions—not just the airfare. A cheap flight to an expensive city isn't necessarily a cheap trip.
It's Here: Pique's New Caffeine-Free Afternoon Energy
I quit my afternoon coffee. Not because I wanted to — because I found something better.
You know that wall you hit every day around 2–3 PM? I used to just accept it as the cost of doing anything. Another coffee, a quick spike, then the crash — and somehow I'd still feel dehydrated by dinner.
Then I tried X·E Fountain, Pique's brand-new electrolyte energy drink, and I genuinely wasn't ready for how good "no crash" could feel.
No caffeine jitters. No 4 PM slump. Just clean, steady energy that actually hydrates me instead of draining me. It's built with a premium Vitamin B Complex for natural cellular energy, Magnesium Malate + Taurate for real focus, and a full electrolyte blend that makes it feel like a treat, not a chore.
The cucumber-celery-lime flavor is so crisp and refreshing — it's basically stolen my afternoon coffee slot completely.
This Week’s Top Deals
💳 Get 15% More From Capital One Miles
Have Capital One miles?
You can get a 15% bonus when transferring them to Avianca LifeMiles through Aug. 31.
That can make Star Alliance flights—especially some business-class awards to Europe—cost fewer Capital One miles.
Why it’s worth knowing:
SWISS business class to Zurich can work out to about 47,000 Capital One miles with the bonus.
LOT business class to Warsaw can be around 60,000 Capital One miles.
Some United domestic economy awards start around 15,000 LifeMiles.
The catch: Transfers are one-way, so find your award flight before transferring. LifeMiles also has high change/cancellation fees and can have frustrating website issues.
Bottom line: A useful bonus if you already have a specific flight in mind—not a reason to move miles speculatively.
⏰ Ends Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
✈️ Southwest Points Are Suddenly Worth More
Southwest is running a limited-time sale on Rapid Rewards award flights, and some redemptions are delivering 2–3× the usual value—with a few examples topping 4 cents per point.
The catch: you have to book with points, not cash.
PHX → LAS: 3,000 points for a $136 flight
Sacramento → Honolulu: 10,000 points for a $279 flight
Some Hawaii routes are returning 3+ cents per point
The sale covers travel from Sept. 18, 2026 through March 3, 2027, with blackout dates, and you must book by Aug. 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.
The smart move: Don’t just search for cheap Southwest fares. Switch to the points view and compare the cash price against the points price. That's where the real savings are hiding.
Best part: If you have a Companion Pass, your points can potentially go even further.
✈️ Win 1 Million Atmos Rewards Points
Alaska Air
Alaska Airlines is giving travelers a chance to win 1 million Atmos™ Rewards points through a limited-time sweepstakes.
Why it’s worth a look: 1 million points could unlock a serious number of award flights—potentially turning one free entry into a huge travel haul.
🚢 Win 1 Million Southwest Points
Southwest Cruises is giving travelers a chance to win 1 million points in its latest sweepstakes.
Why it’s worth a look: That’s a potentially huge stash of points for future Southwest travel—especially if you’re already collecting Rapid Rewards points.
Explore
A new reason to put Norway’s Arctic coast on your radar.
A striking new whale museum is coming to Norway’s Arctic Circle in June 2027. The Whale will sit along the coast of Andøya, overlooking waters known for year-round whale watching. Its curved, walkable roof will double as a lookout over the ocean, while immersive exhibits explore whale communication, migration and conservation.
Beyond Travel
Is Your Toilet Paper Actually Safe?
Toilet paper has become the latest wellness controversy online, with concerns about PFAS, fragrances, dyes, recycled paper and other chemicals. But experts say there’s no reason to panic.
Research has detected potentially concerning chemicals in some toilet paper, but experts generally agree that everyday toilet paper is unlikely to be a major source of harmful chemical exposure. Food, water and air typically matter much more.
Still, there’s a practical takeaway—especially if you experience irritation:
Choose unscented and dye-free paper when possible.
Skip unnecessary lotions, fragrances and additives.
If you have sensitive skin, simpler products may reduce irritation.
Don’t assume “natural” or “ultra-soft” automatically means better.
The smart takeaway: You probably don’t need to rethink your entire bathroom routine. But when there’s an easy way to eliminate unnecessary additives from something you use every day, keeping it simple makes sense.
💡 Remember This
Don’t judge a destination by airfare alone.
A cheap flight can still lead to an expensive trip. Before booking, look at the total daily cost—hotel, food, transportation and attractions.
The smarter traveler compares the whole trip, not just the ticket.
| Until next Time..
Travel smarter, Explore more. ✈️
Written by the ONE 55 Editorial Team
Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Subscribe free
and get smarter travel news in your inbox.
Copyright © 2026 TheOne55. All rights reserved.
Editorial & Affiliate Disclosure
Some links in this newsletter may be affiliate links, which means TheOne55 may earn a commission if you apply for or purchase a product through those links—at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products, services, and travel tools we believe provide value to our readers.
Our content is researched using a combination of official sources, reputable publications, and AI-assisted tools to help gather and summarize information. While we strive for accuracy, details such as prices, promotions, benefits, and policies can change without notice. Always verify important information directly with the official airline, hotel, credit card issuer, government agency, or other relevant provider before making travel or financial decisions.