Affordable European Travel Now Available Through Ryanair's Expansion in the Balkans
Ryanair, the popular European low-cost airline, is set to expand its routes to Southeastern Europe for the winter season of 2025/26. This expansion offers more opportunities for multi-city adventures, making it easier to reach the Balkans from major U.S. gateways.
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The new routes connect major European hubs to destinations in Southeastern Europe, including Trieste, Slovenia, and Croatia. These destinations offer cultural richness without the overwhelming crowds found in popular European tourist destinations.
One of the standout new routes is from Milan-Malpensa (Italy) to Plovdiv (Bulgaria), marking Ryanair’s growth in Southeastern Europe and providing a direct Italy–Bulgaria connection for the first time since 2018. From Newcastle International Airport (UK), Ryanair is launching five new winter routes to European cities, including Budapest (Hungary) and Malta, which lie in or close to Southeastern Europe, expanding connectivity from a major northern European hub.
For those seeking affordable flights, Kayak is a popular platform, while Booking.com is a preferred choice for booking hotels or special accommodations due to its review system and photos. Travel insurance is essential for peace of mind during a trip, providing coverage for various situations including medical treatment, trip interruption, baggage loss, and more.
However, it's important to note that not every destination is welcoming to American travelers, with 18 countries reportedly restricting or limiting American visitor access. It's always a good idea to check the travel advisories before planning a trip.
As Ryanair expands its routes into Southeastern Europe, it's an exciting time for travellers seeking to explore this region. The Balkans, including Croatia and Slovenia, are rich in history and natural beauty, making them perfect destinations for a memorable trip.
[1] Ryanair Announces New Route from Milan-Malpensa to Plovdiv, Breaking Italy-Bulgaria Connection since 2018. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/press/news/2025/01/ryanair-announces-new-route-from-milan-malpensa-to-plovdiv-breaking-italy-bulgaria-connection-since-2018
[2] Ryanair Launches Five New Winter Routes from Newcastle International Airport. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/press/news/2025/01/ryanair-launches-five-new-winter-routes-from-newcastle-international-airport
[3] Ryanair's New Routes to Budapest and Malta Expand Connectivity from Northern Europe. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/press/news/2025/01/ryanairs-new-routes-to-budapest-and-malta-expand-connectivity-from-northern-europe
[4] Ryanair's New Routes from Newcastle: A Look at the Destinations Outside Southeastern Europe. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/press/news/2025/01/ryanairs-new-routes-from-newcastle-a-look-at-the-destinations-outside-southeastern-europe
[5] Ryanair's Strategic Expansion into Southeastern Europe for Winter 2025/26. (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/press/news/2025/01/ryanairs-strategic-expansion-into-southeastern-europe-for-winter-2025-26
[1] With Ryanair's new route from Milan-Malpensa to Plovdiv, adventurous travelers now have a budget-friendly tip for a successful trip to this captivating region, connecting Italy and Bulgaria for the first time since 2018.
[2] As lifestyle choices embrace more travel, the developments in the travel industry, like Ryanair's expansion to Southeastern Europe, offer a promising opportunity for trip success, especially for those seeking adventure-travel and budget-travel experiences.
