If those dream destinations currently decorating your vision board are starting to feel a little out of reach, that doesn’t mean you should skip taking a vacation altogether. One look at flight and hotel prices might have you rethinking that bucket-list trip to Positano or Tokyo this year, but a shorter, more attainable trip could totally be in the budget. After all, the biggest difference in travel expenses often comes down to the destination.
Snagging a cheap flight to a budget-friendly destination makes a huge difference in the overall cost of your trip. So, with help from flight pricing data and input from travel experts, I put together a list of domestic and international destinations you can jet off to without spending a fortune this year. Whether you’re in the mood for a weekend girls’ trip, a couple’s retreat, or a solo getaway, these cheap destinations will help your travel budget stretch a little further.
The best cheap destinations to visit in 2026
Budget travel doesn’t mean you have to settle. These destinations may be cheap to get to, but they still offer plenty of opportunities for new experiences and core memories during your trip:
1. Miami, Florida
It’s not hard to understand why Miami is so popular. Palm trees, pristine beaches, and a vibrant party scene make it a top pick for bachelorette parties and trips with friends. As it turns out, its popularity is what keeps flight prices competitive. While winter pricing can climb (snowbirds flock here for sunshine), booking early or traveling during the shoulder season often unlocks round-trip fares under $300 from many U.S. cities. If you prefer to get your beach fix in during peak season, keep red-eye or early-morning flight times in mind. “Demand is lower for these flights because they’re generally uncomfortable,” explained Kyle Maltz, the chief operating officer for Dollar Flight Club. “That said, they will save you money quite often.”
Sticking close to South Beach will give you the quintessential Miami experience, but neighborhoods like Wynwood and Little Havana are also worth a visit for their personality and local charm. You can enjoy free art walks and low-cost outdoor activities such as beach volleyball, snorkeling, and bike riding. All in all, Miami is a fabulous choice if you want to experience a dose of sunshine, culture, and energy without overpaying.
Where to stay: The Goodtime Hotel (from $107 a night), Novotel Miami Brickell (from $130)
2. Charlotte, North Carolina
Thanks to its status as a major airline hub, Charlotte consistently shows up as one of the most affordable U.S. cities to fly into. From many East Coast and Midwest cities, round-trip domestic flights to Charlotte often dip into the low-to-mid $200s. As an added bonus, the airport is located close to the heart of downtown, so you don’t have to spend a ton on an Uber or Lyft to get to the action.
As far as things to do, Charlotte has a bustling (and delicious) food scene, along with lots of local breweries. You’ll also love exploring the shops, parks, and art galleries in neighborhoods like Uptown and NoDa. Craving some outdoor time? Escape to nearby Lake Norman, or head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center, which offers activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.
Where to stay: Le Meridien Charlotte (from $94 a night), The Morehead Inn (from $215)
3. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is on my personal bucket list, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that Dollar Flight Club listed it as one of the most affordable destinations to visit in 2026. They noted the average flight price to be just under $500 round-trip, especially when booked three to six months ahead. Spring and fall typically offer the best combination of price and weather, with fewer tourists than the summer months.
The city itself is known to be remarkably affordable, with budget-friendly dining options and free viewpoints throughout its historic neighborhoods. You could spend your entire trip wandering up and down Lisbon’s hills, admiring its iron balconies, mosaic sidewalks, and red-tiled roofs (while stopping occasionally for a pastel de nata custard tart or a drink at a local tasca). If you can, take the two-and-a-half-hour drive from Lisbon to the Algarve’s “Golden Coast,” where you’ll reap unforgettable views of limestone cliffs, sparkling blue water, and sea grottos. Whether you stay in the city or venture out for a day trip or two, Lisbon delivers a rich European experience without the usual price tag.
Where to stay: The Art Inn Lisbon (from $80 a night), Hotel de Baixa (from $93)
4. Denver, Colorado
Denver is another destination that benefits from a busy airport. “Major airline hubs like Denver have more competition, which can definitely lead to better last-minute deals,” Maltz said. The average round-trip flight cost is just under $200, according to data from Skyscanner, and booking during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or flying midweek can unlock even better value.
As a current Denver resident, I can think of numerous reasons this city is worthy of a visit. To condense my pitch, it blends city energy with unbeatable access to nature, whether you prefer hiking, snowboarding, or the après-ski lifestyle (I’m with you!). With access to a car, you can easily drive to nearby mountain towns like Breckenridge or Vail to feel like you’re getting multiple vacations in one. Or stick within the city limits and fill your days exploring Denver’s impressive museums, shopping along 16th Street Mall, or touring the many breweries.
Where to stay: The Art Hotel Denver (from $145 a night), Clayton Hotel (from $221)
5. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix flight prices tend to stay competitive year-round, with some of the best deals popping up during the summer months when demand dips. If kicking back by the pool in the heat of August sounds like your idea of relaxation, then keep this desert destination top of mind. Round-trip fares often fall into the $200 range, especially from Western and Midwestern cities.
I’ve written a full travel guide on Scottsdale, which is located just east of Phoenix and is undeniably one of the best spots for a girls’ trip. As far as what to expect from a visit, think vibrant nightlife, fun boutiques, lively restaurants, and serene spas. Because the area is such a hotspot for vacationers, there’s no shortage of affordable resorts (many of which boast gorgeous pools that are ideal for all-day lounging). If you’re looking for more action, you can plan easy day trips to Sedona or the Superstition Mountains.
Where to stay: Hotel Valley Ho (from $122 a night), The Scott Resort & Spa (from $183)
6. San José, Costa Rica
Costa Rica continues to rank as one of the best-value international destinations, and this year is shaping up to be an especially affordable year to visit. Dollar Flight Club recently named San José one of the cheapest places to fly in 2026, with round-trip fares regularly dropping into the low-$200s—a rarity for an international destination.
As Toni Ambler, chief customer officer at Contiki, noted, Costa Rica “punches well above its weight” when it comes to value, offering rainforests, volcanoes, wildlife-rich national parks, and laid-back Pacific beaches without an eye-watering price tag. From waterfall hikes and cloud-forest walks to hot springs and coastal downtime, this spot is ideal for young and adventurous travelers.
Where to stay: Gran Hotel Costa Rica (from $150 a night), Hotel Grano De Oro (from $165)
7. Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City is another spot where constant airline competition begets lower flight prices, Maltz noted. Domestic round-trip flights frequently land between $150 to $300, and occasional last-minute deals pop up year-round (which makes flight alerts a must!).
Chicago delivers big-city culture without lofty prices—a perfect example of those Midwest roots shining through. You can enjoy the city’s lakefront access and iconic architecture for free, all while getting your steps in. Downtown is also dotted with several world-class museums that you can visit without breaking the bank. As far as dining goes, Chicago, like any big city, offers tons of options to choose from (hot dogs and deep-dish pizza are just the start), accommodating just about any budget.
Where to stay: Pendry Chicago (from $140 a night), The Publishing House Bed & Breakfast (from $179)
8. Milan, Italy
Never did I think I’d see Milan listed as a budget-friendly place to visit, yet here we are! If the idea of an Italian summer has been on your mind, now is your chance to make that dream a reality. While it’s technically the most expensive spot on Skyscanner’s 2026 list of cheapest destinations, its average ticket cost is still under $600. For Italy, I’d say that’s not too shabby.
To save costs while there, consider booking a rental or staying at a bed and breakfast. You can also stick to a budget more closely by staying slightly outside of the city center. Like most European cities, Milan offers plenty of opportunities to explore local shops, appreciate the street art, and stumble upon museums—all without draining your bank account. Plus, there are loads of historical sites, colorful canals, and foodie experiences to fill your time in Milan.
Where to stay: Hotel Bernina (from $70 a night), Room Mate Collection Giulia (from $160)
9. Reno, Nevada
Reno stands out as one of the most affordable Western destinations to fly to in 2026, with round-trip direct flights often dipping under $300 from cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Austin. According to Mike Larragueta, president and CEO of Visit Reno Tahoe, the destination’s accessibility paired with consistently affordable lodging—often under $200 per night—makes it an easy choice for travelers looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing experiences.
“Just 30 minutes south, nearby Lake Tahoe offers postcard-worthy clear waters, perfect for swimming, and a variety of scenic hikes,” Larragueta said. Ski or snowboard down the epic terrain or take a dip, depending on the season. Once you return to town, explore public art installations and murals throughout Reno’s Riverwalk and MidTown districts, or head to budget-friendly dining spots like Reno Public Market and Perenn Bakery.
Where to stay: Peppermill Reno Hotel Resort (from $100 a night), Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa (from $134)
10. Montreal, Canada
Last but not least, Montreal is highly coveted for offering European charm without the hefty transatlantic flight prices. Round-trip flights from many U.S. cities often fall between $200–$350, especially outside peak summer travel weeks.
Visitors often flock to historic Old Montreal, and I highly recommend spending a good chunk of time indulging in the buzzy food scene. To keep costs low, take advantage of the city’s free festivals, parks, and waterfront spaces. With a wide variety of affordable lodging and easy-to-navigate public transportation, Montreal provides an international-feeling trip on a domestic-level budget.
Where to stay: Hotel William Gray (from $150 a night), Hotel Gault (from $188)
Other ways to save money on travel
- For domestic flights, book 1-3 months in advance.
- For international flights, book 3-6 months in advance (this timeframe is especially important for trips to Europe!).
- Shoulder season (usually spring and fall) will typically offer you the best value in terms of flight pricing and lodging.
- According to Skyscanner, Wednesday is, on average, the cheapest day of the week to fly.
Early morning and red-eye flights are often cheaper. - Set up Google Flight alerts or notifications on an app like Hopper to track flight prices—don’t just check once.
Kara Thompson, Contributing Home Writer
Kara Thompson is a Denver-based journalist with a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oregon. In 2022, she left her full-time job as an editor and started her own writing, editing, and social media firm, Kara Thompson and Co. She has over five years of experience writing lifestyle content for publications including Town and Country, ELLE Decor, Good Housekeeping, and Parents, where she covered all things home, food, health, travel, fashion, and holidays.
The post The Best Budget-Friendly Destinations to Visit in 2026 appeared first on The Everygirl.
