Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

9 Best Destinations With Low Airfares from the U.S.

If you want to make an escape, but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for airfare, there’s no need to limit yourself to a road trip. Depending on where you live in the U.S., there are a number of fantastic destinations that often come with the opportunity to snag some great low airfares, including these. Just picture yourself exploring the waterfalls in Iceland, soaking up the sunshine in Miami, or enjoying the all-inclusive perks of top hotels in Mexico. Save your money for activities during the trip at these top destinations with low airfares from the U.S.

Iceland Sunrise at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Credit: Sunrise at Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Iceland by bigstock.com

Iceland

It’s becoming easier and easier to score a great deal on airfare to this travel bucket list destination. Once you’re there, look forward to exploring the dramatic volcanic landscapes dotted with roaring waterfalls, glaciers, and hot springs. Diving enthusiasts can even take a dip between the North American and Eurasian plates in the Silfra fissure for an unforgettable underwater experience. And, if you visit between late September and mid-March, you may even get to see the Northern Lights.

Miami, Florida Miami
Credit: Miami by bigstock.com

Miami, Florida

Flights to Miami can be found for as little as $99 round trip, depending on your departure point, of course. Look forward to warmth, sunshine, plenty of skin, and partying ’til dawn. You might spend your days soaking up the sun and the sand, and perhaps checking out the art and culture too, by visiting the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens or the Museum of Contemporary Art. After dark, explore some of the hottest clubs around like Mokai or one of the area’s new additions, DV Hospitality’s Rec Room, designed to make you feel as though you’re hanging out in a friend’s 1970s basement.

Jamaica Ocho Rios in Jamaica
Credit: Ocho Rios in Jamaica by Lucky-photographer/shutterstock.com

Jamaica

For a tropical island vacation, Jamaica tends to be one of the cheapest, not only for accommodations but round-trip flights from eastern U.S. cities. The best bargains tend to be had during hurricane season, generally July and August – if that’s a risk you’re willing to take, you can save big but you may want to sign up for travel insurance just in case. Once you step off the plane, not only will you have the chance to melt that stress away lounging on the beach, but you’ll be able to sample lots of fantastic cuisines, including homemade Jerk. Jerk, along with reggae and Red Stripe, has become a national icon. Originally developed by runaway slaves, it’s a meat that’s marinated in a piquant sauce before being slow-cooked over a pimento-wood fire. While pork and chicken have been the traditional jerk items, these days all sorts of things are prepared this way, including beef, mutton, goat, and fish. While you’ll find lots of traditional Jamaican fare that’s stayed true to its roots, like salt fish and ackee, Jamaica continues to bring in a new crop of chefs that are doing all sorts of creative things.

New York City New York City
Credit: New York City by bigstock.com

New York City

With many airlines flying to New York City, there are almost always bargain airfares to be found. Plus, the Big Apple is served by three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport increasing the odds even more. Once there, look forward to iconic sights and attractions like Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty, and some of the best shopping and dining in the world.

Costa Rica Gondoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge,  Manzanillo Beach, Costa Rica
Credit: Gondoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, Manzanillo Beach, Costa Rica by Simon Dannhauer/shutterstock.com

Costa Rica

Not only is flying to Costa Rica relatively inexpensive, once you’re there, your dollar really goes a long way. Outside of Africa, it’s one of the best places for close-up encounters with wildlife, with its lush jungles filled with four types of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, countless lizard species, poison-dart frogs, and an incredible variety of exotic birds and butterflies. In some places rare, exotic birds are frequently spotted right alongside the road. Tapirs, coatimundis and anteaters scurry by regularly in some national parks, and both coasts are famous for nesting turtles as well as visits from migrating whales and leaping dolphins, with pods number in the thousands. Of course, outdoor adventures are popular too, particularly surfing at beautiful beaches, snorkeling, whitewater rafting, hiking and zip-lining.

Chicago, Illinois Chicago
Credit: Chicago by bigstock.com

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a major hub for many airlines, which means airfares to the Windy City tend to be a lot lower too. Explore one of its most famous attractions, Michigan Avenue, otherwise known as The Magnificent Mile, which runs from the bridge that spans the Chicago River to its northern point at Oak Street. Put on your comfortable walking shoes and enjoy an entire day of shopping, eating, browsing art galleries, visiting world-class museums and more. The Loyola University Museum of Art is a not-to-be-missed city treasure. Over on the Navy Pier, ride the Wave Swinger which lifts guests 14 feet into the air and then swirls them around for a thrilling ride with great lake views, while the 150-foot high Ferris wheel features unparalleled vistas of the city’s skyline and lakefront.

Dominican Republic Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Credit: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic by bigstock.com

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is another popular budget travel destination for those who want to soak up the sun and the sand. When you get there, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options. If you’re looking to party, Punta Cana, o unlimited alcohol, bean the island’s easternmost tip, is a favorite with many of the mega-resorts here offering unlimited alcohol, beachside contests and games, and swim-up bars. Plus, you’ll be able to get out and do a little exploring at nearby Los Haitises National Park, paddling through lagoons and mangrove canals in a kayak while watching for leatherback turtles and pelicans.

Dublin, Ireland Temple Bar, Dublin
Credit: Temple Bar, Dublin by bigstock.com

Dublin, Ireland

Most people are under the impression that flights to the Emerald Isle are rather pricey. While accommodation rates in Ireland’s biggest city can be expensive, by venturing into the more rural areas, you’ll not only be surrounded by magnificent scenery but comfortable B&B rooms can often be had for only about $50 a night.

Cancun Cancun, Mexico
Credit: Cancun, Mexico by © Thomas Hertwig | Dreamstime.com

Cancun

The busiest destination in the Caribbean, cheap flights can be had to Cancun from almost anywhere in the U.S., and hotels start at suspiciously low prices too. The newer hotels along the Hotel Zone tend to be an especially good value, particularly when compared to Caribbean islands, and there are a wealth of other options within a reasonable distance as well, like Playa del Carmen, which is only an hour south of the airport by taxi or shuttle. If you want to get away from the crowds, visit Isla Mujeres just a 20-minute ferry ride away. Not only does this picturesque isle offer the chance to enjoy the scenic natural beauty of the beach in relative seclusion, but it has a more laid-back atmosphere and amazing street food. There are even Mayan ruins to explore, a turtle protection center to visit, and opportunities to swim with dolphins, while the downtown area offers a number of restaurants and shops.

Travel Deals

10-Day Canada Tour | Save $400 Per Couple

$2032+

Serenity All-Incl. St. Lucia Resort | Save Up To 65%

$1120+

8-Day Danube Explorer River Cruise | 2 For 1 Fares

$2745+

Beaches Negril - All-Inclusive w/ Water park

$331+ pp/pn

Air & 7-Nt Rhine River Cruise w/ $500 Ship Credit

$2499+

Hilton Rose Hall All-Inclusive Resort | Jamaica

$167+ pp/pn

Discover Ireland | 7-Day Guided Tour w/ Airfare

$1699+

N. Europe Cruises | Up to 45% Off + Credit up to $300

$999+

Up to 45% Off | 9-Day Peru Guided Tour w/ All Flights

$1099+

One Hundred Shoreditch London | 4th Night Free

$300+

9-Day Highlights of Spain and Portugal Escorted Tour

$2499+

6-Nt Halloween Spectacular Escorted Tour of Ireland

$1959+

Explore Anchorage's Local Flavor: Dining, Pubs, more

FREE

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall All-Inclusive Resort | Jamaica

$197+ pp/pn

Ireland | 8-Day Custom Golf Trip - Play the Best Courses

QUOTE