7 International and Domestic Destinations With Cheap Flights This Summer

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When it comes to summer travel, shelling out for expensive airfare can feel like a foregone conclusion. But this year, it’s possible to find cheap last-minute flights during June, July, and August to even some of the most popular destinations.

Data shows that airfares this summer are notably cheaper compared to summer 2023. Domestic airfares for June, July, and August are $305 per ticket on average—that’s a 6% drop from last summer, according to Hopper’s report. In fact, Hopper says that this summer is the first time that airfares have gotten more affordable year-over-year since 2020. “Prices this summer are expected to peak around $315 per ticket at the end of May and early June,” says the Hopper report.

Some of the biggest savings can be found on southbound routes. Data from travel search site Kayak shows that flights to Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico are 14%, 15%, and 16% cheaper this summer, respectively, compared to last year.

If you do plan on flying internationally, plan to travel in August if possible. During that month, Kayak’s data shows that international airfare drops by 3% compared to last year. Specifically, August 12 to 25 is the cheapest time to fly internationally, according to Kayak’s data.

With that advice in mind, here are seven destinations you can still score affordable airfare to for a summer trip. The fares represent the average price of summer flights departing roundtrip from the US; the actual ticket cost will vary depending on the airport or city you depart from. For more expert tips on how to nab affordable airfare, check out this guide to finding cheap last-minute flights.

Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i

This summer, travelers looking to visit Big Island of Hawai’i and revel in its mix of tropical lushness, serene beaches, and volcanic wonders are in luck. The average airfare from the US mainland comes in at $663—that’s 18% cheaper than last summer, according to Kayak’s report. Thanks to the less-expensive tickets, you might be able to tack on a couple of inter-island flights to explore more of the gorgeous archipelago. Hops to neighbor islands like Kauai or Maui usually start at about $80 one-way.

Mexico City, Mexico

The electric dining scene and cultural attractions of Mexico City are within reach for budget-conscious travelers this summer. Airfares for the season are averaging at $479 round-trip, Kayak says. Summer is a cheaper time to visit some parts of Mexico because the country’s rainy season kicks up in May and lasts through September. Although rain is frequent during this stretch, it’s usually not enough to ruin a trip. Any precipitation typically comes as showers that pass relatively quickly, followed by lots of sunshine.

West Palm Beach, Florida

If it’s a domestic beach getaway you’re after, consider a visit to West Palm Beach. Flights to this charming Southern Florida enclave are averaging $346, per Kayak’s report. Once you step off the plane, you’ll have access to everything from white sand beaches to top-notch seafood restaurants and eclectic vintage stores in the city’s famous Clematis Street historic district. Beyond West Palm Beach, additional Florida destinations like Orlando ($328 average airfare) and Miami ($375) are also fun—and financially realistic—summer trip ideas for discount-minded tourists.

Belize City, Belize

One of the most popular destinations in Central America is Belize, which offers some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world, thanks to the Belize Barrier Reef. This summer, travelers don’t have to blow their budget to visit the Caribbean nation, which also counts Mayan ruins and tropical jungles among its many tourism draws. Airline tickets to Belize City for the season have dipped to an average of $604 round-trip, Kayak’s data says. That’s 24% less expensive than the average ticket price in summer 2023. From Belize City, you can take an inexpensive puddle-jumper plane to the sleepy coastal village of Placencia, known for its laidback resorts, or to one of the many small islands, like Ambergris Caye, that sit just off the mainland’s coast.

Nassau, Bahamas

Those seeking warm weather and sunshine would be hard pressed to find a better vacation spot than Nassau. Especially this summer, when the average price for flights is hovering right at $504 round-trip. Daily highs routinely hit 90 degrees or above during the summer months, which are also part of the area’s rainy season. But like most islands in the region, Nassau’s summer rain storms are typically heavy but short-lived, meaning there’s minimal interruption to your pool time or beach lounging. This can, however, become a more serious issue in late summer—especially August and September—when the brunt of hurricane season is in effect, so take note if you plan to travel during those months or later into fall.

Sydney, Australia

Although the average summer airfare from the US to Sydney is well over a thousand dollars, we still consider it a good deal when considering how long flights are (it takes about 15 hours nonstop from California). This summer, Kayak says the average round-trip is clocking in at $1,304. That’s a whopping 22% cheaper than last summer’s average airfare and could be worth pouncing on. Because it’s in the Southern Hemisphere, Australia is actually in the midst of winter during June, July, and August. The temperature usually still reaches a balmy 65 degrees Fahrenheit in Sydney each day and can dip as low as the 40s, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking to cool off during the hottest months in the US.

Charleston, South Carolina

With its unique blend of important historical sites, an ever-evolving culinary scene, and powdery beaches along the Atlantic, Charleston is a summer destination that offers something for every type of traveler. What it doesn’t have: expensive airfares. The average ticket price for this summer is right at $349, Kayak says. Be warned that the summer months do bring sweltering weather to South Carolina, but with countless beaches (and even some small islands to explore) there’s plenty of opportunity to find relief from—and even revel in—the soaring temperatures.

Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler

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