Pack your swimsuit: Flights to the Caribbean are the cheapest in years

The new year could be a great time to take a bucket list trip, or fly to a nice beach somewhere. A report from online booking platform Kayak shows how deals on airfare are expected to be available in a variety of markets in 2025.

"We analyzed millions of searches to uncover the insights that will impact your trips in the new year," the report said. "From an international boom to some unexpected deals, read on for the travel trends that will define 2025."

So, where will the best deals be available? Here's what Kayak's data shows. Get your passport ready.

Cheapest flights to the Caribbean in years

According to Kayak, the best deals in 2025 will be to the Caribbean, which is seeing the cheapest flight prices in three years on average. Prices are down by around 17% in many Caribbean markets compared to 2024, so now may well be the time to book that beach vacation if you've been putting off relaxing with a frozen drink and your toes in the sand.

Barbados, St. Lucia and Bermuda all saw airfares drop by an average of 17% from U.S. markets, according to Kayak, and some are seeing even bigger price cuts. Airfares to Dominica, for example, are 21% lower on average for 2025 compared to 2024. Those prices are still relatively high compared to other Caribbean destinations though. The 2025 airfare average for flights to Dominica is $1,132, compared to $542 to Bermuda.

Asia flight prices are coming down

Flights to Asia have been especially expensive the last few years. Many Asian countries were slower to reopen to tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, and high demand drove airfares up. Now those prices are finally coming down. According to Kayak, flights to Asia are also at their cheapest levels in three years, down 7% on average from 2024.

Ticket prices to many destinations in Japan, as well as Hong Kong and Shanghai, are seeing double-digit percentage point decreases heading into 2025.

According to Kayak, the average airfare from the U.S. to Sapporo, Japan, is $1,230 in 2025.

When to book

Kayak confirms what USA TODAY has mentioned before: there's no mythical best time to book anymore.

"We have to say it: if you find a great deal at any point in the planning process, book it. Don’t wait for that elusive 'sweet spot,' " Kayak's report said.

But that doesn't mean there aren't some general trends worth considering. The booking giant suggests waiting until less than six months before departure to find better deals.

"Our data shows that if you’re more than 6-months out from your trip, prices tend to be higher," the report said. "So while we understand the urge to book early-on, we don’t recommend booking more than six months ahead."

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flights to Asia and the Caribbean will be cheaper in 2025