Travel issues will continue to be acute in 2024, with data showing that both domestic and international travel will increase, as will hotel and transportation costs. But don’t worry, whether you want to travel close or far, it’s possible to take an economical vacation.
Kayak, the world’s leading travel search engine, shared a list of domestic and international destinations for low-cost travel with Travel + Leisure. To determine the most pocket-friendly locations, the company analyzed flight searches from July 2023 to December 2023 for 2024 travel. The top 250 most clicked destinations with the lowest combined average ticket and hotel price were considered, excluding outliers based on certain criteria. such as travel restrictions and safety concerns. Prices and percentages are averages and are subject to change.
With that in mind, here are some of the most affordable places to travel in the U.S. and around the world in 2024.
denver, colorado
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With an average flight and hotel price of $486, the Mile High City features a walkable downtown with restaurants, museums, entertainment, and shopping. Cheap rail service from Denver International Airport to Union Station is not only convenient, but also takes travelers to the historic Beaux-Arts terminal, which is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and hotels. Visitors can catch a Major League Baseball game in town or catch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
Chicago, Illinois
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In addition to great restaurants, stunning architectural cruises on the Chicago River, and amusement parks at Navy Pier, Chicago also offers museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Science and Industry. With an average hotel and flight price of $493, you can enjoy Lake Michigan beaches, the River Walk, and Grant’s Park for less. Another popular spot is Millennium Park. The sparkling Cloud Gate sculpture, nicknamed “The Bean,” is a popular photo spot here.
atlanta, georgia
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For an average of $495 for hotels and flights, travelers can land in Atlanta, home to world-class restaurants and a vibrant cultural scene including concert venues, theaters, museums, and galleries. Wander among the murals and street art for a low-cost way to get to know the city. You can also explore Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, Centennial Olympic Park (commemorating the 1996 Summer Olympics), Georgia Aquarium, and Zoo Atlanta.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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With Kayak’s average flight and hotel price of $503, you can start your fun and affordable vacation in Minneapolis. Stroll through the Walker Art Center’s Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and admire 11 acres of outdoor exhibits. America’s largest shopping mall, Mall of America, has more than 500 stores to browse, as well as a smaller Midtown Global Market for food, crafts, and cultural events. Bike, boat, or jog at Chain of Lakes Regional Park, or walk along the 15.5-mile enclosed elevated walkway of the Skyway.
portland oregon
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With Kayak’s average hotel and flight prices around $509, you can enjoy Portland’s gourmet food without spending a fortune when you hit the food carts. While in the Rose City, explore the free International Rose Test Garden, home to more than 10,000 roses. It also offers great views of downtown and Mount Hood. If you’re visiting between March and December, browse the Portland Saturday Market for arts, crafts, and food. Book fans should check out Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest used and new bookstore.
Charlotte, North Carolina
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You don’t have to be a car fan to enjoy the Nascar Hall of Fame. Interactive exhibits and racing simulators provide fun and education. The average cost of flights and hotels at $512 is significantly higher if you eat at The Market at 7th Street, an indoor food court. Spend a relaxing day surrounded by flowers, fountains, and walking trails at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. The Whitewater Center offers more than 30 land and water activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
Orlando, Florida
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For an average of $516 on flights and hotels, you can visit Orlando for more than just the famous theme parks. Learn about the historic Winter Park area on a cruise among lakes, canals, luxury homes, and wildlife. Rent a pedal swan boat on Lake Eola in downtown Orlando or explore Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, an outdoor art gallery surrounded by lush landscaping. When you’re hungry, head to Orlando’s farmers market for fresh fruit and local specialties.
tampa, florida
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Walk along Tampa’s 4.2-mile Riverwalk, visit the Tampa Museum of Art, ride a pirate water taxi, or enjoy a tour of the American Victory Ship. Save on these attractions and more with the RiverWalk Pass and get the most out of the average cost of $534 for flights and hotels. Along the river, Armature Works is where you can grab snacks, shop, and enjoy the views. Take a walking tour of historic Ybor City, once the cigar capital of the world. Today, it is lined with vintage buildings and Cuban restaurants.
dallas, texas
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The average flight and hotel cost is $553, and you can land in Dallas and get a bird’s-eye view of the city from Reunion Tower. Afterwards, head to the Art District with its museums and Klyde Warren Park. I’m hungry? Food trucks will be there daily, and you might even find live music and fitness classes. Visit one of Dallas’ many parks or enjoy dining, entertainment, and views of the Trinity River at Trinity Grove.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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The historic City of Brotherly Love offers fun ways to get to know the city, with museums, Independence National Historical Park, and free public art like the Rocky Statue and the Love Sculpture. With average flight and hotel prices of $564, a trip to Philadelphia is a foodie’s delight. Reading Terminal Market has shops selling food from around the world as well as handicrafts. Browse and dine at the outdoor South 9th Street Italian Market, featuring gourmet cheeses, meats, chocolates, and more.
mexico city, mexico
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Mexico City offers an exciting vacation filled with museums, parks, restaurants, and history, with an average cost of $673 for flights and hotels. Mexico City’s largest park, Bosque de Chapultepec, offers a zoo, monuments, a lake with pedal boats, restaurants, and museums such as the National Museum of Anthropology, where you can spend a day. One of the most popular museums in the city is La Casa Azul. Once the home of Frida Kahlo, it now displays the works of Frida Kahlo and her husband, artist Diego Rivera.
toronto, canada
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Locals and tourists alike enjoy St. Lawrence Market in the historic Old Town. Fresh produce, handicrafts and gourmet specialties are sold there. But Toronto offers even more to see and do, including a vibrant nightlife and sporting events, with an average flight and hotel cost of $692. Admire street art in the Kensington Market district, explore the Queen Street West area, and visit the shops, galleries, and restaurants of the popular Distillery District. Be sure to also visit his 1914 castle, Casa Loma, in the heart of Toronto.
montreal, canada
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With flights and hotels averaging $705, your trip to Montreal might start with one of the city’s famous bagels. Still hungry? Visit the outdoor Jean Talon Market in Little Italy. Fresh produce, spices, chocolate, cheese and more are sold here. The (free) Barbie Expo features more than 1,000 of his dolls in designer outfits. Parc Mont-Royal is a year-round tourist attraction, with rowboats on the lake during the summer and stunning views of the city from the top of the hill.
panama city, panama
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The average flight and hotel cost to Panama City is ¥745. First-time visitors will want to see the Panama Canal. The Miraflores Visitor Center includes a museum and observation deck. Dating back to 1673, Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo neighborhood is filled with colorful buildings, restaurants, and nightlife that you can explore and tour. The Amador Causeway offers views of the ocean and city skyline, and is home to restaurants, craft markets, and great places for walking and cycling.
puerto vallarta, mexico
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Enjoy a sunny escape to Puerto Vallarta for $836 on flights and hotel. This vacation destination has plenty of free and low-cost entertainment, and you can also manage your budget with an all-inclusive hotel. Stroll along the Malecon, which borders the Bay of Banderas, and admire sculptures, musical performances, and street vendors. Visit Zona Romantica, home to restaurants, shops, and popular Los Muertos Beach. Los Arcos National Marine Park offers swimming, paddle boarding, snorkeling, beautiful scenery, and marine life.
cozumel, mexico
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Flights and hotels cost an average of $846 to Cozumel, off Mexico’s east coast, and once there, the beaches are perfect for kayaking, sailing, and water sports. The marine life and coral reefs of Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park make it a popular park for divers and snorkelers. The Serraline Lighthouse at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is popular with hikers who come to enjoy the views and visitors who enjoy the museum.
vancouver, canada
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The average flight and hotel price to Vancouver is ¥863. Your first stop in the city will be Stanley Park. Stanley Park is an urban oasis with nearly 20 miles of seawalls, waterfront views, walking trails, forest trails, and more. Everything is free. Popular with locals and tourists alike, Granville Island offers boutiques, entertainment, restaurants, and an indoor public market. Head to Grouse Mountain for skiing, ice skating, and year-round dining and entertainment. There are also ziplines, movie theaters, wildlife sanctuaries, and stunning views.
San Jose, Costa Rica
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With average flight and hotel prices of $904, Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, is an exciting destination with amazing architecture, history, parks, and museums. Costa Rica’s National Theater offers tours of the luxurious building, which features marble statues and rich decorations. About an hour and a half from the city, La Paz Falls Garden includes a butterfly garden, bird sanctuary, rainforest hiking trails, waterfalls, and the largest waterfall. Animal sanctuary in Costa Rica.
cancun, mexico
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Cancun, located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is popular for its beaches, downtown, restaurants, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts. For an average of $935 in hotels and flights, you can fly into Cancun International Airport and enjoy a sunny vacation. Explore the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, take a ferry to Isla Mujeres, or seek out the secluded beaches of Playa Delfines. Look for street food and live music in El Parque de las Palapas, a small square downtown.
reykjavik, iceland
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For an average of $943 on flights and hotels, you can visit the Land of the Northern Lights and the Blue Lagoon. Iceland has about 320 miles of the Golden Circle, where you can see waterfalls, geysers, volcanic craters, hot springs, and Thingvellir National Park. In downtown Reykjavík, shopping and restaurants can be found along Laugavegur, and the must-see Saint-His Voyager steel sculpture offers stunning waterfront views.
