Suzanne Bradley is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about vacations and the travel industry in general, often discussing vacation tips such as finding cheap flights.
At the moment, it’s easy to see how some people would be worried about vacation costs this year. Travel is too expensive for many people because of the economy and threats of layoffs. However, there are still cheap travel destinations if you are willing to do your homework. The bulk of your vacation cost will probably go towards your flight and your hotel stay. So, finding a cheap flight and taking advantage of other options can greatly reduce the cost of your vacation. Here are the top five cheap flight destinations that you should consider:
New York City and Other Big Cities
You can often find cheap flights to New York City and other big cities because they are home to large airports. When you fly into a large airport, you have more airline options, which can lower the price. Big cities can be a lot of fun, but are not usually high on the list for tourist destinations, since people are more likely to want to head to the beach or mountains for vacation. As an added bonus, that means that other activities in the cities are also less expensive. Most big cities even have government-sponsored museums, parks, and zoos which are free or under $10 for admission.
Florida or Southern California
The price of your flight often depends on your point of origin. One thing that is almost always a sure bet, though, is that it will typically be cheaper to stay in the United States than to travel abroad. If you live in the eastern half of the country, Florida is a natural choice. You can find flights into Orlando and Miami for just $100 to $200 if you are leaving from a larger northern airport. In the west, southern California is a great destination for the same reason. If you live in the center of the United States, check both Florida and California prices. Also, don’t forget that visiting the gulf of Texas is also an option.
Canada
If you absolutely just want to experience a different country, Canada is a great option. Staying near the United States and not having to cross an ocean helps keep the price of the flight down as low as possible. Canada is also not a huge tourism center, so prices for flights are naturally lower than, for example, Hawaii. Keep in mind that travelling can still get pricey once you arrive at your destination with the current exchange rate, so budget accordingly. However, with the money you’ll save on a flight, it could be worth it. You won’t find warm, sunny beaches in Canada, but you will find some great wilderness resorts, and there are a number of cities that are fun to visit, such as Toronto.
The Caribbean
Believe it or not, the prices for plane tickets to the Caribbean are actually fairly affordable. Although this is a tourist hotspot, the sheer number of flights going into and out of these airports drives the price down. When you work with your travel agent, you can also often get a lower price because they get discounts for selling a certain number of flights on one airline – and flights are easy to book to the Caribbean. There aren’t as many tourists flying to, for example, Italy on the other hand, so they aren’t likely to get a discount on that airline. You can save even more money in general by choosing to fly to Puerto Rico, since it is still a territory of the United States.
Mexico
Some vacationers have been shying away from Mexico recently. However, if you stick to tourist hot spots and use a little discretion, you can be very safe in this country. Flights into Mexico are inexpensive for the same reasons that flights into Canada are inexpensive, you are staying near the United States and you don’t have to cross an ocean. You’ll still pay more for a flight to Mexico than most domestic flights, but if you shop around for good deals, you should be able to travel fairly inexpensively.
Flying will always be expensive, no matter how much price comparison you do to different destinations. There are a few things you can do to keep the price as low as possible, wherever your destination may be. First, be flexible with your dates. Flights are usually more expensive on weekend and near holidays. You can also add more layovers to your flight or take nighttime flights to save money. Finally, when you book your flight, try not to plan activities that you have to rush to as soon as you land. That way, if there is an overbooking problem, you can volunteer to take a later flight. If you do that, most airlines will refund your ticket and give you an additional free flight to use in the future.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Best Barbados Holiday Hotels: Pick Your Choices
- Cheap Holiday Hotels and Tips on Planning a Cheap Holiday Vacation.
- Four of the Finest Mauritius Holiday Hotels
- Holiday Hotel Deals
- Ideal Holiday Destination For Kiddies
- Cheap Bed & Breaksfast Hotels in Ramsgate Uk
- 4 Ways To Do Sport Also On Holiday
- Hotels In Sydney




Compare And Find Local Venues In The UK
By: Mandy Chagger | 31/12/2009You must think about your event's unique characteristics as you compare UK venues. Your event budget can balloon quickly if you choose an oversized venue based on your guest list.
Ways for airlines to go green
By: Christina Pomoni | 30/12/2009The fact that aircrafts contribute to environmental pollution has forced air carriers to find ways to become environmentally friendly, while maintaining their market share and profitability. Major airlines have accepted to make efforts towards the reduction of their emissions after being pressurized by civil society and political groups.
The top air travel myths
By: Christina Pomoni | 30/12/2009Do not let myths deprive you from traveling. Air travel can be an exhilarating experience and you owe that to yourself. Welcome aboard!
The best airports to get delayed in
By: Christina Pomoni | 30/12/2009The best airports to get delayed in are those with the best duty-free shops. Shopping is an inherent part of traveling and duty free shops can offer you an unforgettable experience, provided you are delayed in the right airport.
Reasons why air travel is getting cheaper
By: Christina Pomoni | 30/12/2009Airlines implement a price differentiation strategy targeting consumers of economy class that is highly price elastic. Yet, although airlines are lowering their prices, consumers are not flying more. Major airlines try to match competitive fares, particularly in same round trip destinations.
Causes of airplane turbulence
By: Christina Pomoni | 30/12/2009Airplane turbulence may be rather distressing and upsetting, but it is not hazardous. Nowadays, technology has provided airlines with the ability to predict such phenomena, making air travel a safe and exciting experience.
Traveling to the United States more and more difficult for Canadians with Criminal Records
By: Jared Church | 30/12/2009If you have been following the news lately, flights to the U.S. from Canadian airports came crashing to a hault with news of the terrorist plot on Christmas Day. One of the consequences of the ever-tightening security procedures on U.S. bound flights is that ordinary Canadians with old criminal records are being increasingly denied entry.
Which Fuel Is Your Best Bet?
By: Jason Hall | 30/12/2009Knowing as much as you can when you rent a car will help to make your trip less stressful. Look at this article for more tips on car rentals.
Finding Great Travel Deals Through an Online Travel Agency
By: Suzanne Bradley | 10/04/2009 | TravelIn actuality, if you do your research, you can take a vacation even on a shoestring budget. Here are some tips to help you find a great travel deal from an online travel agency. Many companies have a policy that if you’re the contact person for the entire group and ensure that everyone pays on time, you get your vacation for free, or at least get a very deep discount. Last minute vacations always cost a lot more than trips that are planned months or years in advance.
Choosing a Travel Agency – Step by Step
By: Suzanne Bradley | 09/04/2009 | CruisingMost travel agencies are willing to plan a trip no matter where you want to go. However, some specialize in certain areas of the world or certain types of trips. Vacations can change in price drastically from agency to agency. It is especially important to ask about your destination if you want to go somewhere off the beaten path. The vast majority of travel agencies can plan a trip to Hawaii. Vacations vary in price depending on destinations and length of stay.
Benefits of Choosing a Travel Agency for Your Next Vacation
By: Suzanne Bradley | 07/04/2009 | TravelTravel agencies and online travel agencies are great for bargain hunting and usually get the best deals from their network of contacts. They also purchase air tickets on volume, consolidated tickets, enabling them to buy air tickets at considerably higher discounts. Travel agents also have access to suppliers and service providers who hand out “bonuses” or perks. Some travel agencies have more strengths and capabilities than other travel agencies.
Suggestions for Booking Cheap Flights Online
By: Suzanne Bradley | 07/04/2009 | TravelIt is important to become accustomed with some of the best tips for saving money the next time you have to travel by air. Get to where you want to go, but for the lowest price available. Start by planning your vacation or business trip with flexibility in mind. Online travel agencies and other sites let you see the prices before you book. There are opportunities; however, you can find a flight at a lower price than the listed flight on the site.
A Guide for Planning a Cruise
By: Suzanne Bradley | 06/04/2009 | TravelIf you have a good travel agent who specializes in cruises or if you’re a member of the American or Canadian Automobile Association, you may want to request a cruise planning guide. Cruises taken off season are cheaper than peak season cruises. If you feel like shopping, hold off until the last day of the cruise. Merchandise usually goes on sale towards the end of the cruise in some ships.