The travel bug continues to bite in 2024, and data indicates growth in both domestic and international trips, along with a cost increase for hotels and transportation. But don’t worry as it’s still possible to take an economical vacation whether you want to travel near or far.
Kayak, one of the world’s leading travel search engines, shared with Travel + Leisure a list of domestic and international destinations for low-cost trips. To determine the most wallet-friendly locations, the company analyzed flight searches from July 2023 through December 2023 for travel during 2024. The top 250 most-clicked destinations with the lowest average combined flight and hotel price were considered, excluding outliers based on certain criteria such as travel restrictions and security concerns. Prices and percentages are on average and 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 price of $486 for flight and hotel, the Mile High City features a walkable downtown with restaurants, museums, entertainment, and shopping. Low-cost rail service from Denver International Airport to Union Station is not only convenient, but it also takes travelers to the historic Beaux-Arts terminal, where there’s an array of restaurants, stores, and a hotel. Visitors can catch a major league baseball game in town or a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Chicago, Illinois
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In addition to its excellent restaurants, stunning architecture cruise on the Chicago River, and Navy Pier amusement area, Chicago offers museums like the Art Institute and the Museum of Science and Industry. For an average price of $493 for hotel and flight, visitors can enjoy low-cost fun on Lake Michigan’s beaches, the Riverwalk, and Grant Park. Another favorite is Millennium Park, where the gleaming Cloud Gate sculpture — nicknamed “The Bean” — provides a popular photo op.
Atlanta, Georgia
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For an average of $495 for hotel and flight, vacationers can land in Atlanta, home of world-class restaurants and a lively cultural scene that includes concert venues, theaters, museums, and galleries. For a low-cost way to get to know the city, stroll among its murals and street art. You can also explore Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park, Centennial Olympic Park (which commemorates the 1996 Summer Olympics), the Georgia Aquarium, or Zoo Atlanta.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Kayak’s average of $503 for flight and hotel can be the start of an enjoyable affordable vacation in Minneapolis. A stroll through the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at the Walker Art Center takes you through 11 acres of outdoor exhibits. Browse the 500-plus stores in America’s largest shopping mall, the Mall of America, or on a smaller scale, there’s the Midtown Global Market with food, crafts, and cultural events. Bike, boat, or jog at the Chain of Lakes Regional Park, or walk the enclosed elevated pathways of the 9.5-mile Skyway.
Portland, Oregon
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Plan around Kayak’s average of $509 for hotel and flight, and you can enjoy Portland’s culinary offerings without breaking the bank when you head for the food carts. When in the Rose City, explore the free International Rose Test Garden, home to more than 10,000 roses as well as great views of downtown and Mount Hood. If you visit between March and December, browse the Portland Saturday Market for art, crafts, and food. Book fans will want to check out Powell’s City of Books, the largest used and new bookstore in the world.
Charlotte, North Carolina
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You don’t have to be a car fan to enjoy the Nascar Hall of Fame, where interactive exhibits and racing simulators entertain and educate. Your $512 average cost for flight and hotel will go far with meals at The Market at 7th Street, an indoor food court. At Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, spend a relaxing day among flowers, fountains, and walking paths. There’s more action at Whitewater Center, which has more than 30 land and water activities, including whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and more.
Orlando, Florida
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For an average of $516 for flight and hotel, you can get to Orlando, where you’ll find there’s more to enjoy than the famous theme parks. Get to know the historic Winter Park area on a cruise among lakes, canals, opulent homes, and wildlife. Rent a pedal-powered swan boat at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando or stroll through Lake Nona Sculpture Garden, an outdoor art gallery set among lush landscaping. When you get hungry, browse and nosh on fresh fruit and local specialties at one of Orlando’s farmers markets.
Tampa, Florida
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Walk along Tampa’s 2.6-mile Riverwalk, visit the Tampa Museum of Art, hop on the Pirate Water Taxi, or tour the American Victory Ship. Save on these attractions and more with a Riverwalk Pass, making the most of the average flight and hotel cost of $534. At Armature Works on the river, you can grab a snack, shop, or enjoy the view. Take a walking tour of historic Ybor City, once the Cigar Capital of the World. Today, it’s home to vintage buildings and Cuban restaurants.
Dallas, Texas
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For an average flight and hotel cost of $553, you’ll touch down in Dallas, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the city from Reunion Tower. Then, head to the Arts District, which is home to museums and Klyde Warren Park. Hungry? Food trucks are there every day, and you might catch some live music or a fitness class. Visit one of the many Dallas parks or experience Trinity Groves for dining, entertainment, and views of the Trinity River.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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The historic City of Brotherly Love offers museums, Independence National Historical Park, and public art such as the Rocky statue and Love sculpture for free and entertaining ways to get to know the city. For an average of $564 for flight and hotel, a trip to Philadelphia is also a delight for foodies. At Reading Terminal Market, there’s food from around the world along with vendors selling handicrafts. The open-air South 9th Street Italian Market’s gourmet selection includes cheeses, meats, and chocolates — fun for both browsing and dining.
Mexico City, Mexico
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For an average cost of $673 for flight and hotel, Mexico City offers an exciting getaway with museums, parks, restaurants, and history. You can spend a day in Bosque de Chapultepec, Mexico City’s largest park featuring a zoo, monuments, a lake with pedal boats, restaurants, and museums, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología. One of the city’s most popular museums is La Casa Azul, once the home of Frida Kahlo and now the place to see work from the artist and her husband, artist Diego Rivera.
Toronto, Canada
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Both locals and visitors enjoy St. Lawrence Market in the historic Old Town, where there’s fresh produce, handcrafts, and gourmet specialties. But for an average flight and hotel cost of $692, Toronto offers even more to see and do, from lively nightlife and sports events. Browse the street art in the Kensington Market neighborhood, explore the Queen Street West area, and check out the shops, galleries, and dining spots in the popular Distillery District. You’ll also want to visit Casa Loma, a 1914 castle in the heart of Toronto.
Montreal, Canada
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For an average flight and hotel cost of $705, your trip to Montreal might start with one of the city’s famous bagels. Still hungry? Head to the open-air Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy, which sells fresh produce, spices, chocolates, cheeses, and more. At the (free) Barbie Expo, more than 1,000 dolls in designer outfits are on display. Parc du Mont-Royal is a year-round attraction with row boats on the lake during the summer and stunning city views from the top of the hill.
Panama City, Panama
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You can arrive in Panama City for an average flight and hotel cost of $745. First-time visitors will want to see the Panama Canal, and the Miraflores Visitor Center houses a museum and viewing platform. Browse or tour Panama City’s historic Casco Antiguo neighborhood, dating to 1673, with colorful buildings, restaurants, and nightlife. The Amador Causeway features views of the sea and city skyline, restaurants, an artisan market, and places to walk or bike.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
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For $836 for a flight and hotel, you can enjoy a sunny escape to Puerto Vallarta. This vacation destination has plenty of free and low-cost entertainment, plus you can manage your budget with an all-inclusive hotel. Stroll along the Malecón bordering Banderas Bay to see sculptures, music performances, and street vendors. Visit the Zona Romántica for restaurants, shops, and the popular Los Muertos Beach. Los Arcos National Marine Park offers swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, gorgeous scenery, and marine life.
Cozumel, Mexico
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You can get to Cozumel, off Mexico’s east coast, for an average of $846 for flight and hotel, and once there, the beaches are perfect for kayaking, sailing, and water sports. Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park’s marine life and coral reef make it a favorite among divers and snorkelers. The Celarain Lighthouse at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is popular with hikers who come for the view and visitors who enjoy the museum.
Vancouver, Canada
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Arrive in Vancouver for an average flight and hotel price of $863. One of your first stops in the city should be Stanley Park, an urban oasis with a nearly 20-mile seawall, views of the waterfront, walking paths, forest trails, and more — all for free. Granville Island, popular with locals and visitors, features boutiques, entertainment, restaurants, and an indoor public market. For skiing, ice skating, and year-round dining and entertainment, head to Grouse Mountain, which also has a zip line, a cinema, a wildlife refuge, and spectacular views.
San José, Costa Rica
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At an average of $904 for a flight and hotel, San José, Costa Rica’s capital, is an exciting destination with incredible architecture, history, parks, and museums. The National Theater of Costa Rica offers tours of its opulent building with marble statues and plush decor, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, about 1.5 hours outside the city, includes a butterfly garden, bird sanctuary, rain forest hiking trails, waterfalls, and the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica.
Cancun, Mexico
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Located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun is popular for its beaches, downtown, restaurants, hotels, and all-inclusive resorts. For an average of $935 for hotel and flight, you can arrive at Cancun International Airport for a sunny getaway. Explore Mayan ruins at Chichén Itzá, take the ferry to Isla Mujeres, or find a secluded beach at Playa Delfines. Look for street food and live music at El Parque de las Palapas, a small downtown plaza.
Reykjavik, Iceland
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For an average of $943 for flight and hotel, you can be in the land of the northern lights and Blue Lagoon. Iceland is home to the nearly 200-mile Golden Circle, where visitors can see waterfalls, geysers, volcanic craters, hot springs, and Thingvellir National Park. In downtown Reykjavik, there’s shopping and dining along Laugavegur, and the must-see Sun Voyager steel sculpture has gorgeous waterfront views.