August doesn’t have to mean overpriced flights and overcrowded destinations. While it’s the start of the peak hurricane season, there are ways to navigate the storm season that keep you protected and traveling for less. Some of these destinations will have fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and some of the cheapest flights you’ll find all year if you know when and where to book.
From a no-passport-required trip to San Juan to a wine region in an unexpected part of Mexico most travelers overlook entirely, here are five cheap destinations worth booking this August, all for less than $600 round-trip.
San Juan, Puerto Rico For Less Than $200 Round-Trip
We always include a destination that doesn’t require a passport, and for August, San Juan should be your go-to. August is slower in San Juan due to the peak summer heat and hurricane season. Still, with proper planning, it can be one of the cheapest times of the year to travel here.
Start your vacation by exploring Old San Juan and the historic forts at Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal. Next, book a food and culture tour to experience traditional pastries such as Mallorca pastries, as well as local goods like coffee and rum. End your night at a cocktail bar and enjoy the famous piña colada.
Florida is the clear winner for the cheapest flight options. Round-trip flights from Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Lakeland are all under $200 round-trip on Skyscanner. Other cities within this price point include Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Durham, North Carolina. The cheapest option leaves Fort Lauderdale. Use August 12-19 in Google Flights for a round-trip ticket for less than $150.
Querétaro, Mexico For Less Than $300 Round-Trip
This is a deal for a city that you don’t see often. Located in central Mexico, Querétaro is a short bus ride from Mexico City. There’s a world-class food and wine scene that gets overshadowed by Mexico City, but it’s one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets.
Querétaro is both vibrant and small-town. At the top of your itinerary should be exploring its UNESCO-listed colonial historic center. Next, head to the Museo Regional de Querétaro. It’s the oldest and most important museum in the region, showcasing local archaeology, indigenous cultures, and key chapters of Mexican history. Last but certainly not least, visiting nearby vineyards and wineries is a must because Querétaro is Mexico’s second-largest wine region.
According to Skyscanner, round-trip flights from Dallas, Houston, Austin, Los Angeles, Denver, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Miami are under $300. San Antonio is the cheapest departing city this August. Use Google Flights for August 10-17 to find a round-trip ticket for less than $200.
Cartagena, Colombia For Less Than $400 Round-Trip
Another city that sees fewer crowds in August is the beloved Cartagena. It’s a destination most people try to avoid in the summer because of the higher temperatures, humidity, and increased rainfall. Still, there are perks for visiting this time of year. Fewer people mean you can explore the Walled City and popular neighborhoods such as Getsemani without heavy crowds. It also means a cheaper trip altogether because hotels are cheaper in the lower season and restaurants are easier to get into.
If you plan to visit this time of year, the key is planning. It’s best to sightsee early in the morning so that you can rest indoors during the hottest times of the day. You can use the money you will save for a day spa and other self-care-related activities. Head back out when the sun sets.
Using Skyscanner, round-trip flights from Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Washington, D.C., Austin, Durham, Chicago, and Charlotte are less than $400. Fort Lauderdale is the cheapest option. In Google Flights, plug in August 18-25 for a round-trip ticket for under $350.
Lima, Peru For Less Than $550 Round-Trip
August is low season in Lima. The weather is usually mildly cool and breezy, offering a reprieve for travelers navigating a hot summer. While most people treat Lima as a stopover for Cusco and the Sacred Valley, there’s plenty to do. Take a cooking class to learn how to make the iconic ceviche. Next, take a bike tour of Barranco’s street art and the Barranco Market that features dozens of street vendors.
There are plenty of fantastic restaurants and museums worth visiting, such as the Larco Museum, the National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru, and the National Afro-Peruvian Museum.
Flights from Washington, D.C., Austin, Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, and Philadelphia are all less than $550 round-trip on Skyscanner. Miami is the cheapest option. Using Google Flights, plug in August 20-25 for a round-trip ticket under $500.
Castries, Saint Lucia For Less Than $600 Round-Trip
Take advantage of this flight deal this August to Saint Lucia. While it’s one of the most impressive and stunning islands in the Caribbean, it’s also one of the priciest.
Castries offers a healthy mix of city exploration, outdoor adventure, and nightlife. For an unforgettable itinerary, shop at Castries Market, hike to the summit of Gros Piton for incredible panoramic views, or take an aerial train ride through the rainforest.
Round-trip flights from Pittsburgh, New York City, Orlando, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C. are less than $600 on Skyscanner. The cheapest option leaves Boston this August. Play with the dates in Google Flights. One good option is August 26-31, when a round-trip ticket is priced below $450.
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