More than 40% of Americans plan to travel abroad in 2026, but the cost is holding many of them back. According to data collected from the leading travel app, Skyscanner, researchers found that only half of those planning to travel have actually booked their flights. For the other half, many are unsure where to go or are waiting for the cheap destiations and best deals of the year.
“Sadly, our research shows that in 2026, many Americans are overwhelmed at the prospect of booking (57%), with costs top of mind for most (71%),” said Lourdes Losada, Skyscanner’s Director of Americas.
However, the global travel app has just launched a new tool that makes it easier to find affordable destinations. Skyscanner’s Cheapest Destination Planner feature will help travelers find the lowest-priced destinations and the best-value days to fly each month of the year.
With its new feature, Skyscanner has crunched the numbers across thousands of routes and bookings to find the 10 cheapest destinations for 2026.
Top 10 Cheapest Destinations For 2026 And When To Book
Las Vegas – Averaging $232 Round-Trip
Topping the list for one of the cheapest destinations for 2026 is Las Vegas. Skyscanner data reveals that the average prices this year is $232. The cheapest option is February. Travelers can find round-trip flights for as low as $38.
For hotels, Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World and Treasure Island are both less than $200 per night.
San Salvador, El Salvador – Averaging $282 Round-Trip
One, of several, up-and-coming destinations is San Salvador. Tourism is booming thanks to dramatic safety improvements over the last few years. As the “Land of Volcanoes,” San Salvador offers beautiful scenery, Mayan history, and is less crowded and more affordable than other Central American countries.
According to Skyscanner, average round-trip flight prices this year are around $282. March is an excellent month to travel. Round-trip flights can be purchased for as little as $35 round-trip. Hotel Mirador Plaza and Barceló San Salvador are under $100 per night.
Miami – Averaging $284 Round-Trip
There’s never a bad time to visit Miami. It’s a year-round destination that boasts an exciting blend of warm weather, tropical beaches, a vibrant nightlife that doesn’t end, and bold art districts.
If you are searching for a quick and sun-soaked getaway, the average prices of round-trip flights is $284. April is one of the cheapest months to travel to Miami, with round-trip flights as low as $33 from select cities.
Hotels can be difficult to navigate. The Fairwind Hotel and citizenM Miami World Center are less than $250 per night in April
Kahului, Hawaii – Averaging $329 Round-Trip
Situated on the island of Maui, Kahuli is a relaxed island destination filled with local flavors and lush landscapes. You will have beaches and rainforests at your fingertips, along with outdoor adventures such as hiking, kiteboarding, and surfing.
Round-trip flights average $329 this year, but the cheapest options can be found in July when some cities boast flights for less than $100 round-trip, according to Skyscanner data. Maui Seaside Hotel and Maui Beach Hotel are less than $280 per night.
Orlando – Averaging $353 Round-Trip
Florida’s theme-park capital is perfect for families, solo travelers, and thrill seekers. There is no shortage of sunny days and fun-rolling adventures.
Throughout the year, expect round-trip flights to average around $353. May offers the cheapest option, just ahead of summer, with some airlines offering round-trip flights for less than $50. Buena Vista Suites Orlando and Rosen Shingle Creek on Universal Blvd are running for less than $180 per night this May.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Averaging, $365 Round-Trip
There’s so much to love about San Juan. It’s truly a city dipped in charm and history. You can wander through the forts and cobblestones of San Juan or find a local spot to unwind and relax.
For 2026, the average round-trip flight to San Juan is $365. One of the cheapest months to travel to San Juan is in March. Travelers can find flights from as little as $43 per night.
Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences and O: Live Boutique Hotel are offering hotels for less than $350 per night.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Averaging $375 Round-Trip
The Caribbean escape of Punta Cana offers soft beaches and all-inclusive ease, making it an excellent choice for decompressing and finally taking a digital detox.
It’s another affordable Caribbean getaway for 2026 with round-trip flights averaging around $375, according to Skyscanner. February is the most affordable option, with flights available for less than $90 round-trip. The Tropical Deluxe Princess Hotel and the AC Hotel by Marriott Punta Cana are under $250 per night.
Mexico City, Mexico – Averaging $402 Round-Trip
Another popular city that has surprisingly made the top 10 list of most affordable destinations for 2026 is Mexico City. With its rich history, culture, and incredible food scene, you may want to take advantage of the cheaper flights this year and visit Mexico City more than once. Trust us, you will need multiple trips to take in the Aztec ruins, modern museums, and neighborhood flavors.
The average ticket price to Mexico City is $402. April, July, and September are the cheapest months to visit, with round-trip flights ranging from $98 to $174.
Cancun – Averaging $411 Round-Trip
Mexico is a clear winner for 2026, with another city on the top 10 list. Like Mexico City, Cancun offers plenty to do, including swimming in freshwater cenotes, exploring the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, or visiting the underwater art museum.
Average round-trip prices to Cancun are $411. The cheapest month to travel to Cancun is June, with some departure cities offering round-trip flights for less than $90. Kempinski Hotel Cancun and JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa are less than $350 round-trip.
Milan – Averaging Averaging $506 Round-Trip
Another surprise rounding out the list is Milan. The city is shaped by the design, fashion, and deep cultural heritage. Roam the streets to explore its iconic architecture and famous artworks, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
Expect the average round-trip flights to Milan to hover around $560 this year.
Starhotels Echo and iQ Hotel Milano are less than $250 per night.
Other Tips For Booking Affordable Flights In 2026
According to Skyscanner’s analysis, the cheapest day to fly in 2026, on average, is not Tuesday but Wednesday. Only 25% of Americans thought Wednesday would be the cheapest, with 31% thinking Tuesday and 12% Monday.
Also, if you are still in decision-making mode, save your routes and keep track of flight fluctuations so you can be alerted when prices drop.
