Everyone should be able to experience the world, no matter your budget. And while our Explore tool is a great way to see where you can fly to based on how much you want to spend, sometimes you need to see a bigger picture. For our 2018 Travel Hacker Guide, we found the top 10 destinations whose combined flight + hotel costs are considerably lower than the average trip.
Whether you’re on a budget or need a need a new idea on where to go, you can be confident these cities are giving you the most bang for your buck.
1. Guadalajara, Mexico
Our top Wallet-Friendly Trip city is an impressive 41% cheaper than the average international trip. If you want to max your savings, we suggest visiting in May when both median airfare and median hotel rates are at their lowest ($282 and $62, respectively). When there, we suggest visiting historic landmarks like the Guadalajara Cathedral before hopping on the Tequila Express. The train will take you throughout the state of Jalisco, so you can sample the wares the region is known for: mezcal and mariachi. Name a better combination — we don’t think there is one.
2. Calgary, Alberta
Cowboys aren’t just part of the wild West. In Calgary, cowboy culture is alive and well. Visit Alberta’s biggest city for 32% less than you’d spend on other international trips. We recommend visiting in September when the weather is still mild and you’ll find lower median airfare ($286) and hotel prices ($107/night). If the Calgary Stampede isn’t your thing, Two Penny is a newcomer to the foodie scene that’s worth your pennies. Indulge in some pan-Chinese dishes or head to the Teahouse for karaoke, Wu + Wings night or for some innovative cocktails.
3. Orlando, Florida
It may be a small world, but when you’re on a small budget travel can feel like a big challenge. Not so with Orlando — a trip here can cost you 32% less than the average international trip. September is the best time to fly (when median airfare is $180), but if per diem costs are a concern, then November is when you’ll find some of the lowest rates. Whatever you decide, we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance for the best deals. And if mouse ears aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of cultural opportunities to explore in the city. Take yourself on a museum tour with stops at the Orlando Museum of Art, Zora Neale Hurston Museum of Fine Arts and the Orlando Science Center.
4. Raleigh, North Carolina
Head south for the winter… or summer, spring or fall. Raleigh enjoys relatively mild weather all year long, with average temps ranging from 43 to 81 degrees. As median hotel rates stay pretty steady all year long (ranging from $98 to $109/night throughout the year), you best bet is to visiting in September when median airfare is low ($266) and the weather still warm. Plus, it’s also when school is back in session so the downtown bars, restaurants and shopping spots are likely to be a bit more livelier.
5. Denver, Colorado
Rocky Mountain high never looked so green. Take yourself to the Mile High City for 28% less than your average trip. September and October are the best times to visit if you’re looking for low fares — they see median airfares of $182 and $184, respectively. If per diem costs are more your concern, the lowest nightly hotel rates are in November, with a median of $119/night. And while booking 5 months ahead did see the lowest fares, there’s only a $7 difference in median airfare if you book as little as 1 month ahead. As always, if you find a good deal: book it. When there, explore the city by divide-and-conquering its neighborhoods. Grab a french breakfast at Cafe Marmotte in Country Club, shop at Wax Trax and Queen City General Store in Capitol Hill, find the Machete taco truck in Cherry Creek, and end the night with cocktails at Acorn in RiNo.
6. Fort Myers, Florida
This is not your grandmother’s Florida. As a gulf coast city, Fort Myers enjoys beachy, balmy weather year-round. Average temps range from a low of 63 to a high of 82. January is when airfare takes a tumble, with a median of $206. But you can also find dips in early spring and late summer. For hotels, rates are lowest in November, but stay pretty consistent April through December. It’s the winter months when prices spike. When visiting downtown, stop in at Green Cup Cafe for vegan treats and coffee. There’s an art walk every first Friday and Saturday, where you’ll get in the best people-watching from Cabos Cantina’s outside seating. And one can’t miss stop for any trip to Fort Myers is Daddy Dee’s Ice Cream. Just over the bridge, this old-fashioned ice cream parlour has some of the best scoops around.
7. Tampa, Florida
Further up the Gulf Coast, Tampa is becoming a favorite spot for those seeking sun — for less. A trip here can cost you around 26% less than most other trips. For short stays, visiting in September maybe your best best. It’s when median airfare is lowest ($222) and you’ll still get a deal on hotels (median $130/night). For longer stays, November is when median hotel rates are lowest ($100/night) even through flight prices spike (median $300). Plus, there are plenty of big things you can do on a small budget in Tampa. Explore Tampa’s keys by heading to Fort de Soto Park where you can walk around and see its two historic forts — all for free. Stop by Billy’s Stone Crab Seafood on the way out or in for a fresh fish fix.
8. Salt Lake City, Utah
This unsung hero’s song is about to get sung. Salt Lake City doesn’t often come up on our destination lists — in fact, this is its first time. As a wallet-friendly destination, it’s 25% less expensive than most other trips. April and October are generally when you’ll find the lowest airfares — both have a median price of $297. Hotel-wise, November and December both see median rates drop to $100/night. However, year-round median hotel rates stay below $130, so there are other opportunities to find a deal. Because you’re likely in SLC for the fresh, mountain air, after a day spent hiking the foothills stop at Zest Kitchen and Bar for inventive vegan food and cocktails. #sohealthy
9. Minneapolis, Minnesota
There’s more going on in this Twin City than football. Visit Minneapolis for 23% less than what most other trips would cost. For the optimal combination of weather, airfare and hotel price, we recommend going in May. You’ll get relatively mild weather (average temp of 59), low airfare (median $268) and low hotel rates (median $129/night). Whatever month you’re visiting, try to book at least 5 months ahead, as that’s when we’re seeing the best deals reveal themselves. While there, you can’t miss the art. Minneapolis has some of the best museums in the country from the Walker Art Center to the Sculpture Garden to the Institute of Art. Get cultured.
10. Baltimore, Maryland
Edgar Allan Poe’s city rounds out our list of wallet-friendly trips with a city that’s 23% less than your average trip. Go in September when median airfare is lowest ($213), even though you’ll pay a little more on hotel rates (median $155/night). However, if you’re trying to budget your per diem costs, December is when the city sees the lowest median hotel rates ($120/night). But you’ll be paying for it with those freezing temps (41 on average). Even though Baltimore is in driving distance from DC, this city can stand on its own. Take a walk through Druid Hill Park and check out the Botanic Gardens. Then head to trendy Fell’s Point where you can eat at the infamous The Horse You Came in On Saloon — which has been serving drinks since 1775.
Wondering which destination is the best fit for your budget? Check out our Travel Hacker list in Explore. Whether you’re looking for a trip that’s wallet-friendly or something a bit more extravagant, we’ll make sure you have what you need to plan your vacation.
Methodology
To see how we got our stats, go here.
