Get me out of here.

What’s been on our minds lately: an international trip. Which is why this week we’re featuring the cheapest destinations outside of North America. Better for your 2023 trip planning… and your 2023 budget. But first, the latest travel news.

The pre-check

The week’s latest travel stories and news.

• Good things come in small packages.
  
  ZeroAvia, an experimental airline, had its first successful air test of a hydrogen-electric engine, getting the world one step closer to zero-emission airplanes.
• You can find me in the club.
  
  Sky Club, that is. According to Forbes, 2023 is the year of the airport lounge, with credit card companies working on new concepts and additional perks.
• Were you alive in the 1900s?
  
  Actual question from a 9 year old. Exciting news for those who remember the allure of overnight trains: Amtrak is making a major upgrade to the service.
• Peru closes Machu Picchu.
  
  Civil and political unrest has caused officials to close all access to Machu Picchu. This impacts tourists currently visiting the site as well as future visits for the foreseeable future.

Trending travel

A magic book that takes you to other lands.
It’s called a passport. And if you want to take advantage of some of the top affordable destinations this year – you’re going to need one. When looking at flights that won’t break the bank, we found that these international cities have the lowest average price*. Our top 4 are below, but go here for the full list.

• Bogotá, Colombia
  
  At an average price of $534 for a round-trip flight, Bogota is one of our most affordable international trips.
• Medellín, Colombia
  
  Looks like Colombia should be your top pick for an affordable trip. Average round-trip flight to Medellin is $542.

• Guayaquil, Ecuador
  
  Guayaquil has worked hard to become a more traveler-friendly city. Expect to spend around $642 on a flight.
• Lima, Peru
  
  As our #4 most affordable international destination, Lima clocks in at an average of $691 for a round-trip flight.

Tricks of the trade

Words of Affirm-ation.
Our data shows that while flight prices are up – so is travel demand. Which means it’s likely you need more ways to plan out those essential 2023 trips. Thanks to our new partnership with Affirm, you can budget out your breaks. Affirm provides a buy now, pay later option for approved KAYAK travelers – letting you pace out payment for those flights, hotels and rental cars that total over $150. Learn more.

Social shoutouts

The love for KAYAK Explore continues – thanks Chana! Tag us @kayak or #KAYAKPicks for a chance to be featured.

Links in this Newsletter are for informational purposes only, and there is no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement by or with KAYAK Software Corporation whatsoever.

*KAYAK US considered round-trip, economy flights for search dates 1.1 – 11.20.2022 and travel dates 1.1-12.31.2023 with the lowest average airfare. Search volume thresholds were utilized, and destinations were excluded based on insufficient search volume.