Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about summer vacation plans. If saving money is on your mind, we have just the place to start.
We dove into our data to find the top destinations where flight prices are down compared with last year – meaning this summer is the perfect time to check them out for less.
Read on for 10 destinations where you’ll get great value this summer.
Austin, Texas
Flight prices to this hip Texas city are down 18% compared with last year, meaning if you’ve been itching to see it for yourself, now may just be the time (median airfare: $236). There’s no shortage of seasonal events like the Austin Ice Cream Festival in June, Hot Summer Nights (four days of free live music across 20 local venues) and Austin Pride Week in August. You can also cool off at Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre, spring-fed outdoor oasis. There are also plenty of local spots to grab a bite – The Peached Tortilla is a local favorite and Broken Spoke Dance Hall is perfect if you want a dive bar with a side of line dancing.
Denver, Colorado
Not only are flight prices to Denver down 14% compared with last year, but our data shows that it’s also one of the cheapest flights to take this summer (median airfare: $216). With hot summers that brings temps in the 80s and low humidity, the weather is pretty close to summer perfection and the city boasts tons of things to do. June sees Denver PrideFest and the Cherry Blossom Festival, while July brings the Denver International Wine Festival and the Denver County Fair.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Looking for a cool city trip that won’t break the bank? Consider Toronto. Flight prices are down 12% compared with last year (median airfare $301). Summer weather reaches into the 80s and there’s tons to explore in the big city (the biggest in Canada, in fact). Spend some time in the Distillery District for a historic and eclectic area home to some of the city’s best bars, cafes and art galleries. And don’t think the urban sprawl means you can’t hit the beach. Head to Sugar beach. While you can’t swim, you can enjoy some sun and sand with views of Lake Ontario from a sunlounger.
Anchorage, Alaska
If Alaska is on your travel list, this summer may just be the time to go. Last summer, flights to Anchorage were well over $850, but with the addition of new flight routes from a low-cost airline, we’re seeing prices down 20% compared with 2018 (median airfare: $698). Summers in Alaska are mild and dry with temperatures that can reach into the 60s. Take a day cruise from Seward to peep glaciers, rent a bike and ride through the scenic 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and when you’ve worked up an appetite, tuck into some local cuisine – think fresh seafood like king crab and salmon. There are also a dozen or so breweries within the city.
New Orleans, Louisiana
While summer is the offseason in New Orleans with weather that can be hot and rainy (hurricane season runs from June through November), you’ll have the best luck with a June trip. According to meteorologists, current predictions show a below-average hurricane season for 2019, and flight prices are down 10% compared with last summer (median airfare: $283). Traveling in the off-season also means fewer crowds on perennially packed Bourbon Street. Take advantage of this by heading to Cafe du Monde for a cup of chicory coffee and their famous beignets (we still recommend going early).
Kingston, Jamaica
If you need another reason to plan a trip to Jamaica – which you probably don’t – we have it. Flight prices are down 7% this summer compared with last year (median airfare: $495). While it’s the low season in Jamaica, there’s still plenty to do and you’ll get to enjoy it all without the high season crowds. Grab reservations at top restaurants that are usually hard to get, grab the ideal tee time and easily find a prime spot on the beach.
Nashville, Tennessee
Summer flight prices to Nashville will be music to your ears – they’re down 6% compared with last year (median airfare: $279). But that’s only one of the reasons why Music City should be on your radar. Summer brings some of the city’s biggest outdoor festivals. From a country music festival with plenty of big names to the area’s popular annual music and arts festival. And did we mention the food? The city is known for its barbeque, so if you’re looking to partake there are plenty of options.
Krakow, Poland
If you’ve already done all the major European hotspots and want to get a bit more off the beaten path – or if you’re into Gothic and medieval architecture – Krakow could be the perfect choice for summer 2019. Flight prices are down 15% compared to last year, and while median airfare still hovers around $811, there’s plenty of ways to save even more on the ground. Wandering through the city’s Old Town will bring plenty of opportunities for photo ops, for Gothic spires to cobblestone streets. See the city at your own pace or take advantage of free walking tours. When you get thirsty, you’ll also be happy to know the city’s beer is veryyyy reasonably priced (you’ll even find some domestic beers for less than $2!).
Milan, Italy
Summer in Italy is just about as spectacular as it sounds, and with flight prices to Milan down 6% compared with last year (median airfare: $698), it’s a savings-savvy time to finally see it for yourself. Get your culture on at some of the city’s impressive museums – many of which won’t set you back. The Museo Archeologico hosts artifacts from the Roman, Etruscan, and Greek eras, and it’s housed in a 9th-century monastery which is worth the trip alone. Entry is around $6 but free on Tuesdays after 2pm. While the food will certainly be the main attraction, you don’t have to spend a lot on a fantastic slice of pizza. One of our most affordable favorites is hidden gem Cinder Mount along the Viale Monte Ceneri.
Bogota, Colombia
Being close to the equator, Bogota has pretty consistently pleasant weather year round (temperatures usually in the 50’s or 60’s). Plus, prices are down 6% compared with last year, which doesn’t hurt (median airfare: $457). Art and culture lovers should be sure to spend some time exploring the city’s museums like Museo del Oro – the Gold Museum – or Museo de Botero, which features the work of one of Colombia’s most famous artists. Or, simply just stroll around the city and admire its impressive collection of street art.
Ready to go? Start planning your summer trip on Cheapflights.com.
