10 Affordable Destinations for 2026: Where Flights Cost Less

Beginner | January 16, 2026

✨ Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Why This List Matters in 2026

If you want to travel in 2026, you’re not alone. But many people feel stressed about booking flights—especially when prices go up and down. A new report shared by Travel + Leisure says 43% of U.S. travelers are still undecided about where to go, and 36% are waiting for the best deals. In other words, people want a vacation—but they also want a smart price. (Travel + Leisure)

The Affordable Destinations 2026 List (From the U.S.)

Travel + Leisure shared a list from Skyscanner, based on average roundtrip airfare from the United States. The top of the list is Las Vegas ($232), followed by San Salvador ($282) and Miami ($284). If you want beaches, there are also Caribbean options like San Juan, Puerto Rico ($365) and Punta Cana ($375). (Travel + Leisure)

Surprise: Hawaii and Europe Make the Cut

Here’s the fun part: this isn’t only “cheap cities close to home.” Kahului (Maui), Hawaii is on the list with an average roundtrip flight of $329. And yes—Europe shows up too: Milan, Italy comes in at $559. It’s more expensive than the others, but it’s still one of the 10 cheapest options on the report, which may surprise people who assume Europe is always out of reach. (Travel + Leisure)

A Quick “Business” Way to Think About Travel

Think of this like a simple business decision: you have a goal (a trip), a budget (your money), and a timeline (your vacation dates). If you’re flexible, you can often find better options. The report also notes that many Americans feel overwhelmed by booking (57%), and cost is the top concern (71%). So using a clear list like this can reduce decision stress and help you move faster. (Travel + Leisure)

A Tool That Helps You Find Cheaper Months

Skyscanner also introduced a Cheapest Destination Planner. It highlights the 10 cheapest destinations each month and shows the most affordable days to travel (which can change by route and month). If you’re planning a 2026 trip, this kind of tool can help you compare options quickly—like a price-check spreadsheet for your vacation. (Skyscanner)

Final Takeaway: Affordable Destinations 2026 Are Real

The big message is simple: affordable destinations 2026 are still out there. If you stay open-minded, watch prices, and choose dates carefully, you can travel without destroying your budget. Start with one destination you like from the list, then use a planner tool to explore cheaper months.

Vocabulary

airfare (noun) – the price you pay for a flight.
Example: “Airfare can change a lot from week to week.”
roundtrip (adjective) – going and returning (two-way travel).
Example: “The list uses average roundtrip flight prices.”
fluctuate (verb) – to change often (up and down).
Example: “Flight prices can fluctuate depending on the season.”
undecided (adjective) – not sure about a decision yet.
Example: “Many travelers are undecided about where to go in 2026.”
deal (noun) – a good price or special offer.
Example: “Some people wait for a deal before booking.”
budget-friendly (adjective) – not too expensive.
Example: “San Salvador is a budget-friendly destination on the list.”
flexible (adjective) – able to change plans easily.
Example: “If you’re flexible, you can often save money.”
route (noun) – the travel path between two places.
Example: “Prices can change depending on the route and month.”
getaway (noun) – a short vacation.
Example: “A weekend getaway can be cheaper than a long trip.”
planner (noun) – a tool that helps you organize choices and schedules.
Example: “A flight planner can help you find cheaper travel days.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why are many people unsure about booking travel in 2026?
Which three destinations are the cheapest on the list?
What surprised you most about the list (Hawaii, Europe, or something else)?
Why might being flexible help you save money on flights?
How can a “planner” tool make travel decisions easier?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

When you travel, what matters most: price, comfort, or time?
Do you prefer domestic travel or international travel? Why?
What do you do to save money when you travel?
If you could take one affordable trip in 2026, where would you go?
Do you think flight prices will rise or fall in the next few years? Why?

Related Idiom / Phrase

“Stretch your dollar” – to use your money wisely and get more value.

Example: “Using the affordable destinations list can help you stretch your dollar in 2026.”

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This article was inspired by Travel + Leisure (and Skyscanner’s flight data tools). (Travel + Leisure)