Where It’s Cheapest to Fly Internationally From the US: Updated Guide (2026)

Booking international travel right now takes a certain kind of nerve. Fares shift, routes change, and economic uncertainty has made it difficult to know whether you're getting a good deal or just a decent one. The uneasiness that it may be causing is valid, but it doesn't mean affordable international travel is off the table. It just means you have to get smarter about where you look. 

Based on Going's analysis of deal prices in 2025 and 2026, the cheapest international roundtrip flights from the US over the past year were:

• San Jose, Costa Rica: $331 roundtrip average
• Guatemala City, Guatemala: $273 roundtrip average
• Calgary, Canada: $241 roundtrip average
• Montego Bay, Jamaica: $344 roundtrip average
• Liberia, Costa Rica: $343 roundtrip average

With the volatility of the current travel landscape, these historical averages should be used more as a guide, less as gospel. If you’re itching to travel internationally right now, and not wanting to spend an arm and a leg to do it, begin your flight search with these destinations, which over the past year have shown the most promise of affordable and frequent deals. 

This year’s list is weighted not just by price but by how deep the discount runs and how consistently deals appear. That methodology has an interesting side effect: Destinations like Tokyo and Auckland, which carry average deal prices in the $700s and $800s, still make the cut. When deals do appear to these cities, they represent some of the steepest discounts off normally sky-high fares, and they tend to cover a wide range of US departure airports. If a particular region of the world is calling your name, these rankings are a strong signal of where your best shot at an affordable entry point lies.

For the more traditionally budget-friendly destinations—Central America, the Caribbean, Canada—the picture is more straightforward: low fares, high deal frequency, and in many cases, affordable on-the-ground costs that stretch your dollar even further once you land.

With Going’s Premium or Elite membership, you can unlock exclusive flight alerts on affordable routes, mistake fares, and last-minute deals, helping you save an average of $550 per international flight. 

After the top ten, keep reading for the cheapest places to travel around the world by month, region, and travel type, ensuring you can create lasting memories without overspending, no matter when you hit the road. 

Summarize with ChatGPT | Perplexity | Claude | Google AI Mode | Grok

Top 10 cheapest places to fly internationally 

10. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is served by two major airports, both offering nonstop flights from a wide range of US cities. At an average Going deal of $732, Tokyo sits at the higher end of this list based purely on sticker price, but that number tells only part of the story. Flights to Japan normally run $1,000+, meaning the deals we send are some of the steepest discounts we see, and they've been appearing regularly across dozens of US departure cities. If Japan is on your radar and you're waiting for the right moment, listen up. Once there, Tokyo has something for everyone: ancient temples and futuristic neighborhoods, world-class ramen and Michelin-starred dining, and bullet train connections to Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

• Average Going deal: $732 roundtrip
• Airports: NRT, HND
• Must-visit attractions: Shibuya Crossing, Senso-ji Temple, Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample economy deals we’ve sent to Tokyo:

• Seattle to Tokyo for $353 roundtrip
• Pittsburgh to Tokyo for $531 roundtrip
• Denver to Tokyo for $589 roundtrip 

>> See cheap flights to Tokyo

9. Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland (AKL) is the main gateway to New Zealand and one of the more surprising entries on this list. Like Tokyo, the average Going deal price reflects the reality of long-haul South Pacific flying (i.e., it’s pricier than other international spots). But normal fares regularly rise to $1,500+, which means the deals we've found aren’t just okay. They’re extraordinary. Better yet, they’re not one-offs. Widespread discounts have surfaced consistently over the past year. Known as the City of Sails, Auckland sits between two harbors and offers easy access to beaches, volcanic landscapes, and island day trips, and serves as the ideal jumping-off point for exploring the rest of New Zealand's North Island.

• Average Going deal: $793 roundtrip
• Airport: AKL
• Must-visit attractions: Sky Tower, Waiheke Island, Waitākere Ranges

Sample economy deals we’ve sent to Auckland:

• LA to Auckland for $453 roundtrip
• Miami to Auckland for $526 roundtrip
• Boston to Auckland for $550 roundtrip 

>> See cheap flights to Auckland

8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana (PUJ) is one of the Caribbean's busiest leisure airports, with nonstop flights from cities across the US on a mix of major carriers and charter operators. The volume of routes, plus the competition that comes with it, keeps fares consistently low. The destination itself is purpose-built for relaxation. Think miles of white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and warm turquoise water. Looking to venture beyond the resort strip? Explore the colonial architecture of Santo Domingo, take a catamaran to Saona Island, or zipline through the countryside instead.

• Average Going deal: $336 roundtrip
• Airport: PUJ
• Must-visit attractions: Saona Island, Hoyo Azul, Santo Domingo Colonial Zone

Sample economy deals we’ve sent to Punta Cana:

• Miami to Punta Cana for $220 roundtrip
• Chicago to Punta Cana for $240 roundtrip
• NYC to Punta Cana for $247 roundtrip 

>> See cheap flights to Punta Cana

7. Bogotá, Colombia

El Dorado International (BOG) is Colombia’s largest airport and one of the busiest in Latin America, offering nonstop flights from several US cities, particularly around the south and eastern states. Sitting high in the Andes at more than 8,600 feet above sea level, Bogotá blends colonial history with modern city energy. Travelers can wander the colorful streets of La Candelaria, ride the cable car up Monserrate for sweeping city views, or visit the famous Gold Museum.

• Average Going deal: $302 roundtrip
• Airport: BOG
• Must-visit attractions: La Candelaria, Gold Museum, Monserrate

Sample economy deals we’ve sent to Bogotá:

• Miami to Bogotá for $238 roundtrip
• Chicago to Bogotá for $281 roundtrip
• Austin to Bogotá for $285 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights to Bogotá

6. Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver International (YVR) is one of North America’s best-connected airports, with frequent nonstop flights from cities all across the US. Just a short train ride from downtown, YVR provides easy access to a city where mountains, ocean, and urban life meet. Visitors can bike the seawall around Stanley Park, explore the food stalls at Granville Island, or head just two hours north to ski or hike around Squamish and Whistler.

• Average Going deal: $255 roundtrip
• Airport: YVR
• Must-visit attractions: Stanley Park, Granville Island, Whistler

Sample economy deals we’ve sent to Vancouver:

• Chicago to Vancouver for $124 roundtrip
• Phoenix to Vancouver for $131 roundtrip
• Atlanta to Vancouver for $155 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights to Vancouver

5. Liberia, Costa Rica

If San José is Costa Rica's main gateway, Liberia is its secret weapon. LIR serves the Guanacaste region, Costa Rica's driest, sunniest province, and gets you where you're going with far less fuss than routing through the capital. Touch down, clear customs, and you're within an hour of some of the finest Pacific coastline in Central America. Tamarindo is the most famous of the surf towns: laidback and lively, somehow both at once. Nosara has become a magnet for surfers and yoga practitioners drawn by clean breaks and the jungle right on your doorstep. And when you've had your fill of the coast, Rincón de la Vieja National Park is also there, with bubbling mud pots, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife galore.

• Average Going deal: $343 roundtrip
• Airport: LIR
• Must-visit attractions: Tamarindo Beach, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Playa Conchal

Sample economy deals we’ve sent to Liberia:

• Fort Lauderdale to Liberia for $196 roundtrip
• New York City to Liberia for $210 roundtrip
• Los Angeles to Liberia for $282 roundtrip 

>> See cheap flights to Liberia

4. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sangster International (MBJ) is Jamaica’s busiest airport, located minutes from Montego Bay beaches and all-inclusive resorts, where polished yet competitively priced accommodations run the spectrum from budget-friendly to luxurious. But don’t stop there. Dunn's River Falls is one of the Caribbean's most renowned natural sites. The Blue Mountains produce some of the world's most prized coffee and offer hiking trails with views that stretch to Cuba on a clear day. And the Martha Brae River, where bamboo rafting has been a local institution for decades, moves at exactly the leisurely pace you’re looking for.

• Average Going deal: $344 roundtrip
• Airport: MBJ
• Must-visit attractions: Dunn’s River Falls, Doctor’s Cave Beach, Martha Brae River

Sample economy deals we’ve sent to Montego Bay:

• Tampa to Montego Bay for $240 roundtrip
• Detroit to Montego Bay for $268 roundtrip
• New York City to Montego Bay for $278 roundtrip 

>> See cheap flights to Montego Bay

3. Calgary, Canada

Calgary International (YYC) is easy to overlook. It’s a mid-size Canadian city with cold winters, but don’t fall into the trap. Calgary is also the front door to the Canadian Rockies. An hour west and you're in Banff National Park, where turquoise lakes sit beneath snow-capped peaks. Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, and the hot springs at Banff are the obvious hits. The city itself holds its own, thanks to excellent restaurants, a walkable riverside downtown, and the kind of low-key outdoorsy energy you'd expect from a place where people ski on their lunch break.

• Average Going deal: $241 roundtrip
• Airport: YYC
• Must-visit attractions: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Calgary Tower

Sample economy deals we’ve sent to Calgary:

• Denver to Calgary for $129 roundtrip
• Nashville to Calgary for $142 roundtrip
• San Francisco to Calgary for $144 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights to Calgary

2. Guatemala City, Guatemala

La Aurora International (GUA) sits a few miles from Guatemala City's historic center, but most travelers use it as a launchpad for one of Central America's most varied countries. Within an hour, you can reach Antigua, a colonial city with cobblestone streets, crumbling baroque churches, and flowering courtyards, all ringed by volcanoes. Push further, and you’ll reach Lake Atitlán, surrounded by Mayan villages and volcanic peaks, and the archaeological ruins of Tikal rising out of the jungle canopy. All of it accessible from one of the cheapest international airports to fly into from the US.

• Average Going deal: $268 roundtrip
• Airport: GUA
• Must-visit attractions: Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal

Sample economy deals we’ve sent to Guatemala City:

• Houston to Guatemala City for $159 roundtrip
• New York City to Guatemala City for $188 roundtrip
• Las Vegas to Guatemala City for $248 roundtrip

>> See cheap flights to Guatemala City

1. San José, Costa Rica

Juan Santamaría International (SJO) is Costa Rica's main gateway, with nonstop flights from cities across the US. San José is really just the starting point, though. From here, the country unfolds in every direction: northwest to steaming crater lakes and hot springs in Arenal, west into the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, and east to the rainforest canals and sea turtle nesting sites of Tortuguero. Costa Rica has spent decades perfecting ecotourism. The adventure infrastructure is world-class, the wildlife density is staggering, and the food scene is fresh and deeply nourishing. And it’s the most affordable international destination we’ve tracked over the past year to boot. 

• Average Going deal: $333 roundtrip
• Airport: SJO
• Must-visit attractions: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Sample economy deals we’ve sent to San José:

• Fort Lauderdale to San José for $185 roundtrip
• Newark to San José for $191 roundtrip
• Denver to San José for $222 roundtrip 

>> See cheap flights to San José

Interested in the European lineup? Check out Going’s cheapest European cities to fly into rankings to learn where the past year’s data is pointing you toward great deals.

Cheapest international destinations by month

Note: We’ve included honorable mentions below. These are reserved for US territories, such as destinations throughout Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, which do not require a passport to reach but whose flight deals more closely resemble international fares than domestic ones. 

Also note: Average roundtrip flight costs are different from above, as the averages above account for the full year, while below they account for the specific month. 

January

1. Calgary, Canada: $262 roundtrip
2. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: $335 roundtrip
3. Liberia, Costa Rica: $354 roundtrip
4. Honorable mentions: Aguadilla Pueblo, Puerto Rico ($307 roundtrip); Christiansted, US Virgin Islands ($328 roundtrip)

February

1. Vancouver, Canada: $278 roundtrip
2. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: $336 roundtrip
3. Liberia, Costa Rica: $355 roundtrip
4. Honorable mention: Christiansted, US Virgin Islands ($318 roundtrip)

March

1. Vancouver, Canada: $278 roundtrip
2. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: $337 roundtrip
3. Liberia, Costa Rica: $353 roundtrip
4. Honorable mention: Christiansted, US Virgin Islands ($323 roundtrip)

April

1. Oaxaca, Mexico: $318 roundtrip
2. Belize City, Belize: $347 roundtrip
3. San José, Costa Rica: $350 roundtrip
4. Honorable mention: Christiansted, US Virgin Islands ($327 roundtrip)

May

1. Calgary, Canada: $267 roundtrip
2. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: $315 roundtrip
3. Oaxaca, Mexico: $337 roundtrip

June

1. Calgary, Canada: $260 roundtrip
2. San José del Cabo, Mexico: $342 roundtrip
3. Cancún, Mexico: $369 roundtrip
4. Honorable mention: San Juan, Puerto Rico ($300 roundtrip)

July

1. Calgary, Canada: $252 roundtrip
2. San José del Cabo, Mexico: $343 roundtrip
3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: $374 roundtrip
4. Honorable mentions: Christiansted, US Virgin Islands ($370 roundtrip); San Juan, Puerto Rico ($373 roundtrip)

August

1. Calgary, Canada: $254 roundtrip
2. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: $319 roundtrip
3. San José del Cabo, Mexico: $341 roundtrip
4. Honorable mention: Christiansted, US Virgin Islands ($309 roundtrip)

September

1. Calgary, Canada: $262 roundtrip
2. Vancouver, Canada: $268 roundtrip
3. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: $320 roundtrip
4. Honorable mention: Christiansted, US Virgin Islands ($305 roundtrip)

October

1. Calgary, Canada: $264 roundtrip
2. Oranjestad, Aruba: $347 roundtrip
3. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos: $357 roundtrip
4. Honorable mention: Christiansted, US Virgin Islands ($352 roundtrip)

November

1. Calgary, Canada: $269 roundtrip
2. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: $340 roundtrip
3. Oranjestad, Aruba: $349 roundtrip
4. Honorable mention: Christiansted, US Virgin Islands ($309 roundtrip)

December

1. Calgary, Canada: $266 roundtrip
2. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands: $341 roundtrip
3. Liberia, Costa Rica: $349 roundtrip

Cheapest international destinations by region

Note: Food, accommodation, and excursion costs are estimates and will vary depending on your travel style.

Western Europe – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona El Prat (BCN) is one of Europe's busiest and most competitive airports, making it one of the most reliably affordable entry points to Western Europe from the US. Direct flights from over a dozen US cities, combined with the presence of low-cost carriers like Vueling and LEVEL, keep fares consistently low. Once there, the city offers a near-inexhaustible mix of Modernista architecture, world-class food markets, beachfront neighborhoods, and a central location that makes rail travel to the rest of Spain and Southern France a breeze.

• Average Going deal: $468 roundtrip
• Daily costs:
  • Food: $25–$40
  • Accommodation: $110–$170 per night, from budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range hotels
  • Attractions/day trips: $15–$35 each
• Top attractions: La Sagrada Família, La Boqueria, Park Güell
• Expert traveler tip: The T-Casual metro card covers 10 trips and is the most cost-effective way to get around the city. Buy one at any metro station on arrival.

Eastern Europe – Poland (Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław)

Poland has become one of the best-value destinations in Europe, and whether you fly into Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, the price is roughly the same. Warsaw is the capital and largest city, blending a restored Old Town with a modern skyline and one of Europe's most vibrant restaurant scenes. Kraków is Poland’s cultural and historical heart, home to a medieval market square, Wawel Castle, and day trips to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Wrocław, often called Poland's most beautiful city, offers a fairytale old town on an island in the Oder River, with a lively student population that keeps the bar and café scene buzzing year-round. Whichever you choose as your base, Poland's efficient, affordable rail network makes it easy to see all three.

• Average Going deal: $472 roundtrip
• Daily costs:
  • Food: $10–$25
  • Accommodation: $30–$90 per night, from comfortable hostels to mid-range hotels
  • Attractions/day trips: $5–$20 each
• Top attractions: Kraków's Old Town Market Square, Warsaw's Royal Castle, Wrocław's Market Square
• Expert traveler tip: Poland's intercity trains are fast, punctual, and cheap. A ticket between Warsaw and Kraków runs $15–$25 and takes under three hours, making it easy to cover multiple cities on a single trip.

Scandinavia – Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki (HEL) has emerged as one of the more surprisingly affordable gateways to Scandinavia, with Finnair operating nonstop service from multiple US cities including NYC, LA, Dallas, Chicago, Seattle, and Miami. The airport is famously efficient (a single compact terminal means intra-Europe connections can take as little as 35 minutes), making Helsinki a smart hub for hopping onward to Stockholm, Copenhagen, or Tallinn. The city itself features a striking waterfront, world-class design culture, a sauna scene that borders on religion, and fresh Nordic cuisine.

• Average Going deal: $444 roundtrip
• Daily costs:
  • Food: $40–$60
  • Accommodation: $130–$200 per night, from budget options to mid-range hotels
  • Attractions/day trips: $20–$40 each
• Top attractions: Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Helsinki Cathedral, Market Square
• Expert traveler tip: The Helsinki Card covers unlimited public transport and free entry to over 30 attractions. Worth it for a stay of two or more days.

North America – Calgary, Canada

Calgary is one of the cheapest international cities to fly to from the US and serves as the main gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Frequent deals make it easy to reach this vibrant western Canadian city. From here, you can explore the lively downtown or head just an hour west to Banff National Park and the turquoise lakes and mountain scenery that make the region famous.

• Average Going deal: $241 roundtrip
• Daily costs:
  • Food: $15–$30
  • Accommodation: $50–$140 per night, from comfortable hostels to mid-range hotels
  • Attractions/day trips: $10–$25 each
• Top attractions: Banff National Park, Calgary Tower, Lake Louise
• Expert traveler tip: Renting a car with friends is often the cheapest way to explore Banff and the surrounding national parks.

Latin America – Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most consistently affordable tropical destinations for US travelers, and it dominates this year's list in a way no other country does. San José ranks first overall and Liberia ranks fifth. Between the two airports, travelers have flexible entry points depending on where they want to spend most of their time: SJO is better for the central valley, Caribbean coast, and destinations like Arenal and Monteverde, while LIR drops you closer to Guanacaste's Pacific beaches and surf towns. Either way, the combination of competitive fares, high deal frequency, and affordable on-the-ground costs makes Costa Rica one of the strongest all-around values on this entire list.

• Average Going deal: $331–$343
• Daily costs:
  • Food: $10–$25
  • Accommodation: $25–$80 per night, from comfortable hostels to mid-range hotels
  • Attractions/day trips: $10–$30 each
• Top attractions: Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park
• Expert traveler tip: Visit during the shoulder seasons (May–June or November) for cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds. While you might catch some afternoon showers, these times also feature lush landscapes and peak wildlife viewing.

East Asia – Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is the priciest entry on this list by a considerable margin, but there’s a reason it should still be on your radar. Standard fares to Japan regularly exceed $1,200, and during peak periods they can run significantly higher. What's made Tokyo stand out in our data isn't just that deals exist, but that they've appeared consistently across a wide range of US departure cities over the past year. Once there, Tokyo offers an almost overwhelming depth of experience, with ancient temples alongside futuristic neighborhoods, the world's highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, and bullet train access to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and beyond.

• Average Going deal: $732 roundtrip
• Daily costs:
  • Food: $15–$35
  • Accommodation: $60–$150 per night, from capsule hotels to mid-range options
  • Attractions/day trips: $10–$205each
• Top attractions: Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing, Tsukiji Outer Market
• Expert traveler tip: The IC Card (Suica or Pasmo) works across Tokyo's subway, buses, and many convenience stores — load it up on arrival and you won't need cash for most of your daily travel.

Africa – Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh offers one of the most colorful travel experiences in North Africa, with vibrant markets, historic palaces, and stunning desert landscapes nearby. Increasing flight deals from the US make it one of the more accessible gateways to the region. You can wander the maze-like souks of the medina, relax in traditional riads, or take day trips to the Atlas Mountains.

• Average Going deal: $597 roundtrip
• Daily costs:
  • Food: $8–$20
  • Accommodation: $30–$90 per night, from traditional riads to mid-range hotels
  • Attractions/day trips: $10–$30 each
• Top attractions: Jemaa el-Fnaa, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden
• Expert traveler tip: Stay in a riad inside the medina for a more authentic—and often surprisingly affordable—experience.

Oceania – Auckland, New Zealand

Like Tokyo, Auckland sits at the higher end of this list on price, but the same logic applies. Standard fares to New Zealand from the US regularly push past $1,500, and at an average Going deal price of $793 roundtrip, the savings are substantial. Deals have also appeared across a broad range of US departure airports over the past year, making Auckland a realistic target for travelers across the country, not just those flying from gateway cities. 

• Average Going deal: $793 roundtrip
• Daily costs:
  • Food: $15–$35
  • Accommodation: $50–$140 per night, from comfortable hostels to mid-range hotels
  • Attractions/day trips: $10–$30 each
• Top attractions: Sky Tower, Waiheke Island, Waitākere Ranges
• Expert traveler tip: Ferries to nearby islands like Waiheke offer an affordable way to experience New Zealand’s vineyards and coastal scenery.

Cheapest international destinations by travel type

Adventure travel – Calgary, Canada

Calgary is one of the cheapest international gateways for outdoor adventure from the US and sits just an hour from the Canadian Rockies. From here, you can quickly reach Banff National Park's alpine lakes, hiking trails, and dramatic mountain scenery, or push further west along the Icefields Parkway toward Jasper, one of the most spectacular drives in the world.

• Average Going deal: $241 roundtrip
• Top attractions: Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway
• Expert traveler tip: If you can, rent a car with friends to explore Banff and Jasper. Splitting the cost makes it one of the most affordable ways to see the Rockies.

Family vacation – Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a way of satisfying everyone in the family at once. Kids get volcanoes, sloths, and ziplines. Parents get scenery, excellent food, and a destination that feels manageable to navigate. With two affordable airport options—San José (SJO) for the central valley and Caribbean side, Liberia (LIR) for the Pacific beaches—families can tailor the itinerary to what works best for them. The country's well-developed ecotourism infrastructure means guided nature experiences are widely available and reasonably priced.

• Average Going deal: $331–$343 roundtrip
• Top attractions: Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest
• Expert traveler tip: Book activities through your hotel or a local operator rather than international booking platforms. You'll often pay less and get a more personal experience.

City escape  – Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is one of the easiest international cities for Americans to reach and blends urban culture with spectacular scenery. Visitors can explore lively neighborhoods, waterfront parks, and a standout food scene, all with mountains and ocean views just minutes away. It's also one of the most walkable cities in North America, making it easy to spend a weekend here without needing a car.

• Average Going deal: $255 roundtrip
• Top attractions: Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Expert traveler tip: Rent a bike and ride the Stanley Park seawall for one of the best views in the city.

Beach getaway – Cancún, Mexico

Montego Bay is one of the Caribbean's most accessible beach destinations for US travelers, with nonstop flights from cities across the country landing directly at Sangster International, minutes from the water. The north coast resort scene is well-developed and competitively priced, with all-inclusive options spanning a wide range of budgets. Those who want to venture beyond the resort can explore Dunn's River Falls, the Blue Mountains, or the laidback fishing village of Treasure Beach on the south coast.

• Average Going deal: $344 roundtrip
• Top attractions: Doctor's Cave Beach, Dunn's River Falls, Blue Mountains
• Expert traveler tip: Book your all-inclusive resort during the shoulder season (May through mid-December) for significantly lower rates without sacrificing much in terms of weather.

Tips for finding the best flight deals

Set up price alerts

The best way to land a cheap flight deal is to set up flight price alerts and stay informed about fare changes. If you feel a bit lost on this subject, you can check our guide to learn more about flight alerts.

For extra savings, take advantage of Going’s customizable deal alerts. Our memberships make sure you always receive the best flight deals, whether you're traveling domestically or internationally.

Use flexible date search

Flexible date searches are one of the most reliable ways to find cheaper international flights. Small shifts in travel dates can mean significant differences in price. Three flexibility tactics that consistently reduce airfare costs:

• Shift travel days by 1–2 days. Midweek departures (Tuesday and Wednesday) tend to be cheaper than Friday or Sunday flights on most international routes.
• Adjust by a week. Flying one week earlier or later than your original plan—especially around holidays or school breaks—can cut fares substantially.
• Use the price calendar view. Tools like Google Flights' Date Grid display fares across an entire month, making it easy to spot the lowest-cost window at a glance without searching date by date.

The more flexible your dates, the more leverage you have to let price—rather than a fixed calendar—guide your booking decision.

Consider alternative airports

Major hub airports typically have more flight connections and competition, which can drive prices down, so you might consider flying into an alternate airport close to your destination. Additionally, checking smaller regional airports might uncover budget-friendly options, especially when connecting to larger routes.

Monitor fare drops

It’s no secret that fares are constantly going up and down throughout the year. This can feel like a game of chance when booking a trip. Still, if you keep an eye out for the route you're interested in, you’re more likely to spot a drop and have a greater chance to jump on it before the price goes back up.

Consider connecting or regional flights

Adding a regional connection to your route can also cut costs. Instead of booking a direct flight to your final destination, consider flying into a nearby major airport and taking a short regional flight to complete your journey. This strategy helps you take advantage of the prices on competitive international routes and the cheap rates regional airports offer on shorter flights.

Look for nighttime flights

Booking nighttime flights, often called "red-eye flights," can be a great strategy for finding cheaper airfare. These flights are typically less popular due to the inconvenient timing, so airlines may offer lower fares to fill seats. Additionally, red-eye flights are more likely to have fewer passengers, making for a more comfortable travel experience.

Methodology

The Flight Experts at Going look at thousands of possible airfare deals every week. When a deal meets our standards, we send it out to our 2+ million members, saving them an average of $550 on each international flight.

Deals to some international destinations are simply more prevalent than deals to others, and there are a number of factors that impact fares and frequency of deals, including the number of airports serving a destination, the airlines operating there, and the level of competition on various routes.

To determine which international cities are among the cheapest for Americans to reach, we considered destinations with at least one deal every couple of weeks. Note: A single deal can span multiple routes depending how widespread the discounted price was across US departure airports. We then ranked them using a weighted scoring system: 30% average Going deal price, 35% discount off the normal price, and 35% frequency of deals sent. This approach is why destinations like Tokyo and Auckland, which carry higher average deal prices than, say, Costa Rica or Canada, still appear on the list. The discounts off their normally substantial fares, combined with the consistency and geographic breadth of those deals, gave them strong composite scores. It reflects not just how cheap a destination can get, but how reliably good the value is, a better signal of where travelers are likely to find deals heading into the rest of the year.

Data reflects deals sent between April 20, 2025, and April 19, 2026.