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Who says traveling has to be expensive?
Well, a lot of people actually, especially since airfares have reportedly shot through the roof, shutting down Spirit Airlines and driving up fares for those still taking to the skies.
Lucky for you, we’ve found some of the best deals happening this summer so you don’t have to skip your annual beach vacation.
Although you’ll need a passport, the all-inclusive resorts, pristine coastline and vibrant culture are all worth the extra flight times and customs hassles.
In other words, once you’re at the pool bar or splashing in translucent water, it’s like you didn’t even stress about packing.
With some help from To go (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), we first dug into their insightful data and found the 3 cheapest beach destinations Americans can fly to this summer.
3) Punta Cana: the most famous holiday destination in the Dominican Republic
If you’ve never been to Punta Cana, know that it’s one of the few world-famous destinations that really lives up to the hype.
So far I’ve had two mediocre trips to Cancun where I didn’t quite understand the hype, but Punta Cana was flawless for its critically acclaimed sugar sand beaches, affordable luxury, and day trips to islands, like one of my favorites. Saona Island – an absolute must-do if you are in the area.
Resorts can be surprisingly affordable for such a popular getaway, but what about the journey there?
According to Going, Punta Cana is the 8th cheapest international destination in terms of airfare this summer, ahead of Auckland, New Zealand.
Not to sound like the ShamWow man, but with prices this low it’s just too good to pass up.
A typical round-trip flight costs more than $700, but right now it’s a bargain at less than half that, averaging a paltry $336, all told.
These are the top 3 deals from major US cities:
- Miami to Punta Cana for $220 round trip
- Chicago to Punta Cana for $240 round trip
- NYC to Punta Cana for $247 round trip
2) Liberia, Costa Rica (Guanacaste): Resort port in Central America
Full disclosure: One of my favorite resorts I’ve ever stayed at is just a 30-minute shuttle bus ride from Liberia.
That would be so Secrets Papagayoan all-inclusive adults-only resort, located on a black sand bay, with some of the most hospitable staff I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
While Costa Rica is generally far from a budget traveler’s paradise, you don’t have to spend a dime to get here.
Plus, opting for an all-inclusive package gives you that little bit of extra peace of mind so you don’t have to feel like you’re paying too much, like I did when I left the resort (ahem, Tamarindo).
That said, Guanacaste is undoubtedly the place in Central America to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle on your own terms, whether it’s a chic stay at one of the many resorts or a quaint boutique stay in a surf town.
Liberia ranks 5th overall for cheapest international flights, where regular prices are typically above $700.
Right now, deals are being found left and right, with average round-trip fares as low as $343.
These are the top 3 deals from major US cities:
- Fort Lauderdale to Liberia for $196 round trip
- NYC to Liberia for $210 round trip
- LA to Liberia for $282 round trip
1) Montego Bay: Jamaica is back, Mahn!
Jamaica is back.
But we’re not going to sugarcoat it and say it’s better than ever.
The popular island nation is still recovering from the wrath of Hurricane Melissa, although many resorts have reopened and claim they are ready to embrace you with the Jamaican spirit we have all come to love:
Rum.
Just kidding… sort of…
Montego Bay is one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after beach getaways, with luxury resorts, quintessential Jamaican culture and epic day trips to places like Negril.
Better yet, knowing what Jamaica has been through, travelers may find they have an even softer spot for the island, especially when their visit can help pump money back into an economy where many locals still can’t enjoy the same beaches that visitors fly to.
With usual fares north of $750, many vacationers can score flights for a fraction of that, as the average round trip is $344.
These are the top 3 deals from major US cities:
- Tampa to Montego Bay for $240 round trip
- Detroit to Montego Bay for $268 round trip
- NYC to Montego Bay for $278 round trip
