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Everyone may be talking about the World Cup, but new flights are our “World Championship”.
Here at Travel Off Path we understand that the old saying “you get what you pay for” doesn’t always apply to the travel industry.
If that were the case, I might have 14 countries under my belt instead of the 44 I’ve crossed.
Nevertheless, budget airlines are the ultimate travel hack to score great deals to famous paradises.
As a former Spirit credit card holder, I didn’t max out my credit limit (thankfully), but I did take every opportunity possible on their surprisingly impressive road map from Medellin to Kingston.
But times are changing. Spirit is barely holding on while newcomers like it Breeze airways seem to announce exciting new routes every month.
What has become perhaps America’s trendiest airline is not only affordable, but continues to add incredible getaways that Americans crave year-round.
In this case, travelers from a major southern city will soon be able to vacation in style next summer to one of the Caribbean’s most popular resort destinations, and take advantage of the Pura Vida lifestyle for the first time in a quarter century in the fall.
Breaking News: Tampa Welcomes First Costa Rica Flight in 25 Years 🇨🇷
Tampa is one of the most underrated cities in Florida. When you think of the vibrant culture in the Sunshine State, the first thing that probably comes to mind is powerhouse Miami.
Some may say so, but Tampa’s overlooked Ybor City Cuban culture should not be missed.
That said, Tampa’s cluster of postcard beach towns, like Clearwater and Siesta Key, may be breathtaking, but Costa Rica’s Pura Vida lifestyle goes unparalleled.
With all the retirees living in and around Tampa, this makes for an easy escape for old-timers looking for adventure at a slower pace, while also providing more than enough adrenaline-pumping thrills for the younger crowd, like 36-year-old me, who certainly does not pluck white beard hairs on the daily…
To be fair, Costa Rica has occasionally been on the wrong side of the news in recent years, but few violent events have not stopped the masses from pouring into this iconic country as a new country. report claims it is still on a tear, welcoming over 600,000 visitors so far in 2026.
For example, Panama is actually more tearful. Despite some notable security issues on our part Travel Safety Index proves that Costa Rica does indeed feel safer than even Panama, long seen as a safe haven for expats.
The thing is, Breeze nailed this one. Tampa could benefit greatly from a rare nonstop connection to one of Latin America’s most in-demand getaways.
Flight information:
- Departure: Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Arrival: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
- Frequency: 2x per week
- Launch: July 2, 2026
Punta Cana: Tampa’s new summer escape 🇩🇴
Take it from someone who lives in San Diego and makes trips to Tampa every year—it doesn’t matter if you live in a sunny vacation spot, you’ll still get the itch for sun and sand elsewhere, especially if your beloved beaches are crawling with tourists.
I can’t speak for the residents of South Florida, but I imagine we are one and the same in taking advantage of our beautiful coastlines during the off-season and getting out of the way when retirees and screaming children invade our shoreline.
I don’t need to tell you that Florida is a bustling hot spot in the summer, whether it’s the 4th of July weekend or a random Tuesday.
That’s why Breeze’s new Tampa-Punta Cana flight is a sneaky big deal. In fact, there are currently only two routes, and they are both seasonaloperated by Frontier (end of September) and JetBlue (end of June).
Not to throw anyone under the bus, but a search on TikTok will reveal which airline travelers prefer.
Let’s just say that flying with Frontier isn’t always a…breeze.
Punta Cana is one of the most sought-after Caribbean destinations these days, but as this new route proves, it’s not as connected as you might think.
Tampa may be beautiful with its glittering skyline and endless waterways, but… Bavaro Beach Siesta Key just can’t be beat – and I’ve been to both.
That’s why Bavaro deserved one Blue flagthe international quality mark that guarantees the highest quality.
Better yet, Punta Cana is one of the most affordable all-inclusive destinations near the United States.
With new reports claiming that Cabo averages more than $400 per night, our data shows you can score great rates for $250, and maybe less with a little digging.
Flight information:
- Departure: Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Arrival: Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
- Frequency: 2x per week
- Launch: October 3, 2026
