Want to hit the road without breaking the bank? Kayak, one of the world’s leading travel search engines, shared with Travel + Leisure a list of the cheapest places to travel this year.
To determine the most wallet-friendly destinations, Kayak considered searches for flights from July 2022 through November 2022 for travel in 2023. It then took into account the top 100 most-clicked destinations with the lowest average flight and hotel prices, excluding outliers based on certain criteria such as travel restrictions and security concerns. Prices are on average.
Traveling the world doesn’t have to be out of reach. Take a smart and savvy approach to visit desirable destinations at (relatively) affordable price points.
Houston, Texas
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As a major travel hub, it’s no surprise Houston tops the list of cheapest places to travel in 2023. Clocking in at $569 for a flight and hotel, Houston doesn’t cost as much to reach as most destinations, and there’s a ton to do. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a crowd favorite.
Toronto, Canada
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Toronto is a cool Canadian city to add to your travel plans this year. At $577 on average for a flight and hotel, you can reserve your leftover spending cash for peameal bacon sandwiches from Carousel Bakery (and other irresistible items at St. Lawrence Market) or tickets to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Beautiful High Park, completely free to visit, is another great choice.
Denver, Colorado
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The Mile High City offers rock-bottom prices, at an average of $593 for a flight and hotel. Whether you’re into hiking, art, or cool city coffee shops, Denver has it all. Catch a performance at the open-air Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre for one of the most memorable concerts of your life.
Atlanta, Georgia
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Atlanta, coming in at $623 for a flight and hotel, has all the big-city perks at lower prices. Given this, you’ll have more spending money for highlights like the Georgia Aquarium or a SkyView Ferris wheel ride with views of Centennial Olympic Park. Learning about local history at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights is also worth adding to your itinerary.
Chicago, Illinois
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It doesn’t get better than Chicago in the summer, but the Windy City in the winter is pretty fun, too. Spend an afternoon on the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon, then grab a slice of deep-dish pizza from nearby Giordano’s to warm up and refuel. With a $624 average for a flight and hotel, you’ll have some cash remaining to catch a Broadway show or ascend Skydeck Chicago at the top of Willis Tower.
New York City, New York
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New York City isn’t known for being an affordable place to visit, but you can score prices around $625 for a flight and hotel if you play your cards right. With the amount of flights available in and out of New York, it may seem like all roads lead to the Big Apple, but that’s good news for your wallet because there are plenty of routes and hotels to choose from. Want to save even more money? Plan your agenda using T+L’s list of the best free things to do in New York City.
Dallas, Texas
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Heading to Dallas doesn’t have to set you back much more than $630 for a flight and hotel. Go in the winter for the best prices and make sure to catch a home game for the Mavericks (basketball) or the Stars (hockey). The city also boasts great barbecue and tantalizing Tex-Mex at fair prices.
Orlando, Florida
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You can make a trip to Orlando as expensive (think: every Disney park and the nicest hotels) or affordable as you’d like, starting at around $632 for a flight and hotel. And, believe it or not, there are lots of great free things to do in Orlando.
Washington, D.C.
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Visiting our nation’s capital is a must. Expect to spend around $635 for a flight and hotel, and rest assured that many of our country’s best museums and art institutions — from the Museum of Natural History to the National Portrait Gallery — are completely free to visit.
Portland, Oregon
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Set aside about $645 for a flight and hotel if you’re hoping to visit Portland this year. This funky, eco-friendly city in the Pacific Northwest is packed with things to do. Don’t miss the formal Japanese Garden and family-friendly Oregon Zoo in Washington Park. To spread your dollar far, stay in one of the city’s many welcoming hostels.
Los Angeles, California
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Don’t sleep on La La Land this year — a flight and hotel should set you back about $657, and the rest of your trip budget can be spent on trendy restaurants and bars. Or, stroll the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard or hike to the Hollywood Sign to see the sights without spending another dime.
San Antonio, Texas
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It seems like everything really is bigger in Texas, including your potential savings. Plan to spend about $658 for a flight and hotel, and don’t worry about setting aside too much additional cash because highlights like the San Antonio River Walk and Brackenridge Park are totally free. Don’t leave without exploring the Alamo, either — touring the Alamo Church is also free, but does require a timed entry reservation.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Sin City may not seem like an affordable place to visit, and expenses can certainly add up quickly when you start booking shows and experiences like Area15. We can’t help what you do in the casino, but at $658, at least your flight and hotel won’t be the major problem. Plus, you can check out some of the free things to do in Las Vegas to keep your budget intact.
Mexico City, Mexico
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At $696 for a flight and hotel, Mexico City is the second-cheapest international destination on our list this year. With awe-inspiring architecture, flavorful cuisine, walkable neighborhoods, and an incredible arts and culture scene, Mexico City is worth a visit while the prices are on the lower end. T+L’s list of the best things to do in Mexico City can serve as a handy guide, too.
Vancouver, Canada
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The beautiful coastal city of Vancouver belongs on your travel wish list this year. Diverse and scenic, this western Canadian gem boasts highlights like Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium, and a thriving art, theater, and music scene. Set aside about $754 for your flight and hotel.
Montreal, Canada
Another Canadian city makes the list of most affordable places to travel this year, with an average cost of $763 for a flight and hotel. Here, visitors can expect neighborhoods ranging from French colonial to bohemian, as well as can’t-miss institutions like the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and Jean Talon Market. If you’re into good food, beautiful buildings, and riverside cities, make a stop in Montreal this year.
Cartagena, Colombia
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The boundless energy of colorful Cartagena will refresh even the weariest of travelers, and at $792 for both a flight and hotel, the prices aren’t so bad, either. Highlights of this port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast include a walled 16th-century Old Town, charming buildings, and picture-perfect beaches to explore.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
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A short flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico, will put you smack-dab in one of America’s most tropical territories. Cobblestoned streets pave the way between Old San Juan’s collection of colorful Spanish colonial buildings, and the nearby Castillo San Felipe del Morro is an impressive site dating back to the 1500s. Still, if you’re more into natural wonders than human-made feats, you can get from the beach to jungle in about 45 minutes. Expect to pay around $832 for a flight and hotel.
