Who says travel has to be expensive?
Well, lots of people actually, especially as airfare has reportedly shot through the roof, shuttering Spirit Airlines and driving fares higher for those still taking to the skies.
Fortunately for you, we've found some of the best deals happening this summer so you don't have to skip your annual beach vacay.
While you will need a passport, the all-inclusives resorts, pristine coastline, and vibrant culture are all the worth the extra flight times and customs hassles.
In other words, once you’re at the swim-up bar or splashing around translucent waters, it’s like you never even stressed over packing.
With some help from Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights), we dove head first into their insightful data and found the 3 cheapest beach destinations for Americans to fly to this summer.
While you're planning out logistics, you might as well double-check travel alerts and tourist fees for your trip.
3) Punta Cana: The Dominican's Most Renowned Vacation Destination
If you've never been to Punta Cana, know that it's one of few world-renowned destinations that actually lives up to the hype.
So far, I've had 2 so-so trips to Cancun where I didn't quite understand the hype, but Punta Cana was immaculate from its highly-touted sugar-sand beaches, affordable luxury, and island day trips like one of my favorites, Saona Island — an absolute must-do if you're in the area.
Resorts may be surprisingly affordable for such a popular getaway, but what about getting here?
According to Going, Punta Cana is the 8th cheapest international destination this summer in terms of airfare, sitting ahead of Auckland, New Zealand of all places.
Not to sound like the ShamWow guy, but with prices this low it's simply too good to pass up.
Typical round-trip airfare tops $700, but right now it's a steal less than half of that, averaging a measly $336, all things considered.
These are the top 3 deals from major U.S. 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): Central America's Resort Haven
Full disclosure: one of my favorite resorts I've ever stayed at is just a 30-minute shuttle ride from Liberia.
That would be Secrets Papagayo, an adults-only all-inclusive resort nestled along a black-sand cove with some of the most hospitable staff I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
While Costa Rica in general is far from a budget travelers' paradise, you don't have to spend a pretty penny to get here.
Plus, opting for an all-inclusive package gives that extra little peace of mind, so you don't have to feel like you're overpaying like I did once I left the resort (ahem, Tamarindo).
That said, Guanacaste is undoubtedly Central America's go-to to live the Pura Vida lifestyle on your own terms, whether it be posh digs at one of many resorts or a quaint surfer town boutique stay.
Liberia sits in 5th place overall for cheapest international flights, where normal prices tend to top $700.
Right now, deals are being found left and right, with average round-trip fares of just $343.
These are the top 3 deals from major U.S. 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!
But we're not going to sugarcoat it and say it's better than ever.
The popular island nation is still recovering from Hurricane Melissa's wrath, though many resorts have reopened claiming their ready to embrace you with the Jamaican spirit we've all grown to love:
Rum.
Kidding…sorta…
Montego Bay is one of the Caribbean's most sought-after beach stays with high-end resorts, quintessential Jamaican culture, and epic day trips to such places as Negril.
Better yet, knowing what Jamaica has been through, travelers may find themselves having an even softer spot for the island, especially when their visit can help pump money back into an economy where many locals still don’t get to enjoy the same beaches visitors fly in for.
With usual fares topping the $750 mark, many vacationers can score flights for a fraction of that as average round-trip airfare is $344.
These are the top 3 deals from major U.S. 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
