The 10 cheapest destinations for U.S. travelers in 2026: ‘Flexibility will be the key,’ expert says
4 min read
Earlier this month, Skyscanner published its annual report of the cheapest destinations for Americans in 2026.
To determine the ranking, Skyscanner looked at destinations with economy round-trip flights booked on Skyscanner between January 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025, for travel between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.
The travel search engine, in partnership with OnePoll, an international market research company, surveyed 2,000 travelers in November 2025.
The report found that cost is a major driving factor for travelers in 2026, with 57% of U.S. travelers stating they feel overwhelmed at the prospect of booking travel for 2026 due to cost concerns.
“There are plenty of affordable destinations and ways to travel. It might take some planning, flexibility, and creativity, but where there is the desire to travel, there is a way to make it happen affordably,” Lourdes Losada, Skyscanner Director of the Americas, tells CNBC Make It.
Skyscanner found that on average the cheapest day to fly in 2026 is Wednesday.
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While the ranking of the cheapest destinations for Americans features some international places, the U.S. has five cities on the list, which Losada says highlights the fact that there are plenty of places for Americans to explore in their own backyard.
“A passport and a big budget are not necessities to travel in 2026. For travelers who are able to be flexible and open to booking a trip closer to home, there are plenty of great value destinations that offer beach, outdoor adventures, city escapes, nightlife and more,” Losada adds.
For those travelers looking to take advantage of the best deals, Skyscanner’s report found that, on average, the cheapest day to fly in 2026 is Wednesday.
“For Americans looking to keep travel costs low this year, flexibility will be the key. As travelers are tracking flights and considering what days to fly, being flexible and opting to travel mid-week could make a real difference for those looking to trim their travel budget,” Losada says.
No. 1 cheapest destination for U.S. travelers: Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada, ranked as the cheapest destination for U.S. travelers, and Losada says it’s because it’s one of the most competitive flight markets in the U.S.
Factors like high airline capacity, frequent routes and strong demand all year round help keep flight prices to Las Vegas relatively low.
“For those looking for a Las Vegas getaway on a budget, I recommend setting price alerts to track when the flights dip and you can easily score a budget-friendly getaway,” Losada adds.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Andrey Denisyuk | Moment | Getty Images
Las Vegas offers many attractions like the famous Fountains of Bellagio, the Sphere and of course, all there is to see and do along the Las Vegas Strip.
“Sin City” is also close to other major destinations like the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam.
The 10 cheapest destinations for U.S. travelers
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- San Salvador, El Salvador
- Miami, Florida
- Kahului, Hawaii
- Orlando, Florida
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Cancún, Mexico
- Milan, Italy
San Salvador, El Salvador, ranked as the second-cheapest destination for U.S. travelers. Losada says it stood out in the ranking because it’s not a destination that many travelers have at the top of their wish list.
“In addition to its affordable airfares, San Salvador offers visitors excellent value once on the ground. There are plenty of low or no-cost activities,” she adds. “It’s not a traditional hotspot for travelers and costs are not driven by overtourism. Now is a great time to visit while costs are affordable and more airlines are adding routes.”
San Salvador, El Salvador
John Coletti | The Image Bank | Getty Images
San Salvador is the capital and largest city of El Salvador. The city offers a mix of culture, volcanoes and close beaches.
El Salvador’s capital is close to El Boquerón National Park, located at the top of the San Salvador Volcano. It offers great views over the city.
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