29/01/2025
22 Cheapest Places to Travel This Year
Travel can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be — from Finland to North Carolina, these are the 22 cheapest places to travel in the world.
Travel demand continues to boom in 2025. According to the International Air Transport Association, around 5.2 billion people will fly this year, a 6.7 percent increase from 2024. Meanwhile, according to industry news site Skift Research's Global Travel Outlook 2025 report, travel companies expect people to book 24 percent more trips in the coming months. And with the mounting costs of airfare, hotels, and other transportation, making your vacation plans happen on a budget may feel almost impossible — but there are still plenty of deals to be had.
Domestic destinations that made the list run the gamut from quaint beach towns to major cities with big airport hubs. As for the international bunch, you'll notice quite a few Canadian spots made the cut — and it’s easy to see why. “Not only is Canada a quick and easy trip for many Americans, but it’s also one of the cheapest places to travel right now,” says Kayla DeLoache Inserra, director of communications at Kayak. “And with the current exchange rate, the U.S. dollar will stretch a lot further, meaning more money in your wallet for shopping or an extra-special night out while you’re there.”
Here are the cheapest places to travel this year in the U.S. and around the world.
1. Raleigh, North Carolina
Average flight and hotel cost: $493
Cheapest times to visit: January-February; July-August
North Carolina’s charming capital stands out from the crowd with its ample green spaces. In fact, it gets its nickname, "City of Oaks," from the trees that line the heart of its downtown. In addition to being a lively hub for the tech industry, Raleigh is the 10th most populous urban area in the Southeast and is home to several cultural institutions including the North Carolina Museum of Art and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, both of which do not charge an entrance fee. As for foodies, the city has multiple James Beard Award-recognized establishments including Crawford and Son and Bittersweet. Beer lovers, meanwhile, should make time for the Raleigh Beer Trail, which takes travelers to more than 40 breweries. If you're interested in catching live music, head to the Red Hat Amphitheater, Kings, or the Lincoln Theater.
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Average flight & hotel cost: $495
Cheapest time to visit: December-February
Minneapolis was recently named the happiest city in the U.S. — and there's much to love about this decidedly unpretentious, laid-back Midwestern metropolis. For a world-class art experience, take a stroll around the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden or the Minneapolis Institute of Art, both of which are free to visit. The city is also known for its robust park system, and a local favorite is the Chain of Lakes Regional Park, offering 1,555 acres for visitors to roam.
Winters in the City of Lakes can be brutal, but there's plenty to do indoors. You could window shop the country's greatest shopping wonder, the Mall of America, the largest mall in the U.S. with over 500 stores and 60 restaurants. Alternatively, you could trek the Minneapolis Skyway System, a 9.5-mile-long network of interlinking covered pathways and footbridges that connect 80 downtown blocks. Lastly, no trip to Minneapolis is complete without a Juicy Lucy, a regional cheeseburger featuring a meat patty with a melted core of cheese — Matt's Bar and Grill or the 5-8 Club are the best places in town to get your hands on one.
3. Denver, Colorado
Average flight & hotel cost: $502
Cheapest time to visit: April-May; October-November
Known as the Mile High City, Denver offers something for every type of traveler, be it world-class museums, craft brews, sports, or scenic hiking trails. It has 78 unique neighborhoods, including the arty River North Art District (also known as RiNo for short), the historic Five Points neighborhood, and, if you're in the mood to splurge, affluent Cherry Creek, where upscale shops and restaurants abound. To get around, ditch the rental car in favor of Denver's Regional Transportation District system — or take it slow and explore the city via its cyclist-friendly roads on a bicycle or scooter.
4. Portland, Oregon
Located on the banks of the Columbia and Willamette rivers, Portland is the most populous — and quirkiest — city in Oregon, and there's plenty for travelers on a budget to do. Within Portland city limits, travelers will find more than 80 breweries, a diverse culinary scene with over 500 food carts, and some of the most bike-friendly roads in the U.S., including 400 miles of cycling paths. Admission to the Portland Art Museum is free every first Thursday of the month and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at Portland State University is always free to enter. For bookworms, there's perhaps no better destination than Powell's Books, the world's largest independent bookstore. And, you can see where Portland gets its nickname, "Rose City," at the always-free International Rose Test Garden, where over 10,000 rose bushes bloom.
5. Jacksonville, Florida
Average flight & hotel cost: $520
Cheapest time to visit: May and September
For a wallet-friendly, warm-weather escape in the States, look no further than Jacksonville. This Florida city (which also happens to be the largest in the continental U.S. by area) boasts beautiful public beaches and the largest urban park system in the country, where visitors can kayak, hike, and bird spot. Must-see sites here include the Cu**er Museum (free every first Saturday of the month, every third Tuesday of the month, and free for active-duty military and veterans and their families every Wednesday of 2025), Riverside Arts Market, and Big Talbot Island State Park (admission is just $3 per vehicle), which is among the most beautiful places in all of Florida.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Average flight & hotel cost: $529
Cheapest time to visit: December-March
The Windy City has long been a haven for art and architecture lovers, with world-class institutions such as The Art Institute of Chicago and The Chicago Architecture Center offering guided boat tours. There’s also a slew of free things to do here, including strolls along the Riverwalk, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park, the latter of which is home to the famed "Cloud Gate" sculpture, known as “The Bean.”
7. Houston, Texas
Average flight & hotel cost: $534
Cheapest time to visit: May-August
Houston is among America’s most diverse and best food cities. Here, visitors can feast on Viet-Cajun fare at Crawfish & Noodles, Southern comfort food at Lucille's, and Indian-Portuguese fusion at Da Gama. Though a visit to Johnson Space Center is certainly worth it (Houston, after all, is known as "Space City"), there are plenty of free things to do in town, too. You could visit the world-renowned Menil Collection, the somber Rothko Chapel, and the wide-open spaces of Buffalo Bayou Park — all at no cost to you.
8. Charlotte, North Carolina
Average flight & hotel cost: $541
Cheapest time to visit: December-March; August-October
Charlotte is so much more than just a layover city — it’s teeming with things to see, do, and eat, even if you're on a budget.
Wednesday Night Live, an event that takes place every week across Queen City, sees free admission at multiple museums including the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Mint Museum Uptown, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. Admission to the Botanical Gardens and Greenhouse at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is always free, as are parks throughout Mecklenburg County. Finally, when hunger calls, make a beeline for The Market at 7th Street, an expansive, non-profit indoor food hall filled with local vendors.
9. Atlanta, Georgia
Average flight & hotel cost: $542
Cheapest time to visit: January-April
With ample parks and historic sites — most notably Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park and Centennial Olympic Park — and a slew of museums and attractions ranging from the Georgia Aquarium to the World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta is well worth a visit, no matter what kind of budget you're working with. Embark on a self-guided walking tour of the city’s colorful street art, wander through the Atlanta Botanical Garden (admission starts at $15 per person), catch a festival or two on the green at Piedmont Park, and savor local cuisine at the food hall at Ponce City Market.
10. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average flight & hotel cost: $557
Cheapest time to visit: January-February
The City of Brotherly Love is a history buff's dream destination, and historically significant points of interest such as the Betsy Ross House, Independence Hall, and the National Constitution Center offer free or reasonably priced admission rates. Philadelphia also has a fast-blossoming culinary scene. Choose from a handful of affordable and James Beard Award-recognized eateries, including El Chingon (which features a reasonably priced brunch menu), Isgro Pastries (desserts start at $4), and Bolo (happy hour specials start at $3). As for arts and culture offerings, the Impressionism-focused Barnes Foundation and The Fabric Workshop and Museum are free to enter.
