Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for US Travelers in 2026

Earlier this month, Skyscanner released its annual report on the cheapest destinations for Americans in 2026.

To determine the rankings, Skyscanner looked at destinations where economy return tickets were booked on Skyscanner between January 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025, and travel took place between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.

The travel search engine partnered with international market research company OnePoll to conduct a survey of 2,000 travelers in November 2025.

According to the report, cost is the main driver for travelers in 2026, with 57% of U.S. travelers saying they are overwhelmed with booking a trip in 2026 due to cost concerns.

“There are many affordable destinations and ways to travel. It may require some planning, flexibility and creativity, but if you have the desire to travel, there are ways to do it affordably,” Lourdes Lozada, Skyscanner’s director of the Americas, told CNBC Make It.

While the ranking of cheapest destinations for Americans includes several international locations, the United States includes five cities on the list, which highlights the fact that Americans have a lot to explore right in their own backyard, Lozada said.

“A passport and a big budget are not required for travel in 2026. For travelers who have the flexibility to book trips closer to home, there are plenty of great-value destinations offering beaches, outdoor adventure, urban escapes, nightlife, and more,” Lozada added.

For travelers looking to get the best deals on flights, a Skyscanner report found that the cheapest day to fly in 2026 was on average Wednesday.

“Flexibility will be key for Americans looking to keep travel costs low this year. As travelers track flights and consider which days to take, being flexible and choosing to travel mid-week can make a big difference for those looking to trim their travel budgets,” Lozada says.

Las Vegas, Nevada ranks as the cheapest destination for U.S. travelers, and Losada says that’s because it has one of the most competitive aviation markets in the country.

Factors such as high airline capacity, frequent routes, and strong year-round demand keep ticket prices to Las Vegas relatively low.

“For those looking for a Las Vegas vacation on a budget, we recommend setting up price alerts to track flight reductions so you can easily score a budget-friendly vacation,” Lozada added.

Las Vegas is home to many attractions, including Bellagio’s famous fountains, the Sphere, and of course all the sights and things to do along the Las Vegas Strip.

“Sin City” is also close to other major destinations such as the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam.

Las Vegas, San Salvador, Nevada, Miami, El Salvador, Kahului, Florida, Orlando, Hawaii, San Juan, Florida, Punta Cana, Puerto Rico, Mexico City, Dominican Republic, Cancun, Mexico, Milan, Italy

San Salvador, El Salvador was ranked as the second cheapest destination for U.S. travelers. Lozada said it stood out in the rankings because it’s not a destination at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists.

“In addition to affordable airfares, San Salvador offers visitors great value once they get there, with plenty of low-cost or free activities,” she added. “It’s not a traditional hotspot for travelers, and it’s not driven up by overtourism. Now is the perfect time to visit, as it’s affordable and more airlines are adding routes.”

San Salvador is the capital and largest city of El Salvador. This city combines culture, volcanoes, and nearby beaches.

El Salvador’s capital is located near El Boqueron National Park, located atop the San Salvador volcano. It offers great views of the city.

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