The group chat is going off and that means one thing: everyone’s itching to make 2026 travel plans. Feeling strapped for cash heading into the new year? You’re not alone. But it doesn’t mean you need to forgo travel altogether. Instead, prioritize a trip to a more budget-friendly destination.
Keep reading to discover 10 affordable travel destinations, plus some tips for how to save no matter where your travels take you in 2026.
10 inexpensive travel destinations from the U.S.
Skyscanner recently published a new report detailing the most affordable international travel destinations from the U.S., including those with the biggest year-over-year drops in airline prices going into 2026. According to the report, they selected destinations based on a combination of factors, such as value, experience, and affordability.
Here is their list of most affordable destinations:
1. São Paulo, Brazil
2. Singapore
3. Venice, Italy
4. Mexico City, Mexico
5. Istanbul, Turkey
6. Denpasar, Indonesia
7. Colombo, Sri Lanka
8. Brussels, Belgium
9. Seoul, South Korea
10. Naples, Italy
Not flying from the U.S.? Check out their value destinations guides for the U.K. and Canada.
Tips for finding affordable places to go
Now that your wheels are turning on affordable places to travel to in 2026, here are some tips to help you turn your dream trip into a reality:
1. Sign up for flight deal newsletters
Newsletters like Thrifty Traveler and Going alert travelers to flight deals, mistake fares, new airline routes, and more. Joining gets you VIP access to these deals before the rest of the internet (read: their social media followers), so you can hop on a deal before prices increase.
2. Set fare alerts
Starting to research flights but not ready to buy? Set a fare alert (hint: Google Flights is a good place to do this) to track your preferred route and any airfare fluctuations. When the price drops into your budget, be ready to buy and save.
Tip: TripIt Pro’s Fare Tracker monitors your itinerary for ongoing changes in your flight price after you book. If your airfare price drops, you'll be notified if a potential airline credit or refund is available to get money back on your flight.
3. Travel in the off-season—and off the beaten path
Another way to save on travel is to go when most folks don’t. If you can, book your 2026 trip during January or february—you can find great deals after peak December prices—or late fall.
“Shoulder season—the season sandwiched between high and low seasons—is a great time to travel,” said budget-travel coach Kendyl Grender. “But keep in mind that it’s different everywhere. For example, shoulder season in Thailand is in July—a time many of us consider the busy summer travel season."
Related reading: Make the Most of Fall Travel with These 4 Tips
Besides traveling in the off-season, you can also save by choosing a destination off the beaten path. Lesser-known destinations often see fewer tourists, offer more authentic and local experiences, and can be a better value for your money.
For those looking to get off the beaten path, Raimee Iacofano, travel expert and digital content creator, recommends Tunisia.
“I planned a trip there with no expectations and was totally blown away. The food, the people, the beach towns—everything was amazing. And everyone I’ve told to visit has come back and said the same.”
4. Offset costs with points and miles
Using credit card points and airline loyalty program miles can also help bring down the cost of your trip.
The key? “You have to be flexible,” said Jenna Hansen, a points-and-miles expert. “And with points and miles, that sometimes includes being flexible with your destination.”
Jenna recommends booking trips a year in advance, i.e., when the award calendar opens for airlines. And while no destination is off limits, there’s a reason to stick to bigger cities.
“I tend to book bigger destinations because there’s more availability and I can use our points for hotels.”
DYK? TripIt Pro’s Point Tracker stores your reward account numbers, balances, and expiration dates in one place to help you manage your reward programs.
