10 Cheap International Destinations to Fly from the US in Summer 2025

Looking for a cheap international getaway this summer? After visiting 68 countries and spending 3–6 months per year on the road, I’ve learned how to spot the best flight deals…fast! 

Over the past 8 years as a travel blogger, I’ve published 2,000+ articles and helped millions of people save big on airfare. In this guide, I’m sharing 10 cheap international destinations to fly to from the US in summer 2025 – based on real prices, timing trends, and insider knowledge.

• ✈️ Pro tip: Want alerts on cheap international flights straight to your inbox? Sign up for Going – a membership-based service that finds huge discounts, mistake fares, and points and miles deals. Their free service works great for the mainland US and the premium service finds deals abroad for up to 90% off!

1. Cancún, Mexico

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $249–$350 roundtrip​
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: American Airlines, Delta, Southwest​
• 💰 Average Daily Cost: $90–$140 including mid-range lodging, meals, transport, and activities
• 🌟 Why It’s Affordable: High flight frequency and competitive airline pricing​
• 🏖️ Top Attractions: Pristine beaches, Mayan ruins, vibrant nightlife​
  

Cancún has long been a favorite for budget travelers, and for good reason. With tons of direct flights from major U.S. cities, you can often score roundtrip fares under $300.

What makes Cancún stand out isn’t just the flight deals, though…it’s the total trip cost. Accommodations range from affordable all-inclusives to charming guesthouses, and you’ll find local meals for under $10. That means even once you land, your dollar stretches a lot further than most other beach destinations.

Once you’re there, the Yucatán offers way more than just beach lounging. Day trips to Tulum, Chichén Itzá, or cenotes cost next to nothing, and colectivos (shared vans) make getting around easy and cheap. If you’re after a tropical summer escape with history, food, and turquoise water—all without blowing your budget—Cancún delivers.

• 👉 Pro Tip: Going regularly features great deals to Cancún. It’s one of their most frequently discounted destinations that I’ve seen on the app.

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2. Dublin, Ireland

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $400–$515 roundtrip​
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Aer Lingus, Delta, United​
• 💰 Average Daily Cost: $130–$180 including hotel stays, local transit, and meals out
• 🌟 Why It’s Affordable: Frequent deals and promotions from major airlines​
• 🏰 Top Attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, Temple Bar district​
  

Dublin is one of the most affordable and accessible European cities to fly to from the U.S. in the summer months. Aer Lingus and Delta often drop roundtrip fares into the $400s from East Coast hubs like New York, Boston, and Philly, and deals from the Midwest or West Coast aren’t far behind.

What makes Dublin such a smart pick is its walkability. Once you land, you can explore most of the city’s highlights on foot…Trinity College, St. Stephen’s Green, Temple Bar, and the Guinness Storehouse are all within a short radius. That means no rental car or long transfers required.

The city also has plenty of free or low-cost attractions, and a pint at a cozy pub or a full Irish breakfast won’t set you back much. Budget hotels and modern hostels are everywhere, and public buses or the DART train can get you to coastal towns like Howth for a day trip.

If you’re looking for a first-time Europe trip or a quick hop across the pond that doesn’t break the bank, Dublin checks every box: culture, history, nature, and affordable flights.

• 👉 Pro Tip: Going frequently highlights roundtrip deals to Dublin under $500 in early June and late August. Set a fare alert and pounce when prices drop.

3. Lisbon, Portugal

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $450–$550 roundtrip​
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: TAP Air Portugal, United, Delta​
• 💰 Average Daily Cost: $110–$160 including boutique accommodations, food, transit, and sightseeing
• 🌟 Why It’s Affordable: Emerging as a major European hub with increasing flight routes​
• 🏛️ Top Attractions: Belém Tower, Tram 28, Alfama district​
  

Lisbon is one of the most value-packed cities in Western Europe, and the flight prices reflect that. Thanks to TAP Air Portugal’s expansion into U.S. markets, you can often find roundtrip fares under $500 from cities like NYC, Boston, Miami, and even Chicago. Flying with a flexible schedule? Going routinely features deals that dip even lower.

Once you land, the savings continue. Lisbon is surprisingly affordable compared to other European capitals. You can grab a flaky pastel de nata and espresso for under $2, enjoy multicourse seafood dinners for under $20, and stay in charming boutique hotels for a fraction of what you’d pay in Paris or Rome.

Transportation is cheap and efficient too. The famous yellow trams, metro, and walkable hills make it easy to get around without needing a car. And with quick train connections, you can easily add day trips to Sintra, Cascais, or even Porto.

Lisbon gives you historic charm, ocean views, and ridiculously good food…all wrapped up in a summer-friendly price tag. I’ve visited Lisbon the past two summers and it’s always been one of the cheapest entry points into Europe.

4. Mexico City, Mexico

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $279–$387 roundtrip​
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Aeroméxico, American Airlines, Delta​
• 💰 Average Daily Cost: $80–$130 including hotels, meals, Uber/taxis, and entrance fees
• 🌟 Why It’s Affordable: Major hub with numerous flight connections​
• 🎨 Top Attractions: Frida Kahlo Museum, Zócalo, Chapultepec Park​
  

Mexico City is one of the best-value international cities for U.S. travelers right now, hands down. Roundtrip flights from major hubs like Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami often fall in the $300-$400 range, and deals under $300 pop up regularly on Going, especially in early summer.

The value doesn’t stop at the airfare. Once you land, you’ll find stylish hotels for under $100 a night, world-class street food for $1–$3, and Ubers that rarely cost more than a few bucks. You can experience high-end museums, vibrant neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, and even day trips to ancient ruins like Teotihuacán on a tight budget.

What really sets CDMX apart is its depth. You can tour Frida Kahlo’s house, wander through massive parks like Chapultepec, and still have cash left for tacos and mezcal cocktails by night. It’s artsy, edgy, historic, and delicious – all in one.

5. Bangkok, Thailand

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $799–$1,100 roundtrip​
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Thai Airways, EVA Air, Qatar Airways​
• 💰 Average Daily Cost: $70–$120 including well-rated hotels, street food, Grab rides, and activities
• 🌟 Why It’s Affordable: Major Asian hub with competitive flight pricing​
• 🏯 Top Attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Chatuchak Market​
  

While the flight might be longer, Bangkok offers one of the best payoffs for your travel dollar anywhere in the world. Roundtrip fares from the U.S. are typically in the $1200-$1500 range, but Going often has deals around $830, especially from West Coast cities like L.A. or San Francisco. I’ve also seen fares on Going as low as $600-$700 in the past year.

Once you’re on the ground, everything gets shockingly affordable. Street food stalls serve flavorful pad thai, curries, and fresh juices for $1–$3 a meal. Comfortable boutique hotels or private Airbnb stays can easily fall under $40 per night, and local transportation via tuk-tuk, Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber), or the BTS Skytrain is quick and cheap.

Beyond the costs, Bangkok offers nonstop action: golden temples, river cruises, vibrant markets, rooftop bars, and next-level spas. And if you’ve got more time, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for cheap domestic flights to Chiang Mai or the Thai islands. My absolute favorite is Ko Samui…highly recommend!

👉 Pro Tip: For the best shot at low fares, track summer flight prices on Going and be open to flying midweek or using layovers in Japan or South Korea to lower costs.

6. Guatemala City, Guatemala

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $300–$413 roundtrip​
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Avianca, American Airlines, Delta​
• 💰 Average Daily Cost: $70–$110 including hotels, food, shuttles, and entrance fees to top attractions
• 🌟 Why It’s Affordable: Growing tourism infrastructure and competitive regional flights​
• 🏞️ Top Attractions: Tikal National Park, Lake Atitlán, Antigua​
  

Guatemala is one of the most underrated countries in Central America…and it’s refreshingly affordable to reach. Roundtrip flights to Guatemala City often fall in the $300–$400 range from the U.S., especially from southern cities like Houston, Miami, or Atlanta.

While many travelers don’t linger in the capital, it’s a key entry point to some of the country’s most stunning and budget-friendly destinations. Within a few hours, you can be sipping coffee with volcano views in Antigua or kayaking across the mirror-like waters of Lake Atitlán. I absolutely loved visiting these places last summer!

Lodging is incredibly affordable – charming hotels and guesthouses can cost as little as $25–$50 a night, and meals often run under $10 at sit-down restaurants. Shuttle vans connect most tourist spots reliably and cheaply, making it easy to explore without needing to rent a car.

If you’re looking for a trip that combines culture, natural beauty, and real affordability, Guatemala should be high on your radar.

👉 Pro Tip: Use Going to monitor flights into GUA. Prices tend to be lowest for June departures and increase slightly later in the summer.

7. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $1200-$1400 roundtrip​
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines​
• 💰 Average Daily Cost: 60–$100 including comfortable lodging, meals, Grab, and tours
• 🌟 Why It’s Affordable: Low cost of living and increasing flight options​
• 🏙️ Top Attractions: War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market​
  

Ho Chi Minh City offers one of the best returns on your airfare investment, period. While roundtrip flights typically land in the $900 range, Going sometimes unearths discounted fares in the $700s, especially out of West Coast airports like LAX and SEA. Keep your dates flexible and you can snag an incredible deal.

Once you arrive, it’s a budget traveler’s dream. Boutique hotels with rooftop pools go for $25–$50 a night, street food costs $1–$2 per dish, and a strong cup of Vietnamese iced coffee will set you back about 80 cents. Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) makes getting around super affordable and convenient.

Beyond the low costs, Ho Chi Minh City is packed with history and energy. Explore French colonial architecture, visit the War Remnants Museum, and hop on a motorbike food tour after dark. You can also catch cheap domestic flights to Da Nang, Hanoi, or the islands for under $50 one-way.

8. Bogotá, Colombia

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $300–$429 roundtrip
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Avianca, American Airlines, JetBlue
• 💰 Average Daily Cost: $70–$110 including hotels, restaurants, Ubers, and museums
• 🌟 Why It’s Affordable: Direct flights from major US cities + low cost of living
• 🏞️ Top Attractions: Monserrate, La Candelaria, Gold Museum
  

Bogotá is one of the easiest (and cheapest) South American cities to fly to from the U.S. Roundtrip flights regularly sit in the $300–$400 range, and I’ve even found deals in the high $200s from Boston, with layovers in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

It’s not just the flights that make Bogotá budget-friendly. Accommodations range from $30 boutique stays to sleek hotels under $100 per night. Local meals? Expect to pay $3–$6 for a full plate. And Uber works here, making transit clean, safe, and inexpensive.

The city itself is high-altitude and high-energy. Wander through La Candelaria’s cobblestone streets, take the cable car up to Monserrate for panoramic views, and explore some of South America’s best museums. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s also a great hub for day trips. I love the underground salt cathedrals, coffee farms, and rainforest hikes.

Bogotá is modern, gritty, artistic, and far more affordable than most U.S. cities. This makes it a smart, off-the-beaten-path summer pick in 2025!

9. Panama City, Panama

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $299–$425 roundtrip
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Copa Airlines, Delta, United
• 💰 Average Daily Cost: $80–$120 including accommodations, transport, and meals
• 🌟 Why It’s Affordable: Hub for Copa Airlines = constant deals
• 🏙️ Top Attractions: Casco Viejo, Panama Canal, Biomuseo
  

Panama City isn’t just a gateway between continents…it’s also a gateway to a surprisingly affordable and dynamic international trip! Flights from U.S. cities like Miami, Houston, and Orlando often fall in the $350 range, and I’ve even found Going deals under $300 thanks to Copa Airlines’ strong presence.

Panama City offers a unique mix of modern skyscrapers, colonial charm, and easy access to nature. Casco Viejo, the city’s colorful historic district, is packed with rooftop bars, plazas, and boutique hotels that won’t blow your budget. A decent stay ranges from $50–$90 a night, and seafood-focused meals rarely top $10.

The best part? You can tour the famous Panama Canal, escape to nearby rainforest preserves, or take a $25 boat to the San Blas Islands for an off-grid beach day. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure city with a low price tag and high variety.

👉 Pro Tip: Going often shows deals on Copa’s nonstop routes to Panama City, especially from the East Coast. If you’ve got a passport and 4–5 days, this is a last-minute trip worth jumping on!

10. San José, Costa Rica

• ✈️ Flight Price Range: $280–$410 roundtrip
• 🔄 Top Airline Deals: Volaris, Alaska Airlines, Avianca
• 💰 Average Daily Cost: $85–$130 including lodging, meals, car rentals or buses, and excursions
• 🌟 Why It’s Affordable: Budget airlines + tons of eco-adventure options
• 🌴 Top Attractions: Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Central Market
  

San José is the perfect jumping-off point for a Costa Rican adventure. And in 2025, flight prices make it a no-brainer! Roundtrip fares from the U.S. typically fall between $280–$400, with the best deals from cities like Miami, Dallas, and L.A.

Once you land, you’re just a few hours from some of Central America’s most jaw-dropping scenery: cloud forests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and Pacific or Caribbean beaches. Budget travelers can stay in boutique ecolodges or hostels for $50–$80 a night, with local meals around $10. Buses and shared shuttles connect the entire country affordably and efficiently.

San José itself is often overlooked, but it’s worth a day or two to explore bustling markets, museums, and coffee shops before heading into nature. Whether you’re ziplining through the jungle or soaking in hot springs near Arenal, Costa Rica is the ultimate bucket list destination in 2025.

Looking to travel internationally in 2025? Use my discount code JON20 to save 20% on Going’s Premium Version.