Want to travel internationally in 2025 without spending a fortune on flights? After digging into airfare trends from the 75 busiest U.S. airports and analyzing flight prices to 100+ countries, I’ve put together a list of the 12 cheapest countries to fly this year—backed by real data, not just guesses.
These aren’t just budget destinations…they’re countries where airfare has consistently dropped or remained affordable, thanks to increased competition, new routes, and strong currency exchange rates. Whether you’re craving beaches in Southeast Asia, European city breaks, or adventure in South America, these spots will get you there for less. If you’re looking for cheap flights and epic experiences, let’s dive into the best international deals for 2025.
#1 tip to find cheap international flights
Want to save $500+ on your next international flight? This is the ultimate travel hack: Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights).
Here’s how it works: Sign up for free, set your departure airport, and get insane flight deals sent straight to your inbox. We’re talking mistake fares, deep discounts, and unreal flash sales—the kind of deals airlines don’t want you to know about.
I’ve personally saved thousands using Going. Just last year, I snagged a $295 roundtrip from Boston to Rome in April—a fare that normally costs three times that.
Want even more deals? Their $49/year premium membership is a no-brainer- just one discounted flight covers the cost. And if you love flying business or first class, the Elite version is next level. I saved over $5,000 in 2024 alone just by using their alerts.
Don’t waste money on overpriced flights. Sign up now and start saving. Now, let’s dive into the 12 cheapest countries to fly to in 2025.
Cheap countries to fly to from the USA on a budget
Traveling abroad on a budget is more feasible than you might think, with many flights being surprisingly affordable. I’ve researched to find the cheapest international destinations from the US, simplifying your search for an affordable adventure.
This guide focuses on flight prices from Boston and major cities like New York City and Los Angeles. We’ve analyzed both immediate and future flights to identify consistently low-cost destinations. Here are some of the best international deals at a high level, thanks to Going.com:
| Route | Price (Roundtrip) | Travel Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC to Portugal | $350 | October | Limited-time offer; prices subject to change. |
| Los Angeles to Tokyo | $450 | September | Book in advance to secure this fare. |
| Chicago to London | $500 | November | Includes major airlines; check for baggage fees. |
| Miami to Buenos Aires | $600 | May | Seasonal deal; availability may be limited. |
| San Francisco to Paris | $550 | June | Non-stop flights available; consider flexible dates for better rates. |
| Boston to Lisbon | $375 | October | Book in advance to secure this fare. |
| Washington to Reykjavik | $389 | July | Seasonal deal; availability may be limited. |
Now, let’s dive into the list of the cheapest places to fly internationally, organized by continent.
North America
1. Canada
If you’re flying from the US, some of the cheapest flights are going to be in North America. While the price will depend on where you’re headed and where you’re coming from, there’s likely an affordable flight from an airport near you to an amazing location in Canada.
If you’re interested in visiting our neighbors to the North, you can find flights under $190. To save the most money but still get the opportunity to visit a new country, look for Canadian destinations that are on the same side of North America as your closest airport.
For example, flights to Vancouver or Calgary from the West Coast can be about $80. And with flights to Toronto or Montreal from the East Coast, you can expect the same.
2. Mexico
Let’s not forget about our other neighbors, beautiful Mexico. Mexico has so many incredible tourist destinations, such as Cancun and Mexico City, making it one of the best and cheapest countries to fly to from the US. You might think that a vacation to a place like Cancun or Mexico city is expensive. But that’s where you’d be wrong.
Flights to some of the top destinations in Mexico can be as low as $200-300, even in peak travel season. If you’re traveling to Mexico, the best time of year is between December and April if you’re looking for great weather (on the cooler side, and no rain). But the least expensive tickets and hotel prices will be July to October. This is when travelers aren’t looking to escape to a warmer climate.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
INSIDER TIP: Again, I highly recommend signing up for Going.com (Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find the best deals. Last year, I got an email alert on a $139 roundtrip fare from Boston to Cancun with JetBlue. The premium version is 100% worth the money, but I would at least sign up for the free version to save big on airfare this year.
South America
3. Colombia
Colombia stands out as one of the cheapest destinations for travelers flying from the USA. Its affordability is largely due to a combination of factors, including competitive airline pricing, a variety of flight options, and the country’s strategic location in South America.
According to Skyscanner, Bogota, the capital city, is the cheapest airport to fly into in Colombia, with flights starting as low as $77. This low entry price point makes Colombia an attractive option for budget travelers.
Colombia boasts 12 international airports, enhancing its accessibility. The main hubs include the following:
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, offering 777 flights per month, making it the primary gateway to the country.
- Jose M. Cordova Airport (MDE) in Medellin, with 230 flights per month, providing access to the city known for its eternal spring.
- Alfonso Bonilla Airport (CLO) in Cali, with 130 flights per month, is a gateway to the salsa capital of the world.
- Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena and Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport in Barranquilla are other significant airports, connecting travelers to the Caribbean coast.
Colombia is a blend of vibrant culture, stunning natural landscapes, and rich history. It offers everything from the rhythmic beats of salsa in Cali to the breathtaking beauty of the Amazon rainforest. Its warm, welcoming people and diverse culinary delights make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic and colorful South American experience.
4. Brazil
Brazil is a great country to visit on a budget, not only because of cheap flights. It’s also because hotels here are cheaper than what most people spend at Dunkin’ in a week. You can easily spend about $200 on an entire week-long trip, accommodations included. And luxury 5-star hotels can be found for under $100 a night, especially in digital nomad hotspots like Florianopolis. What’s not to love?
Flights to Brazil from the U.S. vary depending on your location. However, if you can make your way to the more southern states, you’ll probably save a pretty penny. You can find flights from Florida to Rio de Janeiro for about $300-400. Flying from New York City or San Francisco may be closer to $700-800. While these may seem steep for the items on this list, trust me—what you’re paying for your flight ticket is 90% of what you’ll spend the entire time you’re visiting Brazil.
5. Peru
Another great destination in South America is Peru. Cities like Lima and Cusoco are stunning and full of amazing history, culture, and activities. And because most of Peru falls along the western coast of the continent, you’re just a quick trip away from the beach no matter where you stay.
Flights to the capital of Lima can usually be found for $525 or less if you play your cards right, no matter what area of the U.S. you live. But the cheapest flights can be found out of Miami, Houston, or Atlanta.
Europe
6. Portugal
When flying to Portugal, the cheapest city to fly into is usually Lisbon. While Lisbon is one of the most expensive cities in Portugal, it’s still quite affordable compared to American standards. It’s also one of the most affordable large cities in Europe.
As far as flight costs, tickets to Lisbon can cost anywhere from $400-700 depending on your location. You can save money by traveling during the off-season, anywhere between November and April.
For even greater deals, I recommend flying to the Azores and Madeira, which have direct flights from many US airports. Though you won’t be in the European mainland, this is one of the most cost-effective ways to get to Europe.
7. Iceland
Iceland was once an underrated travel destination—a hidden gem for serious travelers who did their research. The country’s rock-bottom prices, cheap flights, and the gorgeous Northern Lights made it the perfect destination for anyone seeking out an awe-inspiring vacation on a budget.
Well, this well-kept secret didn’t stay so well-kept. Iceland has recently blown up as a travel destination, and prices have gone up with that demand. Even with that in mind, flights to Iceland from the U.S. are still incredibly cheap. If you can commit to a budget during your Iceland trip, you can certainly visit the country on a budget.
You can expect your flight to Reykjavík to cost about $300-450 depending on the season. And the best cities for flying direct are New York, Newark, or Boston. Unfortunately, West Coast folk and Southerners will have to pay a bit more to travel to Iceland. However, once you see the Northern Lights in person, it’ll be well worth it.
Asia
8. South Korea
South Korea is a truly incredible travel destination no matter who you are—K-Pop fans certainly not excluded. The country offers a wide range of attractions to suit just about anyone’s taste. From historic sights like the city of Gyeongju to outdoor attractions like Jeju Island, there’s something here for everyone.
Flights to South Korea from the US are extremely affordable compared to other countries in Asia, coming in between $900-1,300. However, with a little adjusting (tip: to get the best price for your trip, try keeping your plans flexible) I was able to find tickets as low as $800. This is by no means a small expense, but when traveling halfway across the globe, it’s incredibly affordable.
9. Vietnam
I was recently speaking with a shuttle bus driver on my way home from a long trip, and he asked me what country I would visit—anywhere in the world—if I had the chance. When I asked him the same question in return, he said Vietnam.
While his answer surprised me, I completely understand where he’s coming from. Vietnam is absolutely breathtaking, rich in culture, and full of delicious cuisine. Because of these reasons and more, Vietnam is starting to become a fairly popular travel destination. Don’t pull an “Iceland”—visit Vietnam now while the prices are low. You’ll be glad you did.
You can expect to find affordable flights to Vietnam at around $1,100 roundtrip depending what airport you depart from. Using a website like Skyscanner, you can even find tickets under $700 from cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, and even New York.
Africa
10. Morocco
If you’re looking to travel to Africa, it should be fairly easy to find affordable flights to Morocco. What’s more, it’s also an incredible tourist destination for those looking to learn a little more about another culture. Visit a bazaar or try some local street food in one of the many stunning cities like Marrakech and Fes. Or, visit Casablanca and pretend you’re in the classic Humphrey Bogart movie. Morocco truly has something incredible to see in every corner of the country, you can’t go wrong.
Flights to Morocco are extremely affordable when flying from the East Coast. You can find a direct flight to Casablanca for as low as $600-700, or possibly even lower if you’re diligent about monitoring flight prices. You may just be able to snag yourself a too-good-to-be-true deal.
11. Egypt
Uncover the mysteries of Egypt’s pyramids on your next journey abroad. Egypt is a choice destination for many travelers, but what people may not know is that it’s actually one of the most affordable destinations in Africa for travelers.
Coming from the West Coast to Egypt can cost you around $800 from an airport like LAX. It can be closer to $700 from airports like Chicago and JFK. That’s a small price to pay for an unforgettable trip to see The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the world!
Australia
12. Australia
Australia is sort of a no-brainer for this list, which I broke down by continent. Why? Because it’s not only one of the cheapest countries to fly to in Australia. It’s the only country to fly to in Australia!
While it’s a long flight down under is and certainly not the cheapest destination, you CAN find affordable flights here. With a little pre-planning and price monitoring, you can sometimes find flights under $1K from Los Angeles or San Francisco. On average, expect to pay about $1,200-1,500, all factors included.
With all that being said, Australia has a high cost of living—even higher than the U.S. If you would really love to see the country, this is one you’ll likely need to budget for.
EXPERT ADVICE: If you’re planning a trip to Australia, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Going.com (Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find the best deals. Recently, I was notified of a $700 roundtrip fare from the US to Australia with Emirates. The premium version is 100% worth the money, but I would at least sign up for the free version to save big on airfare this year. And if business class is more your speed, then you’ll want to upgrade to the Elite Version, where I’ve spent under $1,200 on international flights abroad!
- Read Next: My Going.com Review 2025
