16 Cheap Places You Can Fly from NYC in 2026

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Let’s be real: Living in (or near) NYC is expensive. But it comes with one massive perk that most people ignore: We have the best flight hub in the world.

Between JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR), airlines are in a constant price war for your business. I’ve flown to 73 countries over the past eight years, and I rarely pay full price because I know how to play these three airports against each other. Regularly hopping cheap flights out of the Tri-State area, I’ve learned exactly how to find airfare deals so good they almost feel illegal.

In this guide, I’m sharing 16 of the most affordable (and epic) destinations you can fly to from NYC in 2026. From Caribbean islands with crystal-clear water to dreamy European cities under $300 roundtrip, these are the insider picks airlines don’t want you to know about.

My Selection Criteria: Why These 16?

I didn’t just throw darts at a map. To build this list for 2026, I analyzed routes based on three specific factors:

• 📉 The “Hub War” Effect: I specifically looked for routes where budget carriers (like Spirit, Breeze, or Norse Atlantic) compete directly with legacy carriers (Delta, United). This competition drives prices down for everyone.
• ✈️ Direct Flight Availability: Cheap is great, but convenience is better. Most destinations on this list offer non-stop options from at least one NYC airport, saving you from the dreaded layover.
• 💰 Total Trip Value: A $99 flight isn’t “cheap” if the hotel costs $500 a night. I prioritized destinations where your dollar stretches further once you land, whether that’s taco stands in Mexico or free museums in London.

The NYC Flight “Cheat Sheet” (2026 Edition)

In a rush? Here is the quick breakdown of the best deals from NYC this year, organized by price estimates so you can find a trip that fits your budget instantly.

Destination	Est. Price*	Flight Time	Best For…
🇺🇸 Charleston, SC	$94 – $140	2h 00m	History & Charm
🇺🇸 Nashville, TN	$97 – $150	2h 15m	Music & Parties
🇺🇸 Savannah, GA	$97 – $140	2h 20m	Southern Food
🇺🇸 New Orleans, LA	$114 – $180	3h 15m	Culture & Jazz
🇺🇸 Miami, FL	$132 – $190	3h 00m	Beaches & Nightlife
🇺🇸 Dallas, TX	$137 – $200	3h 40m	Sports & BBQ
🇺🇸 Denver, CO	$172 – $230	4h 15m	Mountains & Beer
🇺🇸 San Francisco, CA	$187 – $250	6h 00m	City Views & Food
🇺🇸 San Diego, CA	$187 – $250	5h 45m	Chill Vibes & Sun
🇵🇷 San Juan, PR	$197 – $260	3h 45m	No Passport Needed
🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada	$213 – $270	1h 30m	International Weekend
🇲🇽 Cabo, Mexico	$256 – $320	5h 45m	Luxury & Desert
🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain	$269 – $350	7h 30m	Architecture & Tapas
🇬🇹 Guatemala City	$269 – $330	5h 10m	Adventure & Nature
🇬🇧 London, UK	$272 – $350	7h 00m	Bucket List History
🇩🇪 Berlin, Germany	$343 – $420	8h 20m	Art & Nightlife

*Estimated roundtrip fares from JFK, LGA, or EWR for 2026.

My #1 tip to find cheap flights from NYC

Looking for cheap flight deals from New York City? This is a game-changer: Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). Here’s the deal: Sign up for free email alerts, set your departure and destination, and boom – you’ll get alerts for insanely cheap flights. Mistake fares? Deep discounts? They’ve got it all.

I’ve saved thousands using Going. Recently, I even found a $699 roundtrip fare from JFK to Bali in May. I’ve also seen $299 roundtrip tickets from EWR to Paris. Not bad!

Want even better deals abroad? Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays for the whole thing. And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version, which saved me over $5,000 in 2025 alone. Trust me, it’s a small price for massive savings. Now, let’s dive into the 16 cheapest destinations from NYC in 2026.

Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from New York City in 2026

Now that you’re armed with the secret weapon for snagging those mistake fares, it’s time to pick your destination. Whether you’re craving a quick domestic weekend trip or a European adventure, here are the 16 best places to fly from New York City in 2026.

• Flying from nearby Connecticut instead? My guide to the cheapest places to fly from CT has amazing deals too.

1. New York to Charleston, SC ($94–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, Delta, United (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for pleasant weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, foodies 🦐, architecture lovers 🏠

Charleston is basically the South’s most photogenic city. This charming coastal gem has rainbow-colored historic homes, cobblestone streets shaded by massive oak trees, and a food scene that will have you planning your next visit before you even leave.

Rainbow Row is famous for its pastel-colored Georgian townhouses that make the perfect backdrop for photos, while the historic Charleston City Market stretches for four city blocks with local artisans selling sweetgrass baskets and other crafts. For beach time, Folly Beach offers a laid-back vibe with surf lessons and beachfront bars just 20 minutes from downtown. Between the horse-drawn carriages, hidden garden courtyards, and gas-lit restaurants serving modern takes on Lowcountry classics, this city feels like stepping into another era.

For the best flight deals, aim to book 6 weeks out and fly midweek. JetBlue usually has the lowest fares, especially out of JFK, while Delta runs occasional flash sales from LGA. Visit in spring for peak garden season, or October for sunny 70-degree days, ideal for walking tours and harbor cruises. 

This is the biggest travel news of the year: Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) is opening a US Preclearance facility in early 2026. This means you can now fly Air Canada or Porter directly from downtown Toronto to the US (clearing customs before you board), avoiding the chaos of the massive Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

• Read next: Cheap Flights from Charleston
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2. New York to Toronto, Canada ($213–$270 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, Porter, Delta (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October 🌞 and December to February ❄️ for seasonal festivals
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, foodies 🍴, culture seekers 🎭

Toronto is North America’s most multicultural playground. The city has neighborhoods that feel like mini versions of countries around the world, an endless array of food options, and a skyline dominated by the iconic CN Tower where you can literally walk on the edge 116 floors up if you’re brave enough.

Kensington Market bursts with vintage shops, global street food, and colorful street art around every corner. The historic Distillery District transforms Victorian-era industrial buildings into cool boutiques, art galleries, and some of the city’s best coffee shops. Sports fans can catch the Blue Jays, Raptors, or Maple Leafs depending on when you visit. Toronto Islands offer a perfect escape from city life with beaches, bike paths, and skyline views just a short ferry ride from downtown.

Find flight deals by booking with Porter Airlines, which flies into downtown Toronto Island Airport and sometimes offers fares below $230 roundtrip. September brings perfect weather with fewer tourists and hotel rates about 20% lower than summer peak. Air Canada frequently runs sales for Tuesday and Wednesday travel. 

My Pro Tip: Always choose flights from Newark (EWR) to Billy Bishop (YTZ) if possible. You land on an island right next to downtown Toronto, saving you the 45-minute (and expensive) train ride from the massive Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

• Read next: Cheap Flights from Toronto
• You may also like: American Airlines Business Class Guide
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• Also worth reading: Best Things to Do in Toronto at Night

3. NYC to Barcelona ($269–$350 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Norse Atlantic, LEVEL, Iberia (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for beach weather without crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture lovers 🏛️, beach enthusiasts 🏖️, nightlife seekers 🌃

Barcelona is where beachside relaxation meets mind-blowing architecture. The city has buildings that look like they’re from another planet, a beach right in the downtown, and a nightlife scene that doesn’t even get started until after midnight when New Yorkers would be heading home.

La Sagrada Familia will make your jaw drop with its otherworldly design and incredible stained glass that bathes the interior in rainbow light. Park Güell offers more Gaudí masterpieces with mosaic-covered structures that look straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. When you need a break from sightseeing, Barceloneta Beach is right there with beachfront bars serving sangria and tapas. For food lovers, La Boqueria Market delivers sensory overload with colorful produce, hanging jamón, and tiny bar counters serving up fresh seafood caught that morning.

Flight-wise, watch out for Norse Atlantic and LEVEL sales, which can drop prices below $300 roundtrip if you book 2-3 months ahead. Norse flies from JFK while LEVEL operates from Newark, so check both depending on which airport is more convenient. For timing your visit, May and late September hit the sweet spot when you’ll enjoy perfect beach weather without July’s crushing crowds and prices. 

Be aware of the ETIAS visa waiver requirement likely launching for US citizens in mid-to-late 2026. It will cost around €7 and must be done online before you fly. Also, book Sagrada Familia tickets at least 3 weeks in advance; they now sell out faster than Broadway shows.

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 $199 roundtrip fare from NYC to BCN with LEVEL. This made it super cheap and easy to get to Europe. 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.

4. New York to Nashville, TN ($97–$150 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for milder weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Music lovers 🎸, foodies 🍗, weekend travelers 🍻

Nashville lives up to its “Music City” nickname with a soundtrack that follows you everywhere. The city has live music pouring from every bar door, incredible Southern food that goes way beyond hot chicken, and a creative energy that attracts musicians, artists, and chefs from across the country.

Broadway is where neon lights illuminate the famous honky-tonks pumping out country tunes from morning till night. For a more authentic experience, The Bluebird Cafe offers intimate songwriter showcases where you might catch tomorrow’s stars before they hit it big. 12 South neighborhood delivers Instagram-worthy murals, trendy boutiques, and the city’s best coffee shops.

Consider booking JetBlue or Southwest at least 6 weeks ahead, with Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently offering the lowest fares. JetBlue often runs flash sales with prices dipping below $100 each way from JFK. For the best Nashville experience, aim for April when the city blooms with dogwoods and festivals kick off, or October when the summer humidity finally breaks and fall colors begin. 

2026 Note: Hotel prices downtown have skyrocketed to NYC levels. Save 30-40% by staying in Germantown or East Nashville. Both areas are cooler, more local, and a cheap $10 Uber ride to the honky-tonks on Broadway.

• Read next: Cheap Flights from Nashville
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5. New York to San Juan, Puerto Rico ($197–$260 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, United, Spirit (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌴 and September to November 🌊 for fewer tourists and lower prices
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, history buffs 🏰, food enthusiasts 🌮

San Juan brings Caribbean energy with zero passport required. You’ve got turquoise waters, colorful Spanish colonial streets, and rich island flavor all wrapped into one super accessible getaway. Wake up in Old San Juan, wander past rainbow-hued facades and 16th-century forts, then spend the afternoon at Ocean Park beach with a cold beer and sand between your toes.

Old San Juan is a feast for the eyes with its blue cobblestone streets, massive historic forts, and buildings painted in every color of the rainbow. Condado Beach offers resort vibes with beachfront hotels and water sports, while locals prefer the more relaxed scene at Ocean Park. Foodies shouldn’t miss La Placita de Santurce, a market by day that transforms into an outdoor party at night with live music and food kiosks serving up mofongo, alcapurrias, and ice-cold Medalla beers.

JetBlue is your best bet for reliable direct flights under $200 if you book 4 to 6 weeks out. Spirit sometimes offers rock-bottom prices out of Newark, but pack light or get hit with carry-on fees.

For visiting, May is your golden window. Low crowds, sunny skies, and hotel rates under $120 near the beach make it a smart time to go.

• Read next: Cheap Flights from San Juan
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• Keep reading: Caribbean Cruise Guide
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6. New York to Savannah, GA ($97–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, Delta, United (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for pleasant weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: History lovers 🏛️, architecture enthusiasts 🏠, food explorers 🍤

Savannah feels like stepping into a movie set with Spanish moss dripping from ancient oak trees. The city has 22 historic squares filled with monuments and fountains, gorgeous Victorian mansions you can actually tour inside, and a food scene that will have you scheduling your next visit before you leave.

Forsyth Park is the perfect intro to the city with its iconic fountain and weekend farmers’ market where locals gather. The Historic District offers one of the largest National Historic Landmark districts in the country with block after block of perfectly preserved homes. River Street lines the Savannah River with converted cotton warehouses now filled with restaurants, shops, and bars perfect for people-watching. Between ghost tours, southern cooking classes, and nearby Tybee Island for beach days, this compact city packs in way more than you’d expect.

JetBlue dominates this route with cheap fares, sometimes below $100 each way from JFK during their regular sales. Fly Tuesday or Wednesday for the best deals. Visit in April for spectacular blooming azaleas and perfect photo ops, or October for crisp fall weather without summer’s brutal humidity and crowds.

• Read next: Warm Winter Vacations in the US
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• For more reading: United First Class Review
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7. New York to New Orleans, LA ($114–$180 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, Spirit, Delta (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: February to May 🎭 and October to December 🎷 for festivals and mild weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Music enthusiasts 🎺, food lovers 🍜, history buffs 🏛️

New Orleans feels like nowhere else in America. The city mixes French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences into something totally unique, with incredible food, live music on every corner, and a laid-back attitude that makes even New York minutes slow down to appreciate life.

French Quarter delivers those iconic balconied buildings, street performers in Jackson Square, and the famous Café du Monde serving beignets 24/7 under a mountain of powdered sugar. For music, Frenchmen Street offers a more local alternative to touristy Bourbon Street with authentic jazz clubs where you might catch the next Trombone Shorty. Garden District showcases jaw-dropping mansions and the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, the oldest continuously operating streetcar in the world.

Grab flight deals on JetBlue which runs frequent sales with fares sometimes dipping below $120 roundtrip from JFK. For the best experience, visit in April when festival season is in full swing but before summer humidity makes exploring uncomfortable. November brings perfect weather and the city decorated for the holidays without the Mardi Gras crowds and prices. 

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8. New York to San Jose Cabo, Mexico ($256–$320 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, American Airlines, Delta (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🏖️ and May to June 🌞 for ideal weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏄‍♂️, luxury travelers 🌴, outdoor adventurers 🐠

Cabo is where desert meets ocean in spectacular fashion. The region has dramatic rock formations rising from turquoise waters, luxury resorts with Instagram-worthy infinity pools, and a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure that makes it Mexico’s premier Pacific playground.

El Arco (the Arch) stands as the iconic natural landmark where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, best viewed by boat tour or water taxi from Medano Beach. For adventure seekers, Lover’s Beach offers incredible snorkeling in crystal clear waters teeming with tropical fish. The historic San Jose del Cabo town center provides a more authentic Mexican experience with art galleries, colonial architecture, and family-owned restaurants serving freshly caught seafood.

For the best experience without breaking the bank, visit in November or May when you’ll enjoy perfect 80-degree days, fewer tourists than peak winter season, and hotel rates up to 40% lower than December through March. Find flight deals by booking JetBlue during their quarterly sales, with prices sometimes dropping below $280 roundtrip from JFK. 

My 2026 Insider Tip: Avoid the “Tourist Corridor” resorts if you are on a budget. Instead, stay in the Art District of San Jose del Cabo. It’s much more authentic than Cabo San Lucas, walkable, and home to amazing Thursday night Art Walks. Plus, boutique hotels here are often half the price of the mega-resorts.

• Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly Into Mexico
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9. New York to Miami, FL ($132–$190 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, American Airlines, Spirit (20+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌴 and May 🌞 for beach weather without extreme humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach enthusiasts 🏖️, nightlife seekers 🕺, art lovers 🎨

Miami is basically NYC’s warm-weather playground. The city delivers a perfect mix of Latin flavor, art deco architecture, and miles of gorgeous beaches where you can escape winter while still enjoying world-class restaurants, shopping, and culture just a quick flight from home.

South Beach is famous for its colorful lifeguard stands, model-watching opportunities, and the iconic Ocean Drive lined with pastel-colored art deco hotels. For a more local experience, Wynwood Walls showcases massive street art murals that have transformed an industrial neighborhood into an outdoor museum. Little Havana offers authentic Cuban food, cigar rollers, and domino players in the park, while Brickell delivers sleek rooftop bars with stunning skyline views.

JetBlue and American constantly battle for customers with flash sales offering fares around $150 roundtrip. Fly Tuesday through Thursday for the best deals and avoid holiday weekends when prices can double. Visit in March when you’ll enjoy 80-degree days perfect for the beach but without the crushing summer humidity that makes exploring the city uncomfortable.

If flights to MIA are expensive, check fares to West Palm Beach (PBI) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL). The high-speed Brightline train now connects these cities directly to downtown Miami in under an hour. It is a seamless, luxury train experience that can save you $100+ on airfare.

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10. New York to Guatemala City ($269–$330 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Avianca, United, Spirit (3+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌞 and September to October 🍂 for dry season travel
• 🏆 Perfect for: Culture seekers 🏛️, adventure travelers 🌋, budget explorers 💰

Guatemala is Central America’s hidden gem. The country packs in colonial cities, ancient Mayan ruins, smoking volcanoes, and colorful textile markets all within driving distance of the capital. This destination delivers Instagram-worthy adventures at prices that make other tropical getaways seem overpriced.

Antigua Guatemala is just an hour from the airport with its cobblestone streets, colonial churches, and three volcanoes framing perfect photos at every turn. For natural wonders, Lake Atitlán offers what many travelers call the most beautiful lake in the world, surrounded by traditional Mayan villages and volcanic peaks. Adventure seekers shouldn’t miss Acatenango Volcano where you can hike up and camp overnight watching the nearby Fuego Volcano erupt with lava fireworks against the night sky.

Look out for Avianca sales every three months, when roundtrip fares can dip below $300. Book 6 to 8 weeks in advance and fly midweek to dodge higher business travel prices. November is ideal, right after the rainy season ends and before holiday rates spike. February is another great window, with dry days and vibrant local festivals around Lake Atitlán, minus the Easter week crowds.

Do not rent a car. Instead, pre-book a “Shared Shuttle” (approx $15) to get straight to Antigua or Lake Atitlán. For 2026, look for stays in San Marcos on the lake…it’s seeing a boom in high-value eco-lodges this year.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Guatemala

11. New York to Dallas, TX ($137–$200 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: American Airlines, Spirit, JetBlue (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, sports fans 🏈, food enthusiasts 🍖

Dallas shatters cowboy stereotypes with a sleek, modern vibe. The city combines gleaming skyscrapers with Southern hospitality, creating a destination where you can experience world-class arts districts, innovative restaurants, and yes, authentic Texas barbecue all in the same day.

Klyde Warren Park is a 5-acre urban green space built over a freeway that connects downtown to the upscale Uptown district with food trucks, free activities, and people-watching opportunities. Deep Ellum offers street art, live music venues, and craft breweries in a historic neighborhood that’s been rocking since the 1920s. Sports fans can catch the Cowboys at their billion-dollar AT&T Stadium or experience the rowdy atmosphere of Stars hockey and Mavericks basketball at the downtown arena.

Score flight deals by watching for American Airlines sales from their massive hub at JFK. Their prices sometimes drop below $140 roundtrip during quarterly sales. Spirit consistently offers the lowest base fares but charges for everything including carry-ons. Visit in April when bluebonnets blanket the region and perfect temperatures make patio dining ideal, or October when the Texas State Fair brings fried everything and the summer heat finally breaks. 

Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) is currently a construction zone as they build the new Terminal F (opening 2027). To avoid the mess, fly Southwest into Dallas Love Field (DAL). It is smaller, faster to navigate, and significantly closer to downtown, saving you about $40 on the Uber ride.

• Read next: Travel Money-Saving Tips
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12. New York to London, UK ($272–$350 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 7 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Norse Atlantic, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways (20+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for milder weather and fewer crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, theater lovers 🎭, shopping enthusiasts 🛍️

London delivers big-city energy with centuries of history packed into every block. The city has iconic landmarks you’ve seen in movies, world-class museums that are actually free, and neighborhoods with totally different vibes all connected by the super easy-to-use Underground.

Big Ben and Westminster Abbey provide those classic London photo ops, while Borough Market serves up incredible food under Victorian architecture. Covent Garden offers street performers and easy access to the theater district, where you can often score last-minute tickets to world-class shows for less than a Broadway ticket back home. Between royal palaces, hidden pubs where Shakespeare drank, and museums housing treasures from around the world, you could visit a dozen times and still discover new corners.

Norse Atlantic offers direct flights from JFK to London Gatwick with fares sometimes below $300 roundtrip. JFK to London is one of the most competitive transatlantic routes, with Virgin Atlantic and British Airways frequently running sales targeting New York travelers. Time your visit in May when parks bloom with flowers and daylight stretches into the evening, or late September when summer crowds thin out but outdoor activities are still pleasant. 

A mandatory ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for US citizens is rolling out in early 2026. You must apply online and pay £10 before you fly. Once you land, take the Elizabeth Line (Purple Line) from Heathrow. It’s faster and cheaper than the Heathrow Express, dropping you in Soho or Shoreditch in 40 minutes.

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13. New York to Denver, CO ($172–$230 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: United, JetBlue, Frontier (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to May 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for ideal weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏔️, craft beer lovers 🍺, art explorers 🎨

Denver delivers mountain vibes with big-city amenities. The city combines outdoor adventure with urban cool, creating the perfect basecamp where you can hike through stunning landscapes by day and enjoy world-class restaurants, breweries, and cultural attractions by night.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is just 15 miles from downtown, offering both incredible concerts and free public workouts with breathtaking views. RiNo (River North Art District) buzzes with colorful murals, converted warehouses housing breweries, and food halls like The Source where you can sample everything from artisanal ice cream to craft cocktails. Outdoor lovers can’t miss Rocky Mountain National Park just 90 minutes away with its alpine lakes, wildlife spotting, and over 300 miles of hiking trails.

JetBlue often drops fares below $180 roundtrip if you book 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Frontier, headquartered in Denver, runs flash sales with bare-bones tickets under $150, perfect for minimalists with a backpack. Avoid weekend departures if possible, and check both LaGuardia and JFK for the lowest fares. Aim for spring and fall to experience the best of Denver.

• Read next: Cheap Flights from Denver
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• Keep reading: Things to Do in Denver for Young Adults
• Also worth reading: Best Places to Visit in Colorado in Winter
• For Connecticut travelers: Cheapest Places to Fly from CT

14. New York to San Francisco, CA ($187–$250 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 6 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: United, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to November 🍂 and March to May 🌸 for mild weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food enthusiasts 🍽️, urban hikers 🏙️, architecture lovers 🌉

San Francisco packs ridiculous diversity into just 7×7 miles. The city has microclimate neighborhoods where the weather changes every few blocks, hills that deliver jaw-dropping views around every corner, and some of the best food in America from hole-in-the-wall dim sum to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Golden Gate Bridge is obviously iconic, but the best views come from Baker Beach or hiking trails in the Marin Headlands just across the bay. Mission District serves up incredible murals, the city’s sunniest weather, and the best burritos you’ll ever taste. For urban nature, Golden Gate Park is actually bigger than Central Park with hidden gardens, buffalo herds, and museums where you can spend entire days. Don’t miss riding a historic cable car up the impossibly steep hills that have starred in countless car chase scenes.

JetBlue and Alaska Airlines usually dominate this route. Both airlines offer regular promotions with fares sometimes below $200 roundtrip from JFK. United operates a major hub at SFO with the most flight options but rarely the lowest prices. 

For even better deals, fly to nearby Oakland Airport (OAK), which is still the best budget hack for SF. Despite the blocked attempt to rename it “San Francisco Bay Oakland,” it remains the same convenient airport. It is often $50 cheaper than SFO, and the BART train gets you to downtown San Francisco just as fast as from SFO.

• Read next: Best San Francisco Airbnbs
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15. New York to Berlin, Germany ($343–$420 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Norse Atlantic, LEVEL, Lufthansa (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 and December 🎄 for festivals and outdoor activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, nightlife lovers 🕺, art enthusiasts 🎨

Berlin is Europe’s coolest capital with an anything-goes attitude. The city has transformed abandoned industrial spaces into creative hotspots, offers a legendary nightlife scene where clubs stay open for days, and embraces its complex history while constantly reinventing itself.

East Side Gallery showcases colorful murals painted on the largest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, while Museum Island houses five world-class museums in the heart of the city. Mauerpark comes alive on Sundays with a massive flea market, outdoor karaoke, and street performers creating a festival atmosphere. For Berlin’s famous nightlife, clubs like Berghain in former power stations and Tresor in an old bank vault keep the party going all weekend with some of the world’s best techno DJs.

Direct flights from JFK to Berlin on Norse Atlantic often drop below $350 during their quarterly sales. Travel midweek for savings up to $70 compared to weekend departures. Timing matters enormously here: summer brings endless daylight perfect for the city’s vibrant outdoor scene, while December transforms Berlin into a winter wonderland with Christmas markets glowing beneath historic landmarks. 

• Read next: Hidden Gems in Europe
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• Also worth reading: Cheapest Places to Fly Into Europe

16. New York to San Diego, CA ($187–$250 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, United (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for perfect weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, outdoor enthusiasts 🌅, family travelers 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

San Diego is basically California without the hassle. Seriously, this place has beaches that’ll make your jaw drop, weather that’s practically perfect year-round, and a super chill vibe that’ll have you wondering why you’re still putting up with New York winters.

Coronado Beach is where you’ll find that postcard-perfect golden sand with the iconic red-roofed Hotel Del Coronado in the background. Balboa Park is way more than just a park – it’s this massive green space with Spanish-style buildings where you can check out museums, gardens, and the ridiculously good San Diego Zoo. For sunset vibes, head to Ocean Beach where hippies, surfers, and locals gather at the pier to watch the day end with cold beers and fish tacos. The city somehow feels like a big beach town where nobody’s ever in a hurry.

Nab cheap flights by jumping on JetBlue sales that pop up every few months with roundtrip deals sometimes under $200 from JFK. For the best time to visit, aim for spring and fall for the best outdoor temperature.

The brand new Terminal 1 is finally partially open! If you fly Southwest or Delta, you’ll likely use this new facility, which features a gorgeous outdoor dining deck (post-security) where you can soak up the sun before your flight. Also, avoid expensive car rentals by using the San Diego Trolley, which connects the airport area to downtown and the border.

• Read next: Best Airbnbs in Southern California
• You may also like: Cheap Flights from San Diego
• For more reading: Nature Spots in Southern California
• Keep reading: Best Things to Do in San Diego for Young Adults

MY EXPERT ADVICE: If you’re planning to fly outside of the country, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Going.com (Scott’s Cheap Flights) to find the best deals. Recently, I was notified of a $200 roundtrip fare from NYC to Greece with Scandinavian Airlines. 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!

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