When it comes to summer travel, shelling out for expensive airfare can feel like a foregone conclusion. But this year, it’s possible to find cheap last-minute flights during June, July, and August to even some of the most popular destinations.
Data shows that airfares this summer are notably cheaper compared to summer 2023. Domestic airfares for June, July, and August are $305 per ticket on average—that’s a 6% drop from last summer, according to Hopper’s report. In fact, Hopper says that this summer is the first time that airfares have gotten more affordable year-over-year since 2020. “Prices this summer are expected to peak around $315 per ticket at the end of May and early June,” says the Hopper report.
Some of the biggest savings can be found on southbound routes. Data from travel search site Kayak shows that flights to Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico are 14%, 15%, and 16% cheaper this summer, respectively, compared to last year.
If you do plan on flying internationally, plan to travel in August if possible. During that month, Kayak’s data shows that international airfare drops by 3% compared to last year. Specifically, August 12 to 25 is the cheapest time to fly internationally, according to Kayak’s data.
With that advice in mind, here are seven destinations you can still score affordable airfare to for a summer trip. The fares represent the average price of summer flights departing roundtrip from the US; the actual ticket cost will vary depending on the airport or city you depart from. For more expert tips on how to nab affordable airfare, check out this guide to finding cheap last-minute flights.
Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i
This summer, travelers looking to visit Big Island of Hawai’i and revel in its mix of tropical lushness, serene beaches, and volcanic wonders are in luck. The average airfare from the US mainland comes in at $663—that’s 18% cheaper than last summer, according to Kayak’s report. Thanks to the less-expensive tickets, you might be able to tack on a couple of inter-island flights to explore more of the gorgeous archipelago. Hops to neighbor islands like Kauai or Maui usually start at about $80 one-way.
Mexico City, Mexico
The electric dining scene and cultural attractions of Mexico City are within reach for budget-conscious travelers this summer. Airfares for the season are averaging at $479 round-trip, Kayak says. Summer is a cheaper time to visit some parts of Mexico because the country’s rainy season kicks up in May and lasts through September. Although rain is frequent during this stretch, it’s usually not enough to ruin a trip. Any precipitation typically comes as showers that pass relatively quickly, followed by lots of sunshine.
