The country travelers choose to visit often comes down to what’s in their budget, and the affordability of a destination has a lot to do with what departure airport you’re traveling from. Residents on the East Coast of Canada and the USA might assume that the more affordable destinations for them to visit are limited to Mexico and the Caribbean, but according to Skyscanner's flights to Everywhere feature, passengers departing from New York can score cheap flights to these 10 countries.
10 Cancun, Mexico
Travelers who live on the East Coast of Canada and the US are likely used to seeing friends and family on vacation in Cancun, Mexico, and it’s probably because it’s one of the most affordable international round-trip flights from that side of North America. Round trip flights under $300 are common to find in all seasons and on top of affordable airfare, prices in Mexico are lower than in North America as well. The cost of living in the USA is 66% higher than in Mexico, so even travelers not taking advantage of resort packages who want to experience local life can have a budget-friendly experience. The exception to this is Tulum, a coveted destination near Cancun among influencers. Tulum’s prices have increased in recent years to reflect the influx of visitors looking for high-end restaurants and upscale resort experiences.
9 Guatemala City, Guatemala
Guatemala City is the capital of the Central American nation, Guatemala, and acts as the gateway to the country for travelers who want to visit epic volcanoes and learn about its Mayan history. Flights to Guatemala City from NYC can be as low as $200 round trip, making it affordable to get there. Plus, once travelers have landed, they’ll find the country itself is highly affordable for traveling on a budget. Guatemala is 57% less expensive than the USA, allowing visitors to enjoy high-end accommodation for a low price.
8 Nassau, Bahamas
Flights to the Bahamas from the East Coast of North America are budget-friendly and quick. Travelers can fly from NYC to Nassau in just over 3 hours. Once there, visitors have the choice of staying in a hotel or resort as part of a package deal or renting a charming Airbnb by the beach to get a taste of local island life. From Nassau, it’s also affordable to fly to some other islands in the Bahamas like Great Exuma or Eleuthera.
7 Barcelona, Spain
Europe might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering the cheapest travel destinations, but low-cost flights from NYC to Barcelona, Spain (under $300 round trip) make a summer vacation across the pond possible for East Coasters. On top of affordable flights, Spain is 44% cheaper in terms of cost of living than the United States. A budget-conscious way to enjoy this beautiful European country is staying in a hostel or Airbnb in Barcelona, spending time at the beaches, and eating tapas with friends.
6 Medellín, Colombia
If the timing of their trip is right, travelers can visit Medellín, Colombia, for less than $400 round trip. Medellín is nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring for its temperate climate that is comfortable year-round; this means there’s no wrong time to visit. From Medellín, travelers can take a day trip to the vibrant town of Guatapé, where there are plenty of activities to enjoy. From hiking to kayaking, it’s an outdoor lovers' paradise, plus the streets of the town are colorful and quaint. Better yet, the cost of traveling within Colombia is exceptionally low, with expenses in the country averaging 71% lower than in the United States.
5 Reykjavík, Iceland
Iceland is one of the easiest places in Europe to fly to from North America. The flight duration is just under 6 hours each way and there are low-cost carriers like Icelandair that aim to bring travelers to Iceland on a budget. However, while the cost of flights to the Land of Fire and Ice is low (under $300 round trip) prices within Iceland are high. The cost of living in Iceland is 5% higher than in the United States, but there are ways to see this country’s epic landscapes on a budget. Renting a van and driving the ring road while camping and cooking your own meals is an excellent option for a low-cost week in Iceland.
4 San Jose, Costa Rica
Travelers can fly from NYC to San Jose, Costa Rica for less than $450 round trip at various times throughout the year. Although Costa Rica was once a budget-friendly destination for travelers, some areas of the country, like Tamarindo, have become expensive because of their popularity among tourists. However, La Fortuna, a hub for adventure around Arenal Volcano and the Tabacon hot springs, remains affordable when booking Airbnb. Travelers can also save on costs in Costa Rica by renting a 4x4 vehicle with a rooftop tent to combine the cost of accommodation and car rental while exploring the coast.
3 Milan, Italy
Another affordable European destination to visit from the East Coast of the US and Canada is Italy. Milan typically offers the lowest round trip flight prices (under $400 round trip), but Venice is a close second. Although Europe has a reputation for being expensive, Italy is actually 40% less expensive than the United States, making it possible to spend time in Milan on a budget. Travelers can take advantage of free city walking tours, explore the local sites, and go shopping in one of the fashion capitals of the world.
2 Bucharest, Romania
Romania isn’t on everyone’s bucket list, but it’s an affordable country in Eastern Europe with exceptional cuisine and gorgeous scenery. Travelers can fly from NYC to the capital, Bucharest, for less than $400 round trip at certain times of the year, which is a steal considering the flight time is around 9 hours. Once in Romania, it’s easy to stick to a low budget because the cost of living there is 68% lower than in the United States.
1 New Delhi, India
Flying to India from New York is certainly not the most affordable flight a traveler can book from the East Coast, but when factoring in the overall cost of a trip to India, it’s one of the most affordable destinations to visit. The cost of living in India is 79% cheaper than in the United States, allowing travelers to stretch their dollars significantly more than in other countries that are cheaper to fly to. With flights costing less than $800 round trip from NYC to New Delhi, it’s possible to spend a week in India for even less than a week in Spain or Italy.