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Travel can be as addictive as it is expensive. And I have the bank balance to prove it!
But if you want to travel more without spending a fortune, then one of the biggest ways to save cash is by choosing the right destination.
Picking a travel destination that offers budget hotel rooms, affordable costs on the ground, and perhaps most importantly, cheap flights are all great ways to save money.
Dollar Flight Club has revealed a list of the cheapest U.S. destinations to fly to in 2025. Meaning 2025 can be a big year in travel without breaking the bank.
Note: I’m often a little dubious about lists like this. However, Dollar Flight Club analyzed a full year of airfare data, took into account destinations with multiple departure points, and used seasonal travel data to look at airfare peaks, too.
Destinations were ranked based on the affordability of their airfare as well as the frequency of their flights and connections from major US hubs.
5. Nashville, Tennessee (BNA)
Nashville is the heart of the country and a paradise for music lovers. If you’re looking for old-school Southern hospitality and a huge dose of charm, then this is the place to be.
As well as epic live music venues, you’ll also find incredible heritage architecture. The growing art scene in the city means there is an abundance of galleries and art shows to enjoy, too.
The Dollar Flight Club report puts Nashville as the 5th most affordable destination in the U.S., with average flight prices of $190.
The best time to visit Nashville is in the spring, especially if you’re a music fan as this is when the most renowned music festivals take place in the city.
With this advice in mind, I looked for some sample prices for flights in April.
The cheapest flights available right now are from Chicago. Departing on April 1 and returning on April 8 will cost $178. This is based on economy-class flights with American Airlines.
4. Austin, Texas (AUS)
Austin is a modern city with an old-fashioned attitude.
You’ll be sure of a warm welcome here, and there is a thriving cultural and arts scene to immerse yourself in in the city, too.
Austin is known as the live music capital of the world, so if you’re looking for some of the best live music venues and festivals in the U.S., then that’s another great reason to put Austin on your bucket list.
The best time to visit the city is in March when the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival is taking place.
The cheapest destination to fly from Austin is Denver, Colorado. Return flights from March 12 to March 19 will cost $98. This is based on economy-class flights with Frontier Airlines.
3. Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS)
As an adult playground, Las Vegas is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the U.S. and one of the most domestically well-connected.
Which explains why it took 3rd place on this list.
Las Vegas is known for its casinos, mega resorts, and hotels. But it has so much more to offer. Think of a huge array of fine dining options as well as epic outdoor pursuits.
To take advantage of the cheapest flight and hotel prices, Dollar Flight Club suggests traveling in December and January.
Using this info, I looked at flights for January and found San Francisco is the cheapest departure airport. Flying out on January 8 and returning on January 15 will cost just $36 return.
This is based on an economy-class ticket with Frontier Airlines.
2. Denver, Colorado (DEN)
Coming in 2nd place is Denver, which is an outdoor lovers’ dream destination.
This is a city best known for its high-quality winter skiing nearby, but there are also amazing hiking trails to enjoy here in the summer months.
Looking for something a little more relaxing and, dare I say it, sedentary? The craft beer scene in Denver is highly regarded, so why not book a brewery tour or two?
The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Try March for the tail end of the ski season or late summer for hiking.
Return flights from Salt Lake City are available in March for as little as $39. This is based on flights from March 1 – March 8 with Frontier Airlines, flying economy class.
1. Orlando, Florida (MCO)
Perhaps one of the most well-known and iconic vacation destinations in the U.S., every kid in the world dreams of visiting Orlando.
(And many adults want to go to heal their inner child too!)
The big attractions, of course, are Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. But Orlando also offers world-class shopping, restaurants, and outdoor activities too.
According to Dollar Flight Club, average flight prices are $150, and the best time to visit is in early January or early September to beat crowds and demand.
Based on this, I looked for January flight prices and found nonstop return flights from Atlanta with Spirit Airlines for $48. This was based on an economy class flight departing on January 8 and returning on January 15.
The very cheapest flights were from Durham, North Carolina. Departing on January 7 and returning on January 11 would cost $39. This is based on an economy-class flight with Frontier Airlines.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
