Most travelers would agree that getting a good deal on your flights or hotel makes the trip even better.
When planning their trips for next year, travelers said flights and hotels were the biggest cost drivers, according to a recently released report by Skyscanner. 2025 Travel Trends Report.
“While some U.S. travelers have told us they plan to spend more on vacations next year than in 2024, we're seeing they're also becoming savvier about travel costs,” said Laura Lindsay, expert on global travel trends at Skyscanner. THE UNITED STATES TODAY. That means being flexible on travel dates, destinations and flight times, she added.
For those planning their trips in 2025, there is good news. The report reveals that flight prices have actually declined for some top destinations over the past year. Travelers have a choice beach places, historic towns, and adventurous outdoor paradises – all without breaking the bank.
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“Budget-friendly options can make a destination much more attractive to cost-conscious travelers,” Lindsay added. “Many of this year's best value destinations offer outdoor attractions and excursions at affordable prices – from hiking the Pitons to relaxing on the pristine beaches of St. Lucia to snorkeling in Barbados or the boat trip in the Great Salt Lake, which gave its name to Salt Lake City.
Read the full list of destinations with the biggest drop in airfares, according to Skyscanner, below.
Barranquilla, Colombia
Located on the northern coast of Colombia, Barranquilla offers a warm year-round climate and plenty of beaches. The city is famous for hosting the Barranquilla Carnival, the largest carnival in the world and a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity recognized by UNESCO. Travelers can enjoy a 19% discount on airfares to this bustling city.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Prices for flights to the Dutch capital have been reduced by 19% for the year. Amsterdam attracts many travelers to its world-class museums, such as the Anne Frank House, charming architecture and numerous cafes. Travelers can navigate the city's iconic canals by bike or boat.
Salt Lake City, UT
Travelers looking to enjoy Salt Lake City's many outdoor adventures can enjoy 19% cheaper airfare. Although the town is famous for being a ski destination in winter, its mountains are also beautiful for hiking in the warmer months and fall when seeing in autumn.
Charlotte, North Carolina
For a destination that balances small-town hospitality with a vibrant cultural and food scene, Charlotte is worth the trip. It's even more affordable now that airfares have dropped 22%. It is known for its vast green spaces and whitewater rafting, but also offers attractions such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Charlotte Jazz Festival.
San Jose, California
San Jose is a short distance from San Francisco, but the city alone is worth a few days' stay. In addition to a vibrant food and culture scene, the city offers many attractions, such as the Mission Santa Clara de Asis, founded in 1777, and the legendary Winchester Mystery House. Flights to the tech hub have fallen 23% over the past year, Skyscanner found.
Fargo, North Dakota
A former frontier town, Fargo is today a thriving travel destination offering a myriad of eclectic small businesses and agricultural history. Filled with boutiques, breweries, and restaurants, its downtown area is particularly notable for being walkable and easy to explore. Flights to Fargo were down 24% year-over-year.
Rabat, Morocco
With a beautiful coastal setting, Rabat has a rich history as one of Morocco's four imperial cities with an array of historic monuments and buildings, earning it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers ready to head abroad can benefit from airfares falling by 24%, according to Skyscanner data.
Bridgetown, Barbados
Bridgetown, the largest city on the Caribbean island of Barbados, offers more than just great beaches and warm weather to travelers looking to take advantage of the 24% drop in airfares. (But who doesn't want to snorkel at marine parks and shipwrecks?) The island also has colorful colonial architecture and historic military buildings designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Castries, Saint Lucia
Travelers ready to book their Caribbean getaway to idyllic St. Lucia can feel good about hitting the buy button. Flights to the capital, Castries, have fallen by 25% over the past year. From soft white sand to striking black volcanic sand, St. Lucia offers almost every type of beach you can imagine, plus waterfalls, zip lines, snorkeling, hot springs and much more.
Nice, France
It's never a bad idea to visit the south of France, especially now that flights to Nice have fallen by 27%, the biggest drop seen by Skyscanner. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, the laid-back town of Nice is home to beautiful beaches, a charming old town and, of course, fresh seafood.
