2026’s Most Affordable Destinations for US Travelers

Recent affordability pressures haven't stopped people from traveling. Instead, they've changed how people travel.   

The number of international travelers broke post-pandemic records for a third year in a row in 2025. U.N. Tourism estimates that the 1.52 billion international tourist arrivals recorded in 2025 will likely grow by around 3%- 4% this year. When you combine this expected growth with the estimated record $2.2 trillion generated by international tourism in 2025, it becomes clear that travelers are continuing to prioritize travel despite ongoing affordability pressures. 

Strategic planning and spending are how savvy travelers are making affordable travel possible in 2026. Taking advantage of short-haul routes with lower airfares and travelling to destinations with favourable exchange rates are just a few of the strategies that will help you find excellent value at affordable prices. In our experience planning trips across these regions, travelers who stay flexible on dates and destinations see the biggest savings without compromising on quality. 

These are the travel tips and destinations that will help you travel more affordably in 2026. Connect with Goway's Destination Specialists today to ensure your dream vacation is an affordable one. Goway works daily with on-the-ground partners and real booking data to help you get more out of your travel budget. 

Best Destinations with Favourable Exchange Rates for US Travelers in 2026 

Strategically traveling to international destinations with favourable currency exchange rates is one of the best way to significantly reduce the cost of accommodations, meals, transportation, and experiences. While exchange rates naturally fluctuate over time, the destinations below have historically offered substantial value for US travelers, and continue to stand out in 2026. Goway's Destination Specialists will help you navigate the latest exchange rates to ensure you find the best prices and are not caught by surprise. 

Thailand (THB)

Thailand continues to offer excellent value to US travelers with both favorable exchange rates and a wide range of destinations catering to different travel styles. For example, travelers visiting Bangkok can enjoy world-class dining from lively street vendors to Michelin-starred establishments at highly competitive prices relative to other world capitals. “Guests are encouraged to take public transport in Bangkok, especially the SkyTrain,” says Goway Account Manager Steve Hope. “It is a cheap, comfortable, and easy way to get around the city independently.”  

Northern cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are particularly popular with budget-conscious travelers, offering access to historic temples, national parks, and local markets at a lower daily cost than Thailand's island destinations. Travelers who plan strategically, however, can still find more budget-friendly accommodations and affordable locally operated excursions in resort areas such as Krabi or Koh Lanta. Booking locally run tours and accommodations, rather than only international brands, helps stretch your budget even further while supporting local communities. 

Egypt (EGP)

Egypt's combination of world-renowned cultural and heritage sites and relatively low day-to-day costs makes Egypt particularly appealing to culture and history enthusiasts on a budget. In Cairo, visitors can marvel at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, visit the Egyptian Museum, or cruise the Nile without stretching their wallet too far. They can also indulge in delicious meals at a reasonable price. 

“I absolutely recommend guests try either the buffet breakfast or dinner at the Marriott Mena House in Cairo,” says Goway Destination Specialist Elise Umulisa. “The buffet breakfast costs roughly $20 to $25 per person, while the buffet dinner is closer to $75 per person, which is a good deal for the luxury value of the experience.” 

 Luxor provides access to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and other Pharaonic sites with local guides and relatively low entry fees. Many travelers group these experiences with a short Nile cruise or a combination of private drivers and guided day tours quite cost-effectively. Egypt's long history of tourism, combined with low daily costs for accommodations, transport, and guided excursions, continues to make it an accessible destination for world-class cultural and adventure travel alike. 

South Africa (ZAR)

South Africa offers US travelers a rare combination of unforgettable premium travel experiences and long-standing currency advantages that keep day-to-day costs comparatively low. Travelers in Cape Town that don’t have pre-organized transfers can still enjoy the city’s world-class coastal scenery and urban culture at a reasonable price. “We recommend that guests use Uber when they do not have transfers arranged,” says Goway Commercial Manager Angela Donnely. “It is a reasonably priced and safe option.” 

The nearby wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer tastings and bistro-style lunches that often cost less than equivalent experiences in comparable North American and European destinations. 

Wildlife experiences, particularly in and around Kruger National Park, are also more attainable due to favourable exchange rates, especially when booking locally operated safaris or staying in smaller private reserves. Domestic carriers and regional airlines also make it relatively affordable to connect Cape Town with Johannesburg, the Panorama Route, or the Garden Route, particularly when flights are booked together with accommodations. 

Vietnam (VND)

Vietnam has built a reputation as one of the best value destinations in Southeast Asia, with the Vietnamese dong historically trading at a level that keeps everyday travel costs low for US visitors. In Hanoi, travelers can explore the Old Quarter, historical temples, and museums with minimal entry fees, while also enjoying some of the region's most affordable street-level dining.  “A private boat ride into the scenic Trang An Landscape Complex south of Hanoi costs only around $40,” says Goway Destination Specialist Leo Liu. “The price to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site is absolutely worth it.” 

Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed town, offers a mix of heritage architecture, cycling routes through rice fields, and nearby beaches, all accessible without high transportation or accommodation costs. Further south, Ho Chi Minh City serves as a gateway to the Mekong Delta, where guided river excursions and overnight stays in smaller towns remain reasonably priced. Simple comforts like local coffee, street food, and short taxi rides often cost a fraction of what travelers are used to paying at home. 

Brazil (BRL)

Brazil's dynamic mix of urban culture, natural beauty, and adventure experiences is enhanced by its historically favourable exchange rate. This helps US travelers stretch their budget on accommodations, dining, and domestic flights, allowing them to explore several destinations within Brazil. Rio de Janeiro is an obvious highlight, where travelers can explore iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, hike through the Tijuca Forest, and ascend Sugarloaf Mountain with accessible entry fees.  

Meanwhile, multi-day stays in simple but comfortable lodges in and around the Amazon, combined with guided canoe excursions and wildlife walks, often cost less than similar rainforest experiences elsewhere. Choosing locally owned accommodations and tour operators helps you keep costs manageable while also allowing you to direct more of your spending into conservation and community-based projects. 

Indonesia (IDR)

Indonesia's favourable exchange rate continues to support low-cost accommodations, meals, and transportation for US travelers. Bali's renowned beaches, surf culture, and wellness retreats, paired with UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Borobudur and Prambanan temples, set the stage for affordable adventures with excellent value. Nature enthusiasts can explore Komodo Island for diving and wildlife experiences or the volcanic landscapes of Mount Bromo on Java. Goway's Destination Specialists can help you book guided hikes, boat trips, and inter-island transfers at friendly price points, particularly when booking outside of peak holiday periods. Smaller islands such as Lombok and Flores provide opportunities for eco-tourism and cultural exchange at lower daily costs than many tropical destinations globally. 

“Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands,” says Goway Destination Specialist Lydia Guo. “Travelers always fall in love with Indonesia on island-hopping sightseeing excursions, where they come across beautiful waterfalls, caves, rice terraces, and beaches.” 

Mexico (MXN)

Mexico remains one of the most consistently affordable international destinations for US travelers thanks to the strength of the US dollar against the Mexican peso. In cities like Mexico City and Oaxaca, travelers benefit from lower costs for guided walking tours, museum admissions, and dining, particularly when eating at locally owned restaurants and markets rather than tourist-oriented venues. Many visitors find they can comfortably enjoy three meals a day at local spots, plus a paid attraction, on a modest daily budget compared to similar activities in major US cities. Coastal destinations like Puerto Escondido and Mazatlán continue to offer competitively priced accommodations and local transportation, while destinations along the Yucatán Peninsula, including Mérida, Uxmal, and Campeche, offer a mix of Mayan archaeological sites, fortified Spanish colonial towns, and local markets at affordable daily costs. 

The savings can take you far in Mexico, allowing you to spend more on certain items over others. “Guests can choose from boutique Colonial hotels, eco-lodges and jungle retreats, hacienda stays, or even beachfront Cabanas and villas,” says Goway Specialist Amanda Lunn. 

Poland (PLN)

Poland stands out as one of Europe's most affordable destinations relative to its Western European neighbours, with the Polish złoty historically offering favourable value for US travelers.  

“Poland is a beautiful, affordable, and conveniently located country within Europe, easy to combine with other European countries.” says Goway Destination Specialist Karmen Galamb. “It has an incredibly rich history and resilient culture.” 

Cities such as Kraków and Wrocław immerse travelers in medieval old towns, museums, and cultural festivals with lower accommodation and dining costs than cities like Paris or Amsterdam. Meanwhile, in Warsaw, travelers can enjoy the city's extensive public transit and reasonably priced hotels, while regional destinations like Gdańsk offer coastal scenery and historic architecture without the premium pricing found in many other European port cities. 

Argentina (ARS)

Argentina offers an extraordinary range of experiences at relatively low daily costs for US travelers, translating to strong value for dining, local transport, and accommodations across the country. Buenos Aires immerses travelers in tango culture, historic neighbourhoods, and bustling markets, with affordable accommodations and dining options. Steakhouse dinners, cafe culture, and live tango shows typically cost less than comparable evenings out in major North American cities. Nature lovers can explore Patagonia, including El Calafate and El Chaltén, for hiking, glaciers, and outdoor adventure at costs far below comparable destinations in North America or Europe. Simple lodges, locally operated day hikes, and shared excursions to glacier viewpoints keep overall costs manageable while still delivering bucket-list moments. The Iguazú Falls region provides world-class waterfalls and rainforest trekking with local guides, while Mendoza offers wine tours and vineyard stays that remain accessible even on moderate budgets. 

How US Travelers Can Save on Airfare 

Another way for US residents to travel more affordably in 2026 is by saving as much as possible on airfare. Luckily, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) found that, in real (inflation-adjusted) terms, average return airfares in 2025 were nearly 35% lower than in 2015, reflecting a long‑term decline in ticket prices, which it expects to continue in 2026. 

This downward trend is opening the door for US travelers to world-class destinations at more affordable prices. Recent analyses from KAYAK and Skyscanner show that both short-haul and long-haul routes are offering great value in 2026, particularly for travelers willing to be flexible and strategic with their destination choices. Goway's Destination Specialists will help you compare travel dates and departure airports to ensure you take full advantage of these lower airfares. 

2026's Most Affordable Destinations by Airfare 

Skyscanner's list of the lowest projected average airfares for 2026 highlights the most affordable domestic and international destinations, based solely on price. US destinations like Las Vegas ($232), Miami ($284), and Orlando ($353) continue to anchor the lowest average fares. In contrast, international destinations such as San Salvador ($282), San Juan ($365), and Mexico City ($402) are often within reach for many travelers, depending on departure city and travel dates. Even highly sought-after European destinations are becoming more accessible for many travelers, according to recent average fare data, with cities like Milan ($559) among the lowest fares. These sample fares are based on economy-class averages from major US airports. 

Short-Haul Flight Deals for US Travelers 

Short-haul destinations continue to offer some of the best airfare deals from the US. Travelers looking to maximize value without committing to long-haul flights can look to destinations across Mexico, Central America, and Canada in 2026. The average airfare to cities like Guadalajara ($363), San Salvador ($368), and Aguadilla, Puerto Rico ($385), Toronto ($406), and Montreal ($446) allow US travelers to combine lower fares with shorter travel times. These routes are especially attractive for long-weekend getaways and first-time international travelers seeking to keep both flight times and costs under control. 

Destinations with the Biggest Airfare Price Drops in 2026 

Affordability isn't limited to nearby destinations. Some long-haul routes are becoming significantly more affordable thanks to significant year-over-year declines in airfare. Skyscanner data shows that destinations such as São Paulo (-29%), Singapore (-25%), and Venice (-21%) are seeing some of the steepest drops in flight prices from the US Other iconic destinations, such as Istanbul, Seoul, and Naples, are also posting double-digit declines. These price drops present rare opportunities for travelers to visit bucket-list destinations at much kinder costs than similar trips just a year ago. We still recommend checking a variety of departure dates as well as mid-week departures to see where the best deals still exist when you're ready to book, as these percentage drops are based on recent snapshots of average fares.