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Most travelers would agree that scoring a great deal on your flights or hotel makes the trip even better.
When planning their trips for next year, travelers said that flights and hotels are the top cost factors, according to Skyscanner’s recently released 2025 Travel Trends Report.
“While some American travelers have told us they’re planning to spend more on their vacations next year than in 2024, we’re seeing them also get savvier when it comes to travel costs,” Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s Global Travel Trends Expert, told USA TODAY. This means being flexible on travel dates, destinations and flight times, she added.
For those planning their 2025 trips, there’s some good news. The report found that flight prices have actually decreased for some top destinations over the past year. Travelers have their pick of beach locales, historic cities, and adventurous outdoor havens – all without breaking the bank.
I felt safe and sociable on this expedition, as a solo female traveler
“Budget-friendly options can make a destination a lot more attractive for cost-conscious travelers,” Lindsay added. “Many of this year’s best-value destinations offer affordable outdoor attractions and excursions – from hiking the Pitons or relaxing on the pristine beaches of St. Lucia to snorkeling in Barbados or taking a float in the Great Salt Lake for which Salt Lake City is named.”
Read below for the full list of destinations with the biggest drop in airfare, according to Skyscanner.
Barranquilla, Colombia
Located on Colombia’s northern coast, Barranquilla offers a year-round warm climate and an array of beaches. The city is famous for hosting the Carnival of Barranquilla, the biggest carnival in the world and a UNESCO-recognized Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Travelers can enjoy a 19% drop in airfare to the vibrant city.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Prices for flights to the capital of the Netherlands reduced by 19% for the year. Amsterdam draws many travelers to its world-class museums, such as the Anne Frank House, charming architecture and many coffee shops. Travelers can take the city’s iconic canals via bicycle or boat tour.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Travelers who want to enjoy Salt Lake City’s many outdoor adventures can revel in airfare that’s 19% cheaper. Although the city is famous for being a ski destination in the winter, its mountains are also beautiful for hiking during the warmer months and fall peeping in the fall.
Charlotte, North Carolina
For a destination that balances small-town hospitality with a vibrant culture and food scene, Charlotte is worth a visit. It’s even more affordable now that airfare has dropped by 22%. It’s known for expansive green spaces and whitewater rafting but also offers attractions like 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 on its own is worth staying for a few days. Besides a vibrant food and cultural scene, the city offers a slew of attractions, such as the 1777-founded Mission Santa Clara de Asis and the legendary Winchester Mystery House. Flights to the tech hub dropped by 23% over the past year, Skyscanner found.
Fargo, North Dakota
An early Frontier town, Fargo is now a thriving travel destination offering a myriad of eclectic small businesses and agricultural history. Filled with boutiques, breweries and restaurants, its downtown is especially notable for being walkable and easy to explore. Flights to Fargo have reduced by 24% over the year.
Rabat, Morocco
With a beautiful coastal backdrop, Rabat has a rich history as one of four imperial cities in Morocco with an array of monuments and historic buildings – earning the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers who are ready to go overseas can enjoy airfare that’s fallen 24%, according to Skyscanner data.
Bridgetown, Barbados
The largest city in the Caribbean island of Barbados, Bridgetown offers more than just stunning beaches and warm weather for travelers wanting to enjoy the 24% drop in airfare there. (Although, who doesn’t want to snorkel marine parks and shipwrecks?) The island also boasts colorful colonial architecture and historic military buildings designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Castries, St. Lucia
Travelers ready to book their Caribbean getaway to the idyllic St. Lucia can feel good about hitting the purchase button. Flights to the capital city, Castries, dropped by 25% over the past year. From soft white sand to striking black volcanic sand, St. Lucia offers almost every kind of beach you can imagine, plus waterfalls, ziplining, snorkeling, hot springs and more.
Nice, France
It’s never a bad idea to visit the South of France, especially now that flights to Nice have fallen 27% – the biggest drop found by Skyscanner. Set along the Mediterranean Sea, the laid-back city of Nice is home to beautiful beaches, a charming Old Town and, obviously, fresh seafood.
