By Liam You can go on an incredible Spring break trip without breaking the bank. It is even possible to save money on a Spring trip by going abroad. Forget about Miami, South Padre Island and Myrtle Beach, I’ve identified five international destinations which have round trip flights from the US for $250 with maximum one stop. These five cheap international destinations to visit this Spring are all close by in North and Central America.
So, you won’t have to travel too far to use your passport and enjoy warm weather. Plus, once you arrive, lodging, food and activities will almost always be significantly cheaper than in the US.
It’s certainly possible to do one of these trips from the US for under $500, all things considered, as long as luxury isn’t a necessity. Without further ado, let’s check out our five cheap international destinations to visit for under $250 round trip.
Five Cheap International Destinations #1: Mexico City
- Valid from: Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oakland, Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego
Mexico City is one of the best cities in the world. Between incredible food and bustling markets, charming neighborhoods, world class museums and much more, the biggest city in North America has so much to offer to visitors. Plus, it’s only a few hours from a bunch of major US cities by plane.
It is no secret that I love Mexico City. I lived here in 2023 and just came back because I couldn’t seem to stay away. There’s an undeniable magnetism to CDMX. People intending to stay for a few weeks here frequently end up staying for years.
It’s easily one of the best five cheap international destinations to visit this Spring. First time visitors should check out our Mexico City Centro guide. Beyond Centro and the tourist neighborhoods of Roma and Condesa, there is so much else to see and eat!
Coyoacan is a must-visit neighborhood. Meanwhile, Chapultepec Park and Castle are essential stops. On Sundays the government shuts down one of the busiest streets, Paseo de la Reforma. Bikers and runners take over the road and it’s a fun scene to join in on. The pyramids of Teotihuacan also make for a good day trip.
Make sure to try tacos al pastor and try to eat where the locals do. In any case, CDMX is one of those cities that you have to spend a lot of time in to gain a deeper understanding of. After a lifetime here, you would still have plenty to discover.
Like many other people, you could always come back. Also, it’s not a bad idea to use CDMX as the first stop of a longer trip throughout Mexico.
#2: Guatemala
- Valid from: Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York, Orlando, Raleigh, Tampa, Washington D.C.
Guatemala is an underrated travel destination that punches above its weight for such a small country. There are pretty colonial cities, pre-hispanic ruins, nature in droves and the famous Lake Atitlan. Plus, there are plenty of cities in the US which have great flight deals to Guatemala.
One week should be enough to see some of the country’s highlights. You can base yourself in the beautiful small city of Antigua for the stunning Acatenango Volcano hike. Then, spend time on Lake Atitlan and check out the towns of Panajachel and San Pedro.
If you have more time and a bigger budget, you could take a quick flight from Guatemala City to Flores. There, you can visit the Mayan ruins at Tikal National Park. Then, more ruins await in nearby Belize if you want to extend your trip.
Regardless, there are plenty of reasons that Guatemala is one of our five cheap international destinations to visit.
#3: El Salvador
- Valid from: Boston, Miami, New York
El Salvador’s crime rate has fallen drastically in the last few years. Following some big changes, the country has the lowest crime rate in all of Latin America.
Controversial president Nayib Bukele has declared a war on gangs. As a result, the country has the highest incarceration rate in the world. He also made El Salvador the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. As a side effect, or motivation for, these radical changes, El Salvador is now quite safe to visit for tourists.
Your specific itinerary in El Salvador will depend on your interests. City travelers will enjoy San Salvador, Santa Ana and Suchitoto. You can relax, or surf, on beaches like El Tunco and Costa del Sol.
Nature lovers should stay near Santa Ana or Juayua for outdoor activities. Some of the most popular are the Cerro Verde and El Imposible National Parks, Laguna Verde and the Salto de Malacatiupan waterfalls.
Of course, you can combine most of these activities during a weeklong trip. Especially since the country is quite small and it’s not too difficult to get around in.
#4: Costa Rica
- Valid from: Atlanta, Houston, Louisville, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, Washington D.C.
Costa Rica is more expensive than other Central American nations. Even so, It’s still cheaper than popular Spring Break destinations in the US.
Costa Rica is known for being one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and the laidback “Pura Vida” lifestyle. You’ll likely be flying into San Jose, the capital, but it is worth getting outside of the hustle and bustle of the city.
When you’re ready to head out of the city, go to La Fortuna. It’s the gateway to the Arenal Volcano and has a popular waterfall. Hike the nearby trails for great views of the towering volcano.
Afterward, head to Monteverde, which is a few hours drive away. The nearby cloud forest will be an unforgettable experience and if you’re lucky you may be able to see some sloths. Sloths are Costa Rica’s national animal and are beloved in the country.
Now, you have some options. You can head west to the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its beaches and surfing. You could also head south to Manuel Antonio National Park. There, you can hike through a coastal rainforest with beaches and plenty of monkeys.
If you prefer to stay closer to San Jose for a short trip, you can hike up to the Irazu Volcano, which has a crater lake inside of it. Cartago, a nearby colonial town, is also worth a stop.
Consider venturing southeast, near the Panama border if you have the time. The coastal Cahuita National Park is teeming with nice beaches and wildlife.
#5: Guadalajara
- Valid from: Chicago, Dallas, Denver, El Paso, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Oakland, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, San Jose
It’s back to Mexico for the final one of our five cheap international destinations to visit this Spring. Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s biggest cities and well worth a visit for a few days or more.
Then, you could head out west to beach towns like Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita. While CDMX has tacos al pastor, Guadalajara has birria (goat) and tortas ahogadas (drowned sandwiches). You certainly won’t go hungry in either city, as they’re both paradise for food lovers.
In the city center, there are plenty of sights to see and things to do. Both the Cathedral and Templo Sacramento are iconic. Next to the latter, you’ll find Guadalajara’s art museum. One of the most beautiful buildings in the city is Hospicio Cabañas and the former orphanage/hospital is now a museum with free entry on Tuesdays. There are also beautiful public plazas near both main churches, which are great places to people watch.
You may also hear mariachi music, as Guadalajara is known for mariachi and tequila. Make sure to take a day trip to the actual town of Tequila to visit some distilleries.
Guadalajara has nice parks, like Los Colomos and Mirador Independencia and the latter has excellent canyon views. Directly south of Guadalajara, you’ll find Tlaquepaque. This town is known for colorful streets and art, especially ceramics.
Another potential day trip is to Chapala, which is located on a lake about an hour from the city. It’s a good place to relax and eat seafood by the water.
Five Cheap International Destinations: Expect More
That concludes our list of five cheap international destinations to visit this Spring. You should have plenty of inspiration for your next trip!
Stay tuned for more deals to more destinations as the year goes on. Also, check out some of our recent articles.