Whether you're exhausted by the news and social media lately, stuck in the lull between summer and holiday excitement, or maybe that first blast of cold air just hit you the wrong when when you left the house this morning, it seems like we all could use a beach vacation right now.
Lucky for us, this fall has been full of cheap flights to some of the best beaches the world over for trips this winter and even as far out as next summer. While those are all valid excuses to want to book that warm weather getaway, you don't really need one. Not when we're seeing flights prices to popular and off-the-beaten path destinations for under $399 roundtrip.
It's not going to break the budget to fly you and your group chat or even the whole family to a locale with full of sun and sand in 2025. Take a look.
Cancún & Tulum, Mexico from $208 RT
One of the quickest, easiest, and cheapest ways to make yourself that person in the photo below is by booking a cheap flight to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
The abundance of flights from the U.S. down to Cancún (CUN) and Tulum (TQO), Mexico leads to low fares every winter. And the beauty of Mexico is, once you're down there, things like food and drink are typically also amazingly cheap.
To get there in the first place, all it takes is $400 or less to fly roundtrip from dozens of U.S. and Canadian cities.
Even from the smallest, regional airports across the country, if you're willing to take a quick connection, a cheap flight to Cancún is well within reach for most travelers on a budget.
From Peoria (PIA) to Philadelphia (PHL), savings are abundant for a flight down to the Yucatán Peninsula.
For years, the Cancún airport was your only option if you wanted to fly to places like Tulum. From there, you had to take a car or drive about 90 minutes down the coast to get to quieter beaches like this one.
But Tulum opened its own international airport last year, meaning travelers can now fly straight there without having to navigate the often chaotic CUN airport.
The airlines tripped over themselves trying to dominate this new airport, which means every major airline is now flying direct flights into Tulum (TQO). That competition is driving down prices.
Now, flight prices to TQO look like fares to CUN, including this gem from New York (JFK) down to TQO this winter!
Florida Panhandle from $158 RT
You don't need a passport to get great value on a beach getaway this winter. Beaches like this one, along Florida's famous 30A highway, offer a passport-free alternative to the slow-going beach life.
Florida's a mainstay in the rotation of vacationing Americans, but this area along Florida's northernmost panhandle is a relatively hidden gem compared to places like Tampa, Fort Myers, or Miami.
Yet, those who travel there rave about the panhandle's easy-going style, it's white sand beaches, and its affordability.
That affordability starts with low airfare, which has been easier to find than normal lately. These nonstop flights down to Destin (VPS), Panama City (ECP), or Pensacola (PNS) are all under $239 roundtrip for a flight this winter.
Punta Cana, D.R. from $204 RT
Your “beach” can mean a lot of things. For some it's a secluded cove a hike away from the parking lot, and for others, it's a sunny beach chair a wave's away from a waiter bringing you unlimited food and drink.
For the all-inclusive lovers who need a beach this winter, look no further than Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana might just be the unofficial capital of all-inclusive resorts. It's home to dozens and dozens of them, including one we love: The Hyatt Ziva and Zilara Cap Cana.
Thrifty Tip: Use the “All-Inclusive” filter in Google Hotels to find a resort that fits your budget and style.
The beauty of an all-inclusive is that the price is built in, so if you can also save big on airfare, you're looking at a shockingly cheap vacation.
And you can! Look at these prices from all over the U.S., including some amazing rates from airports like Providence (PVD), Richmond (RIC), Allentown (ABE), and Albany (ALB) among others.
Belize from $289 RT
With its beautiful island retreats it calls its “Cayes”, you'd better Belize this island nation is a perfect beach retreat for a winter-weary traveler this year.
Travelers eyeing a piece of pure serenity should take a look at Belize (BZE) flight deals lately, because the nonstop flights from all over the U.S. down to the destination the west side of the Caribbean Sea might be surprised at what they find.
Some of these fares crept up above $400 roundtrip, but for a destination like Belize, a few extra bucks might be worth it. Plus, if you're booking a Delta flight, you could use your Companion Certificate on these fares, too, bringing the cost of your second ticket way, way down.
The winner is this JetBlue fare flying nonstop to Belize from New York (JFK). Clocking in at around $289 roundtrip, this is a steal for any NYC-based traveler looking to really get away from it all.
Myrtle Beach & Nantucket Under $249
A lot of the best beach trips are still available for this winter, but something unique is happening with airfare this year. Right now, if you look out into next summer, domestic flight prices within the U.S. are already inexpensive.
It's an unusual pattern. U.S. flight prices tend to get lower closer in to your date of travel. Right now, for instance, we'd be more likely to see flight prices dropping for January through May dropping, but instead, the airlines are hitting the end of their schedules with discounts in July, August, and September, instead.
With so many airlines promising a reduction in the number of flights next summer, we're sure this trend isn't going to last long. But you can strike while the iron is hot and get the best price for a summer 2025 trip right now!
That way, you can find your way to a beach like Myrtle Beach (MYR), a family-friendly beach haven on the South Carolina coast.
Fares to Myrtle Beach are massively discounted right now for as far out as next summer from some cities.
These nonstop flights are a great example of the savings you can expect if you book your summer 2025 vacation right now.
The same trend led us to round up some of the cheapest flights we've ever seen to Nantucket (ACK), too.
The picturesque island dotted with grassy, sandy dunes is a favorite of the East Coast elites, but the airlines are competing to take you there, meaning you can get there for less-than-elite prices for a dream beach getaway.
American, Delta, and United were all competing hard for customers from all of these U.S. cities, meaning you can fly to ACK for as little as $176 roundtrip next summer!
Bottom Line
Book a flight to the beach in 2025 because you deserve it, whether you need it or not.
Luckily, flights to some of our favorite beach destinations are low right now, even for summer 2025 flights! Whether you want to fly to an all-inclusive in Punta Cana, a secluded escape in Belize, or a quick getaway to the Florida Panhandle, your beach trip is in play this year if you've budgeted $399 or less.
