Is always nice to get away from home, even for those living in the vibrant city of Phoenix, Arizona. A vacation to another state (or country) might seem like a tall order, but if you know what you are doing, it is always possible to pull off a last-minute budget vacation. Find a destination where you can get a cheap flight, don’t overspend on your hotel, and keep your activities to sight-seeing, hiking, swimming at the beach, and other cheap activities to keep your vacation under budget. To give Phoenicians some ideas for their next cheap vacation, we’ve got some great destinations for travelers on a budget. And if you aren’t from Arizona, don’t worry; these tips are likely to help you wherever you are in North America!
Finding Cheap Last-Minute Flights from Phoenix
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While there are plenty of worthwhile destinations within driving distance, we want to explore destinations that are a little farther from home for Phoenicians. That means that being able to find cheap last-minute flights from PHX is crucial to keeping your vacation under budget. The best way to get a good deal is to be flexible with your dates. Oftentimes, people travel Friday evening after the work week is over, or on Sunday to get back before the next work day begins. If you can travel on days like Tuesday or Wednesday, that can save you a lot of money as they are much less busy days. Also consider flying in the early morning or late night, as this can have the same effect. Sign up for fare alerts when you complete a GoLastMinute flight search, and you can stay up to date on the latest pricing, allowing you to get the best possible deal on your flights.
Denver
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Denver is one of the most popular destinations for flights departing from PHX, and it isn’t difficult to see why. For one thing, the amount of flights that go between the two cities means that it is much easier to find good deals. It is not uncommon to find roundtrip tickets for under $100, making a cheap vacation to Denver an easy prospect. What’s more, the mountains of Colorado provide plenty of cheap and free activities to help you keep your budget down. Head to the Denver Art Museum, Botanical Gardens, or Red Rocks Amphitheater during one their free days for some free activities, and you’ll only have to worry about paying for your flights and hotels!
San Diego
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San Diego is another popular destination for Phoenix flights, offering plenty of opportunities to get a good flight deal. While it is not really known as a cheap city to visit, it can host a bargain vacation thanks in large part to its beaches. A beach vacation is a great choice, since beaches are typically free and can fill an entire day with relaxation and fun in the sun. Southern California also has the benefit of sunny weather year round, so you can make this trip work regardless of when you want to go. The busy season is June to August though, so avoiding those months can help you keep hotel and flight prices down.
Salt Lake City
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While it is less known as a vacation destination, Salt Lake City in Utah has a lot to offer to those looking for a bargain vacation. City Creek Canyon offers some great hiking trails and stunning views that you can enjoy at no cost. Liberty Park is a great location for a picnic and some people watching. Go to the Tracy Aviary to get up close and personal with a variety of exotic birds. You can also check to see if there are any events going on when you want to visit, like the Public Art Stroll in Sugar House. Being a large city means there are often public festivals and events that you can enjoy while you are in town.
Seattle
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Seattle may not be as popular of a beach destination as San Diego is, but there are plenty of sandy shores here, as well as a lot of other free and cheap activities to do on a budget vacation. The city is littered with iconic landmarks and sites for you to visit, as well as waterfront parks and hikeable mountain trails. That’s not even to mention their vibrant art scene, which you can explore without purchasing anything. Be sure to check the city’s schedule to see when public events and festivities are going on, as this will be your best opportunity to experience its culture without having to open up your wallet.
Cancun
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If you think that Cancun is only fit for expensive vacationing, then think again. Flight tickets here will be a little pricier, but it is still possible to find roundtrip tickets for just a couple hundred dollars. You can make up for the flight tickets by booking a hotel downtown, away from the beach. By taking a 15 minute bus to the beaches, you will save loads on your room and board. Furthermore, there are plenty of options for cheap food, meaning your flight ticket and hotel room will be your only major expenses. Spend your days hanging out at the beach, exploring the vibrant city streets, and sampling local street foods, and you won’t feel any envy for those suckers who are cooped up in overpriced 5-star hotels!
