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Flight comparison site Skyscanner is recommending some cheaper alternatives closer to home.

By Tom Jones via Sherwood News <– Click here for more articles by Tom.

We’re starting to get to that stage of the year where the wintry dreams of sitting on a beach somewhere, basking in the sun with a drink in hand, traditionally start being realised — for almost half of America this year, however, those far-flung fantasies will likely remain just that.

According to the latest poll from NPR, PBS, and Marist, some 45% of Americans said they don’t plan to take a summer vacation this year. Although that’s actually a fairly typical share overall (the figure sat at 43% when asked in 2025, and 45% when it was asked four years earlier), more Americans highlighted money as a key factor this year, with 49% saying cost was the main driver behind their decision.

Home for the holidays

Given the knock-on financial effects of the US-Iran war within the travel industry, and the different ways that businesses like major airlines have passed on those soaring expenses to consumers, it’s hardly surprising that cost is top of mind for those not jetting off this summer.

Still, for those harboring hopes of booking themselves a last-minute getaway, flight comparison website Skyscanner put together a list of the cheapest holiday destinations by average flight price as part of the platform’s American-focused Smarter Summer Report. Unsurprisingly, cities in the US came out on top in the value ranking.

Punta Gorda topped Skyscanner’s list, a city described as “Florida’s best-kept secret” where a flight from various US airports would set you back just $179 on average in June. Two other cities in the Sunshine State made the cut, while tourist hotspots like Chicago and Las Vegas also boast some of Skyscanner’s cheapest flight tickets on average.