With fuel prices rising across nearly every industry, including travel, vacationing can feel daunting and expensive. However, April offers a lot of hope for people looking for an escape.
The fourth month of the year is a travel sweet spot, with April falling just after Spring Break and before the busy summer travel season, which usually commences during Memorial Day Weekend. With some destinations, April marks the end of the high season, and some industry experts call it shoulder season. What that means for travelers is simply cheaper flights and accommodations.
Here is a round-up of the cheapest flights this April for less than $650 round-trip.
San Juan, Puerto Rico Under $200 Round-Trip
For those of you who need a quick beach getaway, look no further than San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Caribbean destination will give you everything you need: salt water, sand, incredible food and entertainment, and a little relaxation to recharge.
April offers the perfect blend of sunny weather, lower humidity, and fewer hotels, since it’s the tail end of peak season. It’s a sweet spot for travelers also looking for lower hotel prices before the rainy season begins on the island.
Round-trip flights from Philly, Washington, D.C., Orlando, Boston, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Tampa, and Houston are all less than $175 on Skyscanner. The cheapest flights depart from Miami or Fort Lauderdale for less than $100 round-trip. Use April 19-23 as your travel dates for the cheapest option for Fort Lauderdale. Use April 20-24 for flights departing out of Miami.
Cartagena, Colombia Under $300 Round-Trip
As with San Juan, visiting Cartagena in April is ideal, when peak season is coming to a close, and just before the rain begins in May. The crowds start to thin out after March, and if you time your visit right, you will also save money on hotel nights. A good rule of thumb for savings is booking towards the end of April.
Make the most of the season and weather by wandering through the Walled City, the charming UNESCO-listed Old Town, where you can explore the iconic colonial architecture. One of the best ways to explore Cartagena is to indulge in local cuisine on a street food tour. This is a fantastic way to get insights and explore an underground culinary scene that you won’t see on social media.
Round-trip flights from Chicago, Charlotte, Atlanta, New York City, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Tampa, and Houston are less than $275 on Skyscanner. Fort Lauderdale wins again for the cheapest flight. Use April 19-24 for a round-trip ticket for less than $200.
Panama City, Panama Under $400 Round-Trip
There’s no such thing as a bad time for visiting Panama City, but there is such a thing as the best time. April is among the best times of the year because it’s considered the last of the dry months. For travelers, this means most of your time should be spent outdoors.
During your visit, head to the streets of San Felipe, or as locals call it, Casco Viejo. This UNESCO-protected neighborhood is located in the heart of the old city. Also, don’t miss several exciting festivals in Panama City in April. Moon Fest Panama will transport you to a world of Asian flavors, colors, and traditions, while the Azuero International Fair pays tribute to Panama’s rich culture.
Round-trip flights from Durham, New York City, Denver, Atlanta, Houston, Orlando, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Charlotte are all under $450 on Skyscanner. Miami travelers will find the cheapest flights to Panama City. Use April 14 – April as your travel dates to snag a round-trip ticket under $350.
Castries, St. Lucia Under $550 Round-Trip
Saint Lucia is one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean, and it’s also one of the priciest. That’s why you don’t want to gloss over this deal: an idyllic destination for less than half the price compared to the rest of the year.
Castries offers a healthy mix of city exploration, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant nightlife. From shopping at Castries Market to hiking to the summit of Gros Piton for incredible panoramic views to taking an aerial train ride through the rainforest, there is so much to explore.
If you’re departing Boston, Providence, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., Chicago, or Detroit, you can still find a flight for less than $550 round-trip on Skyscanner. Travelers leaving New York City have the cheapest option this April. Use April 13 – 18 as your travel dates for a round-trip ticket under $500.
Lisbon, Portugal Under $650 Round-Trip
There’s so much to love about Lisbon. The coastal European city boasts an estimated 290 days of sunshine a year, garnering it the reputation as one of the happiest places in Europe. Offering endless opportunities to explore, it’s hard to get bored in a city like Lisbon.
Keep in mind: Lisbon is a popular city. However, April is a fantastic time to visit before the busy summer travel season picks up. You’ll avoid large crowds and the sweltering summer season.
Round-trip flights from San Francisco, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Chicago are currently under $650. Flights from New York City are the cheapest and can be purchased for under $500 round-trip.
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