TRAVEL

14 Cheapest Destinations To Visit From The West Coast

By Geeta Pal

Posted on 13 September 2023

Key Takeaways:
Travelers on the West Coast of the US have access to affordable flights to various destinations in South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and Asia.
Skyscanner’s Flights to Everywhere feature provides a list of the most affordable flights from California to these destinations, which can help travelers score ultra-affordable tickets.
In addition to considering flight prices, it’s important to also factor in the cost of living in the intended destination when planning a trip.

Travelers on the West Coast of the United States are uniquely situated to enjoy affordable flights to various destinations in South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. When trying to plan a trip departing from Los Angeles or other travel hubs in California, these are the most affordable flights according to Skyscanner’s Flights to Everywhere feature. Of course, flight prices are ever-changing, but when keeping an eye on these trending destinations, it’s possible to score ultra-affordable tickets to these incredible destinations. Here are the 14 cheapest destinations to visit from the West Coast.

UPDATE: 2023/09/05 23:31 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

14 Cheapest Destinations To Visit From The West Coast

Flight prices change from one day to another and are affected by several factors. Therefore, this list was updated to reflect the cheapest places to travel to from California in September 2023.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is one of those towns travelers from California could spend weeks exploring. They are better off renting a bike to tour around the city and to really get a feel for the culture, even if many of its top cafés, restaurants, and sights are close to one another. Travelers could be in Copenhagen to see its galleries and museums, its burgeoning nightlife, or to check out the city’s innovative urban planning, which helped Copenhagen earn the title of 2023 UNESCO World Capital of Architecture. It’s the ideal destination for eco-conscious tourists as well because it is a walkable city. For its environmental innovation, including urban farms and sustainable fashion, Copenhagen was named the greenest city in Europe. If travelers want a cheap place to travel, Copenhagen is a perfect destination.

Ticket price: $730

Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw, formerly known as Paris of the East, was once among the most stunning cities in all of Europe before World War II destroyed it. Warsaw has recovered during the past several decades, rising from the ruins to reemerge as one of the great cities of Europe. West Coast travelers can explore the old town’s rich history, indulge in some traditional Polish cuisine, and learn enlightening things about the past at numerous top-notch institutions. It is not one of the countries close to California, yet it is one of the cheapest places to travel to from California.

Ticket price: $682

Oslo, Norway

Oslo isn’t the most affordable city in the world, but it’s worth every single dollar. It’s not the closest to the U.S., but it’s one of the cheapest destinations to visit from the West Coast. The greatest things to do in Oslo range from world-class museums to inventive eateries to a burgeoning cultural cool, through all the Scandi cool that travelers from California can dream of. Oslo has a prime position between the mountains and the sea. Oslo is at the forefront of both historical and contemporary trends, yet it nonetheless conducts itself in a lovely way.

Ticket price: $643

Belize City, Belize

Belize is a very small country, yet it has a powerful impact. The second-largest coral reef in the world, behind the Great Barrier Reef, is found along the Caribbean shoreline, and its lush interior is covered in deep vegetation. There are so many thrilling things to do in Belize if West Coast travelers love the outdoors and adventure. Language, culture, and cuisine all represent Belize’s real multiculturalism.

Ticket price: $596

Havana, Cuba

Cuba is famous for being one of the most timeless destinations in the Caribbean and Havana is famous for being one of the most beautiful cities in the region. There is just so much to see and do in not only Havana but also all through Cuba. It should be noted that while there are generally no issues for Canadians visiting Cuba, it is a bit more complicated for American citizens to visit. Refer to the Department of State before planning a trip.

Flight ticket: $581

Vancouver, Canada

While they’re relatively close to each other, California and British Columbia, Canada, are two entirely different regions. Taking a break from traveling the beaches of California to head to the mountains in Western Canada is the perfect reason to book a cheap flight from LAX to YVR. Once in Vancouver, travelers can keep costs down by staying at Airbnb instead of hotels and enjoying the free activities in the city, like exploring the Granville Island market or biking in Stanley Park.

Flight ticket: $577

Lima, Peru

Peru is a destination many travelers hope to visit one day, whether to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or to spend a night in the Amazon Rainforest. Fortunately for those living on the West Coast of North America, flights to Lima, Peru are frequently less than $600 round trip. In addition to the affordable airfare, the cost of living in Peru is 67% less than in the United States, allowing travelers to backpack on a budget by staying in hostels or living in affordable luxury while renting Airbnbs. From Lima, it’s possible to book cheap domestic flights to other areas of the country, like Cusco, for around $100.

Flight ticket: $554

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

West Coast residents who just want to get away in the Caribbean are in luck – flights to the idyllic beaches of the Dominican Republic are around $500 round trip from LAX. One of the most affordable ways to enjoy this beautiful Caribbean nation is to book an all-inclusive resort package through airlines like Delta or Southwest. These airlines offer travelers a chance to enjoy the sun and surf for a low price that includes their accommodation, airfare, food, and drinks.

Flight ticket: $510
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Another affordable Caribbean destination for travelers to visit from the West Coast is Puerto Rico. This Caribbean Island is an unincorporated US territory that is hugely underrated. It has stunning beaches, delicious food, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and the blue waters of a Caribbean paradise. Fly here from LAX for less than a $450 round trip and travel the island on a budget while still enjoying high-quality accommodation and food. The cost of living in Puerto Rico is 62.1% less than in California, allowing travelers from the West Coast to have a luxurious experience.
Flight ticket: $421

Bogotá, Colombia

While it’s affordable for East Coasters to fly to Medellín, people on the West Coast of the US and Canada will typically find more budget-friendly flights to the capital city of Bogotá. Bogotá, Colombia, is a high-altitude city with charming cobbled streets in the city center and sprawling urban architecture everywhere else. It’s an affordable country for North Americans to travel to, making it possible to stay here for a few weeks at a beautiful hotel or Airbnb for a low price. Take advantage of the low cost of living by booking a food tour of the city or a coffee tasting.

Flight ticket: $405

Panama City, Panama

Panama often gets overshadowed by its neighbor, Costa Rica, but West Coast travelers can score cheap flights to Panama City from LAX. The cost of living in Panama is 49% cheaper than in the United States, making it possible to stay in a beautiful Airbnb there for weeks at a time. While there, travelers can visit the iconic Panama Canal, the historic site of the Panama Viejo, and roam the charming streets of the old town.

Flight ticket: $395

El Salvador

El Salvador is also serviced by cheap flights from Los Angeles. El Salvador is something of a virgin country when it comes to tourism in the region. Most people tend to visit Central American places like Guatemala and Costa Rica. However, El Salvador is also a place worth a visit. That being said, it is not the safest so check with the latest travel advice before going.

Flight ticket: $307

Guatemala

Guatemala is one of the cheapest destinations to fly to from Los Angeles as well as one of the budget-friendly destinations to enjoy while there (there are flights for as low as around $255). Guatemala has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful and traveler-friendly destinations in Central America. The country is home to attractions like Tikal – one of the largest Mayan ruined cities, rich rainforests, volcanoes, and so much more.

Flight ticket: $274

Mexico City, Mexico

Travelers departing from Los Angeles on the Western Coast of the United States will typically find that Mexico City is the most affordable airfare option for traveling to Mexico. The flight only takes around 4 hours when flying directly, and on top of the airfare being affordable, Mexico’s cost of living is 66% lower than in the United States. Visiting Mexico City is an excellent opportunity for travelers to escape the touristy beach towns and see what life is like in the country’s capital city.