For a lot of us, summertime is the only time we get to go out and travel. Between students having classes year round and families being busy at work, vacations can't always happen whatever we want. On top of needing time off from work or school, you also don't want to spend too much money, especially if you can only escape reality for a of couple of days.
If your life is anything like this, downloading the app Skyscanner will be a huge help for planning a trip during the summer on a budget. Personally, I live in the Orlando, Florida area, so selecting to fly out of MCO was best for me, and I also plugged in the month of July to narrow my summer months down. I was able to pull up all the least expensive destinations in the U.S. and was pleasantly surprised.
Here's the most inexpensive airports to fly direct to in July:
1. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson: $48
It's hard to say no to a trip to one of the largest metropolitan cities in America, especially when it's only $48 to get there. You for sure won't run out of things to do, whether you stay in the city or venture to the surrounding nature sites.
2. Charlotte Douglas: $101
The largest city in North Carolina is Charlotte, so it's safe to say there isn't a shortage of things to do and places to explore. Whether you're a city person, or a nature person, between the downtown area and the North Carolina mountains you'll definitely have a good time.
3. Washington Ronald Reagan: $117
As the nation's capital, it's no surprise that D.C. is full of history of all kinds. There's tons of historic buildings, museums and monuments to be checked out. If you need a break from the educational side of things, there are plenty of amazing places to grab food or a drink.
4. Milwaukee General Mitchell: $118
As largest city in the state of Wisconsin, there is plenty to do. During the summer Cathedral Park in downtown has live music on Wednesday and Thursday nights, you can go check out the markets in the Third Ward area, or check out some of the best restaurants in the Midwestern United States.
5. Port Columbus: $124
Located in Columbus, Ohio, this airport gives you access to a gorgeous area. Even though it's not exactly one of the largest cities in the U.S. there is still plenty too keep you busy inside and out. They have a well known German Village that will make you feel like you're way further than Ohio or you can check out the Hocking Hills nature area.
6. New Orleans Louis Armstrong: $124
Even though Mardi Gras isn't during the summer months, you won't be bored in New Orleans. Go check out everything on Bourbon Street and the French Quarter! This location is also one of the few cities in America that allows you to walk around with alcoholic drinks in hand, so that can only add to the experience.
7. Kansas City International: $127
Kansas City might not sound like a super exciting place to visit, but it might surprise you. Between the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, Liberty Memorial, and a very large zoo there's something for everyone. If nature is more your cup of tea no problem, check out the Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
8. Philadelphia International: $131
A city packed with history like Philadelphia is always a great idea to go visit. Between waling around Independence Hall, checking out the Liberty Bell or running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (aka the same steps from "Rocky") this is a great location for anyone who enjoys history of any kind.
9. Nashville: $133
If you like country music then you'll be right at home here in Nashville, Tennessee. There's the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry House. All over downtown you are sure to find little bars and dance halls where you'll fit right in. If the music side of Nashville isn't right up you're ally, there are plenty of other places to go, including Cummins Falls, which is one of the largest waterfalls in Tennessee.
10. Baltimore Washington International: $135
The historic seaport of Baltimore, Maryland is an amazing place to visit. There are tons of great little shops and restaurants all over the city. Baltimore is also home to the National Aquarium where there is tons of aquatic animals to check out. If sports are more your thing, you could always catch an Orioles game instead!
11. Austin-Bergstorm: $143
As the capital of Texas, Austin has a lot of offer. There are countless restraints that locals rave about that range from all different types of food. There is the Cathedral of Junk, which is basically an intense "Hoarders" episode turned into art form. You could go to theaters or museums of all kinds. But one thing you should do for sure if go swimming in the grotto Hamilton Pool.
12. Chicago O'Hare International: $151
Famous for it's bold architecture, massive skyline and famous museums, Chicago, Illinois is definitely a place to visit. Just walking around the city looking at everything is an exciting experience all in itself. Between the Navy Pier, 360 Chicago perspective view or just eating some of the area's traditional style pizza, you're sure to not go home disappointed.
*** All rates were taken from the Skyscanner App on 5/16 leaving from the MCO airport ***