Skyscanner Reveals 2026 "Value List" for Budget-Conscious Travelers
With travel costs remaining a primary concern for many, Skyscanner released its 2026 "Value List" today, identifying the ten most affordable destinations for American travelers.
Topping the list is Las Vegas, with average roundtrip prices at just $232, followed by San Salvador, El Salvador ($282) and Miami ($284). Interestingly, Milan, Italy, made the top ten with an average price of $559, making it the most affordable European gateway for Americans this year.
The report also debunked several "travel myths," identifying Wednesday as the statistically cheapest day to fly from the United States.
Despite this, only 25% of Americans currently book their flights on Wednesdays, missing out on an average savings of 15% per ticket. Skyscanner’s new "Cheapest Destination Planner" tool also debuted today, helping "indecisive" travelers find the best value for every month of the year based on millions of real-time booking data points.
For the 2026 traveler, "Value" is being redefined as more than just a low ticket price. The report highlights that destinations like Punta Cana and San Juan offer the best "overall value" when factoring in local accommodation and dining costs. As 36% of travelers cite "finding the best deal" as their biggest barrier to booking, the industry is seeing a shift toward transparency and data-driven planning tools that take the guesswork out of budgeting.
Skyscanner's Director of Americas, Lourdes Losada, noted that while nearly half of Americans plan to go abroad, only 53% have actually booked. This "booking gap" is a major opportunity for the budget-friendly destinations on the list to capture the market. For those looking to maximize their 2026 travel budget, the advice is simple: fly mid-week, use data tools to track "value hubs," and consider secondary Italian cities like Milan as your entry point into Europe.
