5 Cheap Places to Travel from NYC- For Explorers NYC

Residing in New York City has its perks, but at times it can be exhausting, and with a bare minimum, one rarely wants to leave the city just to change the scene for a moment. In your great imagination, you might think that in order to be able to travel, one has to be prepared to spend large amounts of money or give up on rest or pleasures of new sights and experiences.

But this is not so. Naturally, there are cheap places to go within a few hours from New York City. Whether it’s the serene wilderness or rich vibrant culture, or simply soaking up in the sun on a beach, these 5 cheap places to travel from NYC are ideal for people who love traveling but do not wish to spend a fortune.

Also, check out our best picks for travelers. Enjoy cheap islands to travels.

1. Culebra, Puerto Rico- Cheapest Island to Fly from NYC

• Flights (round trip): $200 – $400 (with layovers)
• Accommodation: ~$100 – $200/night
• Food: ~$40/day
• Total trip cost (3 days): $420 – $800

Culebra, a Puerto Rican treasure, boasts beautiful beaches that are not overrun by tourists. On the other hand, Flamenco Beach embraces a much better view, the picture of perfect white sands and clear, turquoise waters, ideal for lounging. It is the cheapest island to fly from NYC.

Culebra is also in the U.S. territories thus passports are not needed for U.S. tourists making it a relatively cheap island getaway. There are also cheap hotels and fast food places serving local Puerto Rican cuisine making it a perfect place to come, relax, and enjoy the sun.

2. The Bahamas- Cheap Beach Vacation From NYC

• Flights (round trip): $200 – $500
• Accommodation: ~$100 – $250/night
• Food: ~$50/day
• Total trip cost (4 days): $800 – $1,500

The Bahamas has the most tropical appealing sports and destinations that are less than 5 hour’s flight from New York City. There are clear, blue waters and swaying palm trees with white sandy beaches. You can enjoy this cheap beach vacation from NYC.

Its capital city Nassau provides a historical experience with its colonial built-up structures as well as cultural heritages while Paradise Island close to it is a budget-friendly luxury. The Bahamas provides affordable lodging, and several beachside eateries and it makes a superb budget-friendly tropical island for a short relief.

3. Isla Mujeres, Mexico– Best Cheap Island to Visit From NYC

• Flights (round trip): $250 – $450 (to Cancun, then ferry to Isla Mujeres)
• Accommodation: ~$80 – $150/night
• Food: ~$40/day
• Total trip cost (5 days): $950 – $1,450

Isla Mujeres, a short ferry across from Cancun, is extremely pleasant with warm sun, beautiful beaches, and a more leisurely lifestyle. You can hire a bicycle to ride around the island, laze about on Playa Norte, or enjoy the wonderful snorkeling in the waters of Garrafon Natural Reef Park. 

Isla Mujeres is also very pleasant budget-wise as it has reasonably priced shelter, an abundance of street food, and thriving nature and culture making it very easy to relax.

4. Bermuda- Cheap Islands to Travel in November

• Domestic Flights – from $300 up to $600.
• Hotel cost – approximately $150 – $250 per night. 
• Catering – approximately 60 bucks per day. 
• Estimated budget for the entire trip (three days): 780 – 1350 dollars. 

Bermuda, on the other hand, is just a two-hour flight away from NYC and boasts of stunning views of pink sand beaches and soothing turquoise waters. Go to the sandy stretch of Horseshoe Bay Beach, Engage in glorious snorkeling and sand walking to cover the shipwrecks dotted on the islands. Walk around the city of St. George. 

There are many budget hotels and reasonably priced air tickets. This makes Bermuda ideal for a short holiday away from home that is cost-efficient. The combination of the mild pace of life on the island and picturesque landscapes attracts many of such tourists.

5. Ocracoke island- Best Islands in North Carolina

• Tickets (to Norfolk, VA, or Raleigh-Durham, NC) – $150-300
• Ocracoke by ferry: $15 one way
• Hotel rents: around $90 up to $180/night
• Meals: about $40 a day. 

The overall budget for this up to four-day trip is $550-$1100. As part of the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Ocracoke Island is famed for its natural beaches and slow coast lifestyle. There is biking around the island, visiting the Ocracoke Lighthouse, and sitting on the quiet beaches. 

It is one of the best islands in North Carolina. Because of cheap last-minute flights to surrounding cities and a ferry route back to the main lands, Ocracoke is an island retreat that feels far turned but is quite close to New York. Check out our solo female traveling options.

The Departure

Are you yearning to take a vacation on some exquisite islands without spending a lot? From the stunning beaches of Culebra to the picturesque vibe of Bermuda, all these five islands are within a few hours of flight from New York and provide economical escape options. 

You will not only indulge in finding great deals and prices but also enjoy beautiful landscapes on these islands without spending a lot of money. Get your gear ready and get into the spirit of island living without spending a load of cash!

FAQs

Where else to visit near New York?

If you are looking for places to visit close to New York for a short vacation, then the wonderful Hudson Valley or the calm shores of the New Jersey beaches would be perfect. Nature and enjoyment are within a few hours away from the two locations as well!

What city is 6 hours from New York?

Some cities such as Toronto in Canada and Washington D.C are about 6 hours drive from New York. These two cities have balanced form of cultural tourism and are good for weekend excursions!

How to visit Niagara Falls from New York?

When traveling from New York City to Niagara Falls, you have several possibilities:

Take a Plane: Best option for when you want to get to Niagara Falls from New York City is to fly to buffalo NY and then drive or use a shuttle service to the fall; this would take about 30-35 minutes to the falls.

Take the Train: There is also the option of taking the train as Amtrak runs about 9-10 hours from penn station to Niagara falls NY.

Travel by Car/Passenger Bus: There is roughly a 6-7 hour road trip from New York City to Niagara Falls. In this case, a car can be rented or a direct bus trip arranged.