5 Cheap Places to Travel from Philadelphia

Looking for a relaxing getaway but worried about the cost? Most people think that going to beautiful islands is something only the well to do can afford. Being able to plan a tropical vacation from Philadelphia with International Insurance while still being affordable may sound a bit like a dream.

But wait, paradise doesn’t have to cost a dime! It is such a disappointment when you search for expensive flights and hotels that make you believe that island experiences are exclusive. You want beautiful views and blue water without having to pay through the roof.

Being an experienced traveler from Philadelphia, I’ve got 5 cheap places to travel from Philadelphia that are still full of excitement. Moreover, I will give hints on how to get the cheapest Philadelphia international flights and unveil the top destinations for Philadelphia island trips at an affordable price!

1. Puerto Rico- Cheapest Island to Fly from Philadelphia

Without a doubt, Puerto Rico is one of the most affordable and easy to reach islands from Philadelphia. Not only do direct flights come daily, but you do not require a passport if you are from the United States, which means, no extra cash, no extra time. Apart from stunning sandy beaches, beautiful rainforests, and cultural places such as Old San Juan.

My Experience

When I was in Puerto Rico I realized that there are so many things you can do even if you do not have much money. I had to spend my nights in San Juan, which has cheap hotel prices for different classes of hotels, hostels, and Airbnb.

The food in the island is cheap and much of the local cuisine such as mofongo can easily fill your stomach The most attractions in the island like the El Yunque Rainforest are either free or you will be charged a token amount of money.

Tips for Budget Travelers

• Search for affordable Philadelphia to San Juan flights. You will be surprised that one way tickets can be as low as $100 if you book well in advance.
• Walking is not recommended as it may be unsafe at times. Take a bus or taxi to move around, Car rental is rather expensive but may be useful for traveling to less touristy areas of the island.

2. The Bahamas- Best Islands near Philadelphia

A perfect destination that one can travel from Philadelphia includes Bahamas. They are just a two hours flight away, making them one of the most accessible tropical destinations. If you are a wise planner, you can easily shop for cheap flights and affordable accommodation even if you have to travel during low demand.

My Experience

As soon as I arrived in Nassau, the capital of Bahamas, I felt at ease, totally devoid of any tension. I did not have a problem with accommodation as there were many luxurious resorts, but I discovered that one could easily book a guest house or even a small apartment for about $ 30 on Airbnb.

While in Nassau there are a lot of cheap ways of moving around and getting to the islands using ferries. The same beautiful beaches such as the Cable beach can be enjoyed for free and the rooms are not as beautiful as the beach to tell the truth.

Tips for Budget Travelers

• To find the lowest flight rates for travelling to Nassau from Philadelphia you should use the search engines like Google Flights or Skyscanner.
• As for the actions, it is possible to go snorkeling or visit the historical places in Nassau as most of them are free of charge.

3. Jamaica- Island Close to Philadelphia

Jamaica is another affordable island that has direct flight from Philadelphia. Famous for reggae, culture and food, Jamaica has it all – the sea, the mountains, waterfalls and active cities of Montego Bay and Kingston. It is cheaper compared to most of the Caribbean islands and this might be good news for anyone planning for a vacation.

My Experience

In my stay in Jamaica I discovered that though the island has facilities to accommodate the high end traveler, there are many opportunities to travel on a shoe string. When it comes to accommodation I slept in a guesthouse in Montego Bay right next to the beach for less than $50 a night.

What really made Jamaica special for me was its food scene—Jamaican jerk chicken, patties, and street food were not only delicious but also incredibly affordable.

Tips for Budget Travelers

• If you’re lucky and check the airport for flights at the right time, you can even find tickets for $200 round trip from Philadelphia. I suggest trying to book your flight ticket in January or February as it is when the prices are lowest.
• Local taxis or buses should be preferred than hiring a car. First, it is much cheaper and second, you will have a chance to communicate with people.

4. Dominican Republic- Closest Islands from Philadephia

The Dominican Republic primarily in and around Punta Cana and Santo Domingo is a top pick for cheap holidays. It is quite affordable, especially for tourists who want to visit the Caribbean; there are numerous packages for the all-inclusive resorts. If you are flying from Philadelphia it is not very hard to get a cheap flight especially if you are traveling during the low season.

My Experience

I chose an all inclusive resort near Punta Cana and it was one of the best decided I made. Many people hear about all inclusive resorts and immediately consider them out of their price range, but in fact they are very cost effective because most meals, drinks and entertainment are already factor in the price.

I got beach front accommodation, daily meals and a chance to participate in resort activities such as kayaking and snorkelling for one price.

Tips for Budget Travelers

• Also, please, look through the offers that include the most affordable international flights from Philadelphia in one package with a hotel. When you book the two together, you are likely to spend less than when you book them individually.
• If you are trying to save your money, then you should stay in Santo Domingo. You can rent a very cheap hotel and enjoy your trip exploring the real Dominican culture and historical places.

5. Bermuda- Cheap Places to Visit 2 hours from Philadelphia

Another good island destination that people wondering where to travel from Philadelphia should consider is Bermuda. Surprisingly, Bermuda can be affordable if you want to visit it; however, you need to choose the right time to travel, which is spring and autumn. Beautiful with pink sand and transparent water, Bermuda seems like a fairy tale, but it is quite within the reach.

My Experience

I traveled to Bermuda during the low season, and I was lucky to find an amazing offer for both, the flight and the hotel. I also noticed that instead of booking a stay in a resort I was able to save a lot of money by staying in a guest house. Certainly one of the most enjoyable experiences I had was renting a scooter and driving along the coast of the island: it is cheap, and you are not tied to a tight schedule.

Tips for Budget Travelers

• Bermuda is only two hours from Philadelphia. While sometimes the flights can be expensive, if you look for flash sales it is possible to get the cheapest international flights out of Philadelphia.
• Instead of spending money on expensive hotels, book cheap guest houses or Airbnb, and don’t go to super expensive restaurants. Go with the ones where locals eat.

How to Get the Best Deal on Your Flight from Philadelphia

Getting the cheapest Philadelphia international flight is a little tricky and involves a little research and flexibility. Here are some of my favorite tricks for scoring budget flights:

Be flexible with your travel dates

If you are not so particular about the dates of travel, you can be able to get better prices when you travel during midweek or during the off season.

Use fare alerts

Some of the websites you can use include Google Flights or Hopper you can set up alerts for a particular flight route, and the application will notify you when there is a drop in prices.

Book in advance

There are always discounts that can be negotiated at the last minute, but to find better fares, you need to book your flights several months in advance.

Consider budget airlines

Spirit and Frontier can have relatively cheap tickets for the Caribbean from Philadelphia.

The Departure- Cheap Places to Travel from Philadelphia

From the painted streets of Puerto Rico to the pink sand beaches of Bermuda, you can go to many cheap islands from Philadelphia. It is possible to have a tropical island vacation without putting a dent into your wallet if you follow some of these tips. 

FAQs

How much is train from Philadelphia to Florida?

A one-way train ticket from Philadelphia to Florida, depending on your destination, costs around $151 to $152. The trip typically lasts between 25 to 28 hours, with direct trains available to both Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

How much does it cost to travel from Philadelphia to New York?

Traveling from Philadelphia to New York by train typically costs around $11 to $22 for a one-way Amtrak ticket, depending on the specific time and service chosen. The journey usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

How much is from Nigeria to Philadelphia?

Flights from Nigeria to Philadelphia can vary in cost depending on the time of booking and the airline. Typically, prices start at around $786 for one-way tickets from Lagos to Philadelphia, while round-trip fares can range from $970 to $1,200​. The price fluctuates depending on the season, so it is advisable to book in advance to secure the best rates.