Looking for a cheap flight out of town for the holidays?
Unless you're on Santa's ultra-nice list, some destinations cost significantly more over the December holiday season than they would during the rest of the year.
While tropical destinations are popular selections for Metro Vancouver travellers, other holiday hot spots include Europe's Christmas markets, New York, London, and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, WinterFest takes over the harbourfront of the West Kowloon Cultural District, offering elaborate light installations and awe-inspiring pyrotechnic displays.
Luckily some of the most popular destinations have some cheaper options for travellers hoping to keep costs down around holidays.
Have a look at some low-cost options from Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Los Angeles
Flights to the City of Angels are extremely affordable, even if you plan to travel right around Christmas Day. That said, ticket prices for round-trip flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are cheapest when they return about a week before the big day.
For example, flights that depart on Dec. 16 and return on Dec. 19 cost as little as $230 with Flair Airlines, and only slightly more with Air Canada, at $266. In contrast, a return trip that departs on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and returns on Dec. 27, costs $431 with Flair Airlines and $457 with Air Canada.
New York City
If you have Big Apple dreams for your holiday vacation, you might need a big budget to match. As an iconic winter holiday destination, accommodations and activities cost a pretty penny in New York City over the popular travel time.
But if you are flexible with where you fly into -- and you can leave the weekend before Christmas Day -- you can score a pretty sweet deal.
Tickets for round-trip, nonstop flights with Air Canada from YVR to the Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, start at $569 with Air Canada.
Prices climb considerably as you approach Christmas Day, depending on how long you stay. For instance, travellers who depart Vancouver on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 and come on Dec. 27 are looking at prices exceeding $800. If they stay until New Year's Eve, that price is slashed in half, with tickets starting at $415.
There are a few different airports you can take to fly into New York but each of them has pros and cons.
Honolulu
Tickets to the Aloha State offer some of the best deals out of Vancouver. Travel to Hawaii has also picked up following the devastating wildfire in Maui -- but you might want to avoid visiting the areas that were most impacted by the tragedy.
Direct, round-trip tickets from YVR to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Oʻahu are one of the best deals available over the holidays, particularly if you're gunning for somewhere hot and sunny.
Tickets for mid-December travel start at just under $400 and climb up to $682 for a ticket departing on Dec. 19 and returning sometime after Boxing Day. If your departure date is between Dec. 20 and Christmas Day you will pay anywhere from $850 to upwards of $1,000.
Find out everything you need to know about booking a trip from Vancouver to Hawaii.
Las Vegas
Viva Las Christmas!
While it might not conjure up images of sugar plums dancing, there will be plenty of revelry afoot in this party mecca over the holiday season.
Whether you want to hit the clubs, do a little holiday shopping, attend a festive pool party or see a show at The Sphere, you won't run out of things to enjoy during your holiday vacation in Sin City.
Best of all, ticket prices to Las Vegas start at just $208 for a return trip with direct flights with Flair Airlines. Even a trip booked later, such as one that departs on Dec. 20 and returns on Dec. 27, only costs around $100 more.
Want to score an even better deal? There are a few other ways to get to Las Vegas from Vancouver, including using alternative airports or getting a vacation package with accommodation and flights.
Puerto Vallarta
If you're looking for an ultra-cheap ticket outside of Canada and the United States, Puerto Vallarta is your best bet -- and not just because the cost of flights is low.
The resort city has some of the best rates on accommodations of any popular vacation area in Mexico, meaning that you can spend your money on fun activities, food, drinks, and gifts while you are down there.
A direct, round-trip flight from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta departing on Dec. 12 and returning on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, costs $396. Prices fluctuate based on the dates but this is one of the best options available.
Have a look at Canada's recently updated Mexico travel advisory to ensure you know all the risks associated with visiting the country.
