For most, affordability is a deciding factor when planning travel — and Expedia has those folks covered.
New data from the travel search engine revealed the most budget-friendly domestic and international destinations for 2026, with hotel stays under $150 a night.
In the U.S., the list focuses more on smaller cities and secondary hubs where hotel rates are lower — and while they might not be a typical vacation destination, they’re still full of culture with plenty to do.
The top four cities on the list are great for desert vacations and exploring national parks.
About 90 miles away from the Las Vegas Strip is Laughlin, Nevada — a laid-back riverside town and a popular gambling destination — which came in as the most affordable domestic destination for 2026.
Laughlin is a popular and affordable resort town located on the banks of the Colorado River, known for gaming and water recreation. According to Travel Nevada, the waterfront city is great for boating, jet skiing, fishing and tour cruising, as well as spending time on the riverwalk scene.
Bakersfield, California, came in second. Located in the San Joaquin Valley, north of Los Angeles, it’s often referred to as the “Country Music Capital of the West Coast,” with a growing art scene and plenty of outdoor adventures.
In third place is El Paso, Texas — nicknamed “Sun City” and bordered by Mexico to the south and west. Expedia touts the destination as being known for having one of the lowest crime rates of any U.S. city.
Reno, Nevada, followed in fourth, with San José, California, rounding out the top five. Also in California, Riverside and San Bernardino came in at No. 9 and No. 10, respectively, offering more affordable SoCal options with access to both the coast and the mountains.
The international destination list ranges from classic favorites to lesser-known spots.
Salvador, Brazil, was the top international spot, an old town with art museums, beaches and festivals. It’s known as the spiritual home of the country’s Afro-Brazilian culture. Other South American metropolises on the list include Bogotá and São Paulo.
Mexican cities Guadalajara and Mérida are both featured on the list, standing out for their walkable historical centers and culinary experiences.
Asian hubs such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City are also favorite destinations, known for the nightlife and street food.
Top affordable U.S. destinations for 2026:
- Laughlin, Nevada
- Bakersfield, California
- El Paso, Texas
- Reno, Nevada
- San José, California
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Riverside, California
- San Bernardino, California
Top affordable international destinations for 2026:
- Salvador, Brazil
- Guadalajara, Mexico
- Bogotá, Colombia
- Mérida, Mexico
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Edmonton, Canada
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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