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Ever played the claw machine? Well imagine you're the claw, the pink bunny is $394 to Hawaii, the jacked kangaroo is $356 to Aruba, and the tie-dye octopus is $375 to Toronto. They're so close. You can practically smell them through the finger-streaked glass. And you know it's possible to get one because the kid in front of you walked away with the bulbous penguin (aka $352 to Sint Maarten). But, sheesh, it's so incredibly frustrating trying to win something. 

Welcome to travel in summer 2026. 

Allow us to be the 6-year-old behind you who's backseat driving as you drop the claw into a sea of plush toys. We have some maneuvers that could help you score a deal in this seemingly impossible peak season of sky-high prices.

Go international without paying international prices

Our juiciest tidbit this year: You really don't have to venture far, or overspend, for an epic adventure. Some of the best deals that we're seeing are just across the border, both north and south. 

Most people don't consider traveling to the Caribbean from June through November because it's "hurricane season." But we have a bone to pick with that, especially this year.

 1.  "Hurricane season" is a blanket term that leaves out quite a bit of nuance. Not every destination in the Caribbean carries the same risk during the summer. Some are outside of the hurricane belt and don't experience those headline weather patterns. 

 2.  For places that are in the usual storm path, this summer might look different. NOAA is predicting a below-normal hurricane season, so if you're itching for a beach getaway that typically feels off-limits this time of year, this could be your chance to pounce. 

The other good news is that airlines don't exactly care which islands fall within the hurricane belt. "Hurricane season" is "hurricane season," so all bets are off. Also read: All sales are on. Right now, we're seeing deeply discounted fares to the Caribbean, like: 

Read more about navigating hurricane season in the Caribbean with our guide here. 

And if you're feeling less piña coladas and more poutine, Canada is answering with its own slew of deals. Outside of the World Cup frenzy (June 11-July 19), you can find fares in the $300-$400 range from most major US cities. 

Calgary and Vancouver were both in the top ten of our recent Cheapest International Cities To Fly To list. Based on the past year of Going data, these destinations have shown the most promise of affordable and frequent deals, so they're where you should begin your flight search if value is a priority. 

Set up a Trip in the Going app, and we'll track flight prices around the clock to make sure you're getting the best deal every time.

Bookend the summer 

Everyone wants the same two weeks in July, which is great news for you if you don't have school-age kids, you have even the tiniest bit of flexibility, and you're willing to wait out the summer for that sweet, sweet end-of-August release.

Fares cluster high around the end of June, all through July, and into the beginning of August (plus Labor Day). Then most kids in the US are back in school, and almost everyone else has used up their summer PTO. At this point, you're looking at roughly 20% cheaper fares, plus significantly fewer people elbowing you at baggage claim. 

The same is true for the first two weeks of June (note it down for next year), but since we're now into the thick of peak season, we'd say set your sights on the last two weeks of August. 

Currently, we're seeing late-summer deals like:

Don't know exactly where you want to go, but know you want to take advantage of summer's bookend deals? Still set up a Trip in the Going app. No matter how flexible or rigid your plans, our flight experts will make sure you get the best price every trip. 

Here or there to there or here

It may sound a little convoluted, but trust us, it's as easy as strawberry shortcake. Basically, if your main objective this summer is to just get away (as opposed to traveling for a specific event), it can pay to be open to traveling from here... or there, an airport a little farther away. Or traveling to there... or here, an airport not a far cry from what you originally had in mind but happens to be hundreds cheaper per ticket. Whether on the departure end or arrival end, broaden your search a bit to find other options that fit the bill. 

If you're imagining a cool, coastal Northeast US summer, but flights to Martha's Vineyard are exorbitant, consider flying into Boston, Providence, or Hartford, all of which appeared on our recent Cheapest US Cities To Fly To list. Beachy Florida more your speed, but flights to Miami feeling a bit too hot to handle (rip Spirit, you'll be missed)? Take a look at flying into Tampa, Fort Myers, or even Orlando, also on that list. 

Before you default to the airport you've always used, take a second to check the one an hour away. You won't always find a better fare, but when you do, it tends to be worth the detour.

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