We all love a good getaway, but when you start searching for cheap flights in 2025 and see a round-trip ticket for $900 to London or $1,200 to Tokyo, the excitement quickly fades. The good news? There are still places where your money is worth it — and not just on the ground, but in the air too. I’ve been keeping a running list of places that seem unpredictable, not overrun with tour groups, and — bonus — have surprisingly affordable cheap flights.
Some of them I’ve visited myself and still dream about. Others are at the top of my travel wish list for 2025. If you’re looking to travel smarter, avoid the crowds, and experience something that feels truly fresh, these seven destinations deserve a spot on your radar.
1: Tirana, Albania

Why you haven’t been: It’s not exactly on the main Euro trip circuit.
Why you should: Because it’s wild, welcoming, and cheap in all the best ways.
Tirana is one of those cities that takes you by surprise. The buildings are painted in pastel colors, the food is delicious and Mediterranean, and the coffee culture? Intense — in a good way. Albania is still flying under the radar, but it won’t be for long. Low-cost and cheap flights like Wizz Air and Ryanair often offer tickets to Tirana for less than $50 one-way from major European cities. Even from New York or Toronto, you can frequently score flights for under $400 if you’re flexible and book early.
My tip: I spent a week here in 2022 and didn’t want to leave. Make sure to take a day trip to Berat or head to Ksamil — the beaches look like something out of the Maldives, except for the five-star prices.
2: Tbilisi, Georgia

Why you haven’t been: It feels remote, unknown, and a little mysterious.
Why you should: It’s full of character, beauty, and ancient winemaking.
Tbilisi is what you get when centuries of culture collide in one vibrant, chaotic, and loving place. It’s a little gritty, a little modern, and a destination you’ll love. The food is incredible (cheese-filled khachapuri, grilled meats, and anything with nuts), and the wine? Some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Cheap flights like Pegasus and Wizz Air offer affordable connections from Istanbul, Dubai, and much of Eastern Europe. Long-haul flights are becoming increasingly competitive, especially as more and more travelers add Georgia to their “next big trip” list.
Pro tip: Skip the hotel and rent an apartment in the Old City. Then soak in the historic sulfur baths after a long day of exploring.
3: Cali, Colombia

Why you haven’t been: It’s overshadowed by Cartagena and Medellín.
Why you should: Because you haven’t truly danced until you’ve danced in Cali.
Cali is the heart of salsa in Colombia, and the city pulsates with music, joy, and spontaneity. It’s less touristic than its brighter cousins, but that’s a plus if you’re looking for something authentic. Whether you’re eating empanadas from a street cart or watching a local dance battle, Cali is electro-exciting. In 2025, deals for cheap flights to Cali were less than $350 round trip from the United States, thanks to new airlines and increased competition. Avianca and Copa Airlines offer some of the best deals if you book in advance.
Pro tip: You don’t have to be a dancer to love it here, but taking salsa lessons is basically a ritual of transit.
4: Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina
Why you haven’t been: Its war-torn past still haunts the headlines.
Why you should: Because it is one of the most spiritual cities in Europe—and it is criminally underestimated.
Sarajevo looks like it doesn’t exist anywhere else in Europe. You’ll hear the call to prayer echoing through the Austro-Hungarian streets, smell fresh bread, and hear stories from locals who have seen the city come alive. It’s a place that evokes something profound. Flights to Sarajevo are surprisingly affordable in 2025, especially from Berlin, Vienna, and Istanbul. You can often get a return ticket for less than $100 from within Europe.
Pro tip: Take a guided walking tour to hear firsthand accounts of the siege of Sarajevo. It’s heavy—but it’s unforgettable.
5: Luang Prabang, Laos

Why didn’t you visit? Everyone has gone to Thailand or Vietnam.
Why you should: Because it’s peaceful, magical, and still slow-paced.
Luang Prabang is the kind of place that instantly slows down your pulse. Golden temples, quiet monks, and French colonial cafes blend in a dreamy mist. Unlike many parts of Southeast Asia, it has not been completely overrun by digital nomads or party houses. Thanks to new regional routes from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Hanoi, flights to Luang Prabang are cheaper than ever—often under $100 with Air Asia or Lao Airlines.
My advice: rent a bike and explore the city early in the morning while it’s still foggy. One of my favorite memories was watching a sunrise party with a handful of locals.
6: Lviv, Ukraine
Why you haven’t been: Understandably, you’ve been cautious.
Why you should in 2025: Lviv is making a comeback—and deserves your support.
Lviv is a European fairy tale with cobbled streets, baroque architecture, and arguably the best chocolate and coffee scene in Eastern Europe. It feels like a cross between Prague and Krakow, but cheaper and less crowded. Airlines are slowly rebuilding routes to western Ukraine as the region stabilizes, and early bird prices are incredibly low. Cheap flights from Europe to cost around $50-80 round trip in numerous instances.
Pro tip: Visit one of the city’s secret themed bars. There is one hidden behind a bookcase, serving the flaming absinthe. No joke.
7: Manila, Philippines
Why it wasn’t: It is usually considered a transit hub rather than a destination.
Why you should: Because it’s chaotic, cultural, and finally affordable.
Manila has a bad reputation. Yes, it is crowded and sprawling. But it also has layers of history, street food, and pockets of charm if you know where to look. Plus, it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring the Philippines’ jaw-dropping islands. In 2025, round-trip flights to Manila from cities like Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Sydney are consistently under $600, sometimes even less with promo fares. Once you land, domestic flights to places like Palawan or Cebu are a steal.
Pro tip: Give the city at least two days before rushing to the beaches. Head to Intramuros, explore Binondo (the world’s oldest Chinatown), and eat your body weight in lechon.
Final Thoughts:
There’s something so satisfying about going to places where there are no crowds. Not only will these destinations save you money on travel—they’ll give you stories to tell, meals to remember, and that priceless sense of discovery. You don’t have to follow the crowd in 2025. Cheap flights don’t have to mean boring trips—not if you choose the right places. Go where the unexpected is, and your travel stories will be the ones everyone wishes they had.
Follow Nanajee (Grandpa) Travels for cheap airline tickets, great hotel rooms and best deals on car rentals.
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So many great spots!
Thanks for visiting
These places all look amazing to visit!
Bosnia and Herzegovina is the only destination I’ve had the chance to explore so far!
That sounds fantastic! Bosnia and Herzegovina is an incredible destination with its stunning landscapes and rich history. I’m sure you had an amazing time exploring it! What places did you visit there?
Olá Sadia!
Passando por aqui, para agradecer a visita e gentil comentário no meu cantinho, e desejar uma feliz semana.
Beijinhos!
Mário Margaride
http://poesiaaquiesta.blogspot.com
https://soltaastuaspalavras.blogspot.com
Hi Mario!
Thank you so much for your lovely message—it truly made my day! I really enjoyed visiting your poetic space. Your words have a beautiful rhythm and soul to them. Wishing you a joyful and inspiring week ahead too.
Warm regards and best wishes,
Sadia
Silvia De Angelis
Luoghi meravigliosi che sarebbe bello poter visitare per un’infinità di motivi, tra cui quello di affrontare una spesa non eccessiva.
Un caro saluto
Hello Silvia,
Truly wonderful places indeed—so full of charm and culture! It would be amazing to visit them, especially since they offer so much without being too expensive. Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
Warm regards,
Sadia
Lindas sugestões de viagens! Gostei de ver! abraços, tudo de bom,chica
Thank you for your lovely message! I’m so glad you enjoyed the travel suggestions. Sending hugs and all the best to you too!
These all sound like wonderful destinations to travel to!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks for visiting
Olá Sadia!
Excelentes sugestões aqui deixas!
Gostei de ver.
Muito obrigado, pela visita e gentil comentário no meu cantinho.
Beijinhos e bom fim de semana.
Mário Margaride
http://poesiaaquiesta.blogspot.com
https://soltaastuaspalavras.blogspot.com
Hello Mário!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m really glad you enjoyed my suggestions! It was a pleasure to visit your lovely blog—your poetry is truly inspiring. I’ll definitely be visiting your other blogs as well to read more of your beautiful work.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Warm regards,
Sadia
Lugares preciosos para disfrutar ♥
Gracias🌿🌿
I haven’t been to any of these places, all of them look amazing!
Totally agree—there’s something magical about each one! Do you have a favorite you’re dreaming of visiting first?