Cheapest destinations to fly for Christmas

Last updated January 2026

Want to go somewhere new this Christmas, but still have enough money for presents? Then this blog is for you! Our list covers some of the cheapest destinations to fly to, featuring locations across the world, perfect for Christmas 2026.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

If you’re looking to spend Christmas catching a tan and sipping on some tropical drinks by the beach, then Riviera Maya is the perfect Christmas destination.

Riviera Maya is situated in the South of Cancun, Mexico straddling the Caribbean coastline. Riviera Maya is a region made up of several small towns. Popular towns in Riviera Maya include: Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, Akumal and more.

This beautiful, exotic destination is known for its budget-friendly spa resorts and its all-inclusive accommodations. What better way to spend the Christmas break than relaxing by the Caribbean coastline?

There are lots of cheap adventure tours in Riviera Maya where you can go out into the sea snorkelling and find turtles.

If you're flying from North America or South America, a flight ticket to Riviera Maya is cheap, with flight prices starting from $100 USD.

How to get to Riviera Maya ✈️

The Cancun International Airport is the easiest airport to fly into, with around 1-hour transfer from the airport to Riviera Maya. The national carrier of Mexico is Aéromexico but you can also fly into Cancun with TUI, United, British Airways and more.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic, located in the centre of Europe. The city is known for its historical monuments, gothic architecture and cheap nightlife. Prague was given the name of the ‘Golden City’ for its sandstone towers that glow in gold when the sun shines.

Prague is a wonderful city to travel to at Christmas. The city is full of festive colours and bright lights that can’t help but make you feel in the Christmas spirit.

The Christmas Market in the Old Town Square is one of the best in Europe. It’s the perfect opportunity to dip yourself into a snuggly winter and taste the Christmas treats - or a mulled wine if you’re old enough!

Prague is the definition of a ‘perfect winter wonderland’ so if you're looking for a cosy Christmas, Prague is the holiday for you. Temperatures average -2 degrees Celsius during December in Prague, so make sure to wrap up warm and bring a snuggly winter coat, a scarf and gloves.

How to get to Prague ✈️

The closest airport to Prague is the Vaclav Havel Airport Prague, Ruzyne (PRG). The city centre is a max 30 minutes car journey from the airport. Czech Airlines is the flag carrier of the Czech Republic but Ryanair, easyJet, Brussels Airlines also travel to the Prague airport.

Bali, Indonesia

Are you planning to spend the Christmas season in full relaxation mode? Then Bali fits the bill! Bali is full of spiritual retreats, spas, and natural beauty, perfect for a laid-back holiday experience.

Bali is a super budget-friendly island with accommodation prices as low as $15 USD a night, transport around $1.20 USD and food $3 USD per meal. If you're looking to stay in a villa, prices are super cheap especially if you're planning a family trip where prices get split between each other. 

Whilst you're out in Bali it’s worth visiting the Bali Temples - each temple is made out of organic materials such as bamboo, wood and stones. The best temples in Bali include Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Besakih Temple and Goa Gajah.

For its cheap activities, accommodation, food, transport and more, Bali over-delivers, making your money worthwhile. Bali has been added to many peoples’ bucket list destinations to experience walks through monkey and elephant sanctuaries, snorkelling and visiting the breathtaking beaches in the Indian Ocean.

How to get to Bali ✈️

The best airport to fly into Bali is The Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) also known as Denpasar Airport. The airport is located in Tuban, Badung Regency, Bali and is one of the busiest airports in Indonesia. Garuda Indonesia is the national flag carrier of Indonesia, but you can also fly into Bali with Qantas, Jetstar, KLM and other airlines.

Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and is the largest Middle Eastern and African city located in North Africa.

Egypt is known for its ancient civilization and monuments - The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, Sakkarra, the Egyptian Museum and more. Cairo is full of culture, beautiful churches, fun experiences and delicious food.

If you're planning to go away during the Christmas break, Egypt provides great value for your money with accommodation, activities and food prices. Cairo is over 70% cheaper than New York! It only costs $50 USD a night for two people to stay at a 3-star hotel.

During December, temperatures average 21 degrees Celsius - during the day the weather is hot and sunny and during the night it's comfortable and cool. So, if you're looking to chase the sun and get away from the cold weather in December, Cairo is the perfect destination for you.

How to get to Cairo✈️

The easiest way to travel into Cairo is by flying into Cairo International Airport. Transport is easy around Cairo - the city centre is only 25 minutes by car and 50 minutes by shuttle bus from the airport. The flag carrier of Egypt is Egyptair - other airlines that fly into Cairo International Airport include British Airways, Lufthansa and more.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is the capital city of Spain and is best known for its historical buildings, food markets and its art museums. Madrid is a joyful, happy and cheap place to visit during the Christmas holidays. It’s really easy to find cheap hotels in the centre of Madrid and the prices of transport, food and activities are relatively cheap.

If you're looking to spend the New Year in Madrid, then Puerta del Sol is a must-visit on New Year’s Eve - thousands of people fill the square to watch the incredible firework displays, eat great food and dance all night long.

Other top places to spend New Year’s Eve in Madrid are Puerta España and Plaza del Carmen. There are multiple Spanish traditions that you will encounter during the New Year - people wearing red underwear for a prosperous year of love, eating ‘12 lucky grapes’ and sipping on some Cava wine.

During Christmas Madrid is full of festive decorations and Christmas markets. It’s a wonderful place to spend with family and friends celebrating the Christmas season on a budget.

How to get to Madrid ✈️

It’s really easy to travel to Madrid - simply fly into Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport located in the District of Barajas, Madrid. The city centre is only a 30-minute car journey from the Madrid Airport. The national flag carrier of Spain is Iberia, however, you can also fly into Madrid with other airlines such as Air Europa, Wamos Air, Iberia Regional, Iberia Express and more.

Orlando, USA

Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the world. The city attracts over 60 million people annually - visitors are drawn towards the theme parks, huge shopping malls, beautiful landscapes and fun nightlife.

Orlando thrives off fun family adventures with its proximity to world-famous theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, Legoland and more, we can guarantee that you and your family have a memorable experience. Orlando is an enchanting place to visit during the winter - all theme parks are decorated with bright colourful tinsel and baubles and filled with Christmas magic.

During the Christmas season, there are always great offers on flights to Orlando, especially if you book early and travel during early Decemember.

How to get to Orlando ✈️

The best airport to fly into Orlando is Orlando International Airport (MCO) or the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). From Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the city centre, it's a 20-minute car journey and you can get an Uber from the airport to the city centre for $20 USD. American Airlines is one of the most popular airlines in America, however, you can also fly into Orlando with British Airways, Southwest, Iberia and more.

Book your Christmas flights at Alternative Airlines!

It's never too early or too late to get ready for Christmas! Book your flights at Alternative Airlines today, whether you're booking in January or a few days before the big day.

Interested in making these Christmas destinations even more affordable? Then consider choosing a Buy Now Pay Later at checkout!

Spread the cost of your flights into manageable instalments. We have interest-free short-term plans and long-term contracts lasting over a year, all available at checkout!

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