Introduction to Skyscanner’s New Tool for Budget-Conscious Travelers
In a time when saving money is a priority, Skyscanner has unveiled its Cheapest Destination Planner 2026. This tool, based on millions of searches and bookings from users across over 100 countries, aims to help travelers find the best-priced destinations for their next trip. Lourdes Losada, Director of the AMERs region at Skyscanner, emphasized that travel should be an informed and accessible decision rather than a rare luxury.
The Global Travel Trends 2026 Study
Skyscanner’s Cheapest Destination Planner is part of their global Travel Trends 2026 study, analyzing millions of searches and bookings to make travel more accessible. According to Losada, 92% of Mexicans are willing to visit lesser-known destinations if it helps them save, reflecting a shift in mindset where travel is about finding opportunities rather than just achieving goals.
Building the 2026 Ranking
Losada explained that the Cheapest Destination Planner was created by analyzing millions of searches and bookings from Mexican travelers in 2025. The methodology considered five key variables:
- Average round-trip flight prices for both national and international travel.
- Average nightly hotel rates, considering 3 to 5-star options.
- Average daily car rental costs in compact categories.
- Volume of actual searches and bookings to measure popularity and accessibility.
- Historical data to identify months and days with the lowest prices.
The result is a balanced list of destinations that consider price, connectivity, and experience for budget-conscious travelers seeking new routes without compromising their finances.
Top 10 Cheapest Destinations from Mexico
The top 10 destinations in the Cheapest Destination Planner include:
- Cancún, Mexico – Round-trip flights starting at 2,490 MXN
- Asunción, Paraguay
- Montevideo, Uruguay
- Bogotá, Colombia
- Sao Paulo
- Buenos Aires
- Madrid
- Rome
- Barcelona
- Tokyo
Each destination offers a unique reason to travel, such as beaches, gastronomy, history, or the joy of discovering something new.
Friday: The Best Day to Fly in 2026
For years, travelers believed midweek flights guaranteed the best prices. However, Skyscanner’s analysis debunks this myth: Friday will be the cheapest day to fly in 2026, ideal for those who prefer weekend getaways without taking time off.
Traveling with Information, Not Assumptions
Travel shouldn’t feel out of reach. We want people to plan clearly, understand prices, and take advantage of opportunities when they arise,” explained Lourdes Losada.
- Drops: Alerts users of real price drops of up to 20%.
- Search “Anywhere”: Discover affordable destinations based on the chosen date.
- Price alerts: Notify users when it’s the best time to buy.
The message behind the Cheapest Destination Planner is that traveling more doesn’t depend on budget but strategy. With up-to-date information and practical tools, Skyscanner aims to make each trip less stressful and more motivating.
In 2026, planning a flight means opening the door to new experiences, concluded Lourdes Losada.
