Phoenix, Arizona is more than just stunning desert landscapes and year-round sunshine—it’s also a fantastic starting point for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore new places. As a growing travel hub in the Southwest, Phoenix offers direct flights to major cities and vacation hotspots across the U.S., Mexico, and beyond. With two airports nearby and plenty of competition among airlines, travelers can take advantage of affordable airfare bundled with hotels, car rentals, and excursions. Booking a vacation package from Phoenix not only saves you money but also simplifies planning, letting you focus more on relaxing and less on logistics. In this guide, we’ll explore why vacation packages from Phoenix are a smart choice and highlight top destinations that offer great experiences without breaking the bank.
Why Choose Packages from Phoenix
Vacation packages are one of the easiest ways to save money on travel. By bundling your flight, hotel, and sometimes rental car or activities, you often get access to rates that are lower than booking each element separately.
Why it’s smart to book packages:
- Bundle savings can reach up to 25–30%
- Reduces stress by booking everything at once
- Package deals often include extras like free breakfast or resort credits
Why Phoenix is ideal for finding deals:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is one of the busiest airports in the country and offers nonstop service to dozens of destinations, both domestic and international. Nearby Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) also supports budget airlines like Allegiant, giving travelers even more affordable options.
Top Budget-Friendly Destinations From Phoenix
Whether you’re looking for a weekend city break or a beach getaway, here are some great-value destinations to consider from Phoenix:
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
- Average Price Range: $250–$500 for 2–3 nights
- Flight Time: ~1 hour
- Top Attractions:
- Casinos and nightlife
- World-class shows and entertainment
- Day trips to Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon
- Best Travel Months: March–May, September–November
2. San Diego, California
- Average Price Range: $350–$600 for 2–4 nights
- Flight Time: ~1.5 hours
- Top Attractions:
- Beautiful beaches
- San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park
- Gaslamp Quarter for dining and nightlife
- Best Travel Months: April–June, September–October
3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Average Price Range: $550–$850 for 4–5 nights (often all-inclusive)
- Flight Time: ~2.5 hours
- Top Attractions:
- Beach resorts and boardwalk (Malecón)
- Water sports and jungle tours
- Art galleries and local markets
- Best Travel Months: November–April
4. Denver, Colorado
- Average Price Range: $300–$550 for 2–3 nights
- Flight Time: ~1.5 hours
- Top Attractions:
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Museums and craft breweries
- Seasonal festivals and outdoor activities
- Best Travel Months: May–October
5. Mexico City, Mexico
- Average Price Range: $500–$750 for 4 nights
- Flight Time: ~3.5 hours
- Top Attractions:
- Historic center (Zócalo) and ancient ruins
- Incredible street food and cuisine
- Art museums and vibrant neighborhoods
- Best Travel Months: March–May, September–November
6. Austin, Texas
- Average Price Range: $300–$550 for 2–3 nights
- Flight Time: ~2 hours
- Top Attractions:
- Live music and food trucks
- Barton Springs and outdoor spaces
- Downtown nightlife and festivals
- Best Travel Months: March–June, September–October
Finding the Cheapest Deals
Finding a great deal on a vacation package from Phoenix doesn’t have to be complicated—especially if you know where to look and how to book smart. Popular platforms like Expedia, Priceline, Kayak, and CheapCaribbean offer tools that make it easy to compare package options that bundle flights, hotels, and even car rentals or excursions.
Here are some tips to help you save the most:
- Set Fare Alerts
Use tools like Google Flights, Kayak, or Hopper to set price alerts. These tools notify you when prices drop on your desired route or destination. - Book in the Off-Season
Traveling outside of peak periods (like summer and holidays) can help you save hundreds. Shoulder seasons like April–June and September–November are ideal. - Bundle for Bigger Savings
Always compare the cost of buying flights and hotels separately versus as a package. Bundles often include discounts of 20–30%. - Compare Across Platforms
Don’t rely on just one site—use multiple deal platforms (like Travelzoo and Travelocity) to see who’s offering the best price. - Look for Flash Sales
Sites like Travelzoo and CheapCaribbean regularly run limited-time promotions that offer deep discounts on resorts and flights. - Use Flexible Dates
Many travel platforms allow you to search with flexible dates, helping you identify the cheapest days to fly.
Types of Vacation Packages from Phoenix
Different travelers have different needs—and the great news is, Phoenix offers access to a wide variety of vacation package styles to suit just about everyone:
All-Inclusive Resorts
- Best for: Couples, honeymooners, adults seeking relaxation
- These packages cover airfare, hotel, meals, drinks, and often on-site activities. Great for beach destinations like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.
Family Vacation Packages
- Best for: Parents with kids, multigenerational trips
- These packages typically include accommodations with kid-friendly amenities, theme park tickets, or tours. Look for deals to San Diego or Las Vegas.
Romantic Getaways
- Best for: Couples, anniversaries, newlyweds
- Includes boutique hotels or adult-only resorts with romantic perks like private dinners or spa services. Ideal for Sedona, Cabo, or Napa Valley.
Adventure Packages
- Best for: Nature lovers, thrill-seekers
- Combines flights and eco-lodging with tours like hiking, zip-lining, or snorkeling. Great for destinations like Costa Rica or the Grand Canyon.
City Escapes
- Best for: Solo travelers or friends
- Offers flights plus centrally located hotels in vibrant cities like New York, Austin, or Denver. Perfect for culture, food, and nightlife.
Best Times to Book
When you book your vacation package matters just as much as where you’re going. Here’s how to time it right:
Booking Windows
- Domestic trips: Book 1–3 months in advance for the best pricing.
- International trips: Aim for 3–6 months ahead, especially if you’re going during peak travel times.
Best Travel Seasons
- Shoulder seasons: Travel in April–June and September–early December to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Avoid major holidays and school breaks: These are the most expensive times to travel.
Best Days to Fly
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to depart and return. Avoid Fridays and Sundays when possible, as these tend to be the most expensive.
By planning ahead and booking during the right window, you’ll maximize your savings and have more options available—especially when flying out of a busy airport like Phoenix Sky Harbor.
Budget Travel Tips
Saving even more on your vacation starts with a few smart habits. Here are several ways to make your next getaway from Phoenix more affordable:
- Pack Light with a Carry-On
Skip checked baggage fees by traveling with just a carry-on and personal item. Many budget airlines charge extra for luggage. - Compare Multiple Booking Platforms
Always check more than one site—compare Expedia, Priceline, and Kayak to find the best package price. - Use Travel Rewards and Points
If you have a travel credit card, use it to earn or redeem points on flights, hotels, or full vacation packages. - Travel During Shoulder Season
Plan your trips during less busy months like April–June or September–November to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds. - Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
Shifting your vacation by just a day or two can unlock better deals, especially for Tuesday or Wednesday departures. - Sign Up for Price Alerts
Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to get notified when prices drop for your desired destination. - Book Flight + Hotel Bundles
Bundled vacation packages often come with big discounts and perks like free breakfast or airport transfers.
Recommended Travel Sites and Apps
Here are some of the most useful platforms to help you find and book cheap vacation packages from Phoenix:
- Google Flights
Excellent for tracking airfare trends and finding the cheapest travel dates. - Hopper
Predicts future prices and tells you whether to book now or wait. Great for flexible travelers. - Skyscanner
Offers an “Everywhere” search feature that shows the cheapest places to fly from Phoenix. - Travelzoo
Features weekly curated travel deals including all-inclusive packages and last-minute offers. - Expedia
A reliable go-to for booking vacation bundles with member-only discounts and loyalty rewards. - Priceline
Offers Express Deals for even deeper savings when you’re flexible about the hotel brand. - Kayak
Aggregates prices across multiple sites and shows price trends over time. - CheapCaribbean
Specializes in tropical, all-inclusive packages—perfect for Mexico and Caribbean trips from Phoenix.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest destination to fly to from Phoenix?
Las Vegas, San Diego, and Los Angeles are typically the cheapest due to short flight times and frequent service from low-cost carriers.
Are vacation packages really cheaper than booking separately?
Yes. Bundling flights and hotels can save you 20–30%, and often includes extras like breakfast or airport transfers.
When is the best time to book a vacation package from Phoenix?
The best deals are found when you book 1–3 months in advance for domestic trips and 3–6 months ahead for international destinations.
Is it better to fly from Phoenix Sky Harbor or Mesa Gateway?
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) offers more airlines and routes, but Mesa Gateway (AZA) may have cheaper options through carriers like Allegiant.
What are good destinations for budget family trips from Phoenix?
Try San Diego, Denver, or Orlando for family-friendly attractions and affordable vacation packages.
Can I book all-inclusive vacations from Phoenix?
Yes. Many platforms like CheapCaribbean and Expedia offer all-inclusive deals to destinations like Cancun, Cabo, and Punta Cana.
How can I avoid hidden fees in a package deal?
Read the fine print for resort fees, baggage charges, and cancellation policies before booking.
What days are cheapest to fly out of Phoenix?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly, while Fridays and Sundays tend to be the most expensive.
Do travel apps offer better deals than websites?
Some apps like Hopper or Travelzoo offer app-only discounts and alerts, so it’s smart to check both mobile and desktop platforms.
Can I use credit card points for vacation packages?
Yes! Many credit card companies let you book full vacation packages through their travel portals using reward points.