Looking to escape the hustle of Houston without draining your wallet? You’re in luck. As one of the largest cities in the U.S., Houston is a major travel hub with two international airports—George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU)—offering access to affordable vacation deals across the country and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunny beach, a cultural city break, or a weekend in the mountains, there are plenty of cheap vacation packages from Houston that bundle flights, hotels, and even car rentals to save you money. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best destinations, booking tips, and travel deals so you can plan a memorable getaway—on a budget.
Why Choose Packages from Houston
Booking a vacation package instead of purchasing flights, hotels, and activities separately is one of the smartest ways to save—and Houston is one of the best cities to do it from. With two major airports—IAH and HOU—offering hundreds of direct flights daily, you get access to competitive pricing from dozens of major airlines.
Here’s why vacation packages from Houston make sense:
- Bundle Savings: Packages that combine flights and hotels are often discounted compared to booking them separately.
- Convenience: No need to juggle separate reservations—everything is handled in one booking.
- Better Availability: Houston’s high volume of flights means more frequent departures, giving you flexibility on dates and prices.
- Options for All Travelers: Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, there are deals for everyone—weekend getaways, beach vacations, cruises, and more.
Plus, many travel websites offer exclusive package deals departing from Houston, so you’ll have a wider variety of destinations and price points to choose from.
Top Budget-Friendly Destinations
Here are some of the best cheap vacation destinations from Houston, complete with pricing estimates, travel times, and top attractions.
Cancun, Mexico
- Price Range: $450–$700 (flight + 3-night hotel)
- Flight Time: ~2.5 hours
- Top Attractions: White-sand beaches, Chichen Itza, snorkeling tours, nightlife in Zona Hotelera
- Best Time to Go: April to June (lower prices, good weather)
Las Vegas, Nevada
- Price Range: $300–$600 (flight + 2-night hotel)
- Flight Time: ~3 hours
- Top Attractions: The Strip, Fremont Street, day trips to Red Rock Canyon or Grand Canyon
- Best Time to Go: January to April, late summer for cheaper rates
Orlando, Florida
- Price Range: $350–$650 (flight + 3-night hotel)
- Flight Time: ~2.5 hours
- Top Attractions: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, water parks, outlet shopping
- Best Time to Go: September to November (post-summer deals, fewer crowds)
New Orleans, Louisiana
- Price Range: $250–$500 (flight + 2-night hotel)
- Flight Time: ~1 hour
- Top Attractions: French Quarter, Bourbon Street, jazz clubs, historic plantations
- Best Time to Go: August to October for lower rates (avoid Mardi Gras if you want it cheap)
Denver, Colorado
- Price Range: $350–$600 (flight + 3-night hotel)
- Flight Time: ~2.5 hours
- Top Attractions: Rocky Mountain National Park, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, breweries
- Best Time to Go: April to early June or late September for off-peak deals
Mexico City, Mexico
- Price Range: $400–$650 (flight + 3-night hotel)
- Flight Time: ~2 hours
- Top Attractions: Zócalo, Teotihuacan, world-class museums, street food tours
- Best Time to Go: March to May or September to avoid the rainy season
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Price Range: $550–$800 (flight + 3-night all-inclusive hotel)
- Flight Time: ~4.5 hours
- Top Attractions: All-inclusive beach resorts, catamaran cruises, zip-lining, spa treatments
- Best Time to Go: May to early June or September for the best deals
Finding the Cheapest Deals
Scoring a cheap vacation package from Houston is all about knowing where—and when—to look. With dozens of travel websites and apps competing for your attention, the key is to leverage the right platforms and tools that help you compare and save.
Some of the top travel platforms for deals include:
- Expedia – Ideal for bundled packages (flight + hotel), often with extra discounts.
- Priceline – Great for last-minute trips and Express Deals.
- Kayak – Excellent for comparing multiple platforms at once.
- CheapCaribbean – Perfect for affordable, all-inclusive beach vacations.
Actionable Tips to Find the Best Deals:
- Set Fare Alerts
Use Kayak or Hopper to track price drops on your desired destinations. - Book in the Off-Season
Travel during shoulder seasons (e.g., spring or fall) for lower prices and smaller crowds. - Bundle Flights + Hotels
Booking a package often saves more than booking each separately—especially on Expedia or Priceline. - Be Flexible With Dates
Flying midweek (especially Tuesday or Wednesday) often results in cheaper prices. - Check Flash Sales and Email Deals
Sign up for newsletters from Travelzoo, CheapCaribbean, and Expedia to get first dibs on limited-time offers. - Use Reward Points
Travel credit cards or airline miles can be applied toward packages to bring the cost down even more.
By following these strategies and browsing trusted platforms, you can consistently spot amazing vacation packages without breaking the bank.
Types of Vacation Packages from Houston
Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for adventure or a family seeking a relaxing break, there’s a vacation package from Houston tailored to your needs. Here’s a quick guide to the most common package types—and who they’re best for.
All-Inclusive Beach Resorts
- Best for: Couples, honeymooners, and anyone who wants to relax without planning every detail.
- What’s included: Flights, hotel, meals, drinks, and entertainment.
- Top destinations: Cancun, Punta Cana, and Jamaica.
Theme Park or Family Packages
- Best for: Families with children or multi-generational trips.
- What’s included: Flights, hotel, and park tickets.
- Top destinations: Orlando (Disney/Universal), San Diego, and Los Angeles.
Romantic Getaways
- Best for: Couples or anniversaries.
- What’s included: Boutique hotels or resorts, often with extras like spa treatments or private dinners.
- Top destinations: Napa Valley, Riviera Maya, or New Orleans.
Weekend City Escapes
- Best for: Solo travelers or couples on a tight schedule.
- What’s included: Short-stay hotel + flight combos.
- Top destinations: Las Vegas, New Orleans, Mexico City, Denver.
Cruise Packages (with Flights)
- Best for: Travelers looking for value with entertainment included.
- What’s included: Cruise fare + roundtrip flights from Houston.
- Top destinations: Caribbean islands, Bahamas, or Western Mexico.
With so many package types available, it’s easy to find one that matches your travel style, budget, and time frame.
Best Times to Book
Timing is everything when it comes to scoring a cheap vacation package from Houston. Book too early and you might overpay. Wait too long, and you risk missing out entirely.
Ideal Booking Windows
- Domestic Trips: Book 1–3 months in advance for the best balance of price and availability.
- International Trips: Aim for 3–6 months ahead, especially during peak travel seasons.
Travel During Shoulder Seasons
These off-peak periods offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and significantly cheaper prices:
- Spring (April–May) – Great for beach getaways before summer crowds.
- Fall (September–early November) – Ideal for city breaks and cultural trips.
Best Days to Fly
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to fly.
- Avoid departing on Fridays or Sundays, which often have higher fares.
Last-Minute Deals (1–2 weeks out)
- Great for spontaneous travelers.
- Priceline and Expedia often have last-minute package deals, especially for quick weekend trips.
Budget Travel Tips
If you want to get the most value out of your vacation package from Houston, a few smart moves can help you stretch your budget even further. Here are several practical tips to keep in mind when planning your trip:
1. Pack Light
Avoid checked baggage fees by traveling with just a carry-on, especially for short or warm-weather trips.
2. Compare Across Multiple Sites
Prices can vary widely between Expedia, Kayak, and Priceline. Always compare before you book.
3. Travel During Shoulder Seasons
Avoid peak times like summer holidays or spring break. Instead, travel in April–May or September–October for better prices and smaller crowds.
4. Use Credit Card Rewards or Airline Miles
Apply any saved points toward flights or hotel bookings to cut down on out-of-pocket costs.
5. Be Flexible With Dates and Airports
Try shifting your travel dates by a day or two. Also, check both major airports in Houston—IAH and HOU—for better deals.
6. Set Price Alerts and Monitor Deals
Use tools like Hopper and Skyscanner to monitor fare trends and receive alerts when prices drop.
7. Book Flight + Hotel Bundles
Bundling saves money. Many platforms offer exclusive rates when you book your flight and accommodation together.
Recommended Travel Sites and Apps
Finding the best vacation package deals often depends on using the right booking tools. Here are some of the top platforms and apps for booking affordable travel packages from Houston:
Expedia
Great for bundling flights, hotels, and car rentals. It also frequently offers exclusive package discounts and flexible cancellation options.
Priceline
Known for Express Deals and last-minute savings. You can often find deeply discounted vacation packages if you’re flexible with timing.
Kayak
A powerful aggregator that compares prices across dozens of travel sites. Ideal for getting a general sense of what’s available.
Skyscanner
Perfect for flexible travelers. It shows the cheapest destinations from Houston over a range of dates and lets you set price alerts.
Hopper
Best for tracking airfare trends. It predicts when prices will rise or fall and helps you decide the best time to book.
CheapCaribbean
Specializes in beach resort packages to destinations like Cancun, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Great for all-inclusive vacation deals.
Travelzoo
Great for curated flash deals and unique package offers. You can find some surprisingly affordable vacation packages and experiences here.
Google Flights
Excellent for searching flexible dates and monitoring fare trends. It’s not a booking platform but helps direct you to the lowest fares.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest vacation destinations from Houston?
Destinations like Cancun, Las Vegas, Mexico City, and New Orleans are typically among the cheapest. Many of these cities offer vacation packages under $500 per person, especially if booked during the off-season.
Is it cheaper to book vacation packages or book everything separately?
Booking a package (flight + hotel) is usually cheaper. Travel sites often offer discounts when you bundle, and it saves time managing separate bookings.
Which airport in Houston is better for cheap flights—IHA or HOU?
Both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) offer budget-friendly flights. IAH has more international options, while HOU is often better for domestic deals, especially with Southwest Airlines.
When is the best time to book a vacation package from Houston?
The ideal booking window is 1–3 months before domestic trips and 3–6 months for international travel. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days to fly.
How do I find last-minute vacation deals from Houston?
Use Priceline’s Express Deals, Expedia’s last-minute getaways, or Travelzoo’s weekly Top 20 list. These sources often post last-minute package discounts.
Are all-inclusive packages really worth it?
Yes, especially for beach vacations. All-inclusive deals often include meals, drinks, and entertainment, which can save money and offer convenience.
What apps are best for finding travel deals from Houston?
Hopper, Skyscanner, and Google Flights are great for price tracking and alerts. Expedia and Priceline are best for bundling hotel and flight deals.
Can I use credit card points to book travel packages?
Yes. Many credit cards allow you to redeem points for travel packages or transfer them to travel partners like airlines and hotel chains.
What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly out of Houston?
Generally, Tuesday and Wednesday offer the lowest fares. Avoid flying on weekends if you’re looking to save money.
Are vacation packages refundable or changeable?
It depends on the provider. Expedia and Priceline offer flexible options on many bookings, but always read the cancellation and change policies before booking.