Tampa, Florida is more than just a beautiful coastal city—it’s also a fantastic jumping-off point for affordable vacations. With its major airport offering direct flights to both domestic and international destinations, Tampa is a hub for savvy travelers looking to save money without sacrificing experience. Whether you’re planning a beach escape, a romantic getaway, or a quick family trip, booking a vacation package from Tampa can make travel easier and more affordable. By bundling flights, hotels, and sometimes even rental cars, you can often unlock major savings compared to booking everything separately. In this guide, we’ll explore why Tampa is such a great departure city, show you how to find the best deals, and highlight top destinations that won’t break the bank.
Why Choose Packages from Tampa
Booking a vacation package from Tampa offers convenience, value, and peace of mind. Instead of juggling multiple bookings, packages allow you to reserve everything at once—often with exclusive discounts.
Why vacation packages are a smart choice:
- Cost Savings: Combining your flight and hotel can save 20–30% compared to separate bookings.
- Time-Saving: Booking all-in-one means less stress and faster planning.
- Added Perks: Packages often include extras like free breakfast, resort credits, or airport transfers.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is one of Florida’s busiest and most well-connected airports. It offers affordable flights to top destinations throughout the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. With major carriers and low-cost airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier operating out of TPA, travelers have access to competitive pricing and frequent deals.
Top Budget-Friendly Destinations From Tampa
Tampa’s location makes it easy to reach affordable vacation spots in just a few hours. Here are some top low-cost destinations that are perfect for quick getaways or longer vacations:
1. San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Average Package Price: $500–$800 (4–5 nights)
- Flight Time: ~3 hours
- Top Attractions:
- Old San Juan and colorful Spanish colonial architecture
- El Yunque Rainforest hiking
- Beach resorts in Condado and Isla Verde
- Best Travel Months: March–May and September–November
2. Cancun, Mexico
- Average Package Price: $600–$900 (all-inclusive, 3–4 nights)
- Flight Time: ~2.5 hours
- Top Attractions:
- White-sand beaches and turquoise waters
- Mayan ruins at Tulum or Chichen Itza
- Snorkeling and nightlife in the Hotel Zone
- Best Travel Months: April–June, October–November
3. Nashville, Tennessee
- Average Package Price: $400–$700 (3 nights)
- Flight Time: ~1.5 hours
- Top Attractions:
- Live country music on Broadway
- Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame
- Southern food and rooftop bars
- Best Travel Months: March–May and September–November
4. Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Average Package Price: $650–$1,000 (all-inclusive, 3–4 nights)
- Flight Time: ~2 hours
- Top Attractions:
- Doctor’s Cave Beach and tropical resorts
- River rafting on the Martha Brae
- Local jerk food and reggae nightlife
- Best Travel Months: November–March
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Average Package Price: $350–$600 (2–3 nights)
- Flight Time: ~1.5 hours
- Top Attractions:
- French Quarter and Bourbon Street
- Live jazz music and Creole cuisine
- Historic cemeteries and swamp tours
- Best Travel Months: February–May, October
6. Atlanta, Georgia
- Average Package Price: $350–$550 (3 nights)
- Flight Time: ~1.5 hours
- Top Attractions:
- Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola
- Centennial Olympic Park and museums
- Diverse dining and nightlife
- Best Travel Months: March–May and September–November
Finding the Cheapest Deals
Scoring the best vacation package from Tampa starts with knowing where—and how—to look. Sites like Expedia, Priceline, Kayak, and CheapCaribbean make it easy to search and compare package options that include flights, hotels, and even rental cars or activities.
Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you find the cheapest deals:
- Use Fare Alerts
Set price alerts on Kayak, Google Flights, or Hopper for your preferred destinations. These tools track price drops and send notifications when a deal pops up. - Book in the Off-Season
Traveling during less popular months—like late spring or early fall—often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and more package availability. - Bundle Flights and Hotels
Booking your flight and hotel together typically saves 20–30% compared to booking separately. Expedia and Priceline frequently offer “bundle and save” deals. - Be Flexible With Dates
Use the “flexible dates” option on most booking sites to find the cheapest travel days. Midweek departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tend to be less expensive. - Compare Multiple Platforms
Not all booking engines show the same packages or prices. It’s worth checking at least 2–3 sites to find the best value. - Look for Flash Sales or Limited-Time Offers
Sites like Travelzoo and CheapCaribbean feature weekly specials with steep discounts on vacation packages departing from Tampa.
Types of Vacation Packages from Tampa
Vacation packages come in many styles, each catering to different travel preferences. From family-friendly resorts to adults-only escapes, Tampa offers easy access to a variety of options:
All-Inclusive Resorts
Best for: Couples, honeymooners, and stress-free travelers
These packages include accommodations, meals, drinks, entertainment, and more. Perfect for beach destinations like Cancun, Montego Bay, or Punta Cana.
Family Packages
Best for: Families with children or multi-generational groups
Family-focused resorts offer kid-friendly amenities like pools, game rooms, and nearby attractions. Orlando, Atlanta, and San Juan are great choices.
Romantic Getaways
Best for: Couples celebrating anniversaries or honeymoons
Look for packages with spa treatments, oceanfront rooms, and intimate excursions. Top destinations include Savannah, Charleston, and Caribbean islands.
Weekend Escapes
Best for: Solo travelers or couples with limited time
Short packages to places like New Orleans, Fort Lauderdale, or Nashville are ideal for quick getaways from Tampa.
Adventure Packages
Best for: Outdoor lovers and active travelers
Some packages include excursions like ziplining, hiking, or diving. Consider destinations like Costa Rica, Panama, or the Dominican Republic.
Best Times to Book
Timing can make a big difference in how much you pay for your vacation package. Here’s how to plan smart and book at the right time:
- Ideal Booking Window:
Book 1 to 3 months in advance for domestic trips and 3 to 6 months ahead for international destinations. This is typically when prices are lowest and availability is highest. - Travel During Shoulder Seasons:
Plan your trip for late spring (April–May) or early fall (September–October). These months are less crowded, and hotel and flight rates are often discounted. - Avoid Peak Travel Times:
Holidays, school breaks, and mid-summer tend to be the most expensive. Try to avoid these dates if possible, or book far in advance to lock in lower rates. - Fly Midweek:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to depart. Return flights on weekdays also tend to be less expensive than weekend returns. - Book Early in the Week:
Many travel websites update deals and launch promotions on Mondays or Tuesdays, making these the best days to search for new discounts.
Budget Travel Tips
Saving money on vacation packages from Tampa doesn’t require major sacrifices—just a few smart strategies. Here are some practical ways to stretch your budget and get the best value for your trip:
- Travel with a Carry-On Only
Avoid airline baggage fees by packing light. Most short trips can be done with a well-packed carry-on, especially for beach or weekend getaways. - Compare Multiple Platforms
Don’t rely on just one booking site. Check prices on Expedia, Priceline, and others to make sure you’re getting the best deal and perks. - Use Travel Rewards or Miles
If you have a travel credit card, redeem points for discounts on flights or hotels. Some cards also give bonus miles when booking through their travel portals. - Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations
Use “flexible date” tools on platforms like Google Flights or Kayak to find the cheapest days to travel. Being open to a range of destinations can also unlock surprise deals. - Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
Avoid busy periods like summer holidays and spring break. Shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) often offer lower prices and fewer crowds. - Book Midweek Departures
Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save you money on airfare and vacation packages alike. - Watch for Flash Sales and Promotions
Sign up for newsletters or deal alerts from Travelzoo and CheapCaribbean to get notified of time-sensitive offers.
Recommended Travel Sites and Apps
Here are some of the best platforms and apps for booking cheap vacation packages from Tampa:
- Google Flights
Best for: Flexible date searches and flight price tracking. Great for comparing fare trends quickly. - Skyscanner
Best for: Exploring the cheapest destinations and dates from Tampa. The “Everywhere” feature is ideal for spontaneous travelers. - Expedia
Best for: Package deals with flight + hotel bundles. Includes ratings, maps, and filters for customizing your trip. - Priceline
Best for: Express Deals and discounted bundles. Sometimes you won’t see the hotel name until after booking—but savings are big. - CheapCaribbean
Best for: All-inclusive Caribbean resorts. Great site for finding tropical packages with food, drink, and activities included. - Travelzoo
Best for: Curated weekly deals and exclusive travel offers. Especially useful for finding high-value vacation packages. - Hopper
Best for: Predicting price drops and when to buy. Use it to track flights and book when fares are lowest. - Kayak
Best for: Comparing vacation packages across platforms and finding rental cars or add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the cheapest destinations to fly to from Tampa?
Destinations like Cancun, San Juan, Nashville, and New Orleans often offer some of the most affordable vacation packages, especially when booked as bundles.
How far in advance should I book a vacation package from Tampa?
Ideally, book 1 to 3 months ahead for domestic trips and 3 to 6 months for international travel. This ensures the best combination of price and availability.
Are vacation packages really cheaper than booking separately?
Yes—most of the time. Bundling your flight and hotel together can save you 20–30%, especially through platforms like Expedia and Priceline.
Which airlines fly out of Tampa International Airport with cheap vacation options?
Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest frequently offer low-cost flights from Tampa to popular destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean.
What’s the best time of year to find cheap packages from Tampa?
Look during shoulder seasons (April–May, September–October) and avoid holidays or peak summer dates. Midweek departures also tend to be cheaper.
Do any sites offer all-inclusive vacation packages from Tampa?
Yes. CheapCaribbean, Travelzoo, and Expedia all feature all-inclusive packages from Tampa to destinations like Jamaica, Cancun, and the Dominican Republic.
Can I book vacation packages last-minute from Tampa?
You can—especially for short-haul or U.S. destinations. Use Priceline’s Express Deals or check Travelzoo for last-minute flash sales.
Is Tampa International Airport a good hub for travel deals?
Absolutely. Tampa International Airport (TPA) offers a wide range of nonstop and affordable routes, including to top vacation spots in the Caribbean and Latin America.
What’s included in a vacation package?
Most vacation packages include roundtrip airfare and hotel. Some may also include airport transfers, meals, tours, or resort credits depending on the provider.
Should I get travel insurance with my vacation package?
It’s a good idea—especially for international trips. Some booking platforms let you add travel insurance during checkout for added peace of mind.