West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away
West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Viva Mexico! Soak Up the Sun in Cabo
Looking for an affordable, quick getaway with sun, sand, and cervezas? Look no further than Cabo San Lucas on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Though only a 2.5-hour flight from LA, Cabo feels worlds away with its desert landscape, striking rock formations, and lively beach scene.
This once sleepy fishing village has transformed into a cosmopolitan resort destination, boasting luxury hotels, world-class golf courses, and trendy restaurants. By day, relax on Playa El Médano's swimmable golden sands or join an excursion to Land's End for epic views. The iconic El Arco stone arch rising from the sea is Instagram bait at its finest. For snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding, check out the "kissing beaches" of Playa del Amor with their shallow azure waters.
When the sun goes down, make your way to the legendary Cabo nightlife. Join the raucous crowds on the party strip, bouncing between rowdy bars like Cabo Wabo, El Squid Roe, and Pink Kitty. Or sip margaritas at a marina-side cantina under swaying palms, soaking up live music as the moon rises over the harbor. Don't miss tasting regional Baja fare, like fresh ceviche and fish tacos paired with Mexican craft beers or mezcal.
Accommodations run the gamut from affordable boutique stays to 5-star celebrity hideaways. Value seekers can bed down at beach-chic hotels like Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa in lively San José del Cabo from just $120/night. Or splurge on a lavish villa at Las Ventanas al Paraíso, often frequented by Hollywood A-listers, with prices over $1,000 a night.
Getting to Cabo is easy-breezy with multiple direct flights daily from LAX, SFO, and other West Coast hubs. Flights on full-service carriers like Alaska, Delta, and American can be booked for under $300 round-trip in shoulder season. Or watch for deals on budget options like Volaris and VivaAerobus in the $200 range. The flight south lasts less than 3 hours, ideal for a long weekend escape or week-long fiesta.
What else is in this post?
- West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Viva Mexico! Soak Up the Sun in Cabo
- West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Say Aloha to Hawaii's Island Life
- West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Island Time in Tropical Puerto Vallarta
- West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Cosmopolitan Vancouver Just a Hop Away
- West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Enchanting East - Fly to Asia from LAX and SFO
- West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Down Under Dreams - Australia and New Zealand Beckon
- West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Swing South to Lima for Food and Fun
- West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Copa to Costa Rica's Pura Vida Vibes
West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Say Aloha to Hawaii's Island Life
With its alluring island culture, breathtaking volcanoes, and world-renowned beaches and surf, Hawaii has long enchanted visitors from around the globe. Yet many mainland Americans write it off as too expensive or difficult to reach for a quick escape. However, the Aloha State is more accessible than ever from the West Coast, thanks to a surge of new nonstop flights from multiple gateways. If an affordable Hawaii vacation is on your bucket list, now's the time to make those island dreams come true.
You can fly nonstop to Hawaii from LAX, SFO, SAN, SJC, SMF, PDX, SEA and many more. Alaska, Hawaiian, and Southwest all offer bargain deals to the islands, especially with their no-frills Basic Economy and Wanna Get Away fares. Operated primarily on 737 aircraft, flights typically span five to six hours. All the major carriers also allow free stopovers in Hawaii on round-trips from the mainland, letting you island-hop for the price of one flight.
Once on the ground, inter-island flights on Hawaiian Airlines and its subsidiary 'Ohana by Hawaiian connect all major islands for $80 to $120 one-way. With Southwest's planned expansion into the inter-island market this year, fares could drop even lower. Alternative ways to travel between islands include ferries and chartered yachts, along with breathtaking helicopter tours over volcanic terrain.
As for where to stay, Hawaii abounds with options from luxurious beach resorts to quaint B&Bs nestled on quiet coves. There are also budget vacation rentals readily available across the islands, especially through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Camping lets you commune even more closely with Hawaii's natural beauty at wallet-friendly rates. Driving the scenic highway circling each island reveals an abundance of free or low-cost activities like hiking, snorkeling, and waterfall swimming. And fresh island fruits and fish are staples of the local cuisine, which means deliciousness need not break the bank.
West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Island Time in Tropical Puerto Vallarta
Trade frigid winter for tropics with a warm-weather escape to Puerto Vallarta on Mexico's balmy Pacific coast. Though a major resort destination, "PV" still exudes an authentic vibe with cobblestone streets, humble taco stands, and amicable locals that earned it the nickname "the friendliest city in the world." Beyond lounging poolside by day and mingling in lively bars and clubs after dark, Puerto Vallarta serves up outdoor adventures, from whale watching to hidden beach coves begging to be explored.
Out on the Bay of Banderas, keep your eyes peeled for breaching humpback whales that migrate here each winter to birth their young in the protected waters. Daily whale watching excursions depart from Puerto Vallarta's palm-lined malecón boardwalk, typically priced around $50 per person. Up-close encounters with these gentle ocean giants are virtually guaranteed from December through March before the whales journey north again. Romantics will swoon over sunset cruises with champagne toasts as the sun dips behind the rugged Sierra Madre mountains across the bay.
Or work on your own tropical glow while basking on Puerto Vallarta's glorious golden beaches. In-the-know travelers stroll south from downtown to Los Muertos Pier, a hub of beach clubs and budget digs like the Surf Hostel beside the Caribbean-hued waves. Further south near Mismaloya lie isolated coves and uncrowded shores begging for DIY adventures. Pack a picnic lunch and plenty of sunscreen, then hop a local bus bound for these less-trodden beaches dotted with palm-thatched palapas selling fresh coconuts.
Beyond the beach, Puerto Vallarta also offers encounters with Mexico's rich heritage and natural wonders. Stroll cobblestone streets and admire the delightful "casitas" of Colonia Emiliano Zapata, PV's historic downtown. Check out the nightly Danza de los Voladores ritual of flying acrobats at Los Arcos amphitheater on the malecón. Then venture 20 minutes inland to wander through primitive petroglyphs and dramatic waterfalls of Las Estacas Natural Reserve.
Puerto Vallarta is well connected by air from LAX and throughout the western U.S. Flights pop up regularly in the $250 to $350 ballpark, even during peak winter season when PV draws snowbirds fleeing colder climes. Southwest is slated to begin flying the route this year too, likely spurring further discounts. Upon arrival, PV's compact downtown with most attractions and nightlife is easily walkable, though buses, taxis, and ride shares are ultra-affordable options to venture further afield.
West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Cosmopolitan Vancouver Just a Hop Away
Vancouver often gets overlooked stateside as a premier Canadian destination worth crossing borders for. Yet this cosmopolitan port city combines breathtaking natural beauty with a cool, contemporary vibe unlike anywhere else in North America. Just a 2.5-hour nonstop flight from California, Vancouver makes for an effortless weekend getaway or longer foray abroad without leaving the continent.
Flights from LAX, SFO, SAN and other West Coast airports are operated by the major U.S. carriers plus WestJet and Air Canada. Roundtrip fares average between $250 to $350, though watch for sales driving the price down closer to $200. New ultra-low-cost rival Lynx Air also plans to start flying Vancouver from the western U.S. this year. Once on the ground, Vancouver's compact and walkable downtown core centers around lively Robson Street lined with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.
Vancouver dazzles visitors with its stunning setting between the mountains and sea. Snap selfies in Stanley Park overlooking the downtown skyline and Burrard Inlet, winding along seawall paths on bike or foot. Relax on sandy Kitsilano Beach watching windsurfers and kiteboarders dance across the waves. Then take the SkyTrain up to the peak of Grouse Mountain for sweeping vistas across Vancouver and beyond. The gondola ride up reveals Vancouver's majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks waiting to be explored further on hiking trails come summer.
But don't overlook Vancouver's cosmopolitan side - this multicultural metropolis delivers a world of culinary and cultural experiences without even needing a passport. Dine your way through authentic Asian cuisines in historic Chinatown and along Robson Street. Browse the stalls of Granville Island Public Market then sip craft brews at waterfront microbreweries. Catch live indie music in gastown's brick-lined alleyways or hit the dance floors throbbing with DJ beats in Yaletown's warehouse district.
Vancouver also provides easy access to attractions in the surrounding regions. Hop a ferry over to Victoria, the quaint capital of British Columbia, for high tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Or head up the Sea-to-Sky Highway to the alpine village of Whistler for hiking and mountain biking in summer and world-class skiing come winter. Vancouver makes the perfect basecamp for combining urban energy and outdoor adventure.
West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Enchanting East - Fly to Asia from LAX and SFO
The Orient has long captured the Western imagination with its ancient temples, mysticism, and exotic allure. Yet the enchanting east often seems a world away, reachable only after enduring lengthy, costly flights crossing the vast Pacific. But avid travelers know a worthwhile secret - some of Asia’s most fascinating destinations are surprisingly accessible nonstop from major West Coast gateways like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Through the magic of nonstop flights, the futuristic neon cityscapes of Tokyo and Osaka are just 11 hours from LAX. Hop aboard All Nippon Airways’ spacious Boeing 777s to immerse yourself in Japan’s mesmerizing mix of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. Slurp steaming ramen at a bustling station shop, then zen out at Kyoto’s centuries-old temples and sublime gardens. From $550 roundtrip, flights unlock two weeks of reveling in Japan’s history, hypermodernity, and mouthwatering cuisine without breaking the bank.
Or step back in time touring China’s beguiling historic sites and scenery during a direct 10-hour journey aboard American, United or Delta from SFO or LAX. Walk along the Great Wall snaking across misty hillsides, cruise the lifeblood Yangtze River between breathtaking gorges, and barter at frenetic open-air markets. With flights from $450 roundtrip, China’s enthralling Marco Polo mystique is now easily within reach. Just be sure to allow ample time, as China’s vastness warrants at least several weeks to experience its highlights.
For a Southeast Asian sojourn, direct flights make Thailand’s tropical island paradises viable long weekend escapes from California. From LAX, Thai Airways and Philippine Airlines whisk travelers to Bangkok in about 18 hours for around $650 roundtrip. Then connect onto Koh Samui or Phuket for beach bliss, or venture north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to explore emerald hills dotted with ancient Buddhist temples. With a little advance planning, Thailand’s affordable indulgences like beach massages, street food feasts, and plush resorts won’t break the bank.
Or head south to Singapore, a hypermodern yet multicultural melting pot of Chinese, Indian, Malay and European influences. United operates 17-hour nonstops from SFO and LAX starting around $800 roundtrip. But flights regularly dip to $600 for those who can be flexible. Enjoy Singapore's legendary hawker food stalls, escape urbanity in the Gardens by the Bay, and selfie with Merlion statues spewing water into Marina Bay. Then make Singapore your launchpad for exploring Southeast Asia’s incredible diversity overland through Malaysia, Indonesia and beyond.
West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Down Under Dreams - Australia and New Zealand Beckon
The lure of the Antipodes has captivated travelers for centuries, from the first European explorers and colonizers to today’s globetrotters seeking that once-in-a-lifetime adventure Down Under. With their unique landscapes, indigenous culture, and surprisingly cosmopolitan cities, Australia and New Zealand continue to top many travelers’ bucket lists. Yet the extreme distance from North America has deterred many from actually venturing to these faraway lands.
That’s rapidly changing thanks to an explosion of new non-stop flights making Australia and New Zealand more accessible than ever from the West Coast. Qantas, United, Fiji Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and others now operate direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and beyond that slice total travel time to under 15 hours from LAX or SFO.
Previously, reaching Aussie or Kiwi shores required time-consuming connections and over 24 hours in transit. But new cutting-edge aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner have been a game changer, allowing nonstops to operate profitably where range-limited planes couldn’t before.
Thrifty travelers can now find deals as low as $600 roundtrip to Australia and New Zealand from the West Coast when booking months in advance. That makes a South Pacific sojourn viable even for budget backpackers and others without bottomless pockets.
Once on the ground, both Australia and New Zealand offer tremendous bang for your buck. Hostel dorm beds can be found for under $30/night, while campervan rentals provide cheap wheels for self-drive adventures. Activities like bushwalking, wildlife encounters, and swimming unspoiled beaches are largely free. And travelers rave that experiencing the renowned Kiwi and Aussie hospitality first-hand is priceless.
West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Swing South to Lima for Food and Fun
Perched on the Pacific, Lima often gets short shrift as just a transit hub when visiting Peru's iconic Machu Picchu and Cuzco. But travelers who bypass Lima are missing out on an underrated capital offering a sensational culinary scene, fascinating history, and happening nightlife worth sampling.
As one of the great gastronomic capitals of South America, Lima draws praise for its "Criollo" cuisine fusing Spanish, Andean, African and Asian flavors. Stroll through bohemian Barranco to find exceptional eateries helmed by star chefs putting creative twists on Peru's diverse ingredients. Seafood stars at La Mar Cebichería, where plates overflow with artfully-presented ceviches made from the day's catch. Cut into an addictive lomo saltado bursting with beef, onions, and chili flavor at Pescados Capitales. And splurge on a multi-course tasting menu paired with Pisco sours and boutique wines at pioneer Astrid & Gastón.
Beyond dining, Lima rewards exploration with fascinating vestiges of its storied past. Wander through Plaza de Armas in historic downtown to ogle the ornate Spanish colonial architecture and expansive cathedral. Nearby, descend into the eerie Catacumbas del Convento to see skulls and bones arranged in geometric patterns filling underground crypts. Then tour the Larco Museum housed in an 18th-century viceroy's mansion, displaying sublime pre-Columbian ceramics and gold plus an eyebrow-raising erotic exhibit.
As an antidote to history, head to Lima's coastal neighborhoods to join locals relaxing at lively beach clubs. Surfers flock to Costa Verde's swells, while families bask on the lively sands of trendy Miraflores. Watch the paragliders sailing off the clifftops, then refuel on ceviche and pisco cocktails at a rustic bohio restaurant gazing out over the Pacific. Night owls gravitate towards Barranco's thumping bars and dance clubs, indulging in Peru's famous pisco until the wee hours under swaying palms.
Reaching Lima is easier than ever with routes from across the Americas and budget carriers keeping fares affordable. Nonstop flights depart from LA, Houston, Ft. Lauderdale and other gateways, often found from $400 round-trip. Or hop to Lima cheaply from U.S. and Latin American cities on low-cost carriers like JetSmart, Wingo, and Viva Air. Daily nonstops on Avianca and LATAM also connect major South American destinations like Santiago and Bogota to Lima in just a few hours.
West Coast Wanderers: 15 International Destinations Just a Short Flight Away - Copa to Costa Rica's Pura Vida Vibes
Flip-flop your way to the tropics with a budget-friendly escape to Costa Rica, where surf, sloths, and smiling locals exude the nation's "pura vida" zest for life. Though Central America's poster child for eco-adventure, Costa Rica is surprisingly easy to reach from across the western U.S. thanks to expanded routes on full-service carriers and new ultra-low fares from leisure airlines.
The ultra-competitive Latin America market has unlocked great deals like $350 roundtrips to Costa Rica from LAX on Delta and American, if booked months out. Out of Denver or Phoenix, Volaris and Frontier dangle fares closer to $250 roundtrip. Or watch for Southwest's sales driving deals into the $300s from cities across the western U.S. Southwest will launch its own service to Costa Rica in 2022 too.
Most flights route through major hubs like Dallas or Houston, though some offer direct legs from LAX or SFO. Total travel time averages 6 to 7 hours gate-to-gate, making Costa Rica an effortless long weekend escape from the States. Or stay awhile – the affordable cost of living means your money goes further, allowing you to extend your adventure without blowing the budget.
Once on the ground, public buses and domestic flights on budget carriers connect to natural attractions and surf towns around the country. Backpackers bed down in cheap beach hostels for as little as $10 a night, living the pura vida lifestyle to the fullest. Even luxury eco-resorts like Pranamar Villas & Yoga Retreat nestled on the idyllic Pacific coast offer nightly rates under $200.
Beyond beach-bumming, don't miss getting your adrenaline pumping with Costa Rica's heart-pounding adventures. White-knuckle zipline canopy tours let you soar superman-style through misty cloud forests teeming with exotic birds and monkeys. Snorkel or dive the sparkling Pacific reefs to spy reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles gliding through crystalline waters. Embark on a jungle river cruise to lock eyes with crocodiles basking on the banks, while howler monkeys swing through the boughs overhead.