Best trips from Washington, D.C. on a budget

They're estimates based on our own curated cost data for this route and season, not a live quote — the real price on the partner site may be a bit higher or lower depending on exact dates.

Each one plays a different role: the most popular destination travelers from IAD actually book, our top pick for value (full package — flight, hotel, and activities — for the money), and one aspirational splurge if you want to treat yourself. Not all three are meant to be "the best deal."

A 0–100 score with 3 real parts: Value (how this destination's estimated cost compares to others from the same airport), Weather (temperature comfort for that time of year), and Safety (public safety advisory data). We don't feature any destination scoring below 50.

Each estimate combines three real cost categories for a 5-night trip for 2: round-trip flights, a mid-range hotel, and a daily activities budget. We start from curated cost data for that route and season, checked periodically against real flight prices to keep it grounded — see "Are these real-time prices?" above for the caveat.

Round-trip flights for 2, a mid-range hotel for 5 nights, and a daily activities budget. It doesn't include meals beyond that activities budget, travel insurance, or airport transfers.

Right now, Oaxaca is the most affordable pick from Washington, D.C. — an estimated $1,198 for 5 nights for 2. See the full budget breakdown above for more options.

11 destinations from Washington, D.C. come in under $1,600 for a 5-night trip for 2 — see "Where can you travel from Washington, D.C. on a budget?" above for the full list.