That dream trip is suddenly a much more affordable reality.
In a welcome turn of events for travelers, a combination of stabilizing fuel prices and increased competition has led to a significant drop in international airfare for the latter half of 2025. Recent data shows that the average price for a long-haul flight to Asia, Europe, and Africa from the U.S. has fallen by 11%, a major price break that is opening up a world of possibilities.
This is the perfect opportunity to finally book that bucket-list trip. Here are the destinations where that 11% savings will make the biggest difference.
1. Japan is now more accessible than ever.
Japan has been one of the hottest travel destinations in the world since it fully reopened, and the high demand has kept flight prices incredibly steep. An 11% price drop is a massive relief for anyone who has been dreaming of a trip to Tokyo or Kyoto. Those savings, which could be over $150 on a single ticket, are enough to cover the cost of a Japan Rail Pass or several amazing meals, according to Going. With the yen still relatively weak against the dollar, this airfare sale makes a trip to this incredible country much more attainable.
2. Portugal offers an even better value for your money.
Portugal is already known as one of the best value destinations in Western Europe, and a drop in airfare makes it an almost unbeatable deal. The country offers a huge variety of experiences, from the historic, charming cities of Lisbon and Porto to the beautiful beaches of the Algarve. A cheaper flight means you have more money in your pocket to enjoy the country’s famously affordable and delicious food and wine, as mentioned in Global Trade Magazine. It makes an already budget-friendly destination a true bargain, perfect for a long and leisurely trip.
3. A South African adventure is less of a splurge.
For many Americans, a trip to South Africa is a dream, but the cost of the ultra-long-haul flight is a major financial hurdle. An 11% discount on a flight that can often cost close to $2,000 is a significant savings of a few hundred dollars. This makes the prospect of going on a safari in Kruger National Park, exploring the stunning city of Cape Town, or visiting the beautiful wine regions much more realistic, as stated in Travel Priates. The flight is the biggest single expense of the trip, and this price drop is the perfect excuse to finally book it.
4. Thailand’s beaches are calling your name.
Thailand is a famously budget-friendly country where your money goes a long way once you are on the ground. The single biggest cost of a trip to this Southeast Asian paradise has always been the expensive, long-haul flight to get there. The 11% drop in airfare is a game-changer, as it dramatically lowers the initial barrier to entry. That savings on the flight can be used to upgrade your accommodations, extend your stay, or splurge on more activities, like scuba diving or cooking classes, making the entire trip even more enjoyable.
5. Italy’s “la dolce vita” is within closer reach.
A trip to Italy is a dream for many, but the cost of flights, especially during the popular summer season, can be very high. A significant price drop makes this bucket-list destination much more accessible. The hundreds of dollars you save on your flight to Rome or Milan can be reallocated to the things that make a trip to Italy so special: a gondola ride in Venice, a cooking class in Tuscany, or simply more gelato. This fare sale makes it easier to experience “the sweet life” without breaking the bank on the flight over.
6. A Kenyan safari just became more affordable.
Similar to South Africa, the biggest single cost of an East African safari adventure is the flight. An 11% price reduction on a flight to Nairobi, Kenya, can translate into a massive savings that makes the entire trip more feasible. That money can be used to extend your safari by an extra day, to upgrade to a more comfortable safari lodge, or to add on a relaxing beach trip to the coast after your time in the Maasai Mara. It’s a significant discount that can make a once-in-a-lifetime trip a reality.