Normalcy is boring! The world is made to be explored, and there are so many amazing destinations waiting to be discovered.
While millions of vacationers pour into Cancun, Paris, and New York City, among other iconic cities, there are other incredible off-path destinations calling your name.
Sometimes we wrongfully assume certain places are challenging to reach, but these 7 cities offer Americans the chance to fly nonstop for the ultimate adventure from hidden gems in Mexico to the ultimate cultural odyssey.
In no particular order, here are 7 incredible cities you can fly nonstop to:
Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Those looking to venture outside the norm should look no further than Bolivia.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra (known as “Santa Cruz”) is your only nonstop gateway into this fascinating landlocked country.
From timeless streets, breathtaking mountains, to one of the most Instagramable sites on Earth – Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flats – this affordable treasure trove offers endless cultural immersions and stunning nature.
Bolivia’s one downside is navigation. It can be a trek if you tend to hop around on your trips.
The nation’s landscapes make roadways outside major cities unfeasible.
Get used to Boliviana de Aviación (stylized as BoA), as this is your direct international ticket out of Miami (MIA) to Santa Cruz (VVI) and your domestic ticket to hop around such Bolivian cities, the most elevated capital city (La Paz), Sucre, and Cochabamba.
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Skip Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta and head for another gorgeous resort town – Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.
No offense to Zihuatanejo, but the region is commonly shortened to “Ixtapa”, offering a more traditional Mexican trip teeming with untamed nature and oftentimes cheaper resorts like the Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa All-Inclusive for just $139 late August.
To put my money where my mouth is, I booked a trip here and can’t wait to go!
Rather than hop around the bustling Mexican Caribbean, Guerrero’s beloved Ixtapa offers far fewer crowds at luxury resorts, the stunning Isla Ixtapa, and long stretches of pristine beaches.
Many resorts are all-inclusive, but the new Thompson Zihuatanejo, by Hyatt is receiving rave reviews. Bad news is you’ll have to fork over extra for food and drinks.
U.S. travelers have multiple options to fly into Ixtapa (ZIH) nonstop:
- Alaska: Los Angeles (LAX) Seasonal: Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO)
- American: Phoenix (PHX) Seasonal: Dallas (DFW)
- Sun Country: Seasonal: Minneapolis (MSP)
- United: Houston (IAH) Seasonal: Chicago (ORD)
Belgrade, Serbia
Many European countries come to mind when planning a fun trip abroad, but Serbia may not typically be among them.
That’s not to say it shouldn’t be, however. I have visited this grand city filled with breathtaking architecture, charming streets, and surprisingly delicious eats.
Some say this vibrant capital city is the ‘Berlin of the South‘. With a buzzing nightlife scene and both modern flair and ancient history ranging from eye-popping churches to well-preserved medieval castles like Kalemegdan, the city’s historic crown jewel.
Airfare may cost a pretty penny, but upon landing, you’ll love exploring one of Europe’s cheapest countries.
Nonstop Air Serbia flights to Belgrade (BEG) from the U.S.:
- New York (JFK)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Miami (MIA) *rumored late 2024
Georgetown, Guyana
Pack your bug spray and an open mind for the adventure of a lifetime! Guyana is a seemingly untouched South American nation with few Western tourists.
But if you’re a freak like me, that makes Guyana all the more alluring!
Being so off-the-beaten-path, there are not many typical “attractions” per se unless you’re into remote wilderness and Indigenous culture.
However, I’ve looked into visiting before since flights are often cheap. I stumbled upon a truly unique stay at the Pandama Retreat and Winery – a tranquil nature retreat with ‘unbelievable wine’.
Nonstop U.S. flights to Georgetown (GEO):
- American: Miami (MIA), New York (JFK)
- Caribbean Airlines: New York (JFK)
- JetBlue: New York (JFK)
- United: Houston (IAH)
Armenia, Colombia
If you’re willing to go straight to the source for seafood, why not do the same for coffee?
Colombia’s lesser-known city, Armenia, is a coffee lover’s dream.
It will make you forget Starbucks even exists.
Located in the ‘Coffee Triangle’, enjoy an intriguing plantation tour, learn about the bean-to-cup process, and savor world-class brews.
Americans have one nonstop flight option to Armenia (AXM):
- Spirit: Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Move over Cape Town! There’s another awesome beach destination you probably didn’t realize was so easy to reach.
The Ivory Coast is far from a household name, but it’s slowly but surely reinventing itself, even as a surprising arts and foodie destination.
Safety concerns in Africa are very valid. Good news is the U.S.State Dept. lowered the Ivory Coast to Level 2 in April 2024 – on par with Mexico, the Dominican Republic, among many more vacation hotspots.
TripAdvisor gives their stamp of approval for Assoyam, one of many affordable beachfront hotels lining the nation’s 300+ mile coastline.
Americans can fly nonstop to Abidjan on Ethiopian Airlines from:
- New York (JFK)
The city you don’t hear often is Bengaluru, dubbed the “Silicon Valley of India”. Beyond the latest gizmos and gadgets, this city will rock your socks off with its vast history, superb greenery, and affordability.
Most notably the historic Bengaluru Palace can’t be missed, while the ISKCON Temple doesn’t fall far behind.
If you time your visit with a puja (worship ceremony), witness the mesmerizing aarti ritual at 12:30 pm, a beautiful devotion through chanting and fire offerings.
Palaces and temples galore here, but don’t skip the food scene brimming with spices, especially at local bustling bazaars like the Krishnarajendra Market for spicy dosas.
Americans can take the cultural trip of a lifetime on Air India from:
- San Francisco (SFO)
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