MLK Weekend Getaway Guide

January is historically one of the cheapest months of the year for travel – not only to book trips but to take trips as well. With many travelers just having taken holiday trips and families and kids back to school, you can often find great deals for January trips early in the new year. It’s also a great time to book if you’re eyeing a winter or spring getaway this year.

For those looking to kick-off the year with a last-minute getaway, the first holiday weekend of 2024 is just around the corner. We’ve compiled what you need to know if you’re planning a trip for MLK Weekend this year and how to score a great last-minute deal.

What will it cost to travel for MLK Weekend?

Average airfare for MLK weekend is currently $294 per ticket for domestic trips, just 1% higher than prices at this time last year. Travelers headed to warm weather destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America are in luck, prices have dropped by a considerable amount since last year. Fares to the islands of the Antilles are down $40 per ticket or 9% from last year, while prices to Mexico and Central America dropped $79 per ticket, or 14% from last year. 

How to get a last minute MLK Weekend Deal

1. Skip the Friday flight and depart on Saturday. Depart on your MLK weekend trip on Saturday to save as much as $62 per domestic ticket, or 19% savings off peak travel dates. 

2. Change up your destination. Warm weather destinations will be popular for MLK weekend getaways, so consider swapping your destination for a cheaper alternative! Pocket those airfare savings for your next trip, or splurge on another part of your trip!

3. Book a staycation! Long weekends are often quiet in big cities, especially in the first two weeks of January when travel is slow and weather is cold. Plan a staycation in a big city near you! You’ll get some of the best rates of the entire year and can even book at the last minute and get the best prices. Whether budget or luxury properties, expect great deals over MLK weekend in cold weather cities in particular.

Deals you can book right now! 

Domestic Flight Deals Still Available to Book:

1. Atlanta to Denver, Colorado – $127 round-trip on Hopper

2. Boston to Orlando, Florida – $133 round-trip on Hopper

3. Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, Florida – $146 round-trip on Hopper

4. Dallas to Phoenix, Arizona – $134 round-trip on Hopper

5. LA to Salt Lake City – $118 round-trip on Hopper

6. NYC to Miami, Florida – $103 round-trip on Hopper

International Flight Deals Still Available to Book:

1. Atlanta to Saint Thomas Island – $278 round-trip on Hopper

2. Boston to Nassau, Bahamas – $301 round-trip on Hopper

3. Chicago to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – $282 round-trip on Hopper

4. Dallas to Cancun, Mexico – $247 round-trip on Hopper

5. LA to Vancouver, Canada – $230 round-trip on Hopper

6. NYC to San Juan, Puerto Rico – $251 round-trip on Hopper

Hotel Deals on Hopper

• Miami Beach - $160 per night

• San Diego - $137 per night

• Clearwater/Tampa - $113 per night

• New Orleans - $171 per night

• Las Vegas - $107 per night