
Would you like to escape the Florida heat for a week? Most of these flights are for the summer of 2023 - the perfect time to escape the humidity and afternoon thundershowers in Tampa. All of the trips on this list are about 1 week long. Most do NOT include your luggage though. But if you pack light, you can find some serious bargains right now flying out of Tampa International Airport.
Portland, Maine for $160
Fly on JetBlue out of Tampa on Monday, July 31 at 1:23pm.
Return on August 7 at 2:32pm.
This is a GREAT price to visit my hometown. Go enjoy a lobster roll or try the fried shrimp at The Lobster Shack in Cape Elizabeth. Wander around the Old Port area and get a slab of Sicilian pizza at Micucci's. Or take a cheap "mail run" cruise around the calendar islands. The downside of this deal is both flights have a layover in New York City. But it's not enough of a layover where you could wander into Manhattan to take in the sights or grab a slice of pizza. Pack light because for this fare, JetBlue tacks on extra for carry on luggage.
Chicago for $98
Fly on Frontier out of Tampa on Saturday, October 28 at 3:01pm.
Return on November 4 at 1:46pm.
The good news about this one... both flights are direct. No layovers! I finally visited Chicago for the first time last year. I'd connected through the Windy City many times but this was my first chance getting to sink my teeth into legit deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati's. Definitely do a Cubs or Blackhawks game if you get a chance. I can't wait to go back. By the way, this cheap fare also mean extra fees for a carry on.
Las Vegas for $118
Fly on Frontier out of Tampa on Saturday, August 5 at 8:40pm.
Return on August 12 at 12:49am.
If you can sleep on a plane, this deal is for you. I never can. But both flights are non stop direct service to Sin City. I will say that the idea of spending a full week in Vegas is a bit much for me. I love to hit buffets and the tables for 2 or 3 days... but a full week would be way too long.
Los Angeles for $173
Fly on United Airlines out of Tampa on Thursday, August 24 at 12:50pm.
Return on August 30 at 11:28pm.
This is another one where you'll fly back overnight so if you can snooze on a flight, go for it. Be sure to get a rental car. As a former Californian, I can tell you the best spots to visit once you've seen the Hollywood sign or Rodeo Drive... you'll want to drive to. Head up the Pacific Coast Highway or up into wine country. Or if you're adventurous head south for a wild night in Tijuana!

Austin for $182
Fly on American Airlines out of Tampa on Friday, August 18 at 7am.
Return on Spirit at 1:51pm.
Note that you have to book these flights separately to get the price. This is one of two cities on this list I've never had a chance to visit but I hope to. I hear the music and dining scene in Austin is awesome. American won't charge you for a carry on, but Spirit will for a little over $50.
Boston for $118
Fly on Spirit out of Tampa on Thursday, November 30 at 3pm.
Return on December 6 at 9:56am.
Fall in New England is pretty special, but unfortunately you're going to miss the colors of the leaves if you wait this long. But nothing gets you feeling more in the holiday mood that crisp Boston early winter weather. Get a coffee at Dunkin' to keep your hands warm after having a snowball fight on Boston Common. Be sure to head to Hanover Street to get some chicken parmesan at my favorite Italian restaurant anywhere, Giacomo's. After head across the street to Mike's Pastry for dessert... no matter how full you are.
Nashville for $168
Fly on American out of Tampa on Sunday, August 20 at 7:27pm.
Return on August 29 at 11am.
2 bits of good news about these flights. They're nonstop. And American isn't going to charge you more for carry on luggage. This is the other city I've never had a chance to visit - even after I worked in country radio for years. Lots of great music and food.
Burlington for $185
Fly on American out of Tampa on Saturday, August 19 at 6:57pm.
Return on August 26 at 7:22pm.
You've never been to Vermont? This is the true meaning on vacation. The mountains are a fun drive this time of year. So many great little towns to see. No matter what you do, don't miss having breakfast at the Penny Cluse Cafe. Get the gingerbread pancakes and bucket o' spuds. And tell them I miss them. You're also not far from one of my other favorite cities. Bring a passport and drive up to Montreal for a couple days.
