11 international flights from Vancouver that are 6 hours or less if you want a quick trip abroad
Need a vacation? ✈️
Two friends in Palm Springs, California. Right: A plane taking off from Vancouver International Airport.
Have you been itching to travel, but hate long-haul flights?
A relaxing vacation doesn't have to mean numerous hours spent in the air; luckily, plenty of beautiful destinations involve just a quick plane ride from Vancouver.
Whether you need a beach vacation or want to explore a new city in the U.S., your next holiday doesn't have to be far away.
Here are 11 destinations you can fly to directly from Vancouver in six hours or less.
Palm Springs, California
Flight time: 3 hours
Why You Need To Go: You can take off from Vancouver and head to Palm Springs, a city in the Sonoran Desert in southern California.
Palm Springs is known for its hot springs, beautiful hotels, spas, golf courses, hiking and horseback riding. Don't forget to check out Palm Canyon Drive, a street filled with vintage boutiques and restaurants.
An Air Canada flight from Vancouver can get you there in three hours.
Phoenix, Arizona
Flight time: 3 hours
Why You Need To Go: Phoenix, Arizona is sunny and warm year-round, making it a great destination for someone who needs a break from the Vancouver rain.
After a three-hour flight from Vancouver, you can hike Camelback Mountain, check out the Desert Botanical Garden or enjoy the restaurant and nightlife scene in Old Town Scottsdale.
If you have the time, you could also book a car or tour to see the iconic Grand Canyon National Park.
New York City, New York
Flight time: 5 hours
Why You Need To Go: If you've never been to The Big Apple, this is your sign to book a trip.
New York City has a lot to offer so make sure you bring a pair of comfy shoes for all the walking!
Take a stroll through Central Park or spend hours wandering around Times Square or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You can also visit the Empire State Building, and the Statue of Liberty or go see a Broadway show.
No wonder they call it the city that never sleeps!
Anchorage, Alaska
Flight time: 5.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: While cruises from Vancouver to Alaska are a popular way to travel, you can get there much faster by plane.
Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, is less than a six-hour flight away.
If you're stuck on what to check out while you're in Alaska, there are plenty of tours you can book so you don't miss out on the top sights.
With rainforest walks, glacier hikes and a tour to see the Northern Lights, there's no shortage of incredible adventures waiting for you in Alaska. Dog sled rides are also offered year-round or you can go relax with a soak in the hot springs.
Cancun, Mexico
Flight time: 5.5 to 6 hours
Why You Need To Go: If lying on the beach with a drink in hand is what you need, then an all-inclusive resort in Mexico may be the perfect option.
Cancun is a city located on the Yucatan Peninsula bordering the Caribbean Sea and it's filled with stunning beaches and a bustling nightlife.
You can get a direct flight to Cancun from Vancouver for under six hours with Air Canada.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Flight time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Why You Need To Go: Known for its entertainment, nightlife and fine dining, Las Vegas is a short flight from Vancouver.
Vegas, which has earned the nickname Sin City, is loaded with activities, the most popular ones being in the Las Vegas Strip.
Whether you like shopping, eating at Michelin-starred restaurants, casinos or watching a concert, you certainly won't be bored with a trip to this destination.
Nashville, Tennessee
Flight time: 4.5 to 5 hours
Why You Need To Go: If you're a country music fan, what better place to head to than Nashville, Tennessee?
Nashville, known as Music City, is full of landmarks like the Music City Walk of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and famous music venues like the Grand Ole Opry.
First-timers should also head to the Honky Tonk Highway on Lower Broadway which you may recognize from all the Instagram photos showing neon street lights. That's where you'll find a busy nightlife scene with various venues blasting country music onto the streets.
San Francisco, California
Flight time: 2.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: Less than three hours away by plane, San Francisco is another U.S. city that makes for a great quick trip abroad.
The city's hot spots include its famous Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Don't forget to hop on a cable car and go to Fisherman's Wharf or Chinatown. You may even spot the iconic house where the popular 90's show Full House was filmed.
Once you're done checking out all the famous sights in San Francisco, you could head to Napa Valley, which is only an hour away. There you'll find dozens of hillside vineyards.
Seattle, Washington
Flight time: 1 hour
Why You Need To Go: Seattle, Washington is similar to Vancouver with its ocean, mountain and rainforest views, but it also has a lot of different activities to offer.
You can spend hours wandering around Pike Place Market with its restaurants, specialty foods, small businesses and buskers filling the streets with music. There's also the iconic Space Needle and lots of great hiking options.
It's also only an hour from Vancouver, making it the perfect quick getaway!
Baja California Sur, Mexico
Flight time: 4.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: Baja California is a Mexican state in the Baja California Peninsula.
The state is known for its stunning beaches and camping opportunities.
One of its most famous attractions is Land's End, which has a beautiful natural rock formation that can be explored by kayak or boat.
Chicago, Illinois
Flight time: 4 to 4.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: Famous for its deep-dish pizza, jazz music and architecture, Chicago is a short trip from Vancouver.
The city is filled with museums, sporting events, restaurants and nightlife spots.
One of the best ways to see the city is by water with a cruise on the Chicago River. Make sure you head to Millennium Park while you're there so you can take a photo with The Bean!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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