Looking for nonstop international flights out of Tampa? You’re not alone, and there are nearly two dozen options.
Summer may be ending, but that means dreams of our next big vacation are just beginning. While we would also argue that we live in paradise as it is, there’s a big world out there worth exploring, and we are also fortunate to live next to an airport that makes seeing it all quite easy. Tampa International Airport (aka TPA, aka America’s Best Airport) currently offers a full 22 different nonstop international flights out of Tampa.
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Best direct flights out of Tampa (and cheap options)
If you’re like me, you often decide on taking a vacation first, and then decide on the destination second. For those who fall under that flexible category, consider this inspiration for your next block of time out of office. Find a place that sounds great and let’s book it.
For those who already know where they’re going, this guide ought to serve two purposes. With any luck, the city you need is already on the list. But keep an eye out for destinations that serve as perfect connectors or central locations. Frankfurt once served as my central airport for a circular seven-country backpacking trip that took advantage of Europe’s great train system. From Gatwick or Heathrow in London, you’re either a 90-minute train away from Sussex and England’s beautiful south coast, or a three-hour train through the countryside to Scotland’s cultural and historic hub, Edinburgh.
No matter how you plan or where you’re headed, you’ll have the joy of doing so through TPA which, all jokes aside, is one of the best-rated airports this side of the Atlantic. Some of the flights are year-round, some are seasonal, and some are launching soon. Here is everywhere you can fly nonstop, round-trip from TPA. Click the link on each to see flight options.
European Vacation
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Dubbed “The Venice of the North,” it’s one of the world’s most popular cities to visit, full of bike paths, canals, flowers, cheese, stroop waffles and, well, cafes.
Frankfurt, Germany – The banking capital of Germany is dripping with history and charm, while the whole place smells like a bakery thanks to all the breweries, bread and pretzels.
London, England – Fish and chips? Big Ben? Premier League football? Shows on West End? Camden Market or Borough Market? Platform 9 3/4? The London Eye? Need we go on?
Zurich, Switzerland – Few European cities mix Old World charm with modern lifestyle like Zurich, the heart of Switzerland and a picturesque gateway to the Swiss Alps.
Living on Island Time
Cancun, Mexico – The quintessential Mexican beach vacation isn’t technically an island, but you would hardly be able to distinguish it from any of its fellow Caribbean resort towns.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands – The luxury destination for island-goers, Grand Cayman has some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving, as well as high-end resorts situated along picture-perfect beaches.
Montego Bay, Jamaica – Jamaica’s second city may well be its best, packed full of waterfront activities for families, couples and solo travelers alike. From coral reefs to golf courses, there’s something for everyone.
Nassau, Bahamas – One of the newest flights to launch from TPA takes you the not-so-lost city (well, resort) of Atlantis and the most popular Bahamian destination around. The food, the drinks, the water, the sunsets – you can’t go wrong.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – The Coconut Coast is for adventure seekers. Punta Cana’s beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts are complemented by zip-lining, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and more.
San Juan, Puerto Rico – The coastal city so nice they wrote an entire song about it. Few places on Earth blend history and architecture with seaside nightlife and escapism quite so well as this Atlantic port city. (Helpful note: As a U.S. destination, you don’t need a passport to visit.)
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – The ultimate Caribbean destination is the gateway to the Virgin Islands, has some of the world’s most celebrated beaches, sailing and snorkeling, accepts US tender, and has world-class shopping. (Just like San Juan, this is a U.S. destination – no passport needed.)
City escapes in the Americas
Bogotá, Colombia – Called the “Athens of South America,” Bogotá is steeped with history in every inch of its cobblestone streets. Nestled in the Andes, it also offers incredible hiking, as well as access to El Dorado!
Calgary, Canada – If you already own a pair of hiking boots, this one is for you. Canada’s sunniest city is at the footsteps of the bucket-list-worthy Banff National Park and hosts one of the world’s biggest rodeos every summer.
Halifax, Canada – “I just want to get away from it all.” Halifax it is. The Nova Scotia port city is one of the friendliest on the planet, featuring a laid-back lifestyle full of walkability, fresh seafood, welcoming locals and beautiful vistas.
Hamilton, Canada – The waterfall capital of the world (more than 100 in the city!) is for nature lovers, an oasis on Lake Ontario that combines the history and dining of a big city with the natural escapism of a National Park.
Mexico City, Mexico – There may not be a city on the planet that has boomed in recent popularity quite like Mexico City, which has essentially become a mecca for anyone who enjoys good food and drink even a little bit.
Montreal, Canada – Paris, but make it a lot closer. Montreal manages to be both Canada’s unofficial French capital and unofficial food capital, which is the best possible combination for hungry travelers.
Ottawa, Canada – The Canadian capital, like the U.S. capital, is a hub for museums of all sorts: history, art, nature, architecture, government and more. Plus, it’s clean, walkable, and right on the water.
Panama City, Panama – Panama’s capital city is one of the world’s very literal crossroads, and while it’s Pacific-facing location could make it sound like Island Time, it’s one of Latin America’s most vibrant and metropolitan cities.
San José, Costa Rica – The biggest city in Costa Rica provides a perfect hub to explore volcanoes and rainforests by day while enjoying urban nightlife and restaurants every evening.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – This capital city manages to do a lot, serving as one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean (around 500 years old), while also existing every day as one of the region’s largest and most modern hubs.
Toronto, Canada – Canada’s most populated city is the perfect Canadian gateway for those who love American cities like New York and Chicago. World-class museums, beautiful city parks and award-winning dining await.
