Given the often-short distances involved, it's pretty scandalous how taxes and low interest and/or competition have stunted U.S.-Canada and to a certain extent U.S.-Mexico air travel.

With Canada I don't know anyone who takes vacations there. I'm in a region where that would involve flying, but that doesn't seem high on many peoples' lists and if they do look into it they'd probably balk at the fares. If Vancouver was a big wish they could fly to Seattle and try renting a car. But I generally just don't hear much excitement about Canada and that's likely a failure of marketing, plus too many taxes on the flights and not that much competition.

With Mexico you've got CUN way out in front in terms of flight numbers from this side of the country, and even though it's about $100 in taxes it's possible to get an all-in fare that isn't too bad. Maybe Cabo and PVR get something similar from the west side. But that's about it and other places can really set you back.

By comparison Europe would seem to have a much more thriving market for low-fare connections, even going as far east as places like Turkey or Azerbaijan. Am sure that having more vacation time has a lot to do with that.