Ten new routes that may make international travel easier

— -- If you have the time, money, and inclination to travel this summer and fall, keep an open mind about where to go. Many airlines will soon be offering new routes to destinations you may have assumed would be too expensive or too inconvenient to visit in the past. Major airlines and low-cost-carriers alike have announced new routes to dozens of destinations, 10 of which are highlighted below.

Dominican Republic

Cheap flights to the Dominican Republic won't be hard to find this summer thanks to ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit. The airline has recently resumed its service between its Ft. Lauderdale hub and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, available through September 8. Meanwhile, Spirit's new service to Santiago from Ft. Lauderdale begins June 20.

You can expect the Dominican Republic to be included in Spirit's weekly offers. If you want to nab even cheaper fares, consider signing up for Spirit's $9 Fare Club, which could help you find fares as low as $1 each way (not including taxes and fees, of course).

JetBlue has also added service to Santo Domingo. Its Ft. Lauderdale departures commenced June 18, while Boston departures began June 19.

Finally, Delta is offering a slew of seasonal Dominican Republic routes starting this fall. Flights to Punta Cana from Detroit will operate on weekends beginning November 21, while Cincinnati and Minneapolis flights operate on Saturdays starting on December 19. Flights from New York City (JFK) to Puerto Plata also begin on December 19 and operate on Saturdays through April 10.

Barbados

JetBlue recently announced service to the Caribbean island of Barbados. Its flights from New York City (JFK) to Bridgetown, Barbados, commence on October 1, and connecting service from cities around the U.S. is also available.

In addition, Air Jamaica is adding seasonal summer service for Barbados. Flights between JFK and Barbados run from July 2 through August 30 on Thursdays and Sundays.

St. Lucia