To get through the harsh winter months, many people love having an exciting winter getaway to plan and look forward to. Although the beaches of the Caribbean and Mediterranean are tempting, they can be a little out of budget for thrifty travelers with limited vacation days from work or school.
Fortunately, there are some excellent getaways in the U.S. that are budget-friendly and perfectly suited to cure the winter blues. Keep in mind that vacation is just as much about your state of mind as the actual destination! So take a break from your routine, get excited about the months ahead, and consider visiting one of these affordable domestic destinations this year.
Key West, Florida
Key West is one of the best winter getaway destinations in the U.S.; winter is actually peak season here. This is a tourist paradise, with no shortage of outdoor adventure opportunities to go snorkeling, parasailing, scuba diving, or even rent a scooter to drive along the beach. To save some money in Key West, look into activity package deals that combine more than one adventure. Since hotels in the city of Key West can be expensive, consider staying in a nearby city in the Middle Keys, such as Marathon. You’ll have a little longer drive to get to the top attractions, but the cost savings are often worth the extra time.
Charleston, South Carolina
Hands down, Charleston, South Carolina, is one of the most romantic and charming southern cities in America. Winter temperatures here often hover in the 60s, making it very comfortable to walk around to explore the antebellum homes and historic attractions. This is also an excellent destination for foodies since some of the best southern chefs have set up exquisite restaurants in town. During the winter months, both the tourist crowds and the accommodation prices are more manageable. Use those savings to stay in a romantic bed and breakfast for a peaceful and authentic experience.
Las Vegas, Nevada
There really isn’t a bad time of year to go to Las Vegas. However, the weather is definitely much more pleasant during the winter months. If you can avoid going overboard with your spending at casinos, clubs, and shows, you can enjoy lots of discounts on your travel expenses in winter. Hotels often offer discounted rates and packages that include airfare. Most Vegas vacations include plenty of time wandering around The Strip, with its flashy signs, kitschy attractions, and iconic neon signs. If you have an extra day or two, consider taking a mini road trip out to Red Rock Canyon and Hoover Dam to explore the surrounding areas.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Although winter is peak season in Salt Lake City, it still costs less to play in the snow here than in many other top winter destinations. Hotel rates are generally more reasonable than in the most popular ski and snowboard resort areas of Colorado and California. Many Salt Lake City resorts offer stay-and-ski discount packages. The most popular ski and snowboard slopes are in Park City and at Snowbird Ski Resort. While you’re in Salt Lake City, make sure to explore Temple Square, the headquarters of the Mormon Church that has the Salt Lake temple and lovely gardens and sculptures. If you love the great outdoors, check out the nearby trails at Wasatch National Forest.
Orlando, Florida
Wait until after the holidays to visit Orlando, Florida, to save some money when traveling with your family. Christmas and New Year’s Eve are two of the most popular times to visit Disney World, which means you’ll be paying more to spend time with Mickey and Minnie. Consider an Orlando vacation during January or February to enjoy mild and comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds and lines, and better rates on hotels and airfare. To save even more, look into hotels that offer bundled packages that include meal plans and theme park tickets.
Laguna Beach, California
Head to sunny Southern California to soak up the winter warmth of Orange County. Laguna Beach is an iconic seven-mile stretch of beach and a perfect place to relax and people-watch for vacation. This is also an excellent place for surfing and if you’re a beginner, consider taking a lesson with a professional to learn the basics. Make sure to check out the nearby Laguna Village to browse art galleries and artists’ shops during your stay. Most travelers fly into Los Angeles to visit this area and then rent a car to get to Laguna Beach.
San Diego, California
San Diego enjoys warm, sunny weather all year long, making it a perfect place to spend winter vacation. Summer is peak season, so you’ll generally find better hotel and airfare rates during winter months. Here you’ll find lots of mouthwatering cuisines, beautiful beaches, and an exciting nightlife scene. La Jolla is a great place to try surfing, but check the conditions because heavy tides and high waves aren’t uncommon. This is also a great destination for the whole family because one of America’s best zoos is located here, as well as historical sites to learn about and an eclectic mix of Spanish and American cultures.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is hot and humid during the summer, so many people like to plan their Louisiana travel during the cooler months. To save some money, avoid planning your trip during massive festivals like Mardi Gras or football bowl games. The city is steeped in so much history and culture that you can easily explore it on foot, with plenty of live jazz, southern cuisine, and street-friendly cocktail options along the way.
South Padre Island, Texas
Located at the southern tip of Texas along the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island has a reputation for being a top spring break destination. To avoid spring break-style partying and prices, visit this beautiful southern destination during the months of November, December, and January. Here you’ll find sandy beaches, blue gulf waters, and quirky hotels and shops full of character. This is a great place to try kiteboarding, and deep-sea fishing excursions and dolphin-watching trips are also popular.
New York City, New York
New York City rarely comes up on lists for affordability and budget-minded travel, but if you want to visit New York on a budget, winter is the best time to do so. Wait until after New Year’s Day to visit the city and enjoy the lowest prices of the year. After the holidays, tourism drops dramatically in New York City because everyone has already shopped for their holiday gifts and celebrated the ball drop in Times Square. It’s easy to catch a flight to New York from anywhere in the country, and airline prices generally drop after the holidays as well. If you live along the East Coast, consider taking an Amtrak train to New York to save money and see the sights along the way.
