You either fully lean into the holiday season, or escape it entirely and flee to somewhere warm while choosing safe, affordable, and sunny. Whether your winter vacation involves a warm beach and cold beverages, or a swirling snow-globe scene brought to life, there are plenty of spots to choose from.
Where do you find affordable winter vacations in beautiful places? Some destinations see prices skyrocket in the winter. When it comes to affordable, it can mean $2,000 per person for flight, accommodation, and food.
The cheapest rates for airfare and hotels in January will often be in the colder destinations during their low season. You can find great vacation deals if you wait until after the second week in January when the New Year's crowds head out, and prices begin to decline in the second half of the month.
These trending destinations are great for travellers on any budget:
1. Dominican Republic
More bargain pricing is in store for 2020 for Dominican Republic. Negative press affected tourism in 2019 because of reported tourist deaths (which were clarified to be due to natural causes). Many hotels slashed their prices to lure visitors back to their paradise.
The Sanctuary Cap Cana Resort & Spa is an adult-only, all-inclusive resort which you can stay at a discount. The hotel has a colonial Spanish town theme, standing on a cliffside with more than 2,100 feet of Caribbean oceanfront. The Hilton La Romana is also a great choice, surrounded by tropical foliage and white sand beaches. Your kids can enjoy arcade games, treasure hunting and more at the Kids and Teens Clubs. Outside your hotel, a trip to Santo Domingo features centuries-old architecture, gastronomical experiences, and culture that defines the Dominican Republic.
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2. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of the most affordable places in the Caribbean. Airfares are low because of its proximity to the US. You can also note its manageable size, the ease of travel and prevalence of English-speakers.
In San Juan, there is history and beautiful places to take photos in Old San Juan and beautiful beaches lining the city. You are only a brief drive away from more adventurous activities. You can go hiking in El Yunque Rainforest or go snorkelling off the coast of Fajardo.
May through November is the off-season for opulent resorts and luxury hotels that line the beaches of Puerto Rico.
3. United States Virgin Islands
Come here if you want a sunny tropical vacation that doesn't require a passport. Hurricane season is over, which means that flights are cheap now.
Day sailing or a yacht charter may appear extravagant, but most trips include a nice lunch, beverages, snorkeling/scuba, jet skiing, trips to secluded beaches most tourists never reach.
There are a few campgrounds on the islands that can lower costs. They cost an average of $60 a night for a cabin. Airbnbs start at around $50 a night.
Watch the St. Thomas Lighted Boat Parade on December 15, where boats are judged on lights, originality, and holiday cheer.
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