2016-11-27



If planning winter vacations is at the top of your to-do list this holiday season, you’re probably wondering how to manage costs and land great deals on travel. Some of the best cities to vacation this winter are those in their off-peak season, when cheap hotels and flights are aplenty.

GOBankingRates.com ranked the best places to visit in January. Here are the best cities with low hotel costs and equally-low airfare.


34. Honolulu

Hotel Cost: $126 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $743

Take a tour of the Iolani Palace, visit the Aloha Tower and enjoy the vibrant nightlife and music scene of Waikiki during your trip to Honolulu. With the average cost of a hotel dropping to $126 per night, you might be spending a lot less on overnight stays during your vacation in paradise.

See: 10 Best and Worst Deals in Hawaii


33. Anchorage, Ala.

Hotel Cost: $43.67 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $577.50

Walk on a glacier, see wildlife and explore stunning national parks for cheap in Anchorage. The Chugach Mountains are easily accessible, just 20 minutes from the downtown area.

32. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Hotel Cost: $35.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $463

Located on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, you don't have to spend a lot of money to enjoy breathtaking desert landscapes, stunning beaches and the world’s top fishing hot spots in Cabo San Lucas.

31. Santa Fe, N.M.

Hotel Cost: $42.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $417.50

Enjoy an artistic excursion to explore the country’s third-largest art market and visit almost 300 galleries around the oldest U.S. capital city. Santa Fe is a hotbed of culture and also home of the Santa Fe Opera.

30. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Hotel Cost: $73 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $361

Visit the charming Old San Juan with its cobblestone streets and scenic waterfronts. Take a trip through museums and join in regular events throughout the year. Or journey to the New San Juan metropolis where, with tropical beaches and world-class dining, you won’t be at a loss for things to do at this Caribbean destination.

See Why: January Is the Perfect Time for a Caribbean Cruise

29. Jackson, Wyo.

Hotel Cost: $58.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $332.50

Escape to Jackson Hole this winter for a day of skiing at the Snow King and Grand Targhee resorts. Head off on a safari or just settle in for a cabin retreat with the snowy mountains as the backdrop to your winter vacation.

28. Charleston, S.C.

Hotel Cost: $72.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $303

The charming city of Charleston is ripe for exploring even during the cooler winter months. Catch a show at the Charleston Stage Company or watch a performance from the Charleston Ballet. If it’s your first time visiting, take a carriage tour of the city to explore 25 to 30 blocks of the historic downtown area.

27. Savannah, Ga.

Hotel Cost: $49 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $317.50

Taking a self-guided tour of this historic Southern city is one of the best ways to see famous landmarks and venues free of charge. Visit the 22 public squares and see the General Casimir Pulaski monument. And don't forget to get your picture taken at the same bus stop bench used in the movie "Forrest Gump," in Chippewa Square.

26. Palm Springs, Calif.

Hotel Cost: $66.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $297.50

You’ll find plenty of free and low-cost things to do in this desert city, especially if you enjoy the arts and want to explore some cultural sites. Learn about the Coachella Valley at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum and take a self-guided walk through the Backstreet Art District to explore the galleries overflowing with sculptures, photography and ceramics.

25. Washington, D.C.

Hotel Cost: $150 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $206.50

Take a trip to the Lincoln Memorial, pay tribute to the soldiers that served in World War II at the National World War II Memorial and discover other sites that honor American history — free of charge. Galleries, museums and historic neighborhoods are ripe for exploring even during the winter months.

24. Austin, Texas

Hotel Cost: $60.67 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $247.50

Soak up the music culture in Austin’s entertainment districts, like Rainey Street, Red River and the famous Sixth Street. Food truck culture stays strong in this city so you’ll find plenty of cheap eats from more than 1,000 mobile food vendors during your visit.

23. Seattle

Hotel Cost: $80.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $213

If the Pacific Northwest is your dream escape this winter, make your way to Seattle for a budget-friendly trip. Foodie tours will give you a taste of some of Seattle’s top culinary hot spots and neighborhoods. You can even take a tour of Pike Place Market for the ultimate farmers market experience.

22. Memphis, Tenn.

Hotel Cost: $48.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $242

Whether you want to see Graceland or visit the Pink Palace, Memphis is the place to enjoy traditional Southern barbecue and listen to rock’n roll along the banks of the Mississippi River.

21. Nashville, Tenn.

Hotel Cost: $51.67 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $232.50

Another Southern city that made the list of affordable destinations for winter vacations, Nashville is the place to explore historic sites on a budget. There’s free music everywhere you go, too. Make your way to the Music City Walk of Fame Park or Centennial Park and Gardens for a brisk walk.

20. Portland, Ore.

Hotel Cost: $69 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $212.50

Microbreweries, coffeehouses and tax-free shopping await in Portland. You’ll also find free attractions like the historic Powell’s City of Books. You’ll save plenty of money on food when traveling around the city which boasts pizzerias, sandwich shops, Asian restaurants and waffle houses for hungry travelers on a budget.

19. San Antonio

Hotel Cost: $36 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $245.50

There’s plenty of Texas-sized fun to be had in this part of the Southwest and you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy it all. Enjoy the scenic views from the San Antonio River Walk, visit the Alamo and spend a day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

18. San Diego

Hotel Cost: $39.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $242

San Diego can be pricey to visit during the warmer months. But when the weather cools in this coastal city, so do prices. Find your corner of happiness at Balboa Park, which offers free admission to the grounds, Timken Art Museum and botanical gardens. You can also stroll through Seaport Village or go people watching in the Gaslamp Quarter while you enjoy a drink.

17. New York City

Hotel Cost: $51.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $220

A trip to the Big Apple might be just what you need to break out of a winter rut. Surprisingly, New York City falls midway on our list of the cheapest cities for winter vacations. You can easily get away to the city for just under $300 for one night this winter.

Related: 25 Coolest Places in the U.S. to Visit With Kids

16. Miami

Hotel Cost: $60 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $208

The world-famous beach city of Miami is home to nightclubs, sunny beaches and cocktails. In January 2016, temperatures hovered from the low to mid 70s — perfect weather for an afternoon stroll through shops or a relaxing cup of coffee at a cafe on the beach.

15. Boston

Hotel Cost: $63.67 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $204

Whether you want to take a tour of Boston’s historic sites or attend events like the One-Minute Play Festival, Boston Wine Festival or Boston Celtic Music Fest this January, you’ll be in luck when it comes to securing some great deals on flight and hotel packages.

14. San Francisco

Hotel Cost: $53.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $210.50

A notoriously expensive place to live, San Francisco is ripe for a winter vacation. Between the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf, this is one affordable city to tour. Visit art galleries, catch live entertainment or take a bike ride through this waterfront metropolis.

13. Sedona, Ariz.

Hotel Cost: $86.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $168.50

Whether you plan on hiking Red Rock Country or relaxing at the spa, look forward to doing it on a budget this winter. Hotel rates drop in Sedona during the winter, and flights are just as reasonable.

12. Atlanta

Hotel Cost: $74 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $175

Love beer? Atlanta is where you need to be in January, when the city hosts its Atlanta Winter Beer Festival. And while you're in town, visit the Callanwolde Arts Festival to meet with nearly 100 artists, enjoy food trucks and live music.

11. Los Angeles

Hotel Cost: $51.67 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $186.50

Between the Santa Monica Pier, Disneyland and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, there's plenty to do and see in Los Angeles. Make the most of affordable hotels and even more reasonable flights. Plan an itinerary ahead of time so you can hit all the best tourist spots in this bustling city.

10. Salt Lake City

Hotel Cost: $58 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $176.50

Rounding out the top 10 is Salt Lake City. The city offers plenty of snow and outdoor activities for adventurers. Hike the Great Salt Lake and explore national and state parks, like Bryce Canyon.

9. Kansas City, Mo.

Hotel Cost: $49.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $180

Barbecue and jazz are some of the best ways to get a taste of this Midwestern city. Take a tour on a double-decker bus and visit the theme park Worlds of Fun. You also won't want to miss Art Alley or the Nelson-Atkin Museum of Art.

8. Minneapolis

Hotel Cost: $73.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $155

If a Twin Cities getaway is on your radar this winter, you won't have to pay a premium to enjoy it. Go ice skating at The Depot, zip lining at Nickelodeon Universe and visit the Chain of Lakes.

7. Phoenix

Hotel Cost: $50.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $168.50

Escape to a desert paradise, with active hiking trails year-round. Stop by Echo Canyon, the Desert Botanical Garden or the Phoenix Zoo. In January, Phoenix will also host its Lights of the World Lantern Festival and have ice skating in the Westgate Entertainment District.

6. Dallas

Hotel Cost: $62.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $152

This metropolitan hub is home to plenty of museums, cultural attractions and art galleries. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is near the site of John F. Kennedy's assassination. You can also visit the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in the Dallas Arts District or take a stroll through Kylde Warren Park.

5. Chicago

Hotel Cost: $35.33 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $159.50

Although an expensive city to live in, Chicago is a tourist hub, ranking in the top five of our list of the best cities for a winter vacation. Visit the Navy Pier, John Hancock Center or head to Millennium Park for an unforgettable trip.

4. Denver

Hotel Cost: $56.67 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $135.50

The Mile High City is the perfect destination to go mountain climbing, biking and sightseeing any time of year. You’ll find plenty of snow here during the winter holidays, so be ready with snow boots and ski gear. The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park offers free skating and rentals for just $2 along with live entertainment. In late January, you can attend the Winter Brew Fest to partake in craft brews from around the U.S.

3. New Orleans

Hotel Cost: $54 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $128.50

Explore the historic charm and sophisticated traditions of this Southern city with its regal architecture and rich culture. From visiting plantations to exploring the arts in the Warehouse District, you’ll find plenty of things to do in New Orleans.

2. Orlando, Fla.

Hotel Cost: $49.67 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $132.50

Soak up some sun and say hello to Mickey Mouse during your winter retreat on a budget. Orlando is one of the cheapest destinations for winter vacations. With the money you save, plan a trip to Universal Studios Florida and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, among other world-renowned attractions.

1. Las Vegas

Hotel Cost: $43.67 per night
Round-Trip Flight: $99.50

Casinos, spas, gourmet restaurants and plenty of shopping will keep you busy during your trip to Las Vegas. Enjoy free entertainment with the kids at Circus Circus, with performances starting at 11 a.m. And don’t miss the free fountain show at the Bellagio.

Don't Miss: How Airlines Rip You Off During Holiday Season

Methodology: GOBankingRates.com averaged the cost per night of the three cheapest hotels in each city using Hotels.com for the dates of Jan. 8, 2017 to Jan. 21, 2017. Flight costs are the median among the lowest roundtrip fares from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport. Cities are ranked from most expensive to cheapest based on hotel cost plus median flight cost.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Best Cities for Affordable Winter Travel

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