After a year of expensive air travel, we’re thrilled to be able to share some excellent value trips for the winter months. Whether you’re into cold-weather spots to take advantage of skiing and getting cozy by the fire, or you’re off to warmer climes – we’ve got excellent options for the budget traveler. Check out our top picks for affordable winter destinations in 2023.
Cancun, Mexico
There isn’t really a bad time to visit Mexico, and for the money, we think Cancun is a fantastic value for the winter. Spring Break crowds haven’t shown up yet, and there are great all-inclusive resorts for a good price in the winter months. Like most people you probably think of nightlife and beaches when you think of Cancun. Expand your horizons and consider the amazing, relaxing cenotes (swimming holes) and Mayan ruins.
Resort Deals in Cancun
4* GR Solaris Cancun & Spa all-inclusive ($250/night), 5* Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa all-inclusive ($488/night).
Roundtrip Economy airfares to Cancun
From
Phoenix, Frontier Airlines, $345
Los Angeles (LAX), United Airlines, $408
Austin, American Airlines, $354
Antigua and Barbuda
Think of Antigua and Barbuda as the more off-the-beaten path Caribbean destination. Even though it has vestiges of the colonial years under Britain, the tiny island country has been fully independent since 1981. There are 365 beaches, vibrant nightlife, and an affordable price tag in the winter months.
Hotel deals in Antigua and Barbuda
3* Northshore ApartHotel on the Beach ($140/night), 4* Trade Winds Hotel on Dickenson Bay ($202/night).
Roundtrip Economy airfares to Antigua and Barbuda
From
New York (JFK), American Airlines, $318
Chicago (ORD), American Airlines, $508
Denver, American Airlines, $377
Peru
January and February are summer in the southern hemisphere, but because Peru gets a lot of rain in the summertime, intrepid folks get a deal. Those of you with Machu Picchu dreams should take advantage of lower flight and hotel costs in January and February.
Hotel Deals Lima
4* NM Lima Hotel ($63/night), 5* JW Marriott Lima ($220/night).
Hotel Deals Cusco
4* Sonesta Hotel Cusco ($79/night), Novotel Cusco ($148/night).
Roundtrip Economy airfares to Lima
From
New York (LGA), Spirit Airlines, $516
Newark, Copa Airlines, $604
Los Angeles (LAX), United Airlines, $643
Boston, LATAM Airlines, $628
Las Vegas, Nevada
Even last minute flights to Las Vegas can be purchased for a song in the winter months. As far as affordable winter destinations go – we think it’s a winner! It doesn’t matter which cold corner of the country you hail from – Vegas’ location in the high desert generally offers warm, bright days and chilly nights. Our advice is to spend your time at the pool during the day, and at tables and the clubs at night with your squad.
Hotel deals in Las Vegas
4* Golden Nugget ($99/night), Palms ($164/night) 5* Four Seasons ($325/night).
Roundtrip Economy airfares to Las Vegas
From
Newark, Spirit Airlines, $157
Chicago (ORD), Frontier Airlines, $105
Seattle, Spirit Airlines, $69
Seattle, Alaska Air, $153
Atlanta, Spirit Airlines, $103
Atlanta, Frontier Airlines, $103
Banff, Alberta, Canada
In a go big or go home sort of winter mood? The area around Banff offers winter sports lovers an embarrassment of riches. Ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and tubing are all on the menu. And Calgary is just about an hour up the road – where you can take your pick from 10 ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies.
Hotel deals in Banff
4* Royal Canadian Lodge ($110/night), Grande Rockies Resort ($101/night).
Roundtrip Economy airfares to Banff
From
San Francisco (SFO), Air Canada, $438
San Diego, WestJet, $508
Detroit, Air Canada, $478
Lake Tahoe, California
A beautiful lake where you can ski, snowboard or visit world class casinos? Sign us up. Tahoe’s south side is where you can go to scratch your winter sports itch. It also has the best nightlife and (on the Nevada side) 4 casinos – Harrah’s, Harveys, MontBleu and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Unlike a lot of resort towns of its size, pricing in lake Tahoe is geared toward the locals. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to not worry about sticker shock in this most affordable winter destination. Most people fly into Reno, about an hour away from the south shore.
Hotel deals in Lake Tahoe
4* Ball’s Lake Tahoe Casino Resort ($94/night), Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Resort & Casino ($89/night), Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino ($246/night).
Roundtrip Economy airfares to Lake Tahoe
From
Phoenix, American Airlines, $171
Portland, United Airlines, $209
Minneapolis, United Airlines, $249
Merida, Mexico
The colonial town of Merida is also the capital of the Yucatan. Merida might be for you if you hanker for a more romantic, city breaks kind of vacation. Cobblestone streets, extremely affordable accommodation and proximity to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are all great reasons to visit Merida.
Hotel deals in Merida, Mexico
4* Hyatt Regency Merida ($115/night), Hotel Palacio Maya ($58/night), Casa Lucia Hotel Boutique ($110/night).
Roundtrip Economy airfares to Merida, Mexico
From
Los Angeles (LAX), Aeromexico, $471
Dallas (DFW), Aeromexico, $462
Baltimore (BWI), United Airlines, $584
