Cheap Winter Vacation Ideas

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Are you longing for a winter vacation getaway but not sure if it will fit into your budget? If so, here are some great budget friendly options you may want to consider.

Outside Activity Destinations within Driving Distance

If you live in cold weather, more than likely you have a winter weather vacation destination somewhere close by. Look for a place that offers a variety of options which may include a ski slope, cross country ski and snow shoe trails, ice skating or other snow activities. Most winter weather destinations offer fabulous picturesque views, warm ski lodges and a variety of accommodation options. Your best bet in finding a good bargain is to stay away from school vacations and traveling during the week is almost always more budget friendly when compared to weekends. Be sure to check not just chain hotels but also more local accommodations like bed and breakfasts. A package deal that includes some meals and your lift ticket may offer some additional savings.

City Destinations

Even though it is winter, you still may want to consider a cold weather city destination. Lodging is usually more affordable than the summer months and taking in a Broadway show, visiting museums and other city landmarks can still be done in the cold weather. If you can find a good hotel deal in Washington DC for example, you can visit many area museums and monuments for free. New York City offers lower priced Broadway matinees during the day hours as well as many other things to do that are winter friendly. If you need to fly, watch for airfare deals which many times can be very budget friendly to larger city destinations or choose a city close to home  that you can drive to.

Consider a “Staycation”

If you are on a super tight budget, you may want to consider a staycation. If you haven’t yet heard the term, a staycation is when you stay at home and take in the sites of where you live. Many of us overlook the fun destinations in our own area. Check local papers, websites, and even your local travel agency to find out what winter destination activities you might find in your area. Is there a local ski slope, places to snowshoe, places to ice skate, museums to visit or a winter festival to attend?

Escape To Warmer Weather

Finally, if the winter blues have got you down you just may be able to find a great deal to escape the cold. Be flexible on your warm weather destination and if possible stay away from school holidays. January and February (up until president’s weekend) is usually an optimal time to find a great deal to a warmer destination.

  • aj

    We like to stay at a hotel that has an indoor pool, hot tub & sauna for a little winter getaway. We have one that is our favorite that we stay at a couple times a year that we get a family package deal for around $135. We stay one night but get to swim both days, and it includes a really good free breakfast, and a free pizza from a nearby restaurant, a free 2 ltr of soda & a pack of microwave popcorn. We shop some, then order pizza for supper, go swim, come back to the room to have popcorn & a movie (free wifi also enables us to watch something online if we don’t like what is on TV) then get up the next morning early to get breakfast, then go swim some more until it is time to checkout. The kids love it! And for a family of 5 you can’t beat the price! Just feeding them all breakfast would be over $50 at a restaurant that has a buffet like this hotel has…Can’t wait to go again!

    • Brad

      AJ, sounds like a good time on the cheap! We like to stay Best Westerns because of the free breakfast and most have pools.

  • http://www.adelaideaustraliaaccommodation.com.au/ petri

    escaping to a warmer place is definitely a good idea. Be sure to pick a stay that is safe, cost-effective and comfy just like Adelaide accommodation apartments