6 Most Affordable Travel Destinations To Visit in January
Written by
Martin Dasko
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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According to the winter edition of the Portrait of American Travelers report from MMGY, almost eight in 10 American adults planned to take a vacation over the next year, a 7% increase from the winter of 2023. The report also found that the average vacation budget had reached $5,051, and people planned to take over four trips per person.
If you’re looking to start 2025 with a domestic trip, GOBankingRates have compiled the best options for an affordable getaway. These are the six most affordable travel destinations to consider visiting in January in the U.S.
1. Gore Mountain, New York
“For winter sports lovers, January at Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks is going to be a hotspot,” said Justin Crabbe, a travel expert at Jettly. “The snow in January is fresh and allows enjoyment for both beginners and advanced skiers/snowboarders.”
If you’re looking for an affordable domestic trip, you can fly out to Albany for the week to enjoy some winter activities.
Crabbed shared that round-trip flights to Albany begin at $250, while nearby vacation rentals begin at a low price of $88 per night. Ski-and-stay packages, including lift tickets and rentals, can be bought for $250 to $300 per person daily.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a lively and relatively cheap spot to visit in January if you want a domestic trip.
“Events such as the Jan. 6 Joan of Arc Parade kick off early Mardi Gras festivities without the crowds of high season,” Crabbe said.
You may want to consider visiting in January before the busy tourist season kicks in and the prices skyrocket.
According to Crabbe’s research, you can find round-trip flights starting at $200 from most major U.S. hubs. Hotel prices are around $150 per night. You can also bundle your accommodations by finding a flight-and-hotel package for three nights in the French Quarter starting at $500 per person.
3. Cannon Beach, Oregon
You can start 2025 off by visiting the West Coast to try something different. Crabbe pointed out Cannon Beach is a low-key but very affordable beach town to visit in January.
“The beginning of the year is a good time for storm watching and tide pooling. The hiking trails at nearby Ecola State Park also offer spectacular coastal views,” he added.
Based on Crabbe’s data, you can find a round-trip flight to Portland for about $200 to $250. While hotel prices run $120 per night at beachfront lodging. Vacation travel packages start at $400 per person, including round-trip flights and a two-night stay.
4. San Diego, California
Crabbe noted that San Diego is one of the best places for budget-conscious sun-seekers in January.
Events like the San Diego Brew Fest on Jan. 13 are also a good reason to visit according to locals. You can also enjoy free attractions like Balboa Park and the beaches to escape the cold.
Round-trip flights average about $250, and the average hotel rate is about $130 per night. However, flight-and-hotel travel packages can be found for as little as $450 per person for three nights in a centrally-located hotel.
5. Oxnard, California
“For those who enjoy warmer climates, January is a good time to visit some domestic beach destinations, as the weather is still moderately warm and you can make the most of your time away, skipping the usual tourist crowds and avoiding the heat, as well as high-season prices,” noted Mercedes Zach, a travel expert at ASAP Tickets.
“With the average weather temperature of around 65 to 75 degrees in January, the beginning of the year truly is a great time to experience the authentic Oxnard vibes on a budget.”
Many consider Oxnard to be one of California’s best-kept secrets. The town is located sixty miles northwest of LAX, and it’s home to Mandalay Beach. Zach added that tourists enjoy activities ranging from exploring the breathtaking coastline to tasting tours at local wineries.
The travel expert found that when customers combine accommodations, transportation and dining out, the average price of a seven-day trip to Oxnard in January is around $3,000 per couple. This is much cheaper than the typical prices during the high season, which range from $4,500 to $5,500.
6. Destin, Florida
Zach brought up that for those looking for a more high-end travel experience for less, Destin is a much cheaper alternative to Malibu or Miami.
“It’s known for its Emerald Coast beaches, many golf courses, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk, and pleasant weather all year round ranging between 60 and 70 degrees in January,” she added.
Travel experts believe that Destin gives out Caribbean vibes without spending the money on a flight to an exotic island outside of the country. This city offers everything from golfing, rock climbing and zip lines to snorkeling, kayaking and dolphin tours to world-class festivals, firework displays.
Zach shared that couples looking to travel to Destin in January can expect to spend an average of $3,000 to $3,400 for the week when factoring in accommodations, flights, local transportation, dining out, and sightseeing.
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