Budget travel: Warm winter vacation getaways

Jan 15, 2011 10:47 AM by Lauren Fairbanks

Posted in Living / Travel / Family Travel

Cheap Winter Vacations

There's no question that winter can be a harsh time. Unless you're living it up in a southern state, you've probably reached your capacity for bitter cold and snow by the time February rolls around. Since the majority of people tend to travel in the spring and summer, there are tons of vacation packages and airfare deals to be had in the early months of the year. Here are three budget-friendly warm winter vacation destinations that will allow you to escape the cold and embrace some sun and fun.

Couple on vacation in Dominican Republic

Winter travel destination #1

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a lesser-known beach haven, and flying from the northeast U.S. is especially cheap during the winter months (you can find flights for as low as $250 round-trip). The Dominican Republic boasts 27 climate zones ranging from rainforests to beaches to desert. Its warm, moist year-round climate means you can hang out on the beach one day and go hiking through the rainforest the next. Many people stay in resorts, which can run from $90 to $250 per night for an all-inclusive deal, including dinner and drinks.

Winter travel destination #2

New Orleans

With a local economy that's still recovering from the devastation that Katrina brought, New Orleans is seeking tourists even more than ever, and you'll find many fabulous travel deals. Depending on where you're flying from, flights are generally inexpensive, and the charming French Quarter hotels are offering accomodations for a much lower rate than before the hurricane.

To top it off, New Orleans has an abundance of historical sightseeing and novelty attractions. Just take a walk through the tiny streets of the French Quarter and wander into voodoo shops, sample beignets and coffee at almost any of the local coffee shops (don't just settle down at Cafe du Monde), and sort through the findings at the French Market.

Winter travel destination #3

Taos, New Mexico

Taos is an interesting and unusual locale that's home to the Taos Pueblo (a Native American village that's fascinating to explore) and also offers the nearby Santa Fe National Forest. It may be easier to fly into and lodge in Santa Fe, which is larger and offers more choices in terms of accommodations and dining options, but is still only a short hour-and-a-half drive from Taos.

Now's the time

With the misery that winter often brings and the airfare and vacation package deals offered during the months of January through March, there's no reason not to take advantage of travel deals and escape to a sunnier, brighter place, even if it's only for a few days.