Stretch Your Travel Budget: Cheap Winter Destinations

Awesome and affordable!

From Christmas to Valentine’s Day, winter can be an expensive season. But for you travel enthusiasts, we have good news… especially for your wallet! You don’t have to put your adventures on hold to stay on budget. There are plenty of cheap winter destinations where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine and amazing experiences at an affordable price.

Ready to head out of town, without busting your budget? Check out our favorite low-cost winter destinations!

• Albuquerque, New Mexico

  Culture, cuisine, and climate… Albuquerque has pretty much everything you’d want!

  Its historic Old Town, with adobe-lined streets, is a charming, walkable destination. It’s also an excellent spot for indulging your taste buds, with seriously delicious Southwestern foods and the distinct flavors of New Mexico.

  Albuquerque’s year-round mild climate also makes it an excellent choice for outdoor activities. Head to the nearby Sandia Mountains to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and explore the hiking and biking trails.

• Asheville, North Carolina

  Temperature-wise, Asheville is the perfect balance: cold enough for frosty fun, but not the freezing, frigid temps seen in other snowy destinations. Depending on when you visit, the weather can be downright pleasant!

  Regardless of the weather, though, pack warm clothes, because you’ll want to spend time outdoors. Asheville is surrounded by the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. The snow-covered peaks are a stunning backdrop for your visit.

  Of course, if it gets too cold, you can enjoy Asheville’s second favorite pastime (right after visiting the mountains): exploring the mountain town’s vibrant craft beer scene. Cozy breweries and seasonal brews will warm you right up!

• Jacksonville, Florida

  Sun-drenched and cheap winter destinations? Yes, please! Although most of the state’s sun-drenched cities are pretty pricey during the winter months, Jacksonville is one of the exceptions to the rule.

  It’s also one of the best winter destinations for spending time outdoors, thanks to its wonderfully warm Florida weather. Jacksonville has numerous parks and nature reserves where you can hike, bike, or just relax and enjoy your time outside.

  Speaking of spending time outside, Jacksonville is also home to several beautiful beaches. The water might be too cool for swimming, but winter is perfect for long walks and collecting seashells.

• Phoenix, Arizona

  MLB fans, catch a pre-season glimpse of your favorite baseball players! The area is the spring training home to several MLB teams, with the Cactus League training and competing in and around Phoenix.

  If you’d rather hit the ball yourself, Phoenix is good for that, too. While the rest of the country’s golf courses are frozen over, Phoenix’s mild winter and abundance of golf courses make it one of the best cheap winter destinations for golf enthusiasts. Many resorts and clubs offer championship courses open to the public.

  When you’re ready for a break from the sports scene, swap it out for the thriving cultural scene. Phoenix has several cultural attractions worth exploring, including museums, galleries, theaters, and more.

• Salt Lake City, Utah

  With so many of our cheap winter destinations offering milder weather, it’s time to mix it up with one of the country’s best, yet most affordable, ski destinations!

  Salt Lake City is synonymous with world-class skiing and snowboarding, serving as the gateway to several renowned ski resorts. Don’t want to hit the slopes? You guys can still enjoy winter activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing, and ice skating. Whew!

  Or go for a uniquely Salt Lake experience at the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Visit the Utah Olympic Park for a tour through Olympic history, then try out the ultimate winter thrill: bobsledding down the Olympic track!

Ready to travel this season? These cheap winter destinations are packed with fun activities, unique experiences, and delicious food, all without busting your wallet!

And to keep your winter getaway as budget-friendly as possible, ship your stuff to your hotel or Airbnb with LugLess. No hauling bags through the airport, no hassles at baggage claim, and it’s less than the cost of the average checked bag! So you can use your travel budget where it really counts: planning your next trip.