The 6 cheapest destinations to visit in January

According to the winter edition of MMGY’s “Portrait of American Travelers” report, nearly eight in 10 American adults planned to take a vacation next year, a 7% increase from winter 2023. The report also found that the average vacation budget was $5,051 -Dollars reached and people planned to take more than four rides per person.

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If you’re looking to start 2025 with a domestic trip, GOBankingRates has rounded up the best options for an affordable getaway. These are the six cheapest destinations to visit in the US in January

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1. Gore Mountain, New York

“For winter sports lovers, January will be a hotspot at Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks,” said Justin Crabbe, travel expert at Jettly. “The snow in January is fresh and provides fun for both beginners and advanced skiers/snowboarders.”

If you’re looking for an affordable domestic trip, you can fly to Albany for a week to enjoy some winter activities.

Crabbed said round-trip flights to Albany start at $250, while vacation rentals nearby start at a low price of $88 per night. Ski and stay packages, including lift tickets and rentals, can be purchased for $250 to $300 per person per day.

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2. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a lively and relatively inexpensive place to visit in January if you’re planning a domestic trip.

“Events like the Joan of Arc parade on Jan. 6 kick off early Carnival celebrations without the peak season crowds,” Crabbe said.

You might want to consider visiting in January, before the busy tourist season begins and prices skyrocket.

According to Crabbe’s research, round-trip flights start at $200 from most major U.S. hubs. Hotel prices are around $150 per night. You can also bundle your accommodations by booking a three-night flight and hotel package in the French Quarter starting at $500 per person.

3. Cannon Beach, Oregon

You can start 2025 by visiting the West Coast and trying something different. Crabbe pointed out that Cannon Beach is a quiet but very affordable beach town to visit in January.

“The beginning of the year is a good time to watch storms and tidal accumulations. 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 around $200 to $250. While hotel prices for beach accommodations are around $120 per night. Holiday travel packages start at $400 per person, including round-trip airfare 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 January 13th are also a good reason to visit, according to locals. You can also enjoy free attractions like Balboa Park and beaches to escape the cold.

Round-trip flights average about $250 and the average hotel rate is about $130 per night. However, air and hotel travel packages are available for as little as $450 per person for three nights in a centrally located hotel.

5. Oxnard, California

“For those who like 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 by avoiding the usual tourist crowds and also avoiding the heat as well Peak season pricing,” noted Mercedes Zach, travel expert at ASAP Tickets.

“With an average weather temperature of around 65 to 75 degrees in January, the beginning of the year is truly a great time to experience the authentic Oxnard atmosphere on a budget.”

Many consider Oxnard to be one of California’s best kept secrets. The city is sixty miles northwest of LAX and is home to Mandalay Beach. Zach added that tourists enjoy activities ranging from exploring the stunning coastline to tasting tours at local wineries.

The travel expert found that the average price for a seven-day trip to Oxnard in January is about $3,000 per couple when customers combine lodging, transportation and food. This is much cheaper than typical prices during peak season, which range from $4,500 to $5,500.

6. Destin, Florida

Zach pointed out that Destin is a much cheaper alternative to Malibu or Miami for those looking for a higher quality travel experience for less money.

“It is known for its Emerald Coast beaches, many golf courses, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and pleasant year-round weather with temperatures in the 60s and 70s in January,” she added.

Travel experts believe Destin exudes Caribbean flair without spending the money on a flight to an exotic island outside the country. This city offers everything from golfing, rock climbing and ziplining to snorkeling, kayaking and dolphin tours to world-class festivals and fireworks displays.

Zach shared that couples planning to travel to Destin in January can expect to spend an average of $3,000 to $3,400 per week when factoring in lodging, flights, local transportation, dining out and sightseeing.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The 6 Cheapest Destinations to Visit in January