10 Alternative Winter Break Destinations & Ideas That Are Affordable

Are you looking for a cheap winter vacation?

That’s understandable. Winter vacations are NOT cheap. The latest BankRate research estimates that a one-week vacation costs nearly $4,000. Paying that amount for travel is simply not feasible for many, whether you’re trying to save for early retirement or budget better.

But don’t throw away your winter vacation plans yet. We have some good news:

1. You can spend significantly less on your vacation than the average.
2. There are numerous fun and cheap winter destinations in the USA and beyond.
3. You even have options to enjoy warm weather on a budget.

Yes, you can travel for cheap and have a memorable experience during the cold season. Below, we cover the best cheap winter destinations, as well as alternative vacation ideas.

5 Cheap Winter Vacations to Consider

To plan a successful, cheap winter vacation, consider small cities and towns near you, as well as international destinations during their non-peak season. This will significantly decrease your transportation and lodging costs.

• Living abroad? Travel to nearby cities and towns. Who knows? You may just find a hidden gem.

Bozeman, Montana

Average price of a weeklong stay in Bozeman: $2,200 to $2,700+ for 2 people

Why Bozeman is one of the best destinations for a cheap winter vacation

Bozeman delivers a quintessential winter vacation. Yes, it gets hold, but the charming downtown and epic scenery delight at every turn. If skiing is your thing, Bozeman is a great, affordable option compared to destinations like Aspen, with Bridger Bowl Ski Area and Big Sky Resort nearby. In town, cultural sites such as the Museum of the Rockies and craft breweries, outdoor gear shops, and local restaurants will keep you entertained and engaged from morning till night.

Santa Marta, Colombia

Average price of a weeklong stay in Santa Marta: $1,500 to $2,500+ for 2 people (depends on flight costs)

Why Santa Marta is one of the best destinations for a cheap winter vacation

If you’re located in North America or living as a digital nomad in the Americas, why not go abroad for your winter vacation? Santa Marta is an excellent, affordable option. It’s dry season, and temperatures hover between the high 70s to high 80s. There is a lot to do and see too, from the charming Historic Center to nearby Tayrona National Park. The food is top-notch. And if you need rest and relaxation, the beaches are there to deliver.

Pensacola, Florida

Average price of a weeklong stay in Pensacola: $3,200 to $3,700+ for 2 people

Why Pensacola is one of the best destinations for a cheap winter vacation

Located in the Florida panhandle, Pensacola isn’t as warm as South Florida spots during the winter, but it is more affordable. Average temperatures in the low 60s offer the chance to enjoy the beach, collect seashells, and dip your feet in the water. Pensacola is also not nearly as crowded as it is during spring break and the summer rush. Beyond the beach, coastal hikes, local sports, and downtown shopping and dining provide plenty of fun.

Austin, Texas

Average price of a weeklong stay in Austin: $2,400 to $2,900+ for 2 people

Why Austin is one of the best destinations for a cheap winter vacation

You should keep it weird this winter. If you’re looking for something other than a skiing or beach destination, consider Austin. The weather typically stays in the 50s and low 60s, so you can enjoy outdoor activities such as exploring Hill Country. As the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is packed with fun inside the city. Hang out in the Warehouse District, have a picnic beside Lady Bird Lake, shop on South Congress Avenue and more.

Panama City, Panama

Average price of a weeklong stay in Panama City: $1,500 to $2,500+ for 2 people (depends on flight costs)

Why Panama City is one of the best destinations for a cheap winter vacation

Touch down in sunny Panama City, where you can wander the cobblestone lanes of Casco Viejo, stroll the emerald water shoreline, test your luck at the casinos and more. In one trip, you could also cruise the Panama Canal, discover Panama’s vibrant rainforest, and go diving or snorkeling. Panama City boasts a metropolitan atmosphere and warm weather, with nature right at the doorstep. That makes the city a perfect destination for a winter trip.

5 Alternative & Affordable Winter Break Ideas to Consider

We’ve covered cheap winter destinations in the first part of the article. This next part highlights alternative winter vacation ideas. These trip ideas give you flexibility in where you and what you do. Consider your interests, location, and budget. You can even combine a few ideas to create the ultimate affordable winter trip!

Go on a Basketball or Hockey Road Trip

Average price of a basketball or hockey road trip: $1,500+ for 2 people, including tickets, transportation, and hotel stays

Why a basketball or hockey road trip is one of the best affordable winter vacation ideas

Baseball road trips are one of the best affordable summer vacation ideas and football road trips are a great fall vacation idea. During winter, a basketball or hockey road trip makes for a wonderful vacation for sports lovers. Both the NBA and NHL seasons kick off in the fall and run through the winter, offering indoor fun in cities across North America. If you like both hockey and basketball, you can see multiple games in one destination. For example, if you live in New York, you could make the drive to Toronto to see a Raptors basketball game and a Maple Leafs hockey game — and see the city while you’re there.

Visit Local, State, or National Parks

Average price of visiting local, state, or national parks: Under $1,500 for 2 people (entry is typically FREE, but do factor in transportation, meals, hotels and other necessities)

Why visiting public parks is one of the best affordable winter vacation ideas

The USA boasts 63 national parks, and many Americans live within a manageable drive of one. As long as the weather permits in colder areas, explore our national treasures this winter. If you’re in the South, take a trip to Everglades National Park. If you’re in the Midwest, head to Indiana Dunes National Park. If you’re in the Southwest, you have Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Big Bend National Park and more as options. You get the idea. And if you can’t get to a national park, check out local and state parks — you may just encounter your new favorite nature spot!

Enjoy Winter Activities in Your Hometown

Average price of enjoying winter activities in your hometown: $100 – $500+ for 2 people (depends on activities, shopping, dining, etc)

Why enjoying winter activities in your hometown is one of the best affordable winter vacation ideas

Winter is a festive season. Chances are you have ample options for seasonal activities in your hometown. Instead of paying a small fortune to vacation, take a week to enjoy new things near where you live. For instance, if you live in Chicago, you could go ice skating at Millennium Park, sip cocktails on the Kennedy Rooftop, try your hand at curling at The Gwen in River North, rent a hot tub boat from the Chicago Boat Company and more. Create an itinerary and go have a week-worth full of fun this winter, right at home.

Sign up for Volunteer Trip

Average price of a volunteer trip: ~$1,000 for 2 people (cost of transportation and insurance)

Why a volunteer trip is one of the best affordable winter vacation ideas

Most importantly, you’ll get to help others and it will benefit you personally. As the Mayo Clinic reports, volunteering helps boost physical and mental wellbeing and provide a sense of purpose and community. To choose a volunteering trip, check first with reputable local organizations if you can’t travel far. From homeless shelters to children’s hospitals, there is a great need for volunteer help. If you’re looking to travel while volunteering, see what trips organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the American Hiking Society have this winter.

Embark on an Epic Train Trip

Average price of a weeklong train trip: $500 to $1,500+ for 2 people (depends on the route and type of ticket)

Why a train trip is one of the best affordable winter vacation ideas

You can see so much of the country! And you’ll be doing it the old-fashioned way. Legendary train trips are accessible throughout much of the United States. If you live on the west coast, hop on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. If you’re in New England, take the Northeast Corridor and see New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia and more along the way. If you’re in the Midwest or South, take the City of New Orleans (No. 59) from Chicago to New Orleans.

Your Affordable Winter Vacation Awaits

If you avoid typical tourist destinations and opt for fun, off-the-beaten-path destinations, you can enjoy a cheap winter vacation and have the time of your life. To save even more money, try traveling outside the major holidays and new year timeframes. Or, opt for one of our alternative winter vacation ideas!

If you want more resources on vacation planning and budgeting, check out our other guides:

• How to Make a Travel Budget
• Budget-Friendly Family Travel
• Plan Affordable Vacations That Don’t Feel Cheap
• Travel Price Inflation Guide
• Affordable Fall Break Destinations

Do you have any other cheap winter destinations you’d like to see on the list? Join our Facebook page and leave a comment. We’d love to hear more from you.

About the Author

Nick Callos has always had a passion for reading, writing, and discovering the new and unknown. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Nick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Boston College. He currently splits his time between his hometown, Chengdu, China, and the open road. A full-time travel writer, Nick hopes his work can inspire others to explore the world more deeply and enjoy the digital nomad lifestyle.

Featured image by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash