The beauty of traveling in January is less crowds, many flight options, and more importantly, the off season rates. Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and people are unwinding in their homes, it’s time to find a midwinter bargain to shake off the winter blues with a fraction of the crowd. If you went all out for the holidays and are aiming to score a more affordable vacation, these are the best places to travel in January.
Best Places to Travel in January to Bundle up & Save a Buck
If you’re a budget savvy winter traveler who is unbothered by rain, sleet, or snow, these top picks are for you. While the large ski mountains are a huge hit in the winter, it’s best to avoid them and opt for something smaller.
1. Nashville, Tennessee
Music City is typically invaded by crowds (shoutout to all the bachelorette parties) in the spring and summer months, so there’s no better time to go than January. You may not find pedal taverns or outdoor music festivals, but smaller crowds make up for it. No matter the time of year, you’ll find exciting events, thrilling concerts, and mouthwatering hot chicken and biscuits. Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and Ryman Auditorium. Don’t forget to arm yourself with a scarf and some gloves to keep you cozy while you bar hop.
Where to stay
Nashville is more than the boot-scooting, honky-tonk paradise city we all know and love. The neighborhoods like East Nashville, The Gulch, Music Row, and SoBro all bring something to the table. These areas have their own creative edge and are chock full of their own hotspots including shopping, eating, and drinking. What more could you need?
Stay at East Nashville’s Gallatin Hotel because not only will you score a great deal, but a portion of the proceeds help the city’s unhoused populations. If you prefer to stay in the heart of the city, downtown’s boutique Fairlane Hotel is just steps away from live music and entertainment.
2. New York, New York
Are you as surprised as I am to see one of the most expensive cities fall under the budget friendly list? Visiting the Big Apple in January is the way to see the city that never sleeps with hotel rates being half of what they are in December. Due to the cold weather, NYC sees a shortage of visitors after the holidays so it’s prime time to hit up the major tourist attractions.
Central Park is transformed into a winter wonderland and it’s truly a sight to see. For more quintessential winter scenes, skate at the iconic Rockefeller Rink if you’re willing to brave the cold, even if the tree is already taken down. Admission prices are $35 during “peak season” but drops to $25 beginning on January 4th.
Where to stay
Prices at the InterContinental in Times Square and the Westin Grand Central are 56% less than unusual in January. Both hotels are luxurious options nestled in hot spots with access to terminals, shops, and restaurants.
3. Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Lake Geneva is arguably one of the best places to travel in January because of it’s small town charm with no big city expenses. Visitors usually flock to the area for the summer resorts and boating on the lake from May-September so a winter getaway is much more affordable with Airbnb and hotel rates being cut in half.
Experience Lake Geneva by ziplining through the snowy tree-tops in the 100-acre forest. If you’re in town for Winterfest, you won’t want to miss the remarkable ice castles and abominable snow races.
Where to stay
Decompress at The Abbey Resort located on the quiet side of Lake Geneva’s shores. For a more adventurous stay, book a room at the Grand Geneva Resort equipped with a spa, waterpark, downhill and cross country skiing and fine dining restaurants.
4. Lake Tahoe, California
North Lake Tahoe straddles the Sierra Nevada mountains spanning two states with two dozen beaches, twelve ski resorts, and hundreds of miles of biking trails. Tahoe’s laid back, enchanting vibes is a dream getaway to enjoy pristine woodland dripping in sparkling snow. This wintery playground also offers ice skating at the Northstar California Resort and fire pits to warm you up.
Where to stay
Enjoy waterfront views at the affordable Franciscan Lodge which includes a fully-equipped kitchen or hideaway at the Northstar California Resort in the majestic Martis Valley. Hotel Becket offers spacious lodging, modern amenities, and great dining for 46% less than usual in January.
Insanely Affordable Warm-Weather Destinations
You may not need a bathing suit for some of these locations, but you can keep your winter coat and boots at home. These are some of the best places to travel in January sans snow.
1. Key West, Florida
This summertime favorite empties during the winter months and prices fall to match. With temperatures peaking around 75 degrees, the only thing getting salted are your margaritas and never the sidewalks! The weather is perfect for sightseeing, watersports, and even sunbathing.
The Florida Keys Seafood Festival is hosted every January, boasting Florida stone crab claws, Caribbean spiny lobster tails, pink shrimp, and fresh fish. It’d be hard to pass up an opportunity to eat at your weight in seafood while enjoying live music and cold beverages. Another sight to see is the Quantum Key West Race where a fleet of more than 100 boats race on the aqua colored waters.
Where to stay
Key West has a wide range of accommodation options such as hotels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts, making it one of the best places to travel to in January. A budget friendly option would be one of the two Marriott’s Fairfield Inn and Suites. For more of a high end stay, book stay with Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa which is only a short distance to Mallory Square!
2. Austin, Texas
Just because everything’s bigger in Texas, doesn’t mean the price tags are (at least not in January). During the shoulder season, flights range from $130-300 and hotels can be as low as $70 a night. With Texas-style barbeques, live music, and the pretty Lady Bird Lake, the Lone Star State’s capital is just the place to be. Austin’s attractions are just as wonderful in the winter only with fewer people, milder temperatures, and lower prices.
Austin’s Congress Avenue is a must-visit, especially South Congress where you’ll find some of the best Tex-Mex cuisine you can imagine. Head on over the Allen’s Boots for any cowboy boot your heart desires.
Where to stay
Austin has many affordable options such as the DoubleTree by Hilton, Renaissance, and Courtyard located right by the airport. You’ll find awesome deals if you look in Greater Austin but staying downtown provides a level of convenience that’s hard to pass up. Stay at the Westin to be near live music venues and restaurants.
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston isn’t thought of as a typical winter getaway but with comfortable temperatures hovering around 60 degrees, it’s hard to pass up a visit to this charming city. In January you can shuck in-season, Atlantic oysters at the Lowcountry Oyster Festival, one of the “top 20 events in the southeast” according to Southeastern Tourism Society.
Stroll through the Historic Charleston City Market, Rainbow Row, or take a ferry to Fort Sumter National Monument if you’re a history buff. There’s so much to do and see in Charleston, many of which are easily accessible by foot.
Where to stay
Rates to stay in the glamorous Hotel Bennett plummet from $1,000 to $320 a night in January. Unwind in one of the iconic deep-soaking pedestal bathtubs in style. Francis Marion Hotel is centrally located and offers a range of luxurious features with rich history.
4. Tucson, Arizona
Take a break from the snow and get your mid-winter dose of blue skies on a budget in the “City of Sunshine.” Tucson is one of the best places to travel to in January to get that dewy glow. Tucson is also the astronomy capital of the world (who knew?!) so expect spectacular views even when the sun goes down.
Temperatures comfortably sit at around 65 degrees, which is perfect for hiking Sabina Canyon’s Seven Falls or watching butterflies flutter throughout the Tucson Botanical Gardens. For a more relaxing experience, drive on the Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway for views of canyons and mountains.
Where to stay
Score a deal at the award-winning Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa for 20% less in the winter months. The oasis provides scenic mountain views situated in the middle of the Sonoran Desert.
Keep these 8 destinations at the top of your list for the best places to travel in January when your wallet needs a break!
