Travel

The 50 Best Cheap Winter Getaways to Take in 2019

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by Ashley Mateo

17. Raleigh, NC

Why you should go: It’s rare that Raleigh gets more than an inch of snow; temperatures are more likely to hover in the low 50s. Nonetheless, games at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Duke University are guaranteed to get you fired up on even the coldest days.

Why it’s a steal: Average airfare to Raleigh is around $245 between December and March, while the median hotel room rate is $139—a 10 percent savings over the fall.

Where to stay: The major hotels in Raleigh are all of the chain variety, so opt for something that feels a little different, like Aloft Raleigh on Hillsborough Street, where the North Carolina State University kids hang out. It’s still a Marriott property, but it’s affordable (rooms start as low as $137), and it’s definitely got a younger appeal.

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18. Austin, TX

Why you should go: Austin rarely gets snow and sees winter temperatures in the 60s, but its best attractions are good year-round: Pose in front of its iconic murals at Jo’s Coffee, South First, or East Seventh; bar hop on Sixth and Rainey Streets or visit the breweries in Eastside; catch live music everywhere from Stubb’s to The Continental Club Club; and chow down on BBQ at Franklin Barbecue, Freedmen’s, or Micklethwait Craft Meats.

Why it’s a steal: Median airfare to Austin from December to March hovers around $255. You can book a room for $179 per night on average, a 15 percent savings over the fall months.

Where to stay: Located at the corner of Sixth and Brazos Streets, The Driskill is at the heart of Austin’s food and music scenes. You can even hear live music in the The Driskill Bar 365 days a year. Rooms during the winter start as low as $159 per night.

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19. Philadelphia, PA

Why you should go: Yes, it’s cold (temps dip down into the 20s), but that just sets the scene for Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, a riverfront winter playground complete with a world-class ice skating rink and a chalet-like lodge. It’s open from November through March.

Why it’s a steal: You can fly to Philly for a median airfare of $286 from December through March, and hotels are 11 percent cheaper than in the fall, with an average nightly rate of $220.

Where to stay: Just completed this year, the Cambria Hotel in downtown Center City is a 15-story property that pays homage to its location on the city’s old music strip. There are three restaurants and full-service bars on-site, and the 223 rooms start at $159 in the winter.

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20. Sedona, AZ

Why you should go: Sedona sits at 4,500-feet above sea level, and the mild winters mean activities—like hot air balloon rides and helicopter excursions, jeep tours and horseback rides, hiking and biking, and kayaking the Verde River—are available year-round. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see the unique sight of those red rocks dusted with snow.

Why it’s a steal: Score a flight to Sedona for an average airfare of $292 between December and March; hotel rooms go for $230 on average, a 10 percent savings over fall.

Where to stay: Sedona has a wealth of pricy spa resorts, but the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa starts at just $199. And it’s so relaxing, you won’t notice how central it is until you walk outside. Wind down from a day in the desert by admiring the red rocks from the property’s rooftop.

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21. Tampa, FL

Why you should go: Summer in Tampa is crowded and muggy; winter, on the other hand, is perfect beach weather. From January through March, you can take part in the Gasparilla Pirate Festival events, which celebrate a mythical Spanish pirate from the 1800s and include a film festival, arts festival, music festival, and road race.

Why it’s a steal: A median airfare of $250 will get you to Tampa, and you can book rooms for an average nightly rate of $186.

Where to stay: Tampa’s new West Wing Boutique Hotel (near the University of South Florida and Busch Gardens) offers 125 bright, clean rooms—and room service delivered by actual robots. There’s also a free shuttle to get you around town. Rooms start at $78.

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22. Dallas, TX

Why you should go: Dallas winters, which typically last from late November through February, are unpredictable (average daytime highs are typically in the 50s and 60s). Though it’s mild enough that you can meander the rapidly transforming Bishop Arts District and the new-ish Klyde Warren Park, a 5.2-acre public park that sits over a major freeway.

Why it’s a steal: Fly to Dallas for a median airfare of $250 between December and March, and score a hotel room for an average of $210 per night.

Where to stay: Right on Main Street in downtown Dallas, The Joule—housed in a 1920s building—has a bold and colorful interior, with rooms starting at $209. But it’s the cantilevered pool, which juts out over the street, that’ll really sell you on this place.

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23. Fort Lauderdale, FL

Why you should go: Forget what you’ve heard about Fort Lauderdale’s spring break reputations. Did you know it’s also nicknamed the yachting capital of the world? Located on Florida’s east coast, just north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale hosts the world’s largest boat show in late October/early November. But you can visit Shipwreck Park, an underwater rotating art exhibit built around a shipwreck, year-round.

Why it’s a steal: The average airfare to Fort Lauderdale sits around $254 between December and March. Hotel rooms go for an average of $240 per night.

Where to stay: Built less than a year ago, the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is a 290 all-suite resort with rooms starting at $241. Its 20,000-square-foot oceanfront Sky Deck offers incredible views of its North Beach location, and guests can take advantage of Conrad’s 1/3/5 program, featuring 1-, 3- and 5-hour itineraries.

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24. New Orleans, LA

Why you should go: Average winter highs in the 60s make exploring New Orleans a breeze. Explore by bike to cover ground from Magazine Street in the Garden District all the way through the Arts District, downtown, and the French Quarter. You’ll be able to avoid the crowds, too, if you visit before the droves of tourists return for Mardi Gras in March.

Why it’s a steal: Flights to NOLA go for a median airfare of $256 between December and March. You can nab a room for an average nightly rate of $229.

Where to stay: The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is as charming as it sounds, with luxurious rooms that make good use of the original warehouse’s exposed brick, polished concrete and timber beams (rooms start at $137 per night). It’s also just a 10-minute walk to the French Quarter.

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25. St. Petersburg, FL

Why you should go: This 35-mile stretch of white sand on Florida’s Gulf Coast was recently named the best beach in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. It gets a record-breaking 361 days of sun per year—making it a sunny escape any time of the year. Fun fact: It’s home to 30 craft breweries, which are only outnumbered by museums (there are 31).

Why it’s a steal: You can fly to St. Petersburg for an average of $269 between December and March. Hotel rooms cost an average of $190 per night.

Where to stay: The new Postcard Inn is minutes from downtown St. Petersburg. There are 196 rooms with winter rates starting at $109 per night. With its beachfront real estate comes a gorgeous pool, a fire pit, and a Beach Bar & Snack Shack.

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26. Los Angeles, CA

Why you should go: While winter in Los Angeles can be rainy with average highs in the upper 60s, that’s way more appealing than what’s going on along the east coast. And visiting during awards show season—the Grammys are in February and the Oscars are in early March—means you just might run into your favorite celebrities.

Why it’s a steal: From December through March, you can fly to LA for a median airfare of $271, while the average hotel room will cost you $216 per night.

Where to stay: Avoid downtown LA’s craziness at the westdrift Manhattan Beach, a part of Marriott’s luxury hotel collection. The property sits on 26 acres and is home to a nine-hole golf course. For $239 per night, you get a $100 credit at signature restaurant Jute and a round of golf for two, including club rental, and more.

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27. Venice, Italy

Why you should go: During the summer, the crowds in Venice can be downright overwhelming; the winter months are much more civilized. And there’s something romantic about floating over the misty canals, taking in the near-empty landmarks, and warming up in historic hotels. But from February 15 through March 3, Venice’s annual Carnevale brings the city back to life.

Why it’s a steal: Fly to Venice for a median airfare of $661 between December and March, and book a hotel room for an average nightly rate of $196, which is 19 percent cheaper than in the fall.

Where to stay: A short walk from piazza San Marco and Ponte di Rialto, The Splendid Venice sits between a few of the most central canals (you’ll arrive via private water taxi). By far, the hotel’s best spot is its rooftop terrace, where you can take in panoramic views of the city. Rooms start at $198.

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28. Lisbon, Portugal

Why you should go: Lisbon is Europe’s sunniest capital city, with an average of 2,799 hours of sunshine a year. Sure, most of those occur during the summer, but daylight temperatures during the winter average in the high 50s—a perfectly temperate climate for roaming the old Alfama district, ogling street art on the Calçada da Glória, and indulging in custard tarts at Pasteis de Belém.

Why it’s a steal: You can fly to Lisbon for an average airfare of $678 between December and March, while hotels are 14 percent cheaper than in the fall at $147 per night.

Where to stay: The best neighborhood in Lisbon is the historic Alfama, and that’s where, in a restored 15th-century building, you’ll find Santiago de Alfama. There are just 19 rooms, starting at $142, giving it an intimate feel. You’re also within walking distance of the Lisbon Cathedral and São Jorge Castle.

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29. Dublin, Ireland

Why you should go: Dublin is one of the friendliest cities in the world, and there’s no better time to grab a stool in one of the hundreds of pubs and share a pint than when it’s freezing outside. And it may be the rainiest season, but touring The Guinness Storehouse or Dublin’s many distilleries will keep you dry (and warm).

Why it’s a steal: The median airfare to Dublin is $546 between December and March. Hotel rooms go for an average nightly rate of $182, a savings of 14 percent.

Where to stay: The Devlin Hotel is in the buzzy neighborhood of Ranelagh, with 40 uniquely designed rooms complete with luxury touches, like Dyson hair dryers, power showers, and Nespresso machines. In the basement, there’s the Stella Theatre, a recently refurbished 1920s cinema that screens new releases, indie films, arthouse movies, and cult classics. Rooms start at $136 per night.

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30. Rome, Italy

Why you should go: Rome in the winter has one major perk: There are virtually no lines to get into the very best monuments, like the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel, as well as museums and restaurants. And there’s nothing more scenic than when the Eternal City is dusted with snow—a more common occurrence in recent years.

Why it’s a steal: Flights to Rome go for a median airfare of $560 between December and March. The average room rate is $144, 13 percent cheaper than during the fall.

Where to stay: Situated in Rome’s fashion quarter, the chic Hotel d’Inghilterra is a quick walk to the Piazza di Spagna, the legendary Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum. Rooms start at $230 per night in the winter.

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31. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Why you should go: Independent of the festive holiday decorations, Amsterdam lights up with a citywide lights festival from the last week of November until the end of January. And if it’s cold enough, the canals will freeze into free public ice rinks. The best way to warm up? With a pint in one of the “brown cafes” that populate almost every corner.

Why it’s a steal: Fly to Amsterdam for a median airfare of $549 between December and March. Hotels are an average of $213 per night, a savings of 10 percent over the fall months.

Where to stay: There are 28 different suites that make up Sweets Hotel, all of which are connected by the canals. The architects turned Amsterdam’s iconic bridge houses (which were made redundant by a centralized bridge control system) into private rooms, which start at $187 per night.

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32. Oslo, Norway

Why you should go: Oslo’s daylight temperatures hit average highs in the 30s from December through March—warmer than you thought, right? It’s the perfect climate to play outdoors: Cross-country ski the miles of trails around the city; fly down Korketrekkeren, the area’s most popular toboggan run; and learn about 1,000 years of ski history at Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower, under the famous Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the oldest of its kind in the world.

Why it’s a steal: The median airfare to Oslo is $560 between December and March, while hotels go for an average nightly rate of $177, a savings of 10 percent over the fall months.

Where to stay: You can’t get closer to the city’s main attractions than First Hotel Millennium, just around the corner from Karl Johans gate and Parliament. The 114 rooms start at $103, and, in true Scandinavian style, are clean, bright, and roomy, with lots of natural accents.

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33. Porto, Portugal

Why you should go: Located along the Douro river, Porto’s climate is practically Mediterranean, making it a great spot for winter break (if it’s sunny, you can still enjoy the Ribeira, the lively riverside promenade). The second-largest city in Portugal, Porto is famous for its medieval architecture, ornate tilework, and, of course, the port caves that give it its name.

Why it’s a steal: The average flight to Porto costs $681 between December and March, while hotel rooms are 10 percent cheaper than during the fall at $113 per night.

Where to stay: Porto’s Torel Avantgarde hotel opened in fall 2017, and it’s as colorful as the city itself (which you can take in from the rooftop terrace and pool). Each room is inspired by a different cultural figure (think: Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol). Rates start at $130.

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34. Stockholm, Sweden

Why you should go: Stockholm is a snow globe of a city in the winter. Take it all in from above by skiing at nearby Hammarbybacken, which can be reached by public transportation and offers panoramic views of the city. Then, get up close and personal to Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan, which still feels positively medieval. P.S. It’s never too cold to enjoy the Swedish tradition of fika (to have coffee).

Why it’s a steal: You can fly to Stockholm for a median airfare of $590 between December and March. The average hotel room goes for $154, nine percent less than during the fall.

Where to stay: The Swedes are known for their minimalist design, but Miss Clara makes that aesthetic feel warm versus utilitarian. A former girls’ school built in 1910, it’s now a 92-room boutique hotel. Rooms start at $164.

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35. Berlin, Germany

Why you should go: Northern Europe is no picnic in the winter, but part of Berlin’s appeal is its nightlife. Dance all night at Berghain, set in an old power plant; Watergate, one of the longest-running electronic music clubs; or Griessmuehle, located in an old grain mill. Bonus: The colder it is, the shorter the lines!

Why it’s a steal: Fly to Berlin for a median airfare of $693, and book a room for an average nightly rate of $121, a savings of 14 percent over the fall months.

Where to stay: The Orania.Berlin opened just last summer in Kreuzberg, Berlin’s coolest, grittiest neighborhood. The hotel itself is pure luxury, with a top-floor salon and bar that hosts jazz concerts and other performances throughout the year. Rooms start at $169 per night.

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36. Reykjavík, Iceland

Why you should go: Let’s get this out of the way: It’s cold and dark in Iceland in the winter, when layers of ice and snow make the country look especially remote and rugged (which has a certain appeal). And there’s no better time to catch the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, just a few miles from the city. You can always warm up with a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon.

Why it’s a steal: Flights to Reykjavík go for an average of $420 between December and March, while hotel rooms are 15 percent cheaper than during the fall months, around $259 per night.

Where to stay: Canopy by Hilton fits right into Reykjavík’s design-oriented skyline. Close to Hallgrímskirkja Church and the Perlan museum and restaurant, there are 115 rooms that start at $205 per night—a great deal in Iceland’s expensive capital city.

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37. Barcelona, Spain

Why you should go: You likely won’t be able to enjoy beach days in Barcelona in the winter—temps hover around the mid-50s for most of November through February—but you can enjoy diminished crowds at Las Ramblas and Park Guell. If you’re craving snow, La Molina and La Masella ski resorts are just two hours away by public transportation—an easy (and affordable) day trip.

Why it’s a steal: Catch a flight to Barcelona for a median airfare of $471 between December and March. Hotels go for an average nightly rate of $180.

Where to stay: The adults-only Hotel Rec Barcelona opened in early 2018. Its great location, walking distance from the Arc de Triomf and Ciutadella Park, plus affordable room rates, starting at $95, make it a no-brainer for those who want to max out their time in the city.

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