The 16 best cheap places to travel in January

Sometimes it seems like January is the worst month to travel. The holidays are over and our wallets are light, so it's hard to justify a vacation. Do not despair. With so many affordable places to visit in January, a cheap vacation may be within reach.

If you don't mind sticking to colder places, your bank account will thank you. The cheapest rates for plane tickets and hotels in January are usually found in the winteriest destinations. Take advantage of their low season to get savings of up to 50% in some places. low season rates aren't the only advantage of traveling in January. You'll also have more flight options, fewer crowds, and shorter lines at attractions, meaning you'll be able to do more during your stay.

Banish the January blues with mid-winter deals from our list of the best cheap places to travel in January.

1. San Diego, California

A visit to San Diego, California, in January can cost almost 40% less at hotels, and travelers will receive discounts on flights. San Diego's consistently pleasant climate makes it an attractive vacation destination in the middle of winter. With daily temperatures in January hovering around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can go out in a T-shirt and still enjoy the sea life the city is known for, even in the dead of winter.

Soak up your vitamin D along the 70 miles of coastline, and plan visits to the city's art galleries and local restaurants serving Cali Baja cuisine. Stroll through the 3,000 acres of Balboa Park , an urban park with lush gardens, museums, and the San Diego Zoo . You can take day trips to check out some of the trendy beach neighborhoods, like La Jolla and Coronado . To save more, create your own CityPASS and add discounted admission to attractions during your stay.

2. Cancun, Mexico

If you dream of warm waves lapping a palm-fringed coast, a trip to Cancun, Mexico in January can fulfill that wish. The white sands attract a lot of tourists this time of year, so rates won't be super cheap, but the sheer volume of resorts and package rates available for the expected influx of tourists means you can find deals that are a a little cheaper than at other times of the year.

With average January temperatures around 82 degrees Fahrenheit, you're almost guaranteed that every day will be a great beach day. Cancun may experience intermittent rain in January, but they are generally brief afternoon showers that last no more than an hour.

To get the best Cancun hotel deals in January, plan your trip after the first week, when rates are lowest. To save even more, you can stay in Playa del Carmen , which is about an hour south of Cancun. It's a smaller tourist area, but still lovely to visit, with less expensive hotels. Day trips to Cancun can be planned to visit the beaches of Playa Tortugas and tourist attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen-Itza.

3. Montreal, Canada

Prepare to be cold when you visit Montreal in January. There will be snow, wind and very cold - we're talking about 21 degrees Fahrenheit as a maximum - but a trip at this time will have a low price and a high level of fun and winter adventures.

With your savings, you can afford to splurge on a cozy room in a luxury hotel and hot, tasty meals at the best restaurants in the city.

As long as you come prepared, you can handle almost anything Quebec's winter weather throws at you. In other words, be sure to bring the Canadian winter essentials: snow boots, a warm winter coat, hat, gloves and a scarf.

Igloofest is a unique festival you won't want to miss. Located in the Old Port , this annual open-air music festival is a blast, and all that dancing will help warm you up. Book a hotel in Old Montreal to add to the charm of your vacation and stroll through its historic buildings, charming streets and elegant boutiques. Plus, it's pretty close to the Old Port, meaning you won't have to go that far from the concert.

4. The Florida Keys

The Sunshine State's soft sandy beaches, tall, swaying palm trees, and bright blue waves attract visitors from around the world any time of year. In January, travelers can expect temperatures in the mid-70s and the sunny skies we dream of during the cold, dark days of winter up north.

Airline ticket and hotel prices are lower in January than in the following high season months. So take advantage and book a stay in one of the five most popular places in this fun region: Key West , The Lower Keys , Marathon , Islamorada or Key Largo .

While you're there, take advantage of Key West's best beaches before spending the rest of the day dining at the fantastic restaurants and shopping in the quirky shops of this unique (and hilarious) city.

Don't miss Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key , Dry Tortugas National Park in Homestead, or John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.

5. The Bahamas

The Bahamas are a lovely (and relatively cheap) place to visit in January. It's the coldest month of the year, and vacationers tend to wait until the somewhat warmer February, March and April holidays to embark on their Bahamas vacation, which means better deals for you. Before you panic, don't worry. "Cold" is not really cold. High temperatures will be around 70 degrees.

Book well in advance to ensure the best deals and opt for a tour package. If you want to go to Nassau's Atlantis Paradise Island , you won't find much price advantage, but if you look mid-week, mid-month, you might be lucky.

Fly into Nassau , take a day to explore the sights, like the Nassau Straw Market and Cable Beach , and then head to the Exumas . There, you'll find affordable accommodation on Staniel Cay (don't miss the swimming pigs), Little Exuma , or the Great Exuma .

6. Panama

The Central American country of Panama is one of the most anticipated January vacations. There are several cities that are good options depending on whether you are looking for a beach getaway, an urban vacation, or an eco-friendly experience in a rustic town.

It's a less popular destination in the dead of winter compared to Caribbean cities, so prices will be relatively lower for a warm-weather beach location. Flights are typically comparable to popular January vacation spots, but once you get here, it's cheap. Hotels can cost an average of less than $50 per night, depending on where you stay.

The added bonus of Panama's less popular vacation reputation is that there are fewer people sharing the beautiful beaches and turquoise waters with you. Average daily temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit will keep you close to the water, which is a great excuse to check out the Caribbean coast of Bocas del Toro or take a surf lesson in one of the best surf spots in the country.

Adventurers can settle in the mountain town of Boquete to enjoy natural forests and archaeological finds. One of the best cities, which is still a bargain in January, is Panama City, with Spanish architecture, plazas and an active urban scene.

7. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic overall is a less expensive destination compared to other Caribbean islands, and since there are many large beach hotels in Punta Cana, it's easy to find great rates in January. There are several all-inclusive resorts that reduce costs even further, and as it is one of the most popular cities in the Dominican Republic, you will be able to find many flight options and deals this time of year. This is an ideal getaway if you want to stay close to the resort and have all your activities and expenses packaged.

The average temperatures in Punta Cana in January are around 82 degrees, which makes this beach city more attractive. Although the sand and beach are the main attractions of Punta Cana, boat excursions are especially popular.

For a less-crowded and even cheaper Dominican Republic getaway , you can consider Puerto Plata, east of Punta Cana. It also offers many all-inclusive resorts, but additional off-site activities, such as a historic center and trails to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres, offer a break from the beach.

8. Barcelona, ​​Spain

One of the main reasons to visit Barcelona in January, besides savings, is that you will be able to see more of the city without the huge crowds that can be almost unbearable during the peak summer tourist season. It will be easier to get tickets to popular attractions, such as the Sagrada Familia, and the fact that there are fewer tourists means that the narrow streets of Las Ramblas will be easier to navigate. Savings on Barcelona hotels in mid-winter can be up to 42% compared to high season rates. Flights are cheaper too.

January temperatures in Barcelona average 56 degrees Fahrenheit, which is quite comfortable compared to the sweltering and humid temperatures of the mid-80s in August.

Barcelona is the city with the most tourist traffic in all of Spain, so a holiday in the middle of winter can be the most pleasant for both your patience and your pocket. You'll have more time to explore the city's walkable spots, like Park Güell , and enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of Barcelona's waterfront restaurants.

9. London, England

The counterpart of the cold and wet London winter is a significant drop in prices to arrive and stay, compared to the end of spring and summer, when the tourist season is at its peak. Being one of the world's top tourist destinations, London attracts many tourists at any time of the year, but visiting the city just after the holiday season and before spring has several advantages, the main one of which is the great saving.

The average temperature in London in January is 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which isn't bad for winter, but with the usual rains, you'll want to pack an umbrella and a raincoat.

A visit in winter means you can do more sightseeing, as there are fewer people at attractions such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye . By saving on flights and hotels to London, you'll have more time to shop at the city's best markets, such as Portobello , a 150-year-old market with street vendors selling everything from antiques to local food, jewelry and music.

10. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay, Jamaica, is one of the most affordable Caribbean destinations during high season. What also makes it affordable is the number of flights in and out, meaning you are likely to find both a convenient flight and good rates. There are many all-inclusive resorts, which also helps make Montego Bay a cheap vacation destination in January.

With an average daily temperature of 84 degrees in January, Montego Bay is ideal for enjoying the beach, but also for outdoor activities, such as visiting Dunn's River Falls or rafting on the Martha Brae River . To see other areas of the island, you can plan day or overnight trips to Negril or Kingston .

11. Bermuda

While you won't find the warmest beach weather in Bermuda in January, you will find great deals on everything from flights to hotels to tours. With high temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the weather is nice around this time, although not nice enough to play in the turquoise waves all day. You'll definitely want a sweater or light jacket, especially at night.

Of course, jet skiing, climbing and sailing can be enjoyed in January. And we must not forget golf. Bermuda is dotted with spectacular courses ranging from par threes to championship courses. January is a perfect month to play golf.

Go shopping in Hamilton , read a book on the beach at Horseshoe Bay , or visit Fort St. There are many fun ways to spend your time in Bermuda.

Although May is technically the best month to visit Bermuda, a trip in January will give you access to the biggest savings, meaning you can score a five-star luxury resort for a price that won't blow your mind.

12. The Caribbean

January is one of the best times to visit the Caribbean. The weather is optimal (high temperatures range from 70 to 80 degrees) and rain and humidity are low. And if you book early enough, you can get a good deal.

Technically, January is part of the Caribbean's peak season (mid-December to early April), which means that airline ticket and hotel prices will be higher than other months, but the weeks after December holidays are usually lower than the rest of the winter.

Choose your location wisely for maximum savings. Cancun, Curaçao , Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are some of the cheapest places in the Caribbean to visit. Puerto Rico is another well-priced gem you won't want to miss, and don't forget to check prices in Jamaica .

13. Boston, Massachusetts

While Boston can't compare to a sunny trip to Mexico in January, if you're strictly looking for a cheap getaway for a change of scenery, it's worth considering. If you can handle the cold, saving more than 50 percent on hotel rates in January compared to peak season will make the trip worth it. Average temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit in Boston this time of year make it a perfect getaway for indoor activities, which the city has no shortage of.

Head to Boston's Theater District to catch performances by traveling Broadway shows and local troupes of actors. Catch a Boston Celtics game at TD Garden , or visit one of the city's 60 museums, including the New England Aquarium , the Museum of Fine Arts , and the Museum of Science . There are also winter-specific walking tours of Boston that will give you a whole new perspective on one of America's most exciting cities.

14. Chicago, Illinois

While Chicago, Illinois, may not be the first thing you think of when considering a vacation in January, it's actually one of the most affordable times to see the Windy City . The city will likely be covered in snow, but since many of its museums and attractions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium , are closed, weather is not an issue. One of the best reasons to go is the nearly 50% savings on hotel rooms and discounts on plane tickets to Chicago this time of year.

The shops on the Magnificent Mile are still open in winter, and you might find a parka on sale for strolling around town. January temperatures in Chicago average 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can take advantage of your savings and warm up with a famous Chicago deep dish pizza.

Hop on the L train, Chicago's public transportation system, to get from point A to point B, and visit some of the ethnic neighborhoods and downtown attractions. Take in Chicago's frozen skyline from the 103-story Willis Tower Skydeck .

15. Dublin, Ireland

One of the best times to visit Dublin, Ireland is the low season, when prices for air tickets and accommodation plummet and there are almost no crowds in the most popular tourist areas. When the tourist season begins to ramp up in March, prices increase, as do queues to visit popular attractions, such as St. Patrick's Cathedral .

Dublin's mild temperatures will be cooler in January (averaging 40 degrees Fahrenheit) than in summer, but will make spending days shopping at Moore Street Market .

Put on a jacket and pack a carriage to explore Ireland's fun capital. Save even more money by leaving your car at the hotel. Dublin is a walkable city, and the public bus system is a convenient way to get on and off to your destinations without having to drive. Visit some of the free attractions, such as the National Gallery of Ireland and the Chester Beatty Library .

16. Nepal

Great deals can be found for traveling to Nepal at almost any time of the year, but if you're looking to find even bigger discounts, January is a good time to consider. The downside to midwinter is that it is colder and some of the higher passes of Langtang and Annapurna will likely be covered in snow, so hiking opportunities may be more limited. The advantage is that there will be fewer people compared to the fall.

Although January is the coldest month of the year in Nepal, there are still many things to do, such as exploring Kathmandu or visiting Chitwan National Park , where you can go on an elephant safari, visit the Kasara museum or the Elephant Breeding Center. Gharial. Lower than other places in Nepal, this park offers a spectacular (and slightly warmer) opportunity to see impressive wildlife.

There are several tourist options to see the Himalayan , from multi-day excursions with a tour company to flying over the snow-capped mountains by plane.

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▷ Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.

This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.

Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

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