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According to the winter edition of MMGY Portrait of American Travelers ReportNearly eight in ten American adults planned to take a vacation in the next year, a 7% increase from winter 2023. The report also found that the average number of vacations budget had reached $5,051 and people planned to take more than four trips per person.
If you want to start 2025 with a domestic trip, GOBankingRates has compiled the best options for an affordable getaway. These are the six most affordable travel destinations to consider visiting in January in the United States
1. Gore Mountain, New York
“For winter sports enthusiasts, January at Gore Mountain in the Adirondacks is going to be a hotspot,” said Justin Crabbe, a travel expert at Thrown. “January snow is fresh and allows beginner and advanced skiers/snowboarders to have fun.”
If you're looking for an affordable domestic trip, you can fly to Albany for a week to enjoy it. some winter activities.
Crabbed shared that round-trip flights to Albany start at $250, while nearby vacation rentals 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.
2. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a bustling and relatively inexpensive place to visit in January if you want a domestic trip.
“Events such as the Jan. 6 Joan of Arc parade kick off Mardi Gras festivities without the crowds of peak season,” Crabbe said.
You may want to consider visiting in January before peak tourist season begins and prices skyrocket.
According to Crabbe's research, you can find round-trip flights starting at $200 from most major U.S. hubs. Hotel prices are around $150 per night. You can also bundle your accommodations by finding 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 to try something different. Crabbe pointed out that Cannon Beach is a low-key but very affordable beach town to visit in January.
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“The beginning of the year is a good time for storm watching and tide pooling. The hiking trails in the neighboring Ecola National Park also offer spectacular views of the coast,” he added.
Based on Crabbe's data, you can find a round-trip flight to Portland for around $200 to $250. While hotel prices are as high as $120 per night at beachfront accommodations. Vacation packages start at $400 per person, including round-trip flights and a two-night stay.
4. San Diego, California
Crabbe noted that San Diego is one of the best places for budget-conscious sunseekers in January.
Events like the San Diego Brew Fest on January 13 are also a good reason to come according to locals. You can also enjoy free attractions like Balboa Park and beaches to escape the cold.
Round-trip flights average around $250, and the average hotel rate is around $130 per night. However, flight and hotel packages can be found for as little as $450 per person for three nights in a centrally located hotel.
5. Oxnard, California
“For those who enjoy 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 free time, avoiding the usual tourist crowds and avoiding also heat than peak season prices,” noted Mercedes Zach, travel expert at. Tickets as soon as possible.
“With an average temperature of around 65 to 75 degrees in January, the beginning of the year is truly the perfect time to experience the authentic ambiance of Oxnard on a budget.”
Many consider Oxnard one of California's best kept secrets. The city is located sixty miles northwest of LAX and is home to Mandalay Beach. Zach added that tourists enjoy activities ranging from exploring the breathtaking coastline to tasting tours at local wineries.
The travel expert found that when guests combine lodging, transportation and dining out, the average price for a seven-day trip to Oxnard in January is about $3,000 per couple. This is much cheaper than the usual peak season prices, which range from $4,500 to $5,500.
6. Destin, Florida
Zach pointed out that for those looking for a more premium travel experience at a lower cost, Destin is a much cheaper alternative to Malibu or Miami.
“It is known for its Emerald Coast beaches, numerous golf courses, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and its pleasant year-round climate, hovering between 60 and 70 degrees in January,” she said. added.
Travel experts say Destin exudes a Caribbean vibe without spending money on a flight to an exotic island outside the country. This city offers everything from golf and rock climbing to zip lines, snorkeling, kayaking and dolphin tours, as well as world-class festivals and fireworks.
Zach explained that couples looking 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, restaurants and tours tourist.
