10 Most Popular Winter Vacation Destinations
Cooling temperatures and falling leaves reminds us it’s time to make winter travel plans. Whether you’re going to spend time with family for the holidays or simply enjoy some well-deserved time off from work, one of the best times to vacation is during the winter months — and there are plenty of luxurious, yet affordable options right here in the United States.
We partnered with CheapOair to find the top 10 most popular travel destinations during December to March according to number of airline tickets sold last season, as well as the average cost to fly to the 50 biggest cities in the country. Fortunately, just because the most popular cities happen to be some of the most expensive to fly to does not mean you have to blow your budget on a winter vacation.
Below, we’ve identified the 10 most popular U.S. cities to travel to for winter, why they make such great vacation spots, and how you can save money on the expenses associated with staying there this year.
Top 10 Most Popular Winter Vacation Destinations
1. DEN – Denver
Aspen and Vail are the cities that come to mind most often when considering Colorado ski destinations. Even though these Colorado cities “are two of the most expensive ski destinations.” Plus, it turns out they’re not even that popular when compared to the capital city of Denver — perhaps for that very reason.
Denver takes first place in our list of the most popular cities to visit in winter. And there’s plenty to do there besides ski, all at a reasonable cost.
What to do: Aside from the close to 30 ski resorts in the city alone, you can also visit the famous Red Rocks Park and amphitheater for breathtaking views and great music, or the nearby Rocky Mountains State Park.
How to save: Flights to Denver become more expensive the closer it gets to ski season, so if you plan on booking a trip to the snowy city, locking in a flight now will ensure you save hundreds of dollars. Colorado’s tourism website also has a section dedicated to aggregating deals on travel and attractions in the city. If you are interested in some place to stay in while you’re enjoying the ski slopes there are several places like the Crowne Plaza Denver.
2. FLL – Ft. Lauderdale
Enjoying the beach is hard to do when it’s packed with summer vacation traffic and crowds. While you’ll find exactly the same atmosphere during the winter high season in our number two most popular city to visit, Ft. Lauderdale, the mild weather, excellent culinary scene and plentiful shopping make it all worth it.
What to do: With a year-round temperature of 76 degrees, according to SmarterTravel.com, hanging out at the beach is why so many people travel to this Florida city during the coldest time of year; not to mention, it’s free. Also, you won’t want to miss the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in December.
How to save: Examiner.com reports the recovering hotel industry is working hard to encourage snowbirds to travel south, and most hotels are more than accommodating when it comes to room rates and upgrades: “The actual cost of an empty room is around $20 regardless of whether it’s a standard room or a suite. The hotel clerk will often upgrade you to a suite just for asking, if they think you’ll be a good returning customer.”
3. LAS – Las Vegas
Rodric Hurdle-Bradford, co-owner and operator of Vegas Luxury Group VIP, explained there are several reasons why Las Vegas is better during the winter, especially for the older, affluent crowd. Benefits include “a more international crowd, since many come to Las Vegas in the winter during their ‘summer’ vacation. Also, young adults from the summer pool party/club season are gone.”
What to do: Hurdle-Bradford said it’s easier to obtain VIP reservations at fine dining establishments during this time. Additionally, it’s not nearly as crowded on the strip, which means shorter lines and lower rates for the most popular attractions.
How to save: The off season means vacationers will enjoy lower rates on upgraded rooms and suites at hotels. Plus, for those who travel to Vegas for the big-name designers and swanky boutiques, Hurdle-Bradford adds “it’s a great opportunity to do your high-end, luxury Christmas shopping without the holiday hassle.”
4. LAX – Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to a plethora of famous landmarks and attractions, not to mention just an hour or two away from the mountains, desert and beach. No matter what types of activities you’re interested in participating in during your winter vacation, whether it’s sightseeing, skiing or shopping, Los Angeles serves as a Southern California hub for it all.
What to do: If you’d like a little culture, spend a day visiting the Museum of Natural History, MOCA or the Getty. The iconic Hollywood Blvd. and Rodeo Drive are also popular tourist destinations, while there are a number of nearby ski destinations surrounding the city. And don’t forget — Disneyland is just an hour away.
How to save: Winter is definitely off-season in L.A., so the costs for attending major attractions, museums and theme parks won’t be at their exorbitant summer highs. In fact, the city is so big, you’ll probably have trouble packing in all the low-cost activities there are to do in one stay.
5. DFW – Dallas-Fort Worth
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex offers to distinct experiences connected to be the most popular destination in Texas to visit. While Dallas, home to the Cowboys, is invigorated by a sports-loving, urban population, Fort Worth offers the more authentic Texas experience of cowboys and rodeos.
What to do: With an art museum, aquarium, zoo, botanical garden, numerous sporting events and the Stockyards, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
6. MCO – Orlando
Orlando is a top winter travel destination that is especially kid-friendly. While the summer months can be uncomfortably hot, humid and crowded, winter is perfect for enjoying all Orlando has to offer without the heat, long lines or inflated prices.
What to do: Home to Disney World’s multiple theme parks, as well as Universal Orlando resorts and parks, lines will be much shorter during the season between the holidays and spring break.
7. MIA – Miami
The third Florida city to make the top 10 most popular winter vacation destinations, Miami offers many of the same benefits as Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando to winter travelers. However, you may find Miami has a younger club scene and more of a party atmosphere than other Florida spots.
What to do: Miami is all about the nightlife and best for couples who want to enjoy restaurants and clubs in the city. The beach is still nice, albeit a lot cooler than in summer months. The Winter Music Conference also takes place in March.
How to save: High season begins in January, so booking travel plans for December will ensure you aren’t subjected to inflated airline and hotel rates. It’s also much cheaper to stay on weekdays rather than weekends.
8. JFK – New York City
New York City may be the perfect place to spend the holiday season. Snow, lights and ice skating make for a picturesque winter getaway, though certain weeks will be much more crowded — and expensive — than others.
What to do: Nadeen Ayala of Starwood Hotels NYC noted New York is one of the best destinations for winter travel, suggesting travelers check out “Central Park, skating in Rockefeller Center, restaurants like Serendipity and movies [that are] always being filmed.” Winter Restaurant Week and the the Chinese Lunar New Year are two unique events to catch as well.
9. SFO – San Francisco
With a summer high season, winter travelers can enjoy all the artsy California city of San Francisco has to offer without the tourists and peak pricing.
What to do: You will definitely want to visit Fisherman’s Wharf and the Buena Vista Cafe, “home to the Irish coffee.” The Golden Gate Bridge is another must-see attraction, as is nearby Alcatraz.
How to save: Winter is the height of the city’s theater and performing arts season, so most hotels will run specials on room rates. “Most San Francisco hotels, even the luxurious Historic Hotels that dot the downtown shopping district and crown posh Nob Hill, usually offer great room specials during the winter.” Transportation is fairly cheap with cable cars running through the main parts of the city.
10. PHX – Phoenix/Scottsdale
While Phoenix isn’t exactly known for being a winter wonderland, its major airport Sky Harbor is the hub for end-of-year travelers who come to enjoy Arizona’s most charming nearby cities like Scottsdale. What to do: Dahl notes there are a number of five star resorts and spas, world-class golf, a thriving culinary scene and upscale shops. “During the winter, the city caters to snowbirds and many events take place from high-end car auctions to the Waste Management Open golf tournament.”
How to save: Because winter is high season in Scottsdale, the best way to reduce the cost of staying in the city is by renting a condo for an extended period or negotiating a good rate with a hotel by asking for last minute deals, according to Dahl. Additionally, a number of deals can often be found on Living Social and Groupon for hotel stays.
Courtesy: GoBankingRates
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