If you’re itching to go on a getaway this winter, you’re certainly not alone. Around 62 percent of Americans said they took a vacation away from home in 2017, according to a Gallup poll. But while planning and experiencing a vacation can be a great way to de-stress, paying for it is often a different story.
Fortunately, there are ways to save on your next trip, especially if you choose your destination wisely. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, you’ll want to zero in on locales that provide all the excitement you seek without the sticker shock. Here are four affordable winter vacation destinations you should consider.
Portland, Oregon
In 2017, the Portland region welcomed 8.6 million overnight person trips, which means a whole lot of travelers are willing to help keep Portland weird. That’s the city’s unofficial motto (and a mantra adopted by locals), so you shouldn’t expect a humdrum vacation. A trip to Portland may not provide a reprieve from the cold, but it can offer a whole lot of culture.
What’s more, your trip there doesn’t have to be extravagant. There’s comedy, music, theatre, and tons of great eats to be discovered. You can even experience wildlife at a nearly adventure park, scour local vintage shops for one-of-a-kind pieces, or take the aerial tram to get a bird’s-eye view of the City of Roses. There are complimentary distillery tours, farmers markets, museums, and tons of historic attractions, so you can keep costs down without ever missing out on all Portland has to offer.
Lansing, Michigan
The state of Michigan recently experienced a bit of a travel boom, as over 5 million visitors took leisure and recreation trips there last year. What’s more, Michigan is a great place to find breathtaking scenery. If nature isn’t your thing, there are lots of ways to save when you explore Lansing, MI. It’s easy to find discounts on food and drink, tour experiences, spa treatments, museum admissions, symphony tickets, and tons of other attractions in Greater Lansing. Plus, there are several budget hotel options and charming bed-and-breakfasts to choose from, so your stay will be affordable and memorable.
Henry County, Georgia
Adjacent to Atlanta, Henry County is home to Georgia State University. But even if you’re just a tourist, you’ll still obtain an education when you explore Henry County, Georgia. You can visit the Heritage Park Veterans Museum, the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum, or the Atlanta Motor Speedway to learn more about how Americans moved throughout history.
You can also get a taste of the local agriculture scene or support local businesses with a shopping excursion. With plenty of value lodgings and affordable family fun, you can easily experience the south on a budget.
Waikiki, Hawaii
Around 52 percent of US adults said beach vacations were their favorite getaways in 2017, and there’s nothing more idyllic than a Hawaiian paradise. If you’re an outdoor adventurer, you can opt to take surf lessons in Waikiki, visit the extinct volcano known as Diamond Head crater, or experience the beauty of marine life with a submarine tour.
Although Hawaiian vacations may not typically be the most budget-friendly, you can save a lot by avoiding luxury hotels and traveling during school breaks. That way, you can splurge on a special experience or two without regret. And remember: the beaches are free to use, so soak up all the sunshine and sand you possibly can.
With so many possibilities for your next vacation, it can be tough to choose a destination which excites every traveler and allows you to save money. But these locations have tons of attractions to pique your curiosity without making you go for broke.