10 Most Affordable Places to Travel in the U.S. This Winter, According to Kayak

"In most destinations across the country, you can expect fewer crowds, a more relaxed pace, and excellent deals on airfare and lodging. But don't just take it from us: "Early in the new year-January and February-is a fantastic time to travel to beat the winter blues and score affordable options," says Sarah Kennedy, Kayak's travel and trends expert. "The destinations we found to be most affordable offer a little something for everyone: warm weather for the snowbirds, easy access to ski mountains for the adventurers.""

"To find where travelers can stretch their dollars the absolute furthest this winter, Kayak analyzed flight and hotel searches made between March 15 and Sept. 15, 2025, for trips departing and checking in between Jan. 2 and Feb. 28, 2026. The results reveal U.S. destinations that deliver big on experience without breaking the bank-most with combined flight and hotel costs under $500."

January and February often offer the best travel value with fewer crowds, a more relaxed pace, and strong discounts on airfare and lodging. Early-year travel provides options for warm-weather escapes and convenient access to ski mountains. Analysis of flight and hotel searches made between March 15 and Sept. 15, 2025 for trips departing and checking in between Jan. 2 and Feb. 28, 2026 identified U.S. destinations that maximize experience while minimizing cost. Many of the identified destinations have combined flight and hotel costs under $500. Travelers can use these months to beat seasonal doldrums while stretching travel budgets further.

Read at Travel + Leisure