Budget Winter Travel Destinations

It's the middle of winter, and if you're one of the majority of people who don't live in a sunny locale, then you might be looking for a quick getaway and a break from the snow/rain/cold. We just returned from our warm weather vacation and I don't blame anyone else for needing to do the same. Here are just a few ideas for affordable winter destinations.

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson is pretty affordable all the time, but the much of the year can be horribly hot, but the winter months are quite lovely and still warm enough to not need a coat most of the time. You also won't be looking at airfare that's out of your budget, though you will have to share the road and attractions with Snowbirds (retired people who spend 3+ months in warmer destinations).

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands

If water sports and the beach are totally your thing, this is your destination. February is the best month to visit, with plunging airfare (especially if you're already on the east coast) and affordable lodging.

Paris, France

Now that the holidays are over, and it's not Spring yet, Paris is the perfect getaway. We spent a week there in September and had excellent weather, but now if you pack a jacket and some great walking shoes - because you will be walking a ton - you can still get some good sun and lines for museums and other attractions will be much shorter. If you've got a valid passport, and want to get out of the country, France is lovely, plus the Euro is basically a one-to-one conversion to the dollar, making it even more affordable.

Cairo, Egypt

Another great warm-weather destination that's outside the US is Cairo. Right now you can find airfare for under $400 round trip and you can soak up all that sun and history for less. You'll feel proud of yourself for getting in a once-in-a-lifetime trip for so little, while also eating all that delicious middle eastern food.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Trying to stay stateside? That's okay, too. February and March are awesome months to visit The Big Easy. The weather is beautiful, it's not that humid, and if you go a few weeks before Mardi Gras, or the week after, you can get screaming deals on airfare and hotels, plus you'll miss all the crowds and actually be able to walk around and see/do things. One of my favorite things I've done there is a visit to the Sazerac House, which is free and you get to drink and learn some history.

Santa Cruz, California

California is always a good road trip state, especially if you're in a nearby state, but there are plenty of flights going in and out every day. Santa Cruz should have pretty good weather, though you'll probably need a jacket for the evenings, and the boardwalk will be open (a must if you've seen The Lost Boys, Killer Klowns From Outer Space, Us, Sudden Impact, Dangerous Minds, Back to the Beach, or any of the other movies filmed there). There are a ton of things to do there, including free things, so you can easily stay on budget.

I hope you are all having a great start to 2023. We were so excited for our first trip that I think I've discovered a new tradition for our January trips. Shockingly, we don't mind being nerds. You only live once, so you might as well have fun. I had room in my bag for these totally unnecessary headbands, because I know how to pack light.

Where are you hoping to head for winter or later in the year?

2023 Travel Trends

I love looking ahead and seeing what the new trends for travel might be and how people will be vacationing around me. Although it seems budget travel is becoming more popular - people want a good deal for their money - travelers are also willing to pay more for better service and experiences. Let's look at what's big in travel for this year:

In the next few weeks, you can look forward to posts on how to pack lighter, when you should start looking/booking airfare, how to enjoy your family, instead of wanting to stab them, on a vacation, and why family trips are important and how to save when there are more of you than usual.

You can also look forward to posts here and on Instagram on my trip to Palm Springs, including some save and splurge dining options, free and cheap activities, and unique things to do whether you're traveling with a partner, your family, or solo.

How will you be traveling in 2023?

Happy New Year 2023

Happy New Year! 2022 felt both super long and super short for some reason, but we made it. This time of the year I choose to spend traveling and reconnecting with my husband, so you'll get a new full post on Saturday.

I don't generally make resolutions, but I do try to make some goals for myself in order to make my life feel more full. Here are goals I I've made for 2023:

• Be Kind (this is a constant goal, because I feel like the world can use more kindness)
• Go somewhere new - I already have two new places on the calendar, but I'm also making a point to do things in Portland again. 
• Try new things - It's been difficult trying to do things that are outside of my normal routine, because we don't really go that many places, but we're going to start getting out again and exploring our city and surrounding areas again.
• Keep masking in crowded areas - Yes, maybe you're all sick of masking, but with so many sicknesses going around right now, I just think it makes sense, plus it's just a simple thing to do to prevent ourselves from getting ill.
• Encourage people to go to new places - I want people to realize that they can travel further and to different destinations than they normally do, but probably on the same budget.
• Revive Destination Potlucks - This is where I invite a group of friends over for a potluck themed for a destination. Everyone brings one or two dishes that are specific to that city/country/region, and we all eat new foods and learn about the destination. It's like Destination Date Nights, but food is homemade and more people get to participate.

I hope you're all having a great start to the year and the rest is just as good. Hit me with your own resolutions or goals - travel or otherwise - in the comments.