Are you looking to spend winter or the holidays on vacay? Or just looking to get away from the cold. We tend to do that in January. If you missed the last post and want to travel stateside, or somewhere closer, then go check that out, but if you want to travel farther away and still have good weather and save money, read on.
I have traveled over Christmas some years and it's been pretty great. We didn't go that far away, but I'd love to visit some Christmas markets in the future. There are some in the US, but how wonderful to spend that time in an international destination. Aside from that, here are 8 affordable destinations to go next month: International
Got the funds to go a little bit further? While much of Europe is cold and gross, just like at home, but there are some places that have lovely winter weather all over the globe. Here are some of those destinations that are also affordable.
Lima, Peru - It's summer in Lima, which means it'll be very busy at this time, but you can get amazing deals on accommodations, enjoy dry, warm (but not hot) weather, and cheap delicious foods, even in the touristy areas. This is not the time to visit Cusco, as it is the start of the rainy season there and trails may be cut off due to that.
Santiago, Chile - While most people don't consider Santiago an ideal travel destination, it has perfect weather in December, has lovely museums, and gorgeous street art. It's also a good home base for day trips to historical cities like Valparaiso.
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Though you may get rained on here, as you would the entire rest of the year, Buenos Aires has so many indoor tourist attractions - museums, shops, cafes - that you definitely don't have to endure it for long. If you are the outdoorsy sort, head to Patagonia, Iguazu waterfalls, or even the Mendocino wine region. Make sure the bring USD and exchange them once you arrive to get a much better deal on everything.
Canary Islands, Spain - While the rest of Europe is cold and dreary, Tenerife, and the rest of the Canary Islands, are the exception. It's not summer weather, but you'll be looking at lows in the 60s and highs in the low 70s. Sounds very comfortable to me. Tenerife is just one of the islands, and you can often find better deals on Gran Canary, Lanzarote, and La Palma. Wherever you go, food is very budget-friendly and you can find chill things to do. Tenerife boasts a volcano with a cable car ride to the top and a hop-on hop-off bus tour around the capital of Santa Cruz.
Boracay Island, Phillipines - If you just want to relax on the beach, this is your spot. Basically, every hotel is on the beach, since the island is so skinny, but there's also water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, paddleboarding, and diving. If you want to do something more sightsee-y, check out Ariel's Point, the observation deck on Mount Luho, the Montag Living Museum, D'Mall, or a sunset cruise.
Bangkok, Thailand - December is the ideal destination for those looking for great weather and massive shopping excursions. You'll be able to use modern transportation here, including an elevated metro system. If you aren't into shopping, there are also tons of shrines to visit and amazing foods to try. Make sure to do your research on accommodations, because there is a wide range of quality in similar price ranges.
Hanoi, Vietnam - December is part of the dry season in Hanoi, though it may be chilly in the evenings, the weather can be pretty pleasant. Most people do Hanoi as part of a tour, but you'll find so much to do and explore there if you spend all your time in this city. It's one of the cheapest tourist cities and is known for its historical architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. There are temples to visit, markets, and awesome street food.
Auckland, New Zealand - This was a shock for me, because I always think New Zealand is as expensive as Australia. While most people find the city too crowded and busy, you can definitely head out to some smaller cities to seek quieter, slower travel. Take a tour to Hobbiton, kayak to an extinct volcano, go on a whale safari, stargaze on an island, shop at the farmers' market, explore an island vineyard, or go glamping or campervanning. There's so much to do once you get there, that you may wish you had a lot more time.
The world is full of budget-friendly destinations, whether you're looking for warm weather or not. You just need to know where to look. Including the last post, these are just a few you can visit. Have fun planning your winter travels.
Where have you traveled that was very affordable and worth a visit? I always recommend Quito, Ecuador.
... 
