Winter Travel on a Budget: 5 Affordable Destinations

If you’re itching for one last trip before year-end or eager to kick off 2026 somewhere new, winter could be your wallet’s best friend. With lighter crowds and airfare dips before the spring rush, now is the moment to snag a deal. Here are five destinations offering sunshine, culture, and postcard-worthy scenery — without breaking the bank.

Lisbon, Portugal

One of Dollar Flight Club’s top budget picks for 2025, Lisbon stays kinder on the wallet year-round, especially from November through March. With TAP Portugal often offering among the lowest fares across the Atlantic, travelers can find round-trip tickets from major U.S. hubs around $650 — sometimes dropping to $450 in January. Just remember: accommodations fill quickly as Northern Europeans chase milder temps.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Passport-free tropical bliss? Yes, please. San Juan brings turquoise water, rich culture, and stellar flight deals — often under $280 round-trip from major East Coast cities, and even dipping below $200 on select January dates. West Coast travelers can expect fares around $270 on the low end. Bonus? Prices for March trips are trending downward.

Los Angeles, California

Sunshine, palm trees, and tacos — all at steep airfare discounts. Domestic fares to LAX fell notably in early 2025, with round-trip flights from many U.S. cities ranging from $150 to $250 — and under $100 from several western hubs.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Icelandair’s low off-season fares (starting near $299 round-trip from the East Coast) make Reykjavik a winter bucket-list steal. Enjoy Northern Lights season, dramatic landscapes, and even a stopover option for added adventure.

Florida

Easy, sunny, and affordable — Florida remains a winter favorite. Orlando flights dip as low as $71 round-trip from Chicago midweek, while many East Coast departures fall under $150 and West Coast trips often land below $200.