18 Best Cheap Places to Travel in January

Written by Anietra Hamper and Shandley McMurray
Updated Jan 2, 2024

Sometimes January feels like it's the worst month to travel. The holidays are over and our wallets are light, making it hard to justify a vacation. Don't despair! With so many affordable places to visit in January, a cheap holiday might be easily within reach.

If you don't mind sticking to colder locales, your bank account will thank you. The cheapest rates for airfare and hotels in January are often found in more wintry destinations. Take advantage of their low season to receive savings of up to 50 percent off in some locations. But off-season rates are not the only benefit to traveling in January. You will also have more flight options, less crowds, and shorter lines for attractions, which means you can fit in more things to do during your time away.

While winter is the high season in sunny spots like the Caribbean or Mexico, you can still find great vacation deals to these locations if you wait until after the second week in January. The New Year's crowds have left by this point, and prices begin to decline in the second half of the month. If you can couple that timing with an all-inclusive resort, then you can score a relatively cheap vacation during an otherwise more expensive time of the year in these preferred winter destinations.

Brush off the January blues with the mid-winter bargains on our list of the best cheap places to travel in January.

On This Page:

1. San Diego, California
2. Cancun, Mexico
3. Montréal, Canada
4. The Florida Keys
5. The Bahamas
6. Panama
7. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
8. Barcelona, Spain
9. London, England
10. Montego Bay, Jamaica
11. Bermuda
12. The Caribbean
13. Boston, Massachusetts
14. Chicago, Illinois
15. Dublin, Ireland
16. Nepal
17. Bogota
18. Istanbul
Map of Cheap Places to Travel in January

1. San Diego, California

A visit to San Diego, California in January can cost nearly 40 percent less for hotels, and travelers will receive discounted rates on flights. San Diego's consistently comfortable climate makes it an attractive vacation destination for midwinter. With daily January temperatures hovering around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can wear a T-shirt outside and still enjoy the ocean life that the city is known for, even in the middle of winter.

Soak up some Vitamin D along the 70 miles of coastline, and plan visits to the city's art galleries and local restaurants serving up Cali Baja cuisine. Walk some of the 1,200 acres of Balboa Park, an urban park with lush gardens, museums, and the San Diego Zoo. You can take day trips to check out some of the trendy coastal neighborhoods like La Jolla and Coronado. For added savings, build your own CityPASS and add discounted tickets to attractions during your stay.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Diego

2. Cancun, Mexico

If you dream of warm waves lapping a palm-tree-lined shore, then a January trip to Cancun, Mexico can fulfill that wish. The white sands draw lots of tourists this time of year, so rates will not be super cheap, but the sheer volume of resorts and package rates available for the expected influx of tourists means that you can find deals that are a bit cheaper than other times of the year.

With average January high temperatures around 82 degrees Fahrenheit, you are almost guaranteed that every day will be a great beach day. Cancun can experience intermittent rain in January, but they are generally brief afternoon showers that do not last more than an hour.

To get the best deals in Cancun on hotels in January, plan your trip after the first week, when rates are lower. To save even more, you can stay in Playa del Carmen, which is an hour south of Cancun. It is a smaller tourist area but still lovely to visit, with less expensive hotels. You can plan day trips into Cancun to visit the Playa Tortugas beaches and take in the tourist attractions, like the Chichén-Itzá Mayan UNESCO World Heritage site.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cancun

3. Montréal, Canada

Prepare yourself for a chill when you visit Montréal in January. It will be snowy, windy, and downright cold–we're talking 21 degrees Fahrenheit as a high–but a trip at this time will be low on price and high on fun, winter adventures.

With your savings, you can afford to splurge on a cozy room in a luxury hotel and warm, tasty meals at the city's top restaurants.

As long as you come prepared, you can handle pretty much anything Québec's winter weather throws at you. In other words, be sure to pack Canadian winter essentials: snow boots, a warm winter coat, hat, mitts, and a scarf.

Igloofest is a one-of-a-kind festival you won't want to miss. Located at the Old Port, this annual outdoor music festival is a blast, and all that dancing will help you stay warm. Book a hotel in Old Montréal to up the charm factor of your vacay and wander around the historic buildings, charming streets, and chic boutiques. It's also quite close to the Old Port, which means you won't have as far to travel from the concert.

The Sunshine State's soft, sandy beaches; tall, waving palms; and sparkling azure waves attract visitors from across the globe at all times of year. In January, travelers can expect temperatures in the mid 70s and the sunny skies we dream of during the cold, dark days of winter up north.

Airfare and hotel prices are lower in January than they are in the following few months of high season. So, take advantage and book a stay in one of this funky region's five most popular places to visit: Key West, The Lower Keys, Marathon, Islamorada, or Key Largo.

While you're there, take advantage of Key West's best beaches before you spend the rest of the day dining in the fantastic restaurants and shopping in the quirky shops of this unique (and uber fun) town.

Don't miss Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key, Dry Tortugas National Park in Homestead, or the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo.

5. The Bahamas

The Bahamas is a lovely (and relatively cheap) spot to visit in January. It's the coldest month of the year, and vacationers tend to wait until the slightly warmer February, March, and April breaks to embark on their Bahamian holidays, which means better deals for you. Before you panic, don't worry! "Cold" isn't actually cold. You'll be looking at highs in the upper 70s.

Book far in advance to secure the best bargains, and opt for a package deal. If you're hoping to hit Nassau's Atlantis Paradise Island, you won't find much of a break price-wise, but if you're looking mid-week towards the middle of the month, you might get lucky.

Fly into Nassau, take a day to explore the attractions, like Nassau Straw Market and Cable Beach, and then head off to the Exumas. There, you'll find affordable accommodations on Staniel Cay (don't miss the swimming pigs), Little Exuma, or Great Exuma islands.

6. Panama

The Central American country of Panama is a January vacation waiting to happen. There are several cities that make nice options depending on whether you are looking for a beach getaway, an urban vacation, or an eco-friendly experience in a rustic village.

It is a less popular midwinter destination compared to Caribbean cities, which is why prices will be relatively lower for a warm-weather beach location. Flights are usually comparable to more popular January vacation spots, but once you get here, it is cheap. Hotels can average less than 50 USD per night, depending on where you stay.

The added benefit of Panama's less popular vacation reputation is that there are fewer people sharing the beautiful beaches and turquoise waters with you. The average daily temperatures of 85 degrees Fahrenheit will keep you close to the water, which is a great excuse to check out the Caribbean coast of Bocas del Toro or take a surfing lesson in one of the best surf areas in the country.

Adventure-seekers can settle in the mountain village of Boquete for natural forests and archaeological finds. One of the top cities, and still a bargain in January, is Panama City, with Spanish architecture, plazas, and an active city scene.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Panama

7. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic in general is a less expensive destination compared to other Caribbean Islands, and since there are many large beach hotels in Punta Cana, it is easy to find great rates in January. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts that will cut costs even more, and since it is one of the more popular cities in the Dominican Republic, you will be able to find plenty of flight options and deals this time of year. This is an ideal getaway if you want to stay close to the resort and have all of your activities and costs packaged.

The average temperatures in Punta Cana in January hover around 82 degrees, making this beach town more appealing. While the sand and beach are the main attractions in Punta Cana, boat tours are especially popular.

For a less crowded and even cheaper Dominican Republic getaway, you can consider Puerto Plata just east of Punta Cana. It also offers many all-inclusive resorts, but additional off-site activities, like a historic downtown and trails to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres, offer a break from the beach.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Dominican Republic

8. Barcelona, Spain

One of the top reasons to visit Barcelona, Spain in January, besides the savings, is that you will see more of the city without the enormous crowds that can be almost unbearable during the summer's high tourist season. It will be easier to get tickets to popular attractions like the Sagrada Familia, and fewer tourists means that the narrow streets around Las Ramblas will be easier to navigate. The midwinter savings at Barcelona hotels can be as much as 42 percent compared to high-season rates. Flights are cheaper, too.

January temperatures in Barcelona average highs around 56 degrees Fahrenheit, which is quite comfortable compared to the sweltering humid temperatures in the mid-80s in August.

Barcelona has the most tourist traffic of any city in Spain, so a midwinter vacation might be the most pleasant for both your patience and your pocketbook. You will have more time to explore the city's walkable sites, like the Park Güell, and enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of Barcelona's waterfront restaurants.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Barcelona

9. London, England

The trade-off for London's chilly, wet winter is a significant drop in prices to get here and stay, compared to late spring and summer, when the tourist season is at its peak. As one of the world's top travel destinations, London attracts many tourists at any time of the year, but visiting the city just after the holiday season and before spring has several advantages, the main one being great savings.

The average temperature in London in January is 45 degrees Fahrenheit, which really isn't bad for winter, but with rainfall common, you will want to pack an umbrella and rain jacket.

A winter visit means you can pack in more sightseeing, since the crowds are smaller at attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye observation wheel. With your savings on flights and hotels to London, you have more to spend shopping at the city's best markets, including the Portobello Market, a 150-year-old market with street vendors selling everything from antiques to local food, jewelry, and music.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in London

10. Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay in Jamaica is one of the most affordable Caribbean destinations during the high season. What also makes it affordable is the number of flights going in and out, which means you are likely to find both a convenient flight and good rates. There are many all-inclusive resorts, which is also a factor in making Montego Bay a cheap January vacation destination.

With an average daily temperature of 84 degrees in January, Montego Bay is ideal for some beach time but also for outdoor activities, like visiting Dunn's River Falls or rafting on the Martha Brae River. To check out other areas of the island, you can plan day trips or overnight trips to Negril or Kingston.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Montego Bay

11. Bermuda

While you won't find the warmest beach weather in Bermuda in January, you will find fab deals on everything from flights to hotels to tours. With highs in the high 60s Fahrenheit, the weather is comfortable at this time, if not balmy enough to play in the turquoise waves all day. You'll definitely want a sweater or light jacket, especially at night.

That said, jet skiing, rock climbing, and sailing can all be enjoyed in January. And don't forget golf. Bermuda is dotted with spectacular courses that range from par threes to championship courses. January is a perfect month to tee off.

Shop in Hamilton, read a book on Horseshoe Bay Beach, or pay a visit to Fort St. Catherine. There are so many fun ways to spend your time in Bermuda.

While May is technically the best month to visit Bermuda, a January trip will give you access to the biggest savings, which means you can snag a five-star luxury resort for a fee that won't make you gasp.

12. The Caribbean

January is one of the best times to visit the Caribbean. You'll get optimal weather (highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s) and little rain or humidity. And if you book far enough in advance, you can score a great deal.

Technically, January is part of the Caribbean's high season (mid-December to early April), which means the prices for airfare and hotels will be higher than other months but the weeks after the December holiday season are typically lower than the rest of the winter.

Choose your location wisely to get the most savings. Cancun, Curacao, Playa Del Carmen, and Cozumel are among the cheapest Caribbean locales to visit. Puerto Rico is another well-priced gem you won't want to miss, and don't forget to check prices in Jamaica.

13. Boston, Massachusetts

While Boston may not compare to a sun-soaked trip to Mexico in January, if you are strictly looking for a cheap getaway to change up the scene then it is worth consideration. If you can stand the cold, the more than 50-percent savings on hotel rates in January compared to high-season rates will make the trip worth it. The average 30-degree-Fahrenheit temperatures in Boston this time of year makes this a perfect getaway for indoor activities of which the city has no shortage.

Hit Boston's Theatre District to catch performances of traveling Broadway shows and local acting troops. Catch an indoor game with the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, or hit one of the 60 museums in the city, like the New England Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Science. There are also winter-specific walking tours around Boston that will give you an entirely new perspective on one of America's most exciting cities.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Boston & Cambridge

14. Chicago, Illinois

While Chicago, Illinois may not be your first thought when considering January vacations, it is actually one of the cheapest times to experience the Windy City. The city will likely be snow-covered, but since many of its museums and attractions like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium are indoors, the weather is not an issue. One of the best reasons to go is the nearly 50 percent savings on hotel rooms and discounted airfares to Chicago at this time of year.

Shops along The Magnificent Mile are still open in the winter, and you might just find a clearance-rack parka to sport around town. January temperatures in Chicago average 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can take your savings and warm up with a famous Chicago deep-dish pizza.

Hop on the L train, Chicago's public transit system, to get from point A to point B, and hit some of the ethnic neighborhoods and downtown attractions. Check out the frozen Chicago cityscape from 103 floors above the city from the Willis Tower Skydeck.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Chicago

15. Dublin, Ireland

One of the best times to visit Dublin, Ireland is during the off-season, when airfare and lodging rates plummet and there are almost no crowds in the popular tourist areas. When the tourist season begins to pick up in March, you can expect rates to hike along with the lines to see popular attractions like St. Patrick's Cathedral.

The mild Dublin temperatures will be cooler in January (averaging mid-40 degrees Fahrenheit) than in the summer, but they will make spending the days shopping at the Moore Street Market more tolerable.

Don a jacket and pack a brolly to take in Ireland's fun capital city. Save even more money by leaving your car at the hotel. Dublin is a walkable city, and the public bus system is a convenient way to get on and off at your destinations without having to drive. Visit some of the free attractions, like the National Gallery of Ireland museum and the Chester Beatty Library.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dublin

16. Nepal

You can find great deals on travel to Nepal pretty much any time of the year, but if you are looking to find even steeper discounts, January is a good time to consider. The downside to the midwinter timing is that it is colder, and some of the higher passes of Langtang and Annapurna will likely be covered in snow, so trekking opportunities may be more limited. The upside is that there will be fewer crowds compared to the fall.

Though January is the coldest month of the year in Nepal, there is still plenty to do, like explore Kathmandu or visit the Chitwan National Park, where guests can go on an elephant safari, visit the museum at Kasara, or check out the Gharial Breeding Center. Lower than other places in Nepal, this park offers a spectacular (and slightly warmer) opportunity to view impressive wildlife.

There are a number of tourist options to view the Himalayan mountains, from multi-day treks with a tour company to flying over the snow-capped mountains in an airplane.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nepal

17. Bogota

Plaza Bolivar in Bogota | Photo Copyright: Lana Law

The beauty of Bogota, Colombia is that its temperature never really changes throughout the year. Even when it's bitterly cold in January in other parts of the world, Bogota remains a consistently pleasant 68 degrees Fahrenheit/20 degrees Celsius. The balmy, fresh, year-round weather is most welcome to travelers looking to escape a miserable winter. Pack a jacket and you're good to go.

Bogota is a beautiful city with both historic and modern attractions, perched high up in the Andes mountains. A capital of culture, Bogota is chock full of spectacular museums and architecture. Plaza Bolivar, for example, is home to the cathedral and the Museo Nacional de Colombia. The historic streets of Bogota are splashed with color, from the vibrant La Candelaria neighborhood to the splashy, buzzy lights of the Zona Rosa.

What makes Colombia affordable at any time of year is the exchange rate. Travelers visiting from the U.S., Canada, or Europe will find that their currency goes a lot further in Colombia, and Bogota in particular when compared to other more touristy destinations like Cartagena and Medellin.

Medellin also has numerous free attractions, like the Botero Museum — a space completely devoted to the life and work of national artist, Fernando Botero. Afterward, hit up a market like La Perseverancia Market for a filling (and affordable) lunch.

18. Istanbul

Istanbul may be chilly in January (temperatures hover around 43 degrees Fahrenheit/6 degrees Celsius), but that does not take away from the exceptional beauty of the city. In fact, some may argue that the steely blues of the Bosphorus become even more moody and picturesque in January.

A great perk about Istanbul is that many of its top attractions are free. These include the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet Square, Taksim Square, and the Basilica Cistern, among others.

In between sightseeing, when crowds are undoubtedly at their lowest, you can pop into one of the many tea houses or coffee shops for a piping hot cup of local tea or strong Turkish coffee.

And because January is the low season for Istanbul, you can rest assured that you'll be resting your head at some comfortable hotels at quite a discounted rate.

Transportation in Istanbul is affordable no matter the time of year, particularly if you take the tram, metro, ferry, or bus in Istanbul. Invest in an Istanbulkart, which costs 60 Turkish Liras and gives you a discounted rate per ride.