The holidays can be overwhelming: shopping, cooking, family gatherings, and the inevitable post-celebration cleanup. You definitely deserve a break (or maybe you don’t, but I won’t be the one to judge). Luckily, winter is an ideal season for an affordable escape. Here’s how to plan a budget-friendly getaway in four straightforward steps, but you need to act fast.
Step One: Pick the Right Destination
Here are some budget-friendly destination suggestions:
• The Caribbean can be pricey, but options like Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and sometimes Bermuda (especially from New York) can offer decent rates.
• Florida typically has good flight deals, especially for cities like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
• If you enjoy skiing, consider two generally inexpensive cities: Boston, which provides easy access to New England ski resorts, or Denver, the entry point to fantastic skiing in the Rockies.
Step Two: Fly When Prices Are Low
The best domestic flight deals usually appear between the second week of January and mid-February. You can save even more by flying on weekdays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), although Saturdays can offer low rates as well.
Tip: Stay away from flights on Fridays and Sundays, as these are typically when fares are at their highest.
Step Three: Explore Package Deals
Certain airlines provide package deals that bundle flights with hotel accommodations (and sometimes rental cars). Be sure to evaluate these options carefully; some hotels may exceed your usual budget, but the overall discount could make the total package affordable.
Step Four: Book Immediately
Many airfare deals necessitate booking 7 to 21 days prior to departure, so don’t delay. Remember to plan your travel sooner rather than later because airfares usually rise in anticipation of the President’s Day weekend in February, leading up to Spring Break.
Rick Seaney is the co-founder of FareCompare, a site dedicated to helping consumers find the lowest airfare options. FareCompare also provides practical and easy-to-use information to assist travelers in saving money at every stage of their journey.
