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Whereas December is among the many hottest months to journey, that doesn’t imply your journey has to value a small fortune — particularly if you understand the place to go. To find out the most cost effective locations to journey in December, we tapped the group at Kayak to help by pulling flight and lodge information between Dec. 1-31, 2024.
What’s extra, explains Kayla Inserra DeLoache, Kayak’s shopper journey developments skilled, there are nonetheless offers available throughout this time. For instance, “When you’re seeking to journey someplace heat, you possibly can snag package deal offers (flights + inns) to cities like Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Las Vegas for beneath $700.” In the meantime, for beneath $1,000, vacationers can “head South for bargains in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.” Moreover, it’s price mentioning that the costs listed beneath every vacation spot embody a mixed common for round-trip financial system airfare and fee for one in a single day keep in an ordinary double lodge room.
From Denver to the Dominican Republic, learn on for 15 of the most cost effective locations to go to in December — lots of which make for a brief and candy weekend getaway — that’ll appease even the pickiest of vacationers.
Denver, Colorado
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Common Value: $582 for flight + lodge
The Colorado capital is well-known for its ample actions, which run the gamut from scenic climbing to brewery hopping and past. In December, common temperatures hover between 49 and 19 levels Fahrenheit, so whereas it could be too chilly to partake within the former, beer-loving vacationers can heat up inside one of many metropolis’s many breweries comparable to Nice Divide Brewing Co. and Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery, to call just a few. December can also be the proper time to make the most of town’s many indoor points of interest, together with the Downtown Aquarium, Denver Artwork Museum, the Wings Over the Rockies Air & House Museum, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Alternatively, head outdoors of town and hit the slopes at considered one of a number of close by ski resorts, together with Echo Mountain, Loveland Ski Space, Arapahoe Basin, Eldora Mountain, and Winter Park, all of that are inside a 90-minute drive of downtown. Lastly, again in Denver, go to Cherry Creek Vacation Market, the place you’ll discover genuine souvenirs from native distributors, plus the aptly named Mistletoe Lounge, which is the proper place to put up up with a cocktail or two. The occasion is a part of the Cherry Creek North Winter Wonderland programming, which is teeming with fun-filled occasions and actions.
The place to Keep: Because of its many retailers and eating places, Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood makes an amazing residence base for exploring. Right here, the hip Moxy Denver Cherry Creek — which options modern visitor rooms and a bustling on-site bar — gives nightly charges from beneath $200.
Tampa, Florida
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Common Value: $618 for flight + lodge
Craving a warm-weather winter escape that received’t break the financial institution? Look no additional than Tampa. Dubbed Florida’s new “it metropolis,” this dynamic vacation spot stands out for its year-round heat, sunny climate (town boasts over 245 days of sunshine every year) and bustling neighborhoods, together with the fashionable Water Avenue Tampa. In the meantime, the two-plus-mile-long Riverwalk is teeming with points of interest comparable to museums, parks, performing arts venues, and eating places. Talking of the latter, it’s price noting that Tampa is residence to a number of Michelin-ranked eateries, together with wallet-friendly choices comparable to SuperNatural Meals & Wine (the place breakfast sandwiches begin at simply $5), Psomi (which serves up Greek eats beneath $30), and Streetlight Taco (the place a lot of the menu choices are beneath $15). Whereas we wouldn’t blame you should you spent most of your time right here absorbing all that this dynamic metropolis has to supply, it’s price venturing out to one of many close by seashores — comparable to Ben T Davis Seashore or East Tampa Seashore — each of that are a fast 15-minute drive from downtown — for some enjoyable within the solar.
The place to Keep: Resort Haya gives reasonably priced charges in Ybor Metropolis close to downtown Tampa.
Seattle, Washington
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Common Value: $621 for flight + lodge
Seattle is chock-full of issues to see and do, making it a wonderful lengthy weekend getaway for each sort of traveler. After all, no journey to this Pacific Northwest hub is full with no go to to the highest of the long-lasting House Needle, adopted by a go to to the Chihuly Backyard and Glass museum, which is correct subsequent door. Moreover, popular culture aficionados can geek out on the Museum of Pop Tradition. Foodies can — and may — embark on a self-guided tour by means of Pike Place Market, whereas espresso lovers needn’t miss the unique Starbucks location simply steps away. Unbeknownst to many, Seattle additionally boasts a burgeoning city wine scene; as such, oenophiles needn’t miss spots comparable to Eight Bells Vineyard or Spruce Hill Vineyard. Instagram-worthy spots additionally abound, together with the well-known Gum Wall. Whereas most winter happenings right here have but to be introduced, tickets for WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo — an immersive holiday-themed exhibit full with numerous lights and majestic animals — are already on sale. Tip: For optimum financial savings on points of interest, snag a Seattle CityPASS, which gives as much as 48 % off prime Seattle points of interest.
The place to Keep: Positioned within the coronary heart of downtown, Kimpton Resort Monaco Seattle gives a slew of value-packed facilities, together with free bike leases and a night social hour that includes native wines.
Orlando, Florida
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Common Value: $641 for flight + lodge
A journey to Orlando doesn’t must value an arm and a leg — sure, even should you do decide to go to Walt Disney World or Common Orlando. Funds-conscious vacationers can make the most of town’s many free actions and points of interest, which embody every little thing from the UCF Arboretum to film screenings at Lake Eola Park. Artwork lovers can take a self-guided road artwork tour of the fashionable Milk District neighborhood, whereas culinary connoisseurs shall be pleasantly shocked by town’s bustling meals scene, which incorporates a number of Michelin-ranked eateries which might be surprisingly reasonably priced, comparable to Se7enBites (which serves up baked items, breakfast, and lunch objects for beneath $20) and Pizza Bruno (the place most ‘zas clock in across the $15 to $20 vary). Bonus: Those that go to in December also can make the most of town’s festive vacation occasions and programming, together with EPCOT® Worldwide Competition of the Holidays and Holidays at Common Orlando Resort.
The place to Keep: On the subject of reasonably priced lodging, choices abound, together with Common Infinite Summer time Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, which gives trip packages, offers, and facilities comparable to early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ as much as one hour earlier than the parks open.
Fort Myers, Florida
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Common Value: $656 for flight + lodge
Identified for its stunning stretches of sand and top-notch fishing, Fort Myers — which has just lately been named the fastest-growing metropolis within the U.S. — is properly price a spot in your winter checklist. Submit up at considered one of dozens of close by seashores, together with Bowditch Level Park and Bunche Seashore Protect. Alternatively, these craving an additional sense of journey can paddle alongside the Nice Calusa Blueway Paddling Path, go fishing, or embark on a scenic hike or bike journey. Be sure you additionally carve out a day to discover the historic Fort Myers River District, which is lined with galleries, retailers, bars, and eating places galore.
The place to Keep: The Banyan Resort Fort Myers, Tapestry Assortment by Hilton, is positioned within the aforementioned River District. Don’t miss the on-site rooftop, which boasts a bar and a pool for absorbing the solar and sipping cocktails in fashion; the panoramic vistas are an added bonus in our ebook.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Common Value: $671 for flight + lodge
Sin Metropolis isn’t only for excessive rollers — in reality, it’s simply doable (and fulfilling!) on a finances. Free actions abound, together with the fountain present and Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at The Bellagio, together with the Fremont Avenue Expertise. Animal lovers needn’t miss the wildlife habitat on the Flamingo and the aquarium on the Silverton On line casino. Circus Circus gives free circus acts which might be positive to captivate audiences of all ages, whereas artwork lovers could have a blast at The Arts Manufacturing unit and the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Artwork. Stretch your greenback additional by benefiting from one of many metropolis’s many bountiful buffets, together with Depraved Spoon at The Cosmopolitan. If buffets aren’t your factor, make the most of some unbelievable pleased hour offers at spots like Brera Osteria at The Venetian Resort or native favourite Honey Salt.
The place to Keep: For the most effective bang to your buck, choose a lodge off the Strip with no resort price, comparable to Marriott’s Grand Chateau, an upscale keep full with a pool and two bars. Plus, it’s lower than a mile away from the Strip.
Phoenix, Arizona
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Common Value: $687 for flight + lodge
Majestic purple rocks, ample outside journey, and a vibrant tradition: Discover all this and extra in Phoenix, the place the typical temperatures in December vary from 68 to 44 levels Fahrenheit. Make the most of the sunshine and reasonable climate by embarking on a scenic hike — in style spots embody Papago Park and Camelback Mountain — or spend time exploring the Desert Botanical Backyard, Phoenix Museum of Artwork, Heritage Sq., Encanto Park, or the Phoenix Zoo. Town’s vibrant downtown space is chock-full of colourful road artwork and eating places, together with a slew of pizzerias just like the world-famous Pizzeria Bianco, identified for being among the finest pizza joints within the nation. Come December, town goes all out for the vacations with occasions like ZooLights and Sea of Lights. Lastly, don’t skip city with out visiting close by Scottsdale, which boasts a captivating Previous City plus Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Taliesin West, a World Heritage Web site and Nationwide Historic Landmark.
The place to Keep: Rise Uptown Resort is an elegant boutique in downtown Phoenix with a rooftop bar, design-forward rooms, and two cocktail bars. And, with charges beneath $200 per evening in December, it’s a steal.
Los Angeles, California
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Common Value: $706 for flight + lodge
This December, escape to sunny Los Angeles to see and be seen amongst your favourite A-listers at hotspots like Gjelina, Craig’s, The Ivy, and even Erewhon, the fan-favorite grocery retailer chain. Break a sweat by trekking to the Hollywood Signal or, for a much less strenuous exercise, make a beeline for the Griffith Observatory, which gives equally gorgeous metropolis views. After procuring alongside Rodeo Drive or strolling the Hollywood Stroll of Fame, contemplate exploring different neighborhoods like artsy Venice — identified for its seashores, boardwalks, and canals — and Santa Monica, well-known for its namesake pier, which is residence to a Ferris wheel, carnival video games, and extra. Additionally, Los Angeles goes all out for the vacations, which implies that come December, vacationers can attend an array of festive occasions, together with the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The place to Keep: Located only one block south of Sundown Boulevard, The Godfrey Resort Hollywood makes a wonderful residence base for exploring town. Highlights embody an expansive rooftop, 4 on-site bars, and a curated artwork assortment.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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Common Value: $706 for flight + lodge
Though Fort Lauderdale was initially often known as a beloved spring break vacation spot, it’s since change into a preferred year-round trip spot due to its almost 25 miles of seashores and a bustling nightlife scene. Las Olas Boulevard is lined with retailers, galleries, eating places, and bars; favorites embody Ann’s Florist Espresso & Wine Bar, South Moon Below, and Timpano Las Olas. Must you want a break from the seashore, make a beeline for the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, the place you’ll discover a number of scenic parks. Tradition vultures, in the meantime, needn’t miss the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Bonnet Home, or the Anne Kolb Nature Heart, the latter of which is positioned in close by Hollywood.
The place to Keep: As you possibly can guess by its identify, the Westin Fort Lauderdale Seashore Resort gives a first-rate oceanfront locale. I’d even be remiss to not point out the on-site Lona Cocina & Tequileria — don’t miss the lobster quesadilla.
Miami, Florida
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Common Value: $774 for flight + lodge
For a dreamy oceanfront escape in December, look no additional than Miami. Also called Magic Metropolis, Miami is famend for its bustling nightlife, Artwork Deco structure, and abundance of seashores, lots of that are free to entry, together with South Seashore, Lummus Park, and Flamingo Park. Pre- or post-beach, embark on a self-guided tour of the Artwork Deco Historic District or the artsy Wynwood neighborhood, the place colourful road artwork awaits at almost each nook. Different neighborhoods price testing embody Little Havana — a meal at Versailles is a should — and plush Coconut Grove, residence to the jaw-dropping Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.
The place to Keep: Housed in a putting Artwork Deco constructing, The Gabriel Miami South Seashore, Curio Assortment by Hilton gives a central South Seashore locale, fashionable rooms and suites, a buzzy on-site restaurant, and facilities like bike leases, seashore chairs and towels, shuttle service to downtown, and tickets to Wynwood Partitions and the Bass Museum.
Mexico Metropolis, Mexico
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Common Value: $846 for flight + lodge
A visit to Mexico’s vibrant capital metropolis is all the time a good suggestion. Vacationers can spend their days wandering by means of stunning neighborhoods like Polanco and Roma and exploring the bustling foods and drinks scene — can’t-miss spots embody Contramar and the wallet-friendly Panadería Rosetta, identified for its guava rolls. Vacationers also can take their choose of free points of interest, together with the Bosque de Chapultepec, the Museo Soumaya, and Palacio Nacional. Plan your go to to the Palacio de Bellas Artes on Sundays to snag free admission.
The place to Keep: There isn’t a scarcity of unbelievable inns in Mexico Metropolis, together with the aptly named Downtown Mexico Resort. The 17-key property is housed in a Seventeenth-century colonial mansion, which has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
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Common Value: $861 for flight + lodge
Positioned within the northern a part of the Dominican Republic, Santiago de los Caballeros is taken into account the nation’s second-largest metropolis; nonetheless, it tends to fly beneath the radar in comparison with different Dominican locales like tourist-heavy Punta Cana and La Romana. A trip right here is good for historical past buffs and tradition lovers, with must-visit points of interest just like the Monumento de Santiago, the Centro León cultural middle, and the Seventeenth-century Fortaleza San Luis, which is now a museum. These searching for a lush escape amid town can go to Parque Duarte, which is lined with tropical bushes and tranquil pathways. Lastly, when starvation calls, make your approach to Puerta del Sol, the place most menu objects clock in beneath $35, or Doña Pula, which gives genuine delicacies like mofongo for beneath $20.
The place to Keep: Town is teeming with reasonably priced lodging choices, together with the glossy Residence Inn Santiago de los Caballeros. Right here, you’ll discover spacious suites with totally geared up kitchenettes, plus an all-day eatery and a buzzy rooftop terrace.
New York, New York
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Common Value: $896 for flight + lodge
Whereas the Huge Apple is price visiting any time of 12 months, it’s particularly magical come December when town goes all out for the vacations. Throughout this time, vacationers can get pleasure from winter-themed programming and free or low-cost points of interest comparable to Bryant Park’s Winter Village, the awe-inspiring Rockefeller Heart Christmas tree, ice skating in Central Park, the Vacation Practice Present on the New York Botanical Backyard, the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, and over-the-top shows and light-weight exhibits at shops comparable to Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Whereas the climate shall be chilly, vacationers can heat up inside one of many metropolis’s many museums, together with The Metropolitan Museum of Artwork or the Brooklyn Museum. Alternatively, snag reasonably priced Broadway tickets by means of TKTS or Broadway Roulette.
The place to Keep: We’ve rounded up a number of of our favourite reasonably priced lodge stays in New York Metropolis, together with Resort Mulberry.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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Common Value: $976 for flight + lodge
The Dominican Republic capital additionally occurs to be one of many Caribbean’s oldest cities, making it a must-visit for historical past buffs. The Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, is residence to centuries-old buildings and well-known landmarks, together with the Alcázar de Colón museum, identified for its Gothic- and Renaissance-style structure, and the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, which is the primary cathedral constructed within the Americas. It’s additionally right here the place you’ll discover the cafe-lined Plaza de España, a first-rate spot for people-watching. The Dr. Rafael María Moscoso Botanic Backyard stands out for its lush flora, whereas the Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos boasts a number of clear-blue lagoons and gorgeous surroundings.
The place to Keep: There are a slew of reasonably priced Santo Domingo inns to select from, together with the Embassy Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo, an all-suite retreat with an infinity pool and complimentary breakfast.
Dublin, Eire
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Common Value: $983 for flight + lodge
Named one of many most cost-effective locations to journey in Europe, Dublin gives a seemingly limitless quantity of actions and points of interest, making it almost inconceivable to be bored right here. Whereas the climate shall be chilly, it’s price bundling up for a stroll in one of many metropolis’s many parks, together with St Stephen’s Inexperienced or Phoenix Park. Afterward, heat up inside historic websites like Dublin Citadel, Trinity Faculty (residence to the world-famous E book of Kells), and St Patrick’s Cathedral earlier than treating your self to a beer on the Guinness Storehouse. Make the most of a number of free strolling excursions and complimentary museums, such because the aptly named Nationwide Museum of Eire.
The place to Keep: Positioned simply off Grafton Avenue, The Grafton Resort is inside strolling distance of pubs, eating places, and prime sights. Its fashionable rooms and on-site bar and restaurant are simply the icing on the cake.