Holiday travel can be expensive but you can still enjoy a budget-friendly holiday when visiting one of these affordable and budget friendly destinations around the world.
If you are planning on travelling during late November and December from the United States or Canada, be aware that this can put a huge impact on your wallet. The high season for domestic travel means many Americans and Canadians travel domestically to visit their family or plan their trip abroad to celebrate the holiday season! This is the perfect time of year to take that much-needed vacation. The flights and hotels will be more expensive, but there are still 10 destinations you can go to which won’t break your bank account and can be the perfect escape for a last-minute holiday getaway.
10. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a beautiful and accessible country from many major travel hubs in USA and Canada including Houston, Toronto, Los Angeles and New York City. The perfect place to escape during December, this coastal town in Costa Rica enables couples, families and solo travellers to enjoy the surf, sunshine and delicious food at restaurants. One great way to save on your trip is by staying in one city and not renting cars. This will cut down significantly the costs of transportation because the car rental is one of the most expensive parts of visiting Costa Rica.
09. Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Riviera Maya area offers luxurious all-inclusive resorts at reasonable prices; perfect if you’re looking for a budget-friendly vacation! The good news is that there might have limited availability or prices will likely increase over the holiday season but 5 -7 days spent here could still make your budget work! Travellers can take day trips from Riviera Maya to see Mayan ruins like the iconic Isla Mujeres and Chichen Itza.
08. Salt Lake City, Utah
Staying within the United States is a smart move for Americans and Canadians who want to travel during these holiday times which keeps the costs low. The flights from Vancouver, Toronto, Vancouver, New York City and Los Angeles to Salt Lake City, Utah are all still reasonable and not in demand when compared with other cities around the country. There are still plenty of activities to enjoy during December such as ballet performances at the Capitol Theatre or Christmas lights displayed around town!
07. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic offers an affordable and accessible year-round travel experience that is ideal for couples, solo travellers or families looking to escape the cold. The best way to spend your time around Punta Cana is by taking advantage of all that it has for visitors. You can enjoy snorkelling, sunshine, horseback riding or swimming at one of the resorts around Punta Cana.
06. Montego Bay, Jamaica
November and December are amazing months to visit the Caribbean. In particular, destinations like Montego Bay offer great all-inclusive resorts at reasonable prices for travellers seeking an affordable vacation. December is the perfect time to visit Brisbane! The weather in December will be warm and sunny with an average temperature ranging between 22ºC and 30°C.
05. Banff, Canada
Visitors to Canada may find that a country is an expensive place, but they can avoid major cities like Toronto and Vancouver which have high costs of living. A beautiful escape to the Rocky Mountains is a fantastic option. Sightseeing, hiking, and hot spring bathing opportunities are endless in Banff National Park during December. To beat the seasonal rush and avoid price hikes due to last-minute limited availability, book your accommodation well in advance.
04. Mexico City, Mexico
Those who want to get an authentic taste of Mexico without staying in a resort during the holiday season will love exploring cities such as Mexico City, the capital city of Mexico. Mexico City is an important hub for airlines that fly passengers to other parts of Mexico and Central America. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, it’s always worth considering extending your layover in Mexico City. There are many neighbourhoods with unique offerings that will suit any traveller. Consider booking an Airbnb near La Condesa or La Roma which is one of the most cost-effective and trendy places.
03. Havana, Cuba
Havana is an underrated destination that deserves more attention from international tourists. When visiting Cuba, many travellers choose to spend their time in Cayo Coco or Varadero but they might be surprised by how expensive package tours are during the holiday season. The easiest way to beat the tourist rush is by booking an affordable flight and staying in Havana. You can explore this historic city with a local guide and take food tours. You can even see a side of Cuba that travellers staying at resorts doesn’t get to experience.
02. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a budget-friendly destination for travellers from Canada and the United States during the holiday season. Air Flights are also easy to find at under USD 350 round trip, from travel hubs like Toronto or New York City! There are lavish casinos, beautiful beaches and secluded coves to explore in addition to lively bars, nightclubs, and more throughout the city!
01. Las Vegas, Nevada
The holidays in Las Vegas, Nevada are always a good time, but they’re even better when you visit during Christmas and Thanksgiving. There will be slightly higher airfares and larger crowds than usual but there’s no doubt that it will make up for it with its stunning scenery and diverse culture in every corner of our beautiful state! The cost of living in Las Vegas is lower than in other cities such as Henderson and Boulder City, making it a great place to live on your next adventure.
