This post comes from Halina Matt at our partner site Zing.
It’s pretty much universally understood that the first thing on everyone’s mind midwinter is vacation. Whether it’s due to cold-weather blues or holiday hangover, packing up your bags and getting far, far away for a little while can be very tempting during the frigid months. If this sounds familiar, you’re in luck. Booking travel between mid-January and mid-February can often mean big savings.
According to USA Today, February can be one of the best months to vacation on a budget. The reason is fairly simple: People seeking to escape poor weather conditions, combined with lower demand due to school and work schedules, make the perfect recipe for cheaper travel deals.
Here are some things to consider if you’re in the market for a midwinter getaway.
Head to the Beach
Looking for a warm-weather pick-me-up? A sandy, blue-sky beach destination may be just what you need. The good news is that there are many beaches around the world that can provide the perfect background to your February vacation, and according to USNews.com, you’ll likely enjoy temperatures in the 80s should you head out to the Caribbean islands. Worried about getting caught in bad weather? Don’t worry, hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, and weather alerts should give you plenty of time to prepare in advance.
Remember, though, if you decide to head out of the country for your vacation, you’ll need to have your passport in hand, which can typically take 4–6 weeks to process. Other options not requiring a passport for entry include Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Hit the Slopes
Are you more of a snow bunny than a beach bum? Then grab your skis and hit that powder! Ski trips don’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly options out there if you look around. One easy way to save big is to look beyond the more expensive, well-known locations, according to US News, such as Reno, Nev., Vancouver, British Columbia, and Ogden, Utah, just to name a few.
BudgetTravel.com recommends searching for ski packages and discount lift tickets in advance, as a little research on the front end can save you big time in the long run.
Travel Abroad
If you’re interested in traveling across the pond to Europe, but you’re working from a tight budget, winter may be your best chance to make it work. Not only is it less expensive, but also your destination will likely be less crowded than in the summer months.
Take a Cruise
If hitting the high seas floats your boat (see what I did there), a cruise may be just the vacation you need. A quick Internet search revealed tons of great cruise deals out there right now on sites like Expedia, Kayak, Orbitz, Travelocity, Priceline and Hotwire (just to name a few). These sites also offer package deals on flights, hotels and cars, so it’s a good idea to explore your options and get the best bang for your buck.
Also, keep in mind that no matter where you’re going, it never hurts to look over online coupon sites like Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com for a large variety of discounted vacation deals all over the world.
Do you have any tips on how to save big on a midwinter vacation? Share with all of us in the comments below!
More stories from Zing:
Online sales tax: What’s the deal?
Buying and Selling Homes in 2014: A More Balanced Market
Decorating Your Home: A Guide for Music Lovers
