The winter season isn’t for everyone. The frigid temperatures and ice and snow piling up outside would make anyone wish for warmer days with more sun and the ability to walk outside in a t-shirt without freezing. If this sounds like you, a winter vacation may be just what you need to get you away from the cold. Perhaps you’ve even had enough of winter all together and want to avoid it as much as possible. Luckily, there are a few options of where you can travel in the United States during the colder months that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, even if you stay for an extended period of time.
Here are the best warm spots to visit during the wintertime.
1. Arizona
Winter in Arizona is warm and dry – perfect for those who want to escape the wet, cold snowy weather. Phoenix hovers at around 60 degrees during January, the coldest month, but temperatures are even higher if you go further south to Tucson. If you’re interested in spending the winter months hiking in t-shirts, then this is the perfect spot for you. The southwestern city of Yuma is also a good place to check out; with palm trees everywhere, it feels almost tropical. Although it may get a bit chillier at night, it’s still leaps and bounds better than freezing weather and shoveling snow in the morning.
2. Florida
High on the list of many winter vacation lists, Florida is, of course, a popular winter escape for many. With an extensive list of cities to visit, it may even be the best option because there are so many places to see and so many activities to do. Some cities are the go-to option for snowbirds—retirees who spend the winters down south where it’s warm—so if you’re looking for a quiet or relaxing trip, you could choose one of these cities. Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Cocoa Beach, and Rotonda West are all choice destinations for snowbirds because they’re affordable, scenic, and are close to the bustling cities without being too crowded. New Smyrna Beach, also known as “Florida’s Secret Pearl”, is a popular tourist destination and known to be a city for the arts, so if you’re interested in art and culture, this might be the perfect spot for you.
Florida is also a great state to visit for longer periods of time, rather than just a week or two away to briefly escape the cold. With so many cities that offer affordable real estate, it isn’t out of reach to invest in property and make your yearly vacation a yearly getaway. The Villages is a perfect example of a Floridian city like this. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and known as “Florida’s Friendliest Hometown”. If you’re thinking of investing in property and making the Sunshine State your winter getaway, Talk of the Villages is a great place to start looking.
3. Hawaii
Some may think Hawaii is too expensive during the winter because everyone wants to visit for some sun and tropical temperatures, but there are spots that are affordable. Pahoa is a popular snowbird destination for this exact reason. Located on the Big Island, it’s not too far from Hilo Airport so it’s fairly easy to get to. There’s also plenty of beach activities to try to keep yourself occupied while you’re visiting.
