
Article by Caterina Christakos
As someone who has lived in northerly climates for much of my life, I know well that feeling that sets in around late January or early February. You reach that upsetting point where you can hardly remember what warm weather feels like, and just the idea of a 70 degree day is enough to send you into one of those hour-long daydreams that can really get in the way of one’s productivity. Personally, I find that winter is much easier if I can escape to a warmer climate at least once during the harsh winter months. If you can afford it, it can help keep your energy up as you wait for those first achingly glorious warm April days.
That’s why I’m offering these affordable winter travel ideas. In today’s economy, many of us can’t afford the luxury Hawaii or Bahamas vacation. But if you just want to relax and enjoy yourself while escaping the blustery winds of the north, there are plenty of things you can do.
South America: Don’t forget that the winter months for us are summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Yes, South America is a very broad category, but there are so many parts of the continent that are perfect. Air travel is relatively cheap, and countries like Chile, Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, and Brazil are quite affordable for people from the U.S. Personally, I love Buenos Aires for my city enjoyment, but I also love the diverse natural landscapes of Chile. If you’ve never been to South America, try it out. Many North Americans are surprised by what a warm, beautiful, and welcoming continent it is.
Southern Europe: Many parts of Europe aren’t exactly cheap, but there are actually many southern portions of the continent that make great affordable winter travel ideas. Spain and Portugal are relatively cheap, as are many Mediterranean islands and the southern portions of Italy. And then there are beautiful, historic Greece and Turkey. All of these areas are warm, affordable, and full of everything you could want as a traveler.
Africa: If you’ve never explored the diverse natural climates of Africa, now may be the time to get started. Practically the entire continent is warm year-round, and the people in the most well-traveled parts of Africa are famously welcoming and kind to outsiders from all over the world.
Caribbean and Mexico: Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are within just a few hundred miles of the southern U.S., but many of us never get to see them. If you’re looking for affordable winter travel ideas, look into places like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico. U.S. dollars can go quite a long way in places like this, and there are more than enough tourist amenities to keep you happy and comfortable during your stay.
Thailand: Thailand stays warm year round, and it is most comfortable during the winter months. It’s an increasingly popular destination for Australian and East Asian travelers who want both beautiful beaches and exciting modern cities like Bangkok, but there are often some very good deals for flights from the U.S. They don’t come around every day, though, so you have to snatch them up when you find them.
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