10 Dec 7 Affordable Places to Visit in January
There are plenty of affordable places to visit in January. With holidays winding down and people getting back to their “regular” lives, many begin to plan their spring or summer vacation. However, don’t miss out on the great weather and reasonable prices that come with travel in January and February.
Read on for 7 affordable places to visit in January.
1. London, England
London is a great place for travel in January and February. With the drop in temperatures here, you’ll also see a significant drop in prices for both flights and hotels compared to spring and summer months. Visiting London right after the holiday season but before spring begins has many advantages besides price. The average temperature here in January is 45 degrees, which is completely bearable especially if you are also from the Midwest like me and used to below freezing temps at this time of year. This also means that you are able to see more of the sights since crowds are smaller at attractions like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. This is also a great time to peruse the Portobello Market.
2. Chicago, Illinois
I may be biased as a current Chicago resident, but Chicago is one of the best cities in the Midwest, if not the country. Much like New York during the holidays, Chicago is much busier and more expensive in November and December compared to January and February.
Besides being a less expensive place to travel in January, Chicago is also a great cold-weather destination. This is because many of it’s greatest selling points are indoors: world-class museums, Bulls games, and an amazing art, music, and comedy scene. The very best part about Chicago, in my opinion, is the food. You could spend an entire week eating your way through the city. Try the deep-dish at Lou Malnatti’s (it’s the best although many prefer Pequod’s), then head to West Loop for the best burger in the city at Au Cheval (there is also a location dubbed “Small Cheval” in Old Town). For more upscale dining, try Duck Duck Goat in Fulton Market where Top Chef alum Stephanie Izard serves up unique Chinese dishes.
3. Toronto, Canada
Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world and a cultural hub in the North. Much like Chicago, Toronto is a city you can eat your way through – a great activity when it’s cold outside! In addition to great food, the city’s 19-mile long, underground PATH system connects subway and rail stations to many of Toronto’s most popular attractions. The PATH system is the world’s longest underground shopping complex as well, so you really could stay underground for your whole trip if you wanted.
4. San Diego, California
For a warm-weather place to travel in January or February, head to San Diego. While it is a great destination any time of the year, January prices are significantly lower for hotel rooms and airfare. Besides year-round beautiful weather and lower prices in winter months, San Diego also draws visitors for it’s laid-back atmosphere. It is a great place to people watch on Pacific Beach, take leisurely strolls through Balboa Park, and marvel at the beautiful Spanish architecture, various museums, and perfectly-manicured gardens. In addition, you must make time to stop at the San Diego Zoo. Plus, every January the city puts on the San Diego Brew Festival where you can sample local craft beers and eats from great food trucks.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Spain has been in the news lately for their overtourism problem. The issue became so intense that the city implemented measures to curb tourism. However, January is not a popular time to visit Barcelona, so it is less crowded and more affordable to visit in the winter months. This means you’ll be able to enjoy the most popular attractions like Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell without waiting in huge lines. In addition, winters in Barcelona are mild so you won’t freeze!
6. Dublin, Ireland
The off-season is one of the best times to visit Dublin, Ireland. In January and February, airfare and hotel rates drop and so do the number of tourists. Be sure not to wait until March, however, when rates and lines increase steeply. Dublin enjoys a mild temperature year-round, but in January it averages in the mid-40’s. This may be cold to some people, but for Midwesterners it is basically spring! In addition, Dublin is affordable because it is a very walkable city. The public bus system is also convenient, so there is no need to hire a driver or rent a car. Plus there are free attractions like the National Gallery of Ireland museum and the Chester Beatty Library.
7. Costa Rica
January is a great time to visit Costa Rica. The trick is to plan your trip for later in January, after peak travel at New Year’s time. During this time, you’ll get the benefit of dry season with slightly lower prices. This is an especially great destination for nature lovers, as over a quarter of Costa Rica’s land is protected in perpetuity. This makes it a global leader in conservation. It is home to 28 national parks, with Manual Antonio National Park being the most-visited.
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