last minute travel january 2023

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Discover some of the top last-minute vacation deals in 2024

Whether planning a spontaneous romantic break for 2 or an impromptu trip with the whole family, Expedia helps you effortlessly find last-minute vacation deals. Explore a wide selection of last-minute vacation packages and book your flights, accommodation, car rental, and activities in a few swift clicks. Discover cheap last-minute vacations in top destinations across the USA , from California to Florida , New York , Las Vegas , and more. Claim your spot in the sun with last-minute all-inclusive vacation deals on sun-soaked destinations like Mexico and Hawaii . Head over to Europe for a spot of tanning on the beach in Spain and Italy or get to know some of the world’s best ski domains in the Alps . 

Making last-minute vacation plans doesn’t need to be expensive. Expedia can help you find fantastic deals if you plan around 6 weeks ahead of departure and are flexible with your travel dates. You may even find incredible deals on last-minute vacations up to 1 week before you plan to travel if you are flexible with your destination. You may sometimes find large discounts on luxury vacation packages, from Caribbean cruises to beachfront villas, particularly when the destination you are searching for is out of season. From budget-friendly breaks to vacations that are all about pure indulgence, find it all and then some more with Expedia. 

Top destinations for last-minute vacations 

From the incredibly diverse landscapes and travel experiences of Europe to big city trips in New York and well-deserved breathers in sunny Florida, discover some of the top last-minute vacation packages with Expedia. 

Live the high life in Europe 

Head across the Atlantic to explore Europe, a destination that offers everything from the sun-kissed beaches of Spain and Croatia to peaceful Italian villages alive with local traditions and grand old cities like Paris, London , and Rome , where centuries of history are waiting to be uncovered. June to August is peak travel season across most of Europe, but you can often find cheap last-minute vacation packages in the months that bookend peak season. 

Experience the New York classics 

With its towering skyscrapers, world-famous monuments, and vibrant local culture, New York is an iconic destination like few others. Catch a hit Broadway musical, lose yourself among the crowds of Times Square, stroll through leafy Central Park, and grab a deliciously cheesy slice of New York pizza along the way. Christmas in New York is a particularly magical experience, with Christmas markets galore and streets shining bright with lights. 

Soak up the Florida sun 

Fantastic weather, beautiful beaches stretching as far as your eye can see, and world-class amusement parks: it must be Florida. The Sunshine State is a classic destination for last-minute beach vacations thanks to its easy-going atmosphere, fantastic accommodation options, and wide range of activities. A classic destination for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and couples who prefer to work on their tan with a cocktail at hand. 

Live out your California dream 

It is incredibly hard to run out of ideas in California. The Golden State is home to Los Angeles , San Francisco , Yosemite National Park , Lake Tahoe , and an incredibly vast array of seaside towns, beaches, and natural beauty. Enjoy a mix of classic attractions like a visit to Alcatraz Island or Disneyland and pair them up with off-the-beaten-path adventures such as wine tasting in Sonoma County or hikes on the Lost Coast. 

Top cheap last-minute vacation destinations 

You don’t always need to break the bank when booking last-minute vacations. If you are flexible with your travel dates and open to discovering new destinations, you can often find cheap travel deals. Mexico is a favorite for fans of cheap travel, and you can find plenty of hidden homegrown gems in the US, from quaint mountain towns to high-rolling entertainment meccas such as Las Vegas. 

Partake in the glitz of Las Vegas 

Las Vegas is famous the world over for dishing out all the fun, luxury, and extravagance that you can handle and then some more for good measure. Vegas caters to a wide range of crowds, from solo travelers on a party weekend packed with trips to clubs and casinos to subdued and budget-friendly family vacations, where enjoying good food and relaxing by the pool of your hotel are your top priorities. And with Death Valley National Park and the Grand Canyon just a short drive away, adventure seekers will also have plenty on their plates. 

Roam free across the USA 

The USA offers a wonderful range of last-minute vacations for travelers on a budget. Discover a new part of the country on a city break to Detroit , Phoenix , or Houston . Strap on your hiking boots and head off on an adventure in Yellowstone or Glacier National Park, or simply rent a car with Expedia and embark on the road trip of a lifetime as you drive the historic Route 66 that takes you all the way from Los Angeles to Chicago. 

Enjoy the unique charm of Mexico 

From the resorts of Cancun to the beachside villas of Tulum , Mexico is a favorite for travelers chasing budget-friendly sun, fun, and great food. Explore last-minute vacation packages in some of Mexico’s most famous coastal gems, from Playa del Carmen to Acapulco . Spice up your trip with a stay in Mexico City , one of the world’s most exciting capitals, where culture, history, authentic cuisine, and entertainment converge. 

Top last-minute all-inclusive destinations 

Not only are last-minute all-inclusive vacation deals convenient, but they can also be a great way to save money if you are open to traveling to destinations outside of the busier tourist seasons. Hawaii and the Caribbean are 2 incredible island getaways that continue to appeal to the distinguished traveler, while San Diego offers a different but just as wonderful a type of coastal haven experience.  

Get a taste of the good life in Hawaii 

With its pristine beaches, stunning tropical landscapes, and relaxed pace of life, the volcanic archipelago of Hawaii offers a unique island experience on US soil. Water sports and outdoor adventures are firm favorites on the island. Golfing is also popular, with more than 70 golf courses spread across the territory. Make the most of deals on last-minute all-inclusive vacations on seafront resorts for an unforgettable experience. 

Play it cool in the Caribbean 

From Aruba to Saint Martin , Jamaica , and Antigua , the Caribbean boasts some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches and resorts, where all-inclusive is typically the name of the game. Spend your days relaxing in style on the beach or sipping on cocktails from the fabulous vantage point of your hotel’s swim-up bar, before enjoying exciting evenings filled with delicious local cuisine and traditional entertainment. 

Get in on the fun in San Diego 

With miles of immaculate beaches, fantastic weather, and a wide range of family-friendly attractions, San Diego is deserving of its nickname of America’s Finest City. Explore last-minute all-inclusive vacation deals on the fantastic resorts and boutique hotels that line the coastline of the city and make the most of thrilling activities as diverse as whale watching in the Pacific Ocean, craft beer tasting in the hip bars of North Park, or visiting the world-famous Legoland . 

Everything you need to know about last-minute vacations 

When is it best to book last-minute vacations.

Prices for last-minute vacation packages are usually at their lowest between 8 and 4 weeks before you plan to travel. You may find extra discounts 1 or 2 weeks before your travel dates when hotels, airlines, and car rental companies are trying to book their remaining seats, rooms, or cars.

Is it cheaper to book last-minute vacations?

Being flexible with your dates and destination is often the key to finding great last-minute vacation deals. But even though prices may become lower in the weeks preceding your departure, it is usually cheaper to book your travel in advance, particularly if you are traveling outside of the US. And regardless of the time of the year, Expedia is your 1-stop shop for booking your entire vacation, from hotels to flights, car rental, activities, and more. Stay safe in the knowledge that your last-minute vacation package is covered by ATOL protection.

How can I find some of the best last-minute vacation deals?

Expedia has one of the widest selections of last-minute vacation deals at some of the best prices on the market. Use the filters to select your preferences and find the last-minute vacation packages that are right for you. Filter your search results according to price, hotel class, guest ratings, and more. For a vacation where convenience is your priority, search for properties that offer deals on last-minute all-inclusive vacations. Bundle your accommodation with flights, car rental, and more, and all you need to do when you arrive at the airport is sit back, relax, and let the fun begin.

What are some of the best destinations for last-minute vacations in the US?

Some of the best destinations for last-minute vacations in the US include the neon-lit strip of Las Vegas, the pristine beaches of San Diego, and the lively vacation hotspot of Florida with its world-famous amusement parks. And if you’re planning a romantic trip for 2, there aren’t many destinations that can beat New York.

What are some great destinations for last-minute weekend breaks?

A city trip is a fantastic option when you just have a weekend to spare. California is home to fantastic cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. San Francisco features stunning vistas, world-class museums, and iconic streets. In LA, it’s all about having fun on the beach during the day before hitting up a wide range of entertainment options in the evening, while hopefully rubbing shoulders with a famous actor or two. Expedia helps you find last-minute vacation packages for some of the most exciting cities in the US and around the world.

What are some of the best destinations for a last-minute all-inclusive vacation?

Nothing says all-inclusive vacation more than a luxury resort on a tropical island like Hawaii or one of the many Caribbean islands. Make the most of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fantastic weather, and let Expedia help you iron out the details when booking your upcoming last-minute beach vacation.

Where should I go for cheap last-minute vacations?

Mexico is home to incredible seaside resorts that are as stunning as they are friendly on your wallet. Explore a wide selection of cheap last-minute vacations in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Puerto Vallarta and prepare yourself for a fun and lively vacation where delicious food, stunning beaches, and vibrant local culture are the stars of the show. 

Can I book last-minute vacation packages with free cancellation and/or flexible dates?

You can find last-minute vacation packages that are covered by a free cancellation policy or that allow you to rebook your travel dates by adjusting your search filters to show accommodation and car rental where cancellations are permitted. When booking vacation packages that include flights, please make sure to check the cancellation policy of your airline before you book

Why should I book my last-minute vacation packages with Expedia?

Expedia is your 1-stop-shop for booking all the ingredients that make up your last-minute vacation package, from flights to accommodation, car rental, activities, and more. By booking all the elements of your vacation together, not only do you enjoy Expedia’s competitive prices, but you also unlock extra savings on the total cost of your vacation.

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The best US travel deals for January

Though much of our focus recently has been on securing the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals , the deals don't stop in the new year. In fact, January is a prime time for budget-conscious travelers to continue saving money.

From New York City to Napa Valley (and many destinations in between), there are many places across America that you can visit on a budget when the first month of the year rolls around.

Here's how to save even more money when traveling in January.

New York City: Hotel Week

Although it seems like New York City is always expensive, NYC Hotel Week offers travelers the chance to save up to 23% at more than 140 properties across the five boroughs for stays between Jan. 3 and Feb. 12.

The discount is for standard room rates at brands like Hyatt , Marriott and Hilton , among others.

For example, with the promotion, cash rates for a stay on Jan. 3 at the Hyatt Centric Times Square New York in a standard room with a king-size bed start at $216 (excluding taxes and fees). The same room on that date would otherwise set you back $234 for the member rate, $247 for the World of Hyatt members advance purchase rate and $280 for the standard nonmember rate. So, you could save $64 by choosing this special promotion.

To take advantage of this promo, visit NYC & Company's official website . From there, you will be directly linked to special booking pages for each hotel where the promotional code should already be applied. If a code is not automatically entered, try using the code "HTLWK" to view Hotel Week prices.

Related: These are the best New York City hotels for families to check out

If you end up visiting the city for Hotel Week, be sure to check out NYC & Company's other NYC Winter Outing offerings from Jan. 17 through Feb. 12. During this time, visitors and locals can get special reservations at the city's top restaurants during NYC Restaurant Week , two-for-one Broadway tickets during NYC Broadway Week and two-for-one tickets to popular attractions and museums during NYC Must-See Week .

The average domestic round-trip airfare for January 2023 is $230, but the average flight to New York City in January costs $190, according to data provided by the booking site Hopper.

Some of the airports with affordable round-trip flights to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in January include:

• Nashville International Airport (BNA), starting at $77 on Spirit.
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), starting at $138 on JetBlue, American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
• O'Hare International Airport (ORD), starting at $148 on both United and Delta.

Related: 1st look: Newark's stunning new terminal is enough to change the airport's reputation

Other domestic cities: Chicago and Los Angeles

Though generally less expensive to visit than New York City, Chicago is also an option in winter; January is the cheapest month to fly to the Windy City. During January, flights drop an average of 33% in price, according to booking portal Kayak , which says to book at least two weeks before departure to score a flight priced below average.

The average round-trip flight to Chicago in January is $187, while the average hotel room costs $140 per night, per Hopper data.

Last month, we found flights from across the U.S. to Chicago at the start of the year for less than $200 round trip , including on United, American, Delta and Southwest. Those flights are still available at the same price.

For example, you can currently book round-trip flights to ORD from the following airports:

• BOS and Bradley International Airport (BDL), starting at $118 on Delta and United.
• Denver International Airport (DEN), starting at $68 on Frontier.
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), starting at $114 on American.

With your well-priced flight in hand, consider the below Chicago properties, which have starting rates at a little more than $100 per night:

• Hyatt House Chicago / West Loop-Fulton Market, where rates start at $113 per night.
• Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile, where rates start at $127 per night.
• The Drake (Hilton), where rates start at $131 per night.
• Hyatt Regency Chicago, where rates start at $147 per night.
• Swissotel Chicago (Accor), where rates start at $152 per night.
• LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton, where rates start at $168 per night.
• Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites, where rates start at $168 per night.

Related: Book this, not that: Get the most value from your hotel points in Chicago

If Chicago in the winter is too cold for you (frankly, there is a reason flights are cheap), consider Los Angeles ; flights to the City of Angels are nearly half off their normal price tag, according to Kayak . Those who prefer Northern California will find a slight drop in flights to San Francisco in January as well, Kayak reports .

Though the average round-trip flight to LA is slightly more expensive than to Chicago ($228), the average cost of a hotel room in LA in January is just $118 per night, per Hopper.

Escape the cold of Chicago for sunny LA with round-trip flights to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) starting at $158 in January on United and American. Or, fly from EWR to LAX for as little as $180 with Alaska, United or JetBlue.

Once you find a flight, know that there are many Hilton-affiliated properties in central LA for less than $200 per night throughout the month, including:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown, where rates start at $180 per night.
• The Wayfarer Downtown LA, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, where rates start at $191 per night.
• Hilton Checkers Los Angeles, where rates start at $193 per night.

Two Hyatt properties are available at similar rates. Hotel Figueroa has rooms for as little as $141 per night, while Tommie Hollywood rooms are bookable starting at $185 per night.

Although IHG and Marriott properties are more expensive, you can still find good rates with these brands, too, including:

• The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles (Marriott), where rates start at $203 per night.
• Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown (IHG), where rates start at $212 per night.
• Sheraton Grand Los Angeles (Marriott), where rates start at $229 per night.
• InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown (IHG), where rates start at $244 per night.

Related: From downtown to the Westside and beyond: Los Angeles hotels you can book on points

National parks and winter-themed activities

Not only can you usually get a reprieve from the usual national park crowds by visiting during the winter months, but you may also enjoy more comfortable conditions when visiting certain parks, such as those in desert settings that can see temperatures climb above 100 degrees in the summer.

Related: 10 of the best national parks to visit during winter

From Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park in California to Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, there are several national parks in the U.S. that feature desert landscapes.

Because most national parks welcome fewer visitors when temperatures drop, you'll usually find flight deals.

For example, Kayak reports that January is the cheapest month to fly domestically to larger airports by Yellowstone National Park, including Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR), Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Billings-Logan International Airport (BIL). Oftentimes, these airports are less expensive to fly to than smaller regional airports closer to the parks.

Similarly, United currently has round-trip flights in January from EWR to Bangor International Airport (BGR) — the closest major airport to Maine's Acadia National Park — that start at $188.

Time your visit to coincide with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and you may even be able to enter for free: The holiday is one of five dates when entrance fees are waived . For 2023, the holiday falls on Jan. 16.

An added bonus to visiting in January is that there are winter-specific activities only available at certain parks during winter. For example, at Yellowstone, you can take a guided snowmobile tour. You can also go skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, ice skating and snow tubing at a number of parks, including Acadia, Yosemite National Park in California, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Olympic National Park in Washington.

Related: The 20 national parks every traveler needs to see at least once

Wine country in winter

Northern California's wine country — specifically Napa Valley — is also far less crowded and cheaper to visit in January, as the fall harvest season is over and temperatures have fallen.

Beyond saving money, you'll have the chance to enjoy some timely events specific to winter, including Napa Valley Restaurant Week , which takes place from Jan. 20-29 in 2023. You'll also find special deals from wineries, such as the Winter in the Wineries Passport , which allows visitors to taste and tour 16 wineries for only $75.

If you plan to stop in San Francisco as part of your Napa Valley visit, you can save some bucks along the way — hotels there often cost less than what you'll pay to stay in the Napa area . The following are just a few San Francisco hotels currently showing availability in January for less than $250 a night:

• Hilton San Francisco Union Square, where rates start at $160 per night.
• Parc 55 San Francisco — a Hilton Hotel, where rates start at $174 per night.
• The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square (Marriott), where rates start at $201 per night.
• Kimpton Hotel Enso (IHG), where rates start at $216 per night.
• JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square, where rates start at $228 per night.
• InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco (IHG), where rates start at $244 per night.

Related: Book this, not that: San Francisco hotels

Bottom line

The average hotel room in the U.S. costs $230 per night in January, according to Hopper, and it can be hard to find ways to cut expenses when you travel, even during historically slow seasons like winter. Fortunately, there are some domestic destinations that you can visit without breaking the bank.

To help you stick to a smaller budget, start your search with Google Flights to see if you can find a timely flight deal. Remember to look for limited-time offers for reduced rates at hotels, too, such as the annual NYC Hotel Week deal for properties throughout New York City.

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10 Best Places to Travel in January 2024

Here are 10 of the best places to visit in January in the United States and around the world.

Best Places to Travel in January in the United States

• Best Places to Travel in January Around the World

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Whether you’re looking forward to ski season or aiming to escape to someplace warm to kick off 2024, we have ideas for you. Those seeking sunshine might travel to Panama, the Maldives, or the Caribbean, while snow sports fans can find their fun in Vail or Switzerland. Travelers who appreciate off-season deals might consider Monaco or Savannah, Georgia, and for more stateside history and beauty, consider a trip to Alabama. 

Wherever your January takes you, we hope it will be the beginning of a year of travel to new destinations and favorite places. Here are 10 of the best places to travel in January in the United States and around the world. 

Stephen Poff/Alabama Tourism

The birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama is an inspiring destination during the month of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. In Montgomery, visitors can experience landmarks like Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Dr. King preached his message, as well as the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, and the Civil Rights Memorial designed by Maya Lin. Stay in Montgomery, and if time allows, head south to Alabama’s beaches , where it’s pleasant to be outside even in the winter months. The Gulf Shores area is located along the Mississippi Flyway migration route, and birdwatchers flock to the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail to spot species they rarely see.

Where to Stay: Stay at the conveniently located luxury boutique Trilogy Autograph Collection Hotel in Montgomery. 

Vail, Colorado

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Ski season is prime time to visit Colorado, and Vail is a great spot to hit the slopes. The quaint town is modeled after a Bavarian village, with pedestrian streets, world-class restaurants, shops, cafés, and luxury hotels. Vail is perfect for skiers who visit for its nearly 200 trails and for non-skiers who enjoy apré-ski activities without ever going out in the snow. Vail’s public art collection includes paintings, sculptures, and murals, ideal for a pleasant stroll through town. After a long day on the slopes, we recommend checking into one of the luxe spas at the many high-end hotels. You can fly into Denver and drive about two hours to Vail, or take a flight into the nearby Eagle County Regional Airport .

Where to Stay: Top places to stay in Vail include Grand Hyatt Vail , The Arrabelle , The Lodge at Vail , Antlers at Vail , The Sebastian-Vail .

Temecula, California

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About 90 miles south of Los Angeles and 60 miles from San Diego, Temecula Valley is a popular Southern California wine destination with nearly 50 award-winning wineries. Hot air ballooning, hiking, horseback riding, and golf are great local activities. You can also go wine tasting or visit area breweries and distilleries. Old Town Temecula has a historic feel and a community theater that hosts comedy shows, tribute bands, jazz concerts, and more. 

Where to Stay: Hotels, vacation rentals , and Pechanga Resort & Casino are among places to stay. For a particularly unique experience, stay at Europa Village , where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Spain, France, or Italy without dusting off your passport. Accommodation options here include casitas and suites with easy access to wine tasting. 

Related: 12 of the Best Wineries in Temecula Valley 

Savannah, Georgia

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Take advantage of off-season prices by booking a getaway to Savannah in January. Crowds at city attractions will likely be thin — this is usually Savannah’s coldest month, though temperatures rarely fall below 40 degrees and often reach the 60s. And there are plenty of things to do in Savannah , from museum visits to meals at popular dining spots. Explore the riverfront, browse unique shops, and find a place that serves fresh seafood. 

Where to Stay: If you’d like to stay along the river, consider the sophisticated Thompson Savannah , set in the Eastern Wharf district. Or choose Perry Lane Hotel in the heart of historic downtown Savannah. For a unique Savannah experience, visit Cohen’s Retreat , set in a restored century-old building that now features a restaurant, bar, live music nights, and a boutique that showcases the work of local artists. You can even stay nearby at one of their cottages. 

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Best places to travel in january around the world .

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Summer crowds are gone, and while temperatures in the 50s likely mean no swimming or sunbathing, there’s still much to enjoy in Monaco during this time of year. In addition to exploring Old Town, where you will see the 13th-century Prince’s Palace of Monaco and the Baroque 17th-century Museum of the Chapel of the Visitation, you can shop and stroll in Monte Carlo, on the same streets where Formula One cars speed during the famed Monaco Grand Prix. From Jan. 19-28, the 46th Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo comes to Monaco with thousands of international circus acts. A range of hotels offer attractive prices in the off-season, too. 

Where to Stay: Consider a luxe stay at Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo , Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo , or Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo , all part of The Leading Hotels of the World .

The Maldives

January weather is dry and warm in this nation of more than a thousand islands, about 200 of which are inhabited. Clear seas, coral formations, and marine life make it a favorite destination for divers and snorkelers, and the destination’s overwater bungalows and remote location make it a honeymoon haven. No matter your reason for visiting, you’ll want to experience the beaches and beautiful scenery. Many resorts cater to families, groups, and solo travelers. 

Where to Stay: Places to stay include all-inclusive resorts , budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and liveaboards. For a wellness-focused visit, consider Joali Being or Velaa Private Island with its Wellbeing Village. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru , Dhawa Ihuru , and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands offer kids’ activities, making them great for families. 

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

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This volcanic archipelago is known for its fascinating wildlife, including many species unique to the islands. January is an ideal time to see land birds nesting and sea turtles laying their eggs on the beaches. The seas are relatively calm in January, and comfortable water temperatures allow for swimming, though there may be some rain as the wet season begins. Most visitors tour the islands via cruise ; operators include Hurtigruten Expeditions , Ecoventura , and Integrity Luxury Yacht , among other cruise lines. 

Where to Stay: Another option is to stay on land at Pikaia Lodge, Relais & Châteaux , located on Santa Cruz Island. The luxury property features both land tours and yacht day cruises, so guests enjoy the comfort of the lodge with opportunities for hiking, diving, fishing, and wildlife spotting.  

Pawel Toczynski/Getty Images

Warm and dry in January, with average temperatures in the high 80s (except in the highlands, where the weather is cooler), Panama is a great destination this time of year. Thanks to the country’s varied landscapes, you can take your pick from cities, deserts, rainforests, islands, and beaches on the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Wildlife enthusiasts might visit Panama’s national parks, while others may want to learn about the Panama Canal — a feat of engineering — with a trip to Miraflores Visitors Center, just outside of Panama City. Music fans may want to time their trip for the annual mid-January Panama Jazz Festival . You’ll also have the chance to enjoy some of the world’s best coffee when you visit Panama.

Where to Stay: If you’re staying in Panama City, consider The Santa Maria , where the 2024 Latin American Amateur Golf Championships will be held in January, or Hotel La Compañia , formerly a 17th-century convent and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s also Buenaventura Resort in beachside Riviera Pacifica and Isla Palenque , a resort set on a private island.

Turks and Caicos

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Turks and Caicos is made up of two island groups with eight major islands; most people stay on Providenciales, the most inhabited island. Providenciales offers stunning beaches, resorts, and vacation villas, plus Providenciales International Airport, ideal for those arriving by air. (Cruise passengers typically arrive at Grand Turk Cruise Center ). You can spend your days lounging on the beaches, fishing, boating, and windsurfing, or go beyond the shores to hike through nature reserves and spot local wildlife. End sun-soaked days with a visit to local bars to enjoy the destination’s music scene and nightlife. 

Where to Stay: Beachfront escapes abound in Turks and Caicos. On beautiful Grace Bay Beach, stay at The Palms , The Somerset , or Grace Bay Club , or choose from boutique properties like Rock House , Wymara Resort & Villas , or The Shore Club .

Switzerland

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Ski season is underway in Switzerland come January, so winter sports fans will find plenty to do. Epic Pass holders can ski Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis , where they’ll find a traditional mountain village, deep powder, and steep slopes. Or, experience the Alps without skis by booking an excursion on Jungfrau Railways that ends at the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 11,332 feet. A thrilling ride on the 10-passenger aerial gondola from the mountain resort town of Grindelwald offers another way to take in the snowy scenery. And in Bern, Switzerland’s historic capital, you can explore the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 12th century. 

Where to Stay: Stay near Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis at The Chedi Andermatt for a luxury experience with a relaxing spa, indoor pool, and heated outdoor pool. Ski at Zermatt and enjoy Matterhorn views with a stay at Mont Cervin Palace or Hotel Schweizerhof . In Bern, stay at Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa for its luxe spa and classic atmosphere.

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Last-Minute Vacation Guide

Feeling spontaneous? Sometimes the best trips are last-minute getaways. Scan your calendar for a free upcoming weekend, but don't fret that you haven't had much time to plan. At the last minute you can grab a flight or hop in the car and spend a memorable weekend in a place you've always wanted to explore or re-visit a favorite travel destination. Stay in a fancy hotel in Las Vegas , a quaint hotel in Denver , or a hip, budget boutique hotel in the Big Apple . If you only have a weekend to spare, try to pick a getaway destination that includes a short scenic drive or a quick flight; that way, you'll be spending more time enjoying your last-minute vacation and less time on getting there. A change of scenery is always good for the spirits, so look into our destination suggestions and great travel deals so that you can have a few travel ideas handy when the mood to escape strikes you! Check out our great deals in popular last-minute getaway destinations. If you don't find a deal that suits you below, enter your details into our FareFinder to find more value travel options.

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Last Minute Deals in Las Vegas

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Las Vegas, Nevada

Run wild in sunny Las Vegas for a truly exciting last-minute getaway trip. Bright lights, buzzing casinos, notorious nightlife - this high-paced city never sleeps. Test your luck in a world-famous casino or shop for high-end fashion to wear at four-star restaurants. Watch astounding acrobats, then catch your breath beside a shimmering swimming pool. For a last-minute vacation, there's just so much to do in Vegas.

On the North Strip, gaze at the hoopla that is Las Vegas from the Stratosphere Tower. Watch waters splash at the famous Bellagio's fountains or ride the monorail to the convention center. The South Strip has all the themed casinos. Take the MGM-Mirage monorail from Mandalay Bay to the Excalibur, getting close to nature at the Mandalay Shark Reef and MGM Lion Habitat. Or stroll the street where the first casinos stood in downtown Las Vegas. This vintage area offers gambling and captivating street acts. And make sure to bring your appetite. Vegas still offers the all-you-can-eat buffets, but it also hosts some of the country's finest restaurants. Take your pick from a handful of celebrity-chef restaurants, including Wolfgang Puck's Postrio, and signature offerings by Michael Mina and Emeril Lagasse.

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Chicago, Illinois

A last-minute getaway vacation to Chicago is a breeze. Whether you're there for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay, you'll find that there are plenty of amazing things to see and do in Chicago. This big city is made up of culturally diverse neighborhoods - visit beautiful parks and the interesting communities around them. Lincoln Park boasts attractions such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Conservatory and the Notebaert Nature Museum. You can view amazing public art in Millennium Park, as well as enjoy free concerts.

If you're going to take a last-minute getaway vacation to Chicago in the summer, Grant Park is the place to be; it's home to the popular Taste of Chicago summer festival and the renowned Buckingham Fountain. In the mood for comedy? A host of famous comedians - particularly Saturday Night Live comics - got their start at the legendary Second City comedy club. And for sports lovers, you can catch "da Bears"; or "da Bulls"; or World Series Champions, the Chicago White Sox or the Chicago Cubs. Just taking a leisurely bike ride or stroll along Chicago's lakefront will take your breath away.

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Last Minute Deals in Washington D.C.

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Washington D.C.

For a fun and easy last-minute vacation, treat yourself to a tour of Washington, D.C. See awe-inspiring monuments and picturesque colonial villages right in the heart of our nation's capital. The famous Metro transit system whisks visitors through the District, stopping near major tourist sights and traveling on into nearby Northern Virginia and Maryland. No visit to Washington, D.C. would be complete without visits to the monuments and memorials honoring the country's presidents, war veterans, and founding fathers. Since few of them are located near Metro stops, many visitors prefer to take a bus tour.

The districts many Smithsonian museums cover a wide variety of topics. Art galleries alone cover American, African and Asian art, plus modern and contemporary works and portraiture. Other favorites include the Air and Space Museum and the National Zoo. If you want to skip all that and just check out a fun neighborhood for your last-minute getaway, stroll the lovely campus of historic Georgetown University, or take a guided tour for an in-depth look. Just outside the gates, be sure to check out the area's colorful 18th-century row houses. Historic sights in the village include the C & O Canal, the Old Stone House and the Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitors and residents flock to the Georgetown Flea Market on Sunday mornings in search of hidden treasure.

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Last Minute Deals in NYC

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New York City, New York

It might seem too big a city to accommodate a last-minute getaway trip, but never fear - because of its sheer number of attractions, New York City is actually an ideal spontaneous trip destination! It's a city of contrasts, where the 24-hour hustle and bustle balances the oases of Central Park and the quietly elegant Hudson River. Stick to one or two fun neighborhoods and you'll get your fill of the Big Apple. Short for "South of Houston"; SoHo is New York's artistic sanctuary and a fantastic area to shop, eat or just hang out. Located in lower Manhattan, it's an eclectic assortment of lofts, combining residential, commercial and gallery space. In the 1960s, artists started inhabiting lofts in the area, which were actually vacated sweatshops.

Today, these live-work units sell for millions of dollars. People are drawn to Greenwich Village by the local diversity, funky shopping, top-notch restaurants and fascinating Old New York architecture. Washington Square is one of the most romantic neighborhoods in the city. Tree-lined streets, pretty brick houses, jazz clubs, coffeehouses and sidewalk cafes - you'll find them all in the Village. Tips for a last-minute getaway: you can most easily snag theater tickets during January and February, but finding a good table at a restaurant can be easier in July and August, when New Yorkers tend to escape the city. Visit New York City between the first of the year and early April for great bargains.

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The 25 Best Websites and Apps to Find Last-Minute Travel Deals [2023]

Alex Miller

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Travelocity

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With so many travel websites out there, it’s tough to know which ones are worth considering when searching for that last-minute travel deal. If you’re looking for a beach vacation , some websites bundle flights, accommodations, and a rental car or transfer into a package deal that can be cheaper than booking the components individually .

Whether you’re looking for a last-minute cruise that includes bonus onboard credit or a late availability small group tour with 20% off the standard price, you’ll be sure to bag yourself a great deal using these recommended websites and apps.

Best for Last-Minute Vacation Deals

Customers can book just about anything on the Expedia platform and mobile app, including vacation packages, flights , hotels , car hire , cruises , and excursions.

Sign up to the One Key rewards program to earn 1 OneKeyCash per dollar spent on hotels, flights, car rentals, and more. OneKeyCash can be redeemed for travel on Expedia as well as through Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Search for your vacation package by defining the destination, departure airport, and trip duration. You can filter your results using a variety of options such as guest rating, hotel amenities, and distance from downtown. Expedia displays Unreal Deals in the search results that are combined package savings equivalent to 1 night’s free accommodation .

Hot Tip:  Customers can book via the Expedia app to receive double reward points!

Pros and Cons of Expedia

• One Key Rewards Program
• Book your vacation package, rental car, and excursions all in 1 place
• Change and cancellation policies differ for individual hotels and airlines; check your small print before booking
• You might miss out on room upgrades by not booking directly

Hotel location is often one of the most important factors when booking a vacation, and Priceline has a great map   to see where the accommodation is located, as well as a pop-up telling you the hotel star rating, price, and customer rating for quick browsing.

If hotel inventory is low for a particular property, Priceline displays when there is 1 room remaining , to ensure you don’t miss out. You can stick with the lead-in package price if you’re happy with the room type and flight times, or you can customize your package with changes/additions (usually at a cost).

Priceline has Express Deals on hotels with up to 60% off for flexible travelers . These opaque deals don’t display the hotel brand until after you book, but you will know the star rating, guest rating, and the general area of the hotel.

Pros and Cons of Priceline

• Detailed map view for hotels
• Express Deals with up to 60% off accommodation
• No rewards program

Orbitz has several search options for vacation bundles, including combinations of flights , hotels , and car rental . From the main search box, you can specify whether you’re looking for direct flights or require accommodation for part of your trip.

Within your search results, you can filter by hotels that offer free cancellation, or by specific amenities such as a swimming pool or all-inclusive board. Register for Orbitz Rewards  and you’ll earn Orbucks to spend on hotel stays . 1 Orbuck can be redeemed for $1 and are earned on the following purchases:

• 1% on flights and packages
• 3% on hotels
• 5% on hotels booked via the Orbitz app

Pros and Cons of Orbitz

• Easy to book packages with or without car rental
• Orbitz Rewards Program
• Orbitz Rewards Program is not as generous as Expedia’s reward program for redemption value

Travelocity is another site where you can book everything together, or add-on elements, such as excursions, after you’ve booked. Travelocity searches over 400 airlines and 1 million properties worldwide to display the best deals for your vacation.

It’s quick and easy to register for a Travelocity account , and doing so will unlock an extra 10% off selected hotels . If you find a hotel, flight, cruise, or car rental at a lower price elsewhere, Travelocity will refund you the difference with its price match guarantee . This is up to 24 hours after you’ve booked for most travel components — for hotels, the price match is right up to the day before you’re due to arrive.

Pros and Cons of Travelocity

• Book everything in 1 place
• An extra 10% off hotels for Travelocity members
• Price match guarantee
• No loyalty program

Travelzoo is a travel aggregator that rounds-up the best deals from multiple websites and links you through to the appropriate website to book. As Travelzoo has a huge database, these deals have been negotiated specifically to promote to members and are time-limited.

Although you can search for deals departing on specific dates with Travelzoo, it pays to be flexible and let the deal dictate your dates. Head over to the Top 20 Deals page that changes weekly to reflect the very best offers tested and verified by the Travelzoo team.

Pros and Cons of Travelzoo

• Exclusive offers negotiated specifically for Travelzoo members
• Fully refundable deals available
• Limited-time offers and often only a set number available at the special deal price

Best for Last-Minute Flight Deals

Kayak is a metasearch engine, finding and returning flights that match your search criteria, without actually booking with Kayak. The best thing about Kayak is how many filters you can use to narrow your search , saving you time trawling through irrelevant results. Filter by direct flights only, carry-on or checked luggage, take-off or landing times, airline alliances, and much more.

Sign-up for Kayak Price Alerts to receive email notifications when prices change based on your search criteria.

Pros and Cons of Kayak

• Lots of filters to refine your search
• Booking direct with an airline so any frequent flyer points can be earned
• No loyalty program since bookings are not with Kayak

CheapOair is an online travel agent with bookings made directly with CheapOair. When searching for a flight, the results page tells you if a price is valid on a limited number of tickets to ensure you don’t miss out on that price.

The CheapOair rewards program gives members up to 20% off flights and up to 55% off hotels . For signing up, members receive 500 points and a further 500 points for their first booking. After you’ve booked once or spent $1,000, you’ll move to the Silver tier, where members earn 1 point per $1 spent. Gold and Platinum tiers provide higher point earnings. 1 point = 0.5 cents, so 200 points would be required to redeem $1 in travel credit.

Pros and Cons of CheapOair

• Rewards program with member discounts and reward point earnings
• CheapOair credit card available with 7 points earned per $1 spent
• Charges a booking fee (although occasionally has money-off promo codes for the fee)

Hot Tip: Download the award-winning CheapOair app and receive 2 points per $1 spent when booking through the app. 

Secret Flying is constantly on the lookout for pricing errors and super cheap flash sales , which it says saves its customers, on average, 90% on flights. If you’re flexible on dates and destinations, you’re in for a treat, but you can also bag a bargain on a set destination. Download the Secret Flying app and receive notifications with flight deals to your chosen city, country, or region.

Pros and Cons of Secret Flying

• Cheap airline error fares are often honored by the airlines
• Push notifications with flights matching your criteria
• Deals aren’t as helpful for travelers inflexible with destination or travel dates

Google Flights has a clean, simple interface and some handy tools to find cheap flight deals. If you’re flexible on destination and are just interested in the best deal, you can input your departure airport and use the map view to view prices around the world .

If you know your destination but are flexible on the date you travel, take a look at Google’s price graph that displays the cheapest and most expensive days to fly .

Pros and Cons of Google Flights

• Bookings are directed to the airline, so you can earn loyalty program points
• Price graphs to identify the cheapest travel dates
• Doesn’t always display the cheapest flights that might be available with a small online travel agent
• Occasionally displays a price that no longer exists

Hot Tip:  Check out our dedicated guide on how to use Google Flights to find cheap flight deals. 

AirfareWatchdog employs real people to scour thousands of sites for the best flight deals, including error fares . If you’re looking to jet off last minute, or are flexible with your date of travel , that’s when you can really bag a deal with AirfareWatchdog. Prices are also tracked over time, so you can be confident when AirfareWatchdog flags a great deal as it knows the best time to book.

Sign-up for airfare alerts and you’ll receive updates to your email inbox when flight prices increase or decrease .

Pros and Cons of AirfareWatchdog

• Real people search and flag the best flight deals
• Price alerts that help you decide the best time to book
• Only compares flights and hotel prices, so you’ll need to search elsewhere for car rental and excursions

Best for Last-Minute Accommodation Deals

Booking.com is the go-to accommodation booking site for millions of travelers, providing a seamless search and booking experience. Travelers can browse hotels, apartments, and other unique properties all over the world, with many offering free cancellation.

When you complete 2 stays within 2 years, you’ll automatically receive Genius level 1 status to benefit from 10% off selected properties. Members that complete 5 stays within 2 years will receive level 2 status, with up to 15% off, free breakfast, and free room upgrades with selected properties.

Pros and Cons of Booking.com

• Automatic enrollment in the Genius loyalty program
• Free cancellation is offered on many properties
• You won’t earn hotel loyalty points because you are not booking directly with the hotel

Last Minute Travel lives up to its name by providing excellent deals on last-minute hotels, flights, car rentals, cruises , and more. Flexible travelers will love the Undercover Hotels feature, where super low offers keep the hotel’s identity a secret until the booking is completed. You’ll know the hotel’s general location, star rating, guest review score, and board basis to help make your decision.

Join the Last Minute Travel Club to benefit from exclusive member-only deals and to earn points towards free travel . Membership is $50 per year, and if you don’t save the cost of your membership through your exclusive deals, you’ll receive a voucher to cover the difference.

Pros and Cons of Last Minute Travel

• Undercover Hotels provide up to 65% off, revealing the hotel name after booking
• Filter hotel results by Tripadvisor review scores
• $50 membership fee for the Last Minute Travel Club
• No map to search for hotels in a particular area

Hopper is a clever little app that predicts hotel and flight prices up to a year in advance with 95% accuracy . You could save up to 40% on your hotel by booking with the app. Hopper will send you push notifications about recent searches and alert you to price rises and increases for particular properties.

The color-coded calendar displays what dates have the cheapest rates using green, amber, and red highlighting. Once you’ve searched for a destination, you can choose to “watch” specific hotels to receive push notifications with hidden deals  that can’t be found anywhere else online.

Pros and Cons of Hopper App

• Intelligent predictions on the best time to book
• Hidden deals that are not available anywhere else
• You can’t contact Hopper’s customer service team by telephone — this must be done through the app

Hundreds of thousands of hotels, apartments, and holiday rentals are available to book on Hotels.com in over 200 countries and territories. You can book via its website or app and sign up to receive emails with secret prices for email subscribers only .

You can filter your search by the usual star rating, guest review rating, price, etc., but also by proximity to key landmarks or by accommodation theme, such as luxury, historic, and romantic.

Hotels.com participated in the One Key rewards program, which allows you to earn and use points on travel booked through Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo.

Pros and Cons of Hotels.com

• Secret prices for email subscribers
• One Key rewards program

Tripadvisor might be your first port of call to check reviews for just about anything travel-related, but you can also search for hotel deals . When selecting your stay dates, Tripadvisor highlights the cheapest days in orange on the calendar, so you’ll know what days to avoid. Your search results can be filtered by your minimum and maximum budget, amenities, and distance from popular landmarks, in addition to many other options.

Alerts tell you if the price is a certain percentage lower than usual , so you’ll know whether you’re getting a good deal. As bookings are not made with Tripadvisor, your search results will tell you which website the deal is available with and displays comparison pricing against alternative websites.

Pros and Cons of Tripadvisor

• Color-coded calendar reflecting cheapest dates
• Alerts flagging if a specific price is cheaper than usual
• Prices displayed often don’t include taxes and fees

Best for Last-Minute Cruise Deals

Keep an eye on last-minute offers with CruiseDirect.com , where a cancellation may mean you can get your hands on a prime stateroom at a fantastic price . Check back regularly as prices fluctuate depending on how long is left before a cruise departs . Bonus inclusions and offers are displayed with little icons indicating free onboard spending, discounted shore excursions, or low deposits.

There are no booking fees with CruiseDirect.com, and the company has a price match guarantee if you find the same offer elsewhere.

Pros and Cons of CruiseDirect.com

• No booking fees
• Offers are generally not exclusive, so you could book them with any other cruise provider

Cruise.com gives customers access to special pricing and extras that can’t be booked anywhere else . Visit the Last Minute Cruises page and filter by cruise duration to see available deals, including cashback offers, onboard credit, and free gratuities.

If you know what cruise line you want to travel with, you can head straight to the individual deals page for the company, or if you know where you want to go or where you want to depart from, Cruise.com also features destination and port-specific deals pages. You can also register with Cruise.com to receive exclusive rates and discounts .

Pros and Cons of Cruise.com

• Dedicated last-minute cruise page with special offers
• Register with Cruise.com to receive exclusive rates and discounts
• The website is very busy and cluttered.
• No price guarantee is offered

CruisesOnly prides itself on its industry-leading expertise, with all agents having been professionally certified by each of the cruise lines. So you can bag yourself a last-minute deal while speaking to a cruise expert that can tell you which cruise liner will best suit your needs.

CruisesOnly has a price match guarantee , where it will refund you 110% of the difference if you find the same offer on another website. After your second booking, you can join the CruisesOnly Loyalty Club to receive free onboard credit or an Amazon gift card.

Pros and Cons of CruisesOnly

• Price match guarantee refunding 110% of the difference
• Loyalty program rewarding repeat customers
• The site can be very busy, making it hard to narrow down to the cruise you really want to take

Cruisewatch is a metasearch site that monitors over 25,000 cruise deals and holds pricing data from the last 5 years to analyze when the best time is to book . Take a look at the Cruise Price Drops page to see how pricing has fluctuated over the last 90 days and to check predictions on when to expect the best price.

When you’ve found the perfect deal, you have several options for how to book. Either click Book Now and you’ll be directed to a partner website to complete your booking, fill out the online booking form to be contacted by Cruisewatch, or call a customer service agent to book immediately.

Pros and Cons of Cruisewatch

• Analyzes historical pricing data to predict the best time to book
• Price alerts to keep up to date with price changes
• Confusing booking process with multiple options

Costco Travel is available to Costco members only, with membership costing $60 or $120 depending on whether you go for Gold Star or Executive level. Like Costco’s warehouse merchandise, only top quality cruises are promoted with Costco Travel, and Executive members benefit from an annual 2% reward with all travel purchases .

Some cruise offers include bonuses such as Costco Shop Cards or onboard credit .

Pros and Cons of Costco Travel

• Executive members benefit from a 2% annual reward on travel purchases
• Some offers include Costco Shop Cards or onboard credit
• Offers are only available to Costco members

Hot Tip:  To view more popular websites for booking cruises at the lowest price, check out our dedicated article .

Best for Last-Minute Tour Deals

Intrepid is a B Corp accredited tour company that considers its corporate social responsibility as much as its bottom line. It runs sustainable small group tours all over the world and caters to solo travelers with shared rooms to avoid single supplements .

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking to explore a new destination alongside your creature comforts, Intrepid has a tour to suit you. Itineraries and inclusions are clear on the tour page, and you can secure your place on the tour for 5 days until you’re ready to pay your deposit . Check out the Travel Deals page for discounted and last-minute offers.

Pros and Cons of Intrepid

• Shared room options for solo travelers to avoid single supplements
• Clear itineraries and inclusions with optional extras
• Some tours are combination trips, so your travel companions may change midway through a tour

Gate 1 Travel provides small and large group escorted tours to all 7 continents. Visit the Special Offers page to see flash sales, last-minute deals, and featured destinations with extra savings . It’s always fun sharing the experience with a friend, and existing Gate 1 Travel customers can refer a friend to both receive $50 off a future booking .

Tours come in a range of travel styles, including Value, Classic, Deluxe, and Express, so you can choose the tour that best suits your travel style.

Pros and Cons of Gate 1 Travel

• Dedicated page with flash sales and last-minute deals
• Refer a friend program
• Supplement applies for solo travelers

Trafalgar offers over 300 tours , ranging from sightseeing and safaris to family and solo travel. You could save up to 15% on last-minute trips or plan in advance for 10% off early bird bookings on selected trips . Tours are focused on seeing bucket list icons, connecting with locals, and staying in accommodation with local heritage.

Order a free brochure to start planning your trip or check out the great customer reviews .

Pros and Cons of Trafalgar

• Up to 15% off last-minute bookings
• Wide range of tours and a great customer review rating
• Optional tour extras, such as excursions, can be pricey

TourRadar is an online travel agent, so it’s a great place to compare prices between a variety of tour operators . Over 40,000 tours are featured online, including large providers such as Intrepid , Trafalgar , and G Adventures . Bookings are made directly with TourRadar, who have a 24/7 support team via phone, email, or online chat.

TourRadar offers last-minute deals, early bird offers , and a selection of tours that are buy 1 get 1 free . It doesn’t get much better than that!

Pros and Cons of TourRadar

• Last-minute deals and buy 1 get 1 free offers
• Bookings are not made directly with the tour operator, so you won’t benefit from any repeat customer deals

Contiki offers tours for travelers from 18 to 35 years old to 6 continents (just missing Antarctica to get the full house). Contiki strives to provide sustainable travel , protecting the local communities and wildlife that form part of its tours.

Discounted tours are featured on its deals page, and customers can be book confidently with the knowledge that they can change their booking up to 30 days before the departure and move their flexible deposit to another tour or date .

Pros and Cons of Contiki

• Free changes up until 30 days before your tour and a flexible deposit
• Great for solo travelers with room sharing
• Free onboard Wi-Fi is limited

The key to bagging yourself a fantastic last-minute deal is flexibility. If you know the destination you want to travel to and the exact date you want to depart, chances are your choice will be limited. Opaque hotel deals can save you money on your accommodation if you can handle not knowing the hotel brand until after you’ve booked.

Many online travel agents have loyalty programs, so in addition to your great last-minute offer, you can collect points towards free future travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best site for last-minute vacation deals.

Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz, Travelzoo, and Travelocity are great for finding last-minute vacation packages. Searching for a deal is easy and you can filter your results to the packages that suit your criteria.

Do last-minute holidays get cheaper?

Last-minute travel can often be cheaper as travel companies discount their inventory to fill spaces and cover operational costs. Sometimes, last-minute flights can be more expensive as seat prices increase depending on demand.

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Founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, Alex is a leader in the industry and has earned and redeemed millions of points and miles. He frequently discusses the award travel industry with CNBC, Fox Business, The New York Times, and more.

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Last-Minute Deals

Ever booked a vacation spur of the moment? No time like the present! Celebrate the moment with an unexpected getaway. Just make sure you book soon to take advantage of these special deals. Free cancellation on most hotels up to 24 hours before your trip. Because flexibility matters.

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Trump International Hotel Las Vegas

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The Horton Grand, Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

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The Sofia Hotel

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The Marker San Francisco

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The Donatello

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Club Wyndham Canterbury

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Prince Waikiki

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OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort

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OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

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OHANA Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER

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Silver Legacy Resort Casino at THE ROW

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Circus Circus Hotel Casino Reno at THE ROW

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Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW

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Barsala At Canyon Flats

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Green Gables Inn, A Four Sisters Inn

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Marbella Lane Triplex San Jose

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Quartz Hotel & SPA

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Baja Inn Hoteles Rio

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Baja Inn Hoteles La Mesa

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Gamma Tijuana

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Hôtel de Banville

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Hotel Yllen Eiffel

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Chaminade Resort & Spa

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Mediterranean Inn

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The Delaney Hotel

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DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Airport

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Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall

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Westgate Palace Hotel / Universal / I-Drive

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Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile

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1 Hotel Nashville

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Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta

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Old 77 Hotel

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Magnolia New Orleans

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The Lancaster Hotel

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Wyndham Houston near NRG Park/Medical Center

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Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun - All Inclusive

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Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún - Adults Only - All Inclusive

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Hotel NYX Cancun All Inclusive

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Altitude at Krystal Grand Cancun - All inclusive

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Mayfair House Hotel & Garden

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Palazzo Lakeside Hotel

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Ramada by Wyndham Kissimmee Gateway

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Westgate Town Center Resort

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Alhambra Villas

Last-minute hotel deals.

Sometimes you just need to get away. Whether you’re traveling for business or for fun, search Travelocity’s last-minute travel deals when it’s time to get out of town.

Planning a trip ahead of time isn’t always possible. Sometimes life happens and you simply don’t have time to arrange an entire vacation. Travelocity has plenty of great options for travelers making last-minute plans. If you’re looking to save a few bucks on your upcoming trip, you’ve come to the right place! With a little help from your friends at Travelocity, you can score last-minute vacation deals that won’t break the bank.

From a simple room with a bed to a luxury resort that has all the amenities you could ask for, there are great deals to be found if you simply know where to look. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of hotels with last-minute deals that will provide you with a welcoming place to call home while you’re out of town. You’ll be saving on cost, but you won’t be missing out on clean, comfortable rooms and must-have amenities.

Find the hotel that best suits you and take advantage of the great deals at Travelocity. You’ll sleep even better in your hotel room knowing that you saved a bundle booking with us.

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All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions--please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

Hotels: Offers valid at participating hotels only. Minimum night stay may be required and rules, restrictions, and blackout dates may apply. Please check individual property for details. Hotel prices displayed are per room per stay based on the cheapest double room available on the specific dates shown. Prices are updated regularly and are accurate when published. Applicable discount, if any, will be applied to the price of selected hotels, excluding taxes and other fees. Hotel savings are based upon Travelocity's everyday hotel rates, excluding taxes and other fees for the date(s) searched. Additional terms may apply.

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Air Pricing: Sample air prices are quoted for one adult and include taxes and fees for round-trip travel on the promoted airline from the specified airports, inclusive of all taxes. Prices do not include baggage fees that may be charged by the applicable airline. Actual price may vary based on time/date of search, booking date, travel dates, origin, and destination, and blackout periods may apply. Please check airline for details. Lower fares may be available to selected destinations. Prices, quoted in U.S. dollars, are updated regularly and are accurate when published. Portions of these flights may be operated by the airlines code-share partners. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights/dates. Fares and rules are subject to change without notice. Tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable. Read the complete penalty rules for changes and cancellations applicable to the fare you're considering booking.

Package: Package prices quoted are per person per stay based on the cheapest return flights and two people sharing the cheapest double room at participating hotels, inclusive of all taxes, on the specific dates shown, and blackout periods may apply. Please check individual property and airline for details Package prices do not include resort fees or other fees charged directly by the included hotel. Package prices do not include baggage fees or other fees charged directly by the airline for the included flight. Prices are updated regularly and are accurate when published. Savings based on the price of the hotel + flight booked together, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings are not available on all packages. Package offers are subject to all applicable terms and conditions for hotel and air. Additional terms may apply.

Car: Sample rates displayed are for the travel period represented. Rates may vary by date, pick-up/drop-off location, and availability. Prices are updated regularly and are accurate when published. Applicable discount, if any, will be applied to the price of selected car, excluding taxes and other fees. Car charges are billed at time of rental, unless otherwise indicated. Certain conditional charges may apply to your rental; these charges are not included in price shown. Charges for optional services are not included. Offers vary by vendor, are subject to availability and may be discontinued without notice. Rules, restrictions, and blackout dates may apply. See vendor pages for further details.

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10 Best Places to Travel in January

Begin your year of adventure on the right foot—be it on the road, seas, or on skis..

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Yes, we love making New Year’s resolutions, too—only to fail to follow through before the month is out. Why not make yourself a promise that you’ll find easy to keep?

Let’s travel more in 2024, compensating with gusto for the skipped trips of the past few years. We’ve got some suggestions to ignite your wanderlust, whether it’s an alfresco rave in subzero temperatures or a canny way to head out on safari and sidestep the usual crowds.

Here are the 10 best places to travel in January.

Parc Jean-Drapeau once hosted the World’s Fair in 1967—hence the futuristic, EPCOT-like Biosphere dome, which is its hallmark.

Photo by Pinkcandy/Shutterstock

1. Montreal, Canada

January is great for: subzero roller-discos

Are you ready to rave? Come with an open mind and a couple of puffer jackets to celebrate Igloofest . The 16th edition of the party runs from January 18 to February 10 in the Old Port of Montreal , celebrating electronic music of all kinds from around the world. This year the organizers are expanding their offshoot Igloofête from one Saturday afternoon to four, with a free concert from 1 to 6 p.m. and programming that stretches beyond dance music; it’s intended to be family friendly, too.

If you need a little downtime from the DJs, head to the free-to-access Fête des Neiges de Montréal in Parc Jean-Drapeau. It takes place on winter weekends and includes classic activities like ice skating and ice carving, as well as skiing and snowboarding lessons for beginners.

Where to stay

• Book now: Hyatt Centric Ville-Marie Montreal

This 177-room property , part of Hyatt’s funky, affordable Centric brand, is right on the St. Lawrence river in the heart of Old Town; ask for a room on one of the higher floors for superb views out across the city.

How to get to Montreal

Air Canada connects YUL with several U.S. cities, including Denver, Chicago, and New Orleans, while Canadian low-cost carrier Lynx has service to Las Vegas. The legacy U.S. carriers all operate flights there from their major hubs.

Festival winners in 2023 included The Stroll , a documentary about trans sex workers in Manhattan, and A Thousand and One , which took the top prize and was the debut project from female writer-director A.V. Rockwell.

Photo by PureRadiancePhoto/Shutterstock

2. Park City, Utah

January is great for: bragging rights that you saw the first screening of a future Oscar winner

The Sundance Film Festival remains the ultimate endorsement for indie outfits, a place which can turn a movie into a phenomenon. This year’s fest kicks off on January 18 and is the 40th edition since its founding by heartthrob turned entrepreneur Robert Redford; it’s also the first under new director Eugene Hernandez, best known before as the cofounder of Indiewire and a prominent LGBTQ journalist in the entertainment field.

The lineup, which will include almost 100 feature films plus 60 or more shorts, will be shown at various venues around town; the event climaxes with the awards show, this year held on January 26.

• Book now: Westgate Park City Resort & Spa

Hotel capacity downtown is notoriously tight during the fest, so instead opt for a ski resort nearby like the Westgate Park City , a 10-minute drive or so. It has four-bedroom loft rooms, which sleep 16 and so can keep costs manageable for group trips.

How to get to Park City

The best option is flying into Salt Lake City, 30 miles away. It’s one of Delta’s main hubs, the carrier offers direct flights to countless cities across the country.

If you’d like to ski down the Dolomites as part of the International Dolomites Run, it’ll cost 100 euros to enter.

Photo by Pawel Szadkowski/Shutterstock

3. The Dolomites

January is great for: testing your ski mettle in a series of ferocious races

This month, come to the mountains to try your hand at the International Dolomites Run, which has taken place here for more than five decades just over the border from Italy in Lienz, Austria. It’s open to both pro and amateur skiers, and there are six different races on the three days from January 19.

Last year, it introduced a new EasyRace for beginner skiers and those with physical challenges as a gesture of inclusiveness, but the focus here is really on elite sportsmanship: The event’s anchor is the marathon on Sunday morning known as the Dolomitenlauf . It’s run over two distances, 20 km and 42 km—last year, the latter was won by Italian Mario Brigadoi (whose day job is as a chimney sweep) with a time of just over two hours.

• Book now: Forestis

The aptly named Forestis is a four-year-old, 62-room resort in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. The ski-in, ski-out property has panoramic views of the mountains, plus a rooftop bar that, at 5,900 feet above sea level, is one of the highest in the world.

How to get to the Dolomites

The smartest service to Milan is on Emirates from JFK, which is usually far cheaper than any rivals because it’s a Fifth Freedom flight . From there, one of Italy’s surprisingly efficient trains will quickly whisk you to the Dolomites from the Italian side.

Costa Rica has become a shorthand for sustainable tourism in Central America, but it’s not the only destination that outdoorsy enthusiasts should consider in the region.

Photo by Stacy Funderburke/Shutterstock

4. Emerald Coast, Nicaragua

January is great for: an eco-adventure without the crowds

Nicaragua is quietly emerging as a less trafficked alternative with equally impressive natural wonders but far fewer crowds. And in January, which averages just one day of rain and consistently sees temperature in the 80s, it’s even more appealing to visit.

The country’s standout is the Emerald Coast, a 30-mile stretch of Pacific shoreline and dry tropical forest. There are more than 300 days of offshore winds here year-round, and sites like Popoyo Beach have become a haven for extreme wave-chasers. They were the only tourists until a decade or so ago, when new upscale accommodations started luring barefoot luxe types to the region.

Come now for horseback riding on the beach, and hike through the forest; look for the darting brilliance of the guardabarranco, Nicaragua’s national bird.

• Book now: Mukul Resort

After a six-year closure, the Mukul Resort reopens this month under the guidance of Don Carlos Pellas, the founder of Flor de Caña rum (hence the tasting experiences you can book, too). The 12 villas here each have their own private pools and are decorated with carved teak tables and seashell chandeliers made by local craftspeople.

How to get to the Emerald Coast

Managua is connected to Miami, Houston, and Fort Lauderdale with nonstop flights on United and American. From there, it’s a short flight down to ECI, the airport servicing the Emerald Coast, or about a two-hour drive.

Elephant spotting is one of Odzala-Kokoua National Park’s top activities.

Photo by Roger de la Harpe/Shutterstock

5. Republic of the Congo

January is great for: trekking in a near virgin forest

In 1935, Odzala-Kokoua National Park was created; it was one of Africa’s first and now stretches over more than 5,200 miles of rainforest in the central African country of the Congo. It’s an overlooked gem, which usually attracts a few hundred visitors each year at most—in part, likely because the country is often confused with its more conflict-riddled neighbor, the DRC. Congo is only ranked at level 2 , or exercise increased caution, on the four-stage travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department, which makes it a viable, largely safe destination for adventurous travelers, particularly those keen to see mountain gorillas.

The only private operator in the park is Kamba, run by a wealthy German philanthropist, Sabine Plattner, and it’s smartest to visit under its auspices. Activities here include trekking for western lowland primates, which are smaller and lighter in color than the better known mountain gorilla. (There are almost 60 groups of them nearby). The vegetation here is at its lushest now amid the downpours of the rainy season.

• Book now: Kamba African Rainforest Experiences

Kamba’s lodges , which first opened in 2012, sit in spectacular rainforest locations inside the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. The pick of the bunch is the six-bungalow Nagaga Lodge, set deep in a nearly inaccessible green space, which allows visits to gorillas in near-undisturbed habitats.

How to get to the Republic of the Congo

Maya-Maya Airport, or BZV, in the capital, Brazzaville, has no direct nonstop service from the USA. The best connecting options are Air France, via Paris, which flies from cities including Detroit and Denver, or Ethiopian via Addis Ababa, which serves Atlanta, Chicago, and New York–JFK among others. It’s a 90-minute puddle jumper flight from BZV to the park.

St. Croix’s celebrations are a chance to highlight the cultural heritage of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, which were sold to the United States for $25 million in 1917.

Photo by Nancy Pauwels/Shutterstock

6. St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

January is great for: squeezing a few extra days out of Christmas

Epiphany marks the climax of the month-long Crucian Christmas Festival, when a parade of masqueraders will snake through the streets of Christiansted and Frederiksted on St. Croix, the largest island in the USVI cluster . Before that, there’s also the J’Ouvert food fair and Village Nights, when local and international music acts will perform; this year’s headliner is Afrobeats artist Davido from Nigeria, though expect the programming to be heavy on soca and local acts.

Come to St. Croix now and it retains a less frenzied feel than other hustle-driven U.S. Virgin Islands, which can feel thronged with cruise ship passengers. And if your passport has been mired in bureaucracy as you’ve tried to renew it, don’t fret—remember you can use a state-issued ID for a visit.

• Book now: The Buccaneer

This huge resort , spread over 340 acres and overlooking Christiansted harbor, is owned and operated by an island family; it has a vast roster of never-need-to-leave amenities, including eight tennis courts, two pools, and its own 18-hole golf course.

How to get to U.S. Virgin Islands

American Airlines is usually the easiest way to reach the Caribbean, and St. Croix is no exception—there’s nonstop service from both MIA and CLT. But you can also get direct service from FLL on Spirit and a Delta plane from ATL.

In January, Fargo’s average high is around 16 degrees Fahrenheit.

Photo by Sunil GC/Unsplash

7. Fargo, North Dakota

January is great for: realizing it isn’t cold—it’s cool

For six weeks starting on January 13, locals make the most of their maximum winter via the Frostival , a wittily named bash that its organizers hope will make everyone think “cold is cool.”

The programming stretches to more than 40 events, but over the first two weeks it includes everything from cardboard sled races down Mickelson Sledding Hill (bring your own box) to family-friendly s’mores evenings at local ice rinks and a weekend of 10-minute plays. Beyond the Wonderland is a particular highlight: Teams come to build snow forts and then test their strength via a subsequent snowball fight, with a celebratory DJ-driven after-party. There’s a snow sculpture contest at Viking Ship Park and even a candlelit trail walk at night—bundle up especially warm—to go star spotting and gorge on hot dogs and chocolate.

• Book now: Brewhalla

This 40-room boutique hotel , which opened in the summer, is a kitschy joy, with each of its rooms themed around a different beer from the Drekker Brewing Company, which has an event space below. Expect warehouse chic–style rooms, each with graffiti splattered walls and neon signage.

How to get to Fargo

Delta offers service from Minneapolis, while Allegiant connects with the sunbelt, including Orlando and Tampa, as well as Las Vegas.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

January is great for: previewing the Mardi Gras mayhem at a leisurely pace

Sneak into the Big Easy this month for a chance to sample the frenzied glamour of Mardi Gras without the crowds. Epiphany, or January 6, is when locals switch their excuse to party from Christmas to Easter, and Mardi Gras begins. The king cakes will appear drizzled in Day-Glo frosting and with one charm inside; if you snare the figurine, said to represent Jesus, you’re sure of good luck for the year.

There’s a parade to celebrate Epiphany here, of course, kicking off Carnival season at 7 p.m. in the French Quarter. It’s a relatively new tradition, barely 15 years old, but well attended nonetheless. The city rolls out a series of smaller bashes throughout the month, too, so you can enjoy the Mardi Gras vibe without the madness that will descend later (this year, it’s February 13). Take your pick per your interests: January 20 is the date for the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus nerd parade, while the female-skewing Krewe Boheme lets the bon temps rouler on January 26.

• Book now: ONE11 Hotel

The 83-room building opened three years ago in what was once a sugar refining warehouse in the French Quarter (hence it doesn’t offer suites, but “sweets”). Come for a drink on the rooftop to avoid the crowds in the streets nearby.

How to get to New Orleans

MSY underwent a $1.3 billion overhaul four years ago that made it a joy to use—and it’s connected with direct flights to most major metro hubs, including Philadelphia and Las Vegas.

Small boats can moor at places that larger commercial vessels can’t reach.

Courtesy of Monica & Michael Swee / age fotostock

9. French Polynesia

January is great for: cruising ’round hard-to-reach atolls

French Polynesia ’s islands are scattered confetti-style across more than 1,200 miles of sea in the South Pacific; the distances between them make sailing the best (and most enjoyable) way to see most of them. Variety Cruise itineraries unlock many of the hardest-to-reach spots thanks to the small boats it operates.

The new itineraries take in islands like Raiatea—where you can pick up superb locally grown vanilla—as well as diving hot spot Rangiroa. The highlight, though, is Makatea . The coral atoll was once aggressively mined for phosphates, leaving its surface pock-marked with hand-dug holes. Now, its straight white cliffs draw climbers where barely 100 people live full-time.

• Book now: Panorama II

Variety ‘s two-masted, 49-person motor sailer Panorama II is only 164 feet long but incorporates an outdoor sundeck, a lounge, and a library.

How to get to French Polynesia

For Californians, the eight-or-so-hour flight is surprisingly handy. There’s service from LAX to the main island on Delta, Air France, and Air Tahiti Nui; United and Gallic low-cost carrier French Bee operate nonstop from SFO. Air Tahiti Nui also runs to Seattle.

January is a glorious time to explore, when the roads will be quieter and the weather more dramatic—expect a chance to really embrace the wilderness in Ireland.

Photo by shawnwil23/Shutterstock

10. Western Ireland

January is great for: roaming around the entire coast

The Wild Atlantic Way brings together more than 1,600 miles of scenic roads and trails around Ireland ’s ruggedly gorgeous west coast. It runs from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal until it terminates in County Cork in the charming town of Kinsale.

More than 150 locations along the way are signposted as noteworthy or worthwhile, but only 15 are marked as Signature Discovery Points. These are the unmissables en route; they include the UNESCO-endorsed Cliffs of Moher and the 700-plus-foot tranches of rock that tumble into the Atlantic in County Clare.

Traveling the entire route at a leisurely pace would likely take around four weeks, but you can easily carve out a section to enjoy for a few days.

• Book now: Adare Manor

Indulge your inner aristocrat with a night or two at one of Ireland’s top luxury hotels that’s now owned by racehorse magnate J.P. McManus. He sunk a chunk of his fortune into upgrading the 1832 building into a 103-room hideaway that’s anchored by its own Michelin-starred restaurant, the Oak Room .

How to get to Western Ireland

Shannon Airport is the international hub for the west coast, with direct nonstop flights from there on Aer Lingus to both Boston and NYC–JFK.

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Cheap Caribbean package deals

Most popular caribbean flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to caribbean, last minute vacation packages to caribbean, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in caribbean, tips for finding caribbean package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Caribbean and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $701; Family vacation $662; Romantic vacation $802; Luxury vacation $823; Budget vacation $460.

Why should you book a vacation package to the Caribbean?

When should you book a vacation package to the caribbean.

The Caribbean experiences hot weather throughout the year with the highest rainfall being in May. The average temperature is about 81 degrees Fahrenheit and the months between January and April are the best for holidaying.

In these months after the conclusion of the most hectic season, vacation packages are cheaper. At year's end various carnivals take place on islands such as Curaçao and Aruba.

Where should you stay in the Caribbean during your vacation?

For any vacation type in the caribbean:.

If you prefer to explore the island of Aruba, then either an all-inclusive or a beachfront hotel is a good pick. The Marriot Resort is a beachfront hotel with a surf club, a spacious dining area, swimming pools, and a casino.

If you opt for the British Virgin Islands, then the beachfront Anegada Beach Club is a viable option. It houses a bar and restaurant within walking distance of a spectacular coral reef ideal for snorkeling. Both hotels offer an inclusive pick-up from the airport.

For family vacations in the Caribbean:

The Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort in Aruba is a 4-star, Dutch-themed hotel, be-fitting a family holiday. The rooms boast a kitchenette. Kids under 12 can share a single room with their parents at no extra cost.

If you travel to Bermuda, then you might want to book at the Coco Reef Resort. It has air-conditioned rooms and outdoor pools with a beachfront view. The resort has a private supervised beach, making it kid-friendly.

For romantic vacations in the Caribbean:

The Royal Palms hotel is a 19th-Century colonial manor designed in an 18th-century British architectural style. It has a wine cellar, beautiful gardens with sun loungers, and an outdoor swimming pool. The daily wine reception is a great way to spend a romantic evening.

The Flora Suite Hotel Curaçao is an adult only, all-suite establishment. It features a spa, two restaurants, and two bars, including a poolside bar. The Parasasa beach is a 6-minutes walk while the Blue Bay Curaçao Golf Resort is just over 4 miles away. The rooms have a wet bar and a stand-in tub while the living area is spacious enough for a romantic candle-lit dinner delivered by room service.

For luxury vacations in the Caribbean:

The Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino is 7 miles from Queen Beatrix International Airport. Features include mini-bars, coffee makers, and balconies with an ocean view. There's also access to lounges with free happy hours, and the suites have pullout sofas.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana is located in the Dominican Republic. It houses a casino, a beauty salon, a spa, a golf course, 13 pools, and 9 restaurants. Out of these restaurants includes a breezy Brazilian eatery and a Japanese grill. The upgraded suites have dining areas, whirlpool tubs, and butler service.

For budget vacations in the Caribbean:

The Rincon Of The Seas Grand Caribbean Hotel is located in Puerto Rico. It has beach access, tropical gardens, and an outdoor poolside bar. Any 2 children under 13 years of age can vacation with their parents in the same room at no extra cost, courtesy of sofa beds.

The Holiday Inn Resort Grand Cayman is a beachfront hotel with a scenic view of the ocean. It's located 5 1/2 miles from the Owen Roberts International Airport and 1 mile from the North Sound Golf Club. The rooms are equipped with coffee makers, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Relax in the pool bar after a session in the fitness room or tennis court.

Where to stay in Caribbean

Caribbean vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

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25 Cheap destinations for 2024 with great weather in January

January of 2024 looks like it will be booming for the travel industry after a few really bad years, so booking early is almost certainly going to save you money. The good news is there are many great destinations with warm weather all around the world, so you’ll have more choices than you probably dreamed of. The list below shows all of the best vacation choices in different areas and all of them have warm weather and most are on beaches.

It’s worth noting that the first week in January is one of the busiest weeks of the year for travel due to the holidays celebrated around the world, so it will be much more expensive than the rest of the month. In other words, if you can start your trip on January 9 or later, you’ll save a lot of money.

If you are mostly interested in beaches, scuba diving, and other water sports you should start with our list of the  cheapest Caribbean islands  to see which ones are in your price range.

Go later in January if possible

Pretty much everywhere on earth that has warm weather in January has its peak season for hotel rates from Christmas through the first week in January. If you are joining that crowd you have a lot of great options, though very few of them will come cheap. The good news is that by the second week of January, hotel rates and airfares have come down again to “high season” rates rather than “peak season” rates. If you can wait, it will save you quite a bit.

By the way, we have a separate list of  cheap beaches to spend Christmas and New Year’s around the world  if that’s what you are mainly after.

This article was updated as of September, 2023.

New video showing most of the places mentioned below

I’ve started a Youtube channel and one of my first videos is based on this article. Please give it a watch as it shows most of the places listed with hotel prices and much more.

Important global holidays in 2024

• January 1 – New Year’s Day (public holiday in most of the world)
• January 6 – Epiphany (minor holiday in many Christian countries)
• January 15 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day in USA (most banks and offices closed)
• January 26 – Republic Day in India (major national public holiday)

The Americas

Obviously the first week of January is peak season for most Latin American and Caribbean destinations, so book early to lock in the best deals. After that January will remain high season through that same region, but plenty of bargains are out there if you look around.

The Caribbean

The new trend is towards all-inclusive hotels, but you may not realize that they are mainly concentrated in only a few places. Specifically, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica are where you’ll find most of them, although many even cheaper ones are on the Mexican coast in Cancun and just to its south. For most people, an all-inclusive resort will end up saving a lot of money, as long as you aren’t so interested in exploring the whole island.

Where to find the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean

The best deals in the Caribbean are at all-inclusive resorts, and that is even more true if you are someone who likes to have at least a few alcoholic beverages each day along with some great meals. Here’s a video explaining exactly where to find the best resorts that are also very cheap.

• 13 Cheapest Caribbean all-inclusive destinations
• 32 Caribbean destinations from cheapest to most expensive
• Best budget Caribbean destinations for different kinds of holidays:  All-inclusive, cultural, nightlife, super-cheap, weekend trips, and more

Cancun, Mexico

• January avg high: 82°F/28°C
• January avg low: 69°F/21°C
• January avg precip: 5.4″/13.5cm

It’s worth noting that “Cancun” is a huge area with plenty to offer. The actual hotel zone in Cancun is mostly high-rise hotels overlooking beaches, while if you go about an hour south you’ll arrive in  Playa del Carmen , which is a lovely and tourist-friendly town with smaller hotels and excellent choices for dining, nightlife, and shopping. Just a short ferry ride from Playa you’ll be in  Cozumel , which is a small island that is also worth considering.

>>>New: Guide to choosing where to stay in the greater Cancun area

• 3-star hotels from: US$51 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$87 per night for two people
• All-inclusive hotels from: US$219 per night for two people

>>> Check current Cancun resort and package deals

Montego Bay, Jamaica

• January avg high: 84°F/29°C
• January avg low: 72°F/22°C
• January avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm

Montego Bay is also home to one of the Caribbean’s largest and busiest airports so flights here are usually direct and often cheap compared to some of the smaller islands. You won’t find the super-low all-inclusive prices here that you can find in the Dominican Republic (see below), but still there are some all-inclusive options that are good value and high quality. Interestingly enough, two of our 11 Best luxurious all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are on Jamaica, and one is in Montego Bay itself, with overwater bungalows!

By the way, if you’d prefer to stay along a wonderful beach lined with small hotels, restaurants, and bars, then head to nearby  Negril  instead of Montego Bay or  Ocho Rios .

• 3-star hotels from: US$87 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$104 per night for two people
• All-inclusive hotels from: US$277 per night for two people

>>> Check current Montego Bay resort and package deals

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

• January avg precip: 0.7″/1.8cm

The first week in January will be booked early but after that it’s normal room rates, which are great bargains compared to the rest of the Caribbean. The all-inclusive resorts here start at a bit over US$200 per night for two people, including room, meals, and unlimited drinks. The better places obviously charge more, but there are plenty of good resorts that receive solid reviews near the lower end of the scale. Punta Cana is honestly the best place in the Caribbean for all-inclusive resorts because there are around 80 to choose from. In fact, Punta Cana also ranks at the top of the list of the best family destinations in the Caribbean .

• 3-star hotels from: US$52 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$91 per night for two people
• All-inclusive hotels from: US$242 per night for two people

>>> Check current Punta Cana resort and package deals

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

• January avg low: 62°F/17°C
• January avg precip: 1.3″/3.3cm

Puerto Vallarta is also notable because it’s an actual historic city with an interesting traditional center, rather than just a purpose-built row of beach hotels like in Cancun. If you are in California you might also consider  Los Cabos , although Puerto Vallarta is more interesting and usually cheaper as well.

• 3-star hotels from: US$42 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$153 per night for two people

>>> Check current Puerto Vallarta resort and package deals

Mexico City, Mexico

• January avg high: 70°F/21°C
• January avg low: 42°F/6°C
• January avg precip: 0.4″/1.0cm

Mexico City can make for a great trip all by itself, with fascinating sights, great shopping, and excellent nightlife, but it’s also close to ruins and many other interesting sights that can make for good day trips. Flights from almost anywhere will be fairly cheap this time of year, at least compared to Europe or most of the Caribbean. And in case you aren’t familiar with Mexico City as a tourist city, it’s FAR nicer and safer than you probably imagine, and far more interesting as well. English isn’t widely spoken outside of hotels and tour companies, so if you don’t speak Spanish it’s wise to at least pack a menu translation app.

• 3-star hotels from: US$63 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$84 per night for two people

>>> Mexico City prices >>> Check current Mexico City hotel and package deals

Ambergris Caye, Belize

• January avg high: 75°F/24°C
• January avg low: 70°F/21°C
• January avg precip: 4.5″/11.3cm

Caye Caulker is a similar and smaller island even a bit closer to Belize City, and prices there are lower for hotels and for food. There’s also Dangriga and the Placencia Peninsula which are both great choices for sunny holidays. Dangriga has interesting culture while Placencia has the better beaches. Even San Pedro is fairly cheap by most standards, and the round-the-clock warm weather is enchanting even when it rains a bit.

• 3-star hotels from: US$131 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$329 per night for two people

>>> Ambergris Caye prices >>> Check current San Pedro/Ambergris hotel and package deals

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

• January avg high: 92°F/33°C
• January avg precip: 0.1″/0.3cm

January is part of the high season so the resort hotels aren’t cheap, but at least there are a few good all-inclusive resorts that are good value. You can see by the price quotes below that 3-star hotels are MUCH cheaper in this area, so that is something to take into account. The cheaper hotels will have much more of a local feel, while the 4-star beach resort hotels are mostly chains and offer a high level of luxury for the price.

• 3-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$311 (all inclusive) per night for two people

>>> Guanacaste prices >>> Check current Tamarindo hotel and package deals

Cartagena, Colombia

• January avg high: 85°F/29°C
• January avg low: 75°F/24°C
• January avg precip: 0.2″/0.5cm

Of course the first week of January is still the peak season for hotels and flights, and the rest of the month is in high season, so hotel deals might be challenging to find. On the other hand, it’ll still be far cheaper than almost anywhere else in the Caribbean, so if you can’t afford Cartagena you should stay home.

• 4-star hotels from: US$109 per night for two people

>>> Cartagena prices >>> Check current Cartagena hotel and package deals

• January avg high: 79°F/26°C
• January avg low: 68°F/20°C
• January avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm

The historic city center is quite interesting, but many will choose to stay in the trendy Miraflores district along the beach instead. There’s more restaurants and tourist infrastructure there, yet it’s a short ride into the center for sightseeing. By the way, the rainy season in  Cusco  goes on in January, so the trails can sometimes be cut off, although many people go anyway.

• 3-star hotels from: US$49 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$86 per night for two people

>>> Lima prices >>> Check current Lima hotel and package deals

Santiago, Chile

• January avg high: 86°F/30°C
• January avg low: 55°F/13°C

Many people include Santiago on a trip combining many different South American countries, but those who don’t want to jet around quite that much will find that Chile itself is loaded with great sights. There’s the colonial town of  Valparaiso  and great adventure activities in the foothills of the Andes. Book well in advance to get the best deals.

• 3-star hotels from: US$61 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$105 per night for two people

>>> Santiago prices >>> Check current Santiago hotel and package deals

Buenos Aires, Argentina

• January avg high: 87°F/31°C
• January avg precip: 4.7″/11.8cm

Another thing to note about Buenos Aires compared to most other South American cities is that BA is more about culture, food, and other indoor pursuits. It’s a great place for just strolling in the shopping districts when it’s not too hot, but even when it’s raining or too muggy outside you’ll have an endless list of interesting things to see and do, all quite cheap for what you get.

It’s important to mention the currency situation in Argentina because it’s unlike almost anywhere else on earth. Long story short, if you bring in crisp, new US dollars or Euros you can exchange them on the “blue rate” and get about twice as many Argentine pesos as you would if you used the ATMs when you arrive. In other words, research Argentina blue rate or blue dollar and this place is literally half the price it otherwise would be, and it’s already fairly cheap.

• 4-star hotels from: US$68 per night for two people

>>> Buenos Aires prices >>> Check current Buenos Aires hotel and package deals

Bariloche, Argentina

• January avg high: 71°F/22°C
• January avg low: 44°F/7°C
• January avg precip: 1.0″/2.5cm

This place used to be a German settlement, so it still has an abundance of small chocolate shops and some architecture to carry on that theme. These days this is a busy winter resort and a busy summer resort, with a wide variety of water activities available. Even in high season, prices here should be at least a bit below those in Buenos Aires, so it will feel like a bargain for most foreign visitors.

You might also consider including  Mendoza  on your trip, which is the main wine region of Argentina, and also good value.

• 3-star hotels from: US$83 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$119 per night for two people

>>> Bariloche prices >>> Check current Bariloche hotel and package deals

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• January avg high: 90°F/32°C
• January avg low: 73°F/23°C
• January avg precip: 5.1″/12.8cm

Hotels along the famous beaches will be quite expensive in January so finding a bargain will be tough, but if you are willing to stay 2 or 3 blocks inland you can find nice places for a fraction of the price. Book well in advance to get the best deals since in busy season like this prices generally just keep going up as the dates approach.

• 4-star hotels from: US$94 per night for two people

>>> Rio de Janeiro prices >>> Check current Rio de Janeiro hotel and package deals

Needless to say, there are no destinations in the main part of Europe that could qualify as having great weather in January, but there is still one place worth mentioning…

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

• January avg high: 69°F/21°C
• January avg low: 59°F/15°C

This island has many hundreds of hotels and holiday rentals, and it’s very popular with the British as well as others from northern European countries. January is part of the high season in Tenerife for hotel prices, but it’s still inexpensive by European or global standards. The area in the southwest corner of the island is where you’ll find most hotels and beach resorts that cater to an English-speaking crowd.

• 3-star hotels from: US$74 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$93 per night for two people

>>> Tenerife prices >>> Check current Tenerife hotel deals

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt

• January average high: 71°F/22°C
• January average low: 55°F/13°C

While the weather in January is going to be too cold to enjoy a swim in the ocean, it’s obviously far warmer than you’ll find anywhere in Europe or even Turkey this time of year. As of a few years ago Sharm was unbelievably cheap because some people were worried about unrest, but those days are over and things are back to normal. It’s still cheap by almost any standard, but not insanely cheap like it was in 2021.

• 3-star hotels from: US$34 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$54 per night for two people

>>> Sharm el-Sheikh prices >>> Check current Sharm el-Sheikh hotel and package deals

Cape Town, South Africa

• January avg low: 60°F/16°C
• January avg precip: 0.6″/1.5cm

The tricky part of an affordable holiday in South Africa will always be the airfare. Being so far from almost everywhere it’s tough to find a good price. The good news is that the country is filled with great sights, including safaris, of course, and history, so a 2-week trip can still be affordable all things considered.

• 4-star hotels from: US$98 per night for two people

>>> Cape Town prices >>> Check current Cape Town hotel and package deals

The peak season for all of Southeast Asia starts around Christmas and goes through February, so you won’t be alone and prices are at their yearly peak. The good news is that things are still far cheaper than pretty much anywhere else in the world.

>>> 18 Best Asia destinations in January

• January avg high: 89°F/32°C
• January avg low: 67°F/19°C

Prices in Goa, as well as the rest of India, have been rising steadily in the past few years. It’s more important than ever to choose your resort and area wisely. In Calungute and Baga it might feel like prices are only a bit cheaper than in, say, Spain, but if you go to Anjuna or Vagator and find a family-run hotel and eat in local restaurants you’ll be spending a fraction of that. If you are in the mood to tour around,  Mumbai  has great weather during January, and  Delhi  has warm days but cool evenings this time of year.

• 3-star hotels from: US$43 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people

>>> Goa prices >>> Check prices on India hotels and resorts

Bangkok, Thailand

If you are shopping online for hotels in Bangkok you’ll find that most of them seem quite expensive, at least this time of year. It’s worth knowing that many hotels in this city don’t take online reservations and most of the cheaper ones do accept reservations by email. Meals will be very cheap, especially if you don’t mind eating the wonderful (and safe) street food available on almost every block.

• 3-star hotels from: US$33 per night for two people

>>> Bangkok prices >>> Check Bangkok and Thailand hotel prices

Siem Reap, Cambodia

There are many really expensive hotels in Siem Reap since this attraction brings in almost as many 5-star travelers as it does backpackers, but there are still plenty of cheap guesthouses and even hostels. The price average for a day in Siem Reap is actually quite a bit lower than what is shown here, and it’s only inflated this much because admission to Angkor Wat is quite high if you only go for the one-day option.

• 3-star hotels from: US$28 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$37 per night for two people

>>> Siem Reap prices >>> Check Siem Reap and Cambodia hotel deals

Phuket, Thailand

• January avg low: 74°F/23°C
• January avg precip: 1.2″/3.0cm

January has excellent weather and is incredibly popular in Phuket for Europeans in particular. If you are flying all that way to sit on a beach then you are probably going to want to spend a bit more on a proper beach hotel rather than trying to save money by commuting to the beach from Phuket Town each morning. Book early for the best prices since they usually just keep rising as the dates approach. Another nice thing is Phuket has its own huge international airport so you can fly in from the Middle East instead of having to change planes in Bangkok.

• 3-star hotels from: US$36 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$57 per night for two people

>>> Phuket prices >>> Check for the best Phuket resort deals

Boracay Island, Philippines

• January average high: 82°F/28°C
• January average low: 73°F/24°C
• January avg precip: 3.7″/0.3cm

As a long and thin island just off of a larger island, nearly every hotel on Boracay is within a very short walk of the beach. For that reason there are virtually no super-cheap places but value is fantastic for mid-range and up visitors. Food and drinks are very reasonably priced here, as are things like massages and diving trips. Boracay Island was closed to visitors for 6 months in 2018 and now the infrastructure and environment are in better shape than they’ve been in in years.

• 3-star hotels from: US$57 per night for two people

>>> Boracay prices >>> Check Boracay resort deals

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The weather in January is perhaps the best of the whole year, as the evenings are reasonably cool and it’s less humid that other times. This is also an emerging party city, unlike others in Vietnam, so it works on many levels for the budget tourist or backpacker.

• 4-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people

>>> Ho Chi Minh City prices >>> Check current Ho Chi Minh City hotel deals

Chiang Mai, Thailand

• January avg low: 57°F/14°C
• January avg precip: 0.3″/0.8cm

While Chiang Mai itself may not be as charming as you might expect, considering it’s a historic former capital filled with temples, the best part is that this is a fantastic part of Thailand for trekking and other outdoor activities. Come to Chiang Mai and then shop around for multi-day trips to nearby forests and temples, which are also very cheap, even in January.

• 3-star hotels from: US$24 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$39 per night for two people

>>> Chiang Mai prices >>> Check Chiang Mai and Thailand tour prices

Luang Prabang, Laos

• January avg low: 58°F/14°C
• January avg precip: 0.5″/1.3cm

In the past few years Luang Prabang has gotten many more upscale hotels so it might look like the city isn’t friendly for budget travelers, but there are still many cheaper guesthouses left, although most aren’t bookable online. If you just show up in town there’s a good chance you can find a cheap room, but arrive early in the day if possible. If you are coming on the slow boat you will have plenty of competition for the cheaper beds.

• 3-star hotels from: US$37 per night for two people
• 4-star hotels from: US$55 per night for two people

>>> Luang Prabang prices >>> Check Luang Prabang hotel and resort deals

Middle East

January is cool and even a bit rainy in most of the Middle East. An exception is Dubai (below) and Abu Dhabi, which both have perfect sunny weather. However, Abu Dhabi doesn’t make this list because it’s not really cheap enough for the cut.

Even though Dubai is busy in January, it’s still a good bargain because there are so many hotels and apartment rentals here. The huge airport is also very busy this time of year, though airfares are quite reasonable from Europe and other nearby areas where people are looking for a winter break.

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25 Cheap destinations for 2024 with great weather in January " --> All Comments

Comment*I would like to visit Puket for a week with my 07 old son. Please advice..

I’m not sure what kind of advice you are looking for, but I will try to help. I’d recommend Kata Beach or Karon Beach for a family visit as Patong Beach is very adult-oriented. Let me know how I can help you. -Roger

hey roger. i am from india and planning trip for Seychelles in the month of January 2020 for my 5th anniversary trip. seeking your suggestion.in january will it be a good place to go

Roger are all the places mentioned here safe or are there concerns. My wife are planning to go to Grand Cayman in January but have been there so I found you site have some interested in trying a different venue. Minnesota, U SA

It’s very hard to say what each person means by “safe.” Many Caribbean islands have a fair amount of petty crime, but tourists are rarely targeted. I think I’ve been to every place on the list, but I’m a pretty big guy so I don’t have the same concerns as, say, a smaller young woman.

Take Cartagena, for example. Colombia used to have many unsafe areas with the old rebel group, and cities where drug dealers seemed to rule. Almost all of that is at least 5 years in the past, but there are still warning about taking long-distance buses from Cartagena to other cities since a few of them have been pulled over by criminals. That said, Cartagena itself appears to be extremely safe, especially for tourists in the normal tourist zones.

Another factor is that many people from around the world would not consider Chicago or Detroit to be “safe.” As you probably know, the problems there tend to be focused on gang members in specific areas that are not near tourist areas at all, but some people would still refuse to go to those cities. So unfortunately it’s a complicated question to answer. You might have a look at the US State Department’s list of warnings and the status of each country. Some say they are too cautious, but they at least break down which areas are problematic and which usually aren’t. For example, Mexico has several really dangerous areas in and near border towns, but the Yucatan Peninsula (Cancun etc) hosts many millions of tourists every year and problems are very rare. I hope this helps. -Roger

Hi! Been taking your suggestions for a few years now! I am a 52 ur old single mom who is always traveling with my daughter, 9yrs old.

Trying to decide between Cambodia (Phnom Penh- Island then Siem Rep to finish), Thailand (Chiang Mai, Phuket or Krabi) or Vietnam (not sure where but North looks interesting).

I find it best to stay in one place at least three nights before moving on. We like to include biking and hiking on our journeys!

What do you think?

It’s flattering to hear that you use my advice and keep coming back. It’s good to hear from you again, and I also agree about staying 3 nights in almost any place you go.

This is an interesting question. Personally, I find Phnom Penh to be a bit dull compared to most of the others. But Siem Reap is really nice (and pleasantly mellow), with Angkor Wat being by far the most impressive single sight anywhere in the region. You could actually combine Siem Reap with a Thai island pretty easily, so that’s something to consider.

Chiang Mai is nice, amazingly cheap, and good for hiking and activities outside of town, but to be honest the city center is kind of charmless except for the many similar temples all over the place. So it’s good for backpackers and adventurers, which may work for you. Phuket (I’ve spent a lot of time there) is lined with lovely beaches and it’s huge, but honestly it’s pretty much a generic vacation factory. In other words, if you want a warm place to relax and sit on the beach and have some nice meals and drinks, Phuket is ideal. But if you want to explore your surroundings it’s rather dull.

I haven’t been to Krabi, but it’s smaller and I’ve heard good things about it. I’ve been to Ko Samui, which is nice, and nearby Ko Phan Gan is another to consider.

Vietnam might be the best choice of these. Hanoi and Halong Bay in the north are wonderful, and Hoi An in the center is really lovely, while Saigon in the south is very busy although most people really love it. I spent 4 months in Vietnam and Hoi An was my favorite stop with Saigon one of my least favorite, but you have to go to Saigon for sure and there is a lot to see.

The one tricky thing about Vietnam is that (probably because it used to be communist) you’ll encounter some travel agents (to book local tours and bus and train rides etc) that aren’t as honest as they are in the neighboring countries. And taxi drivers are also a little harder to trust in that they are known to overcharge Westerners (not dangerous though). As long as you know this before you get there you’ll have an amazing time and find dealing with it pretty easy. You’ll be able to book tours (including Halong Bay) and bus rides and train rides through the front desk at your hotel and you can trust them (plus they appreciate the business). And they can arrange taxi rides and transport for you as well. That way you can ignore the people trying to take advantage of you and you’ll be fine (and they are used to being ignored). Honestly I love Vietnam and the food and the people are fantastic as long as you are a bit careful when booking things.

I’m happy to help if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hello Roger,

I’m so glad I came across your site. Can you provide any recommendations for a single woman looking to travel for 2-3 weeks on a spiritual journey. I’m interested in a retreat type trip beginning in early January. I love both the mountain and the sea, so either would do. I would like warm weather. This is for my 50th birthday. The goal is to slow down, reflect, get centered and reconnect with myself. Cost matters, so I need something economical.

For a spiritual journey with warm weather in January that is on the affordable side you’ve got two great choices. They are India and Bali. If you have read Eat, Pray, Love (or seen the movie) you’ll know that India was the “pray” part of the story and Bali was the “love” part. Both are warm and quite cheap, and both are famous for spiritual tourism. India is extremely overwhelming to first-time visitors, but you can minimize the challenge if you spend as little time in the larger cities as possible. Mumbai and Delhi and Chennai and so forth are all insanely crowded, so it’s best to fly into one of them and then immediately take a train or fly into a smaller place and stay there. There are ashrams all over India that are tourist-friendly and will be filled with people doing things similar to what you have in mind. There is a charming small town on the east coast called Puducherry, which used to be run by the French and is more famously called Pondicherry, and that is a place to consider.

As for Bali the main spiritual center is a town called Ubud, which is also where the Eat, Pray, Love woman stayed and it’s quite nice, although quite crowded and touristy as well. If you Google ‘Bali spiritual trip’ or things like that I’m sure you’ll find some options and most will probably be in or near Ubud. That should at least get you started. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

[email protected] My husband and I will be leaving the US for wherever mid January. We travel light so do not want cold weather, although we understand layering when needed. We want to do Air BNB etc. Have traveled quite a bit on our own. Where would you suggest? We will leave the US mid Jan and return to the states in April. Thank you!

It’s hard to make a recommendation without knowing where you’ve been and the type of place you are looking for (beach, city, mountains, natural sights etc?), but that time of year (especially if you want to avoid cold weather) I’d seriously consider Southeast Asia. Bangkok is the main hub and the easiest place to get started, although Kuala Lumpur is another option. That time of year the weather is perfect in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Laos. Those areas are also quite inexpensive so you can often afford really nice hotels instead of simple airbnbs, although those are possible as well.

The other best option that time of year would be Central America and parts of South America. Costa Rica is the best hub in Central America to get started, and Buenos Aires would be a great option in South America, especially if you speak some Spanish. The weather should be really nice that whole time. I’m happy to help with more details if you need them. -Roger

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Russia could begin full mobilisation after 2024 presidential election, Kyiv official says – as it happened

Secretary of Ukraine’s national security and defence council says Russia has increasingly put its economy onto war footing. This live blog is now closed

• Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 635
• 20 Nov 2023 Closing summary
• 20 Nov 2023 At least 11,000 Ukrainian children are reportedly being detained at 43 re-education camps across Russia, says MoD
• 20 Nov 2023 Russia may begin full mobilisation after 2024 presidential election, says senior security official
• 20 Nov 2023 Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch meets Zelenskiy in Kyiv
• 20 Nov 2023 Ukraine sacks two high-ranking cyber defence officials, says government official
• 20 Nov 2023 US defense secretary vows support to Ukraine 'for the long haul' on surprise trip to Kyiv
• 20 Nov 2023 Morning summary
• 20 Nov 2023 Two killed by Russian shelling in Kherson, Ukrainian authorities say
• 20 Nov 2023 US defence secretary visits Kyiv
• 20 Nov 2023 Opening summary

Nato supports Bosnia’s territorial integrity and is concerned by “malign foreign interference,” including by Russia , in the volatile Balkans region that went through a devastating war in the 1990s, Nato’s secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg , has said.

Sarajevo is the first stop on Stoltenberg’s tour of western Balkan countries that will also include Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia, the Associated Press reports.

“The Allies strongly support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia-Herzegovina,” Stoltenberg told reporters. “We are concerned by the secessionist and divisive rhetoric as well as malign foreign interference, including Russia.”

There are widespread fears that Russia is trying to destabilise Bosnia and the rest of the region and shift at least some world attention from its war in Ukraine .

Morning summary

The US secretary of defence, Lloyd Austin, arrived in Kyiv on Monday for a visit. “I’m here today to deliver an important message: the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russia’s aggression, both now and into the future.”

Two people were killed early on Monday after Russian forces shelled a parking lot in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, authorities said. Regional prosecutors opened a war crimes investigation into the artillery strike, which occurred at about 9am (7am GMT) and injured one other person, the regional prosecutor’s office reported.

A Ukrainian soldier and a woman have died after a grenade exploded in a Kyiv apartment, police in the Ukrainian capital have said, but the cause of the blast, which injured a second man, was not immediately clear. Explosives technicians and investigators were working at the scene of Sunday’s explosion in the Dniprovskiy district, Kyiv police said in a statement.

The Ukrainian army said it had pushed back Russian forces “three to eight kilometres” from the banks of the Dnipro River, which if confirmed would be the first meaningful advance by Kyiv’s forces months into a disappointing counteroffensive . Ukrainian and Russian forces have been entrenched on opposite sides of the vast waterway in the southern Kherson region for more than a year, after Russia withdrew its troops from the western bank last November.

A Ukrainian teenager who was taken to Russia from the occupied city of Mariupol during the war and prevented from leaving earlier this year has returned to Ukraine . Bohdan Yermokhin, who turned 18 on Sunday, appealed to Zelenskiy this month to help bring him back to Ukraine. “I believed I would be in Ukraine, but not on this day,” Yermokhin told Reuters while eating at a petrol station after crossing the border.

About 3,000 mostly Ukrainian trucks, including those carrying fuel and humanitarian aid, were stuck on the Polish side of the border on Sunday due to a more than 10-day blockade by Polish truckers, Ukrainian authorities said . Polish truckers earlier this month blocked roads to three border crossings with Ukraine to protest against what they see as government inaction over a loss of business to foreign competitors since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Air defence units in Moscow intercepted a drone targeting the city late Sunday, mayor Sergei Sobyanin said . Sobyanin, writing on the Telegram messaging app, said units in the Elektrostal district in the capital’s east had intercepted the drone. No casualties or damage were initially reported. Air defences had also thwarted a drone attack on the Russian capital overnight to Sunday, authorities said earlier.

Russia launched 20 Iranian-made Shahed drones targeting Kyiv and the Cherkasy and Poltava regions overnight into Sunday, the Ukrainian military said, of which 15 were shot down . The overnight strikes on Kyiv were the second attack on the Ukrainian capital in 48 hours, said the city’s military administration spokesperson, Serhii Popko.

Five people including a three-year-old girl were injured in Russian artillery shelling of Kherson on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian interior minister, Ihor Klymenko , said . “All of them sustained shrapnel wounds. The child and the grandmother were walking in the yard. Enemy artillery hit them near the entrance,” Klymenko said on the Telegram messaging app.

The pro-war Russian nationalist Igor Girkin , who is in custody awaiting trial for inciting extremism, said he wanted to run for president even though he understood the March election would be a “sham” with the winner already clear . Girkin, who is also known by the alias Igor Strelkov, has repeatedly said Russia faces revolution and even civil war unless President Vladimir Putin’s military top brass fight the war in Ukraine more effectively. A former Federal Security Service (FSB) officer who helped Russia to annex Crimea in 2014 and then to organise pro-Russian militias in eastern Ukraine, Girkin said before his arrest that he and his supporters were entering politics.

The Kremlin, facing the prospect of a European Union ban on imports of Russian diamonds, said on Monday that EU sanctions tended to have a “boomerang effect” on those who applied them, Reuters reports.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was commenting on a proposed EU ban on diamond imports from Russia as part of a new sanctions package against Moscow over the conflict in Ukraine .

Russia is the world’s biggest producer of rough diamonds by volume. Peskov told reporters such a move had been anticipated for a long time, but was likely to backfire.

“As a rule, it turns out that a boomerang effect is partially triggered: the interests of the Europeans themselves suffer. So far, we have been able to find ways to minimise the negative consequences of sanctions,” he said.

EU diplomatic sources said last week the proposal under discussion was to ban direct diamond imports from Russia from 1 January and from March to implement a traceability mechanism that would prevent imports of Russian gems processed in third countries.

The Kremlin said on Monday that president Vladimir Putin will set out Russia’s view of what it sees as the “deeply unstable world situation” when he addresses an upcoming virtual G20 summit.

Russian state TV presenter Pavel Zarubin said on his Telegram channel on Sunday that it would be the “first event in a long time” including both Putin and western leaders.

According to the state RIA news agency, the G20 virtual summit will be held on Wednesday.

The Kremlin said on Monday it regretted Finland’s decision to shut crossings on its border with Russia , saying it reflected Helsinki’s adoption of an anti-Russian stance, Reuters reports.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov , speaking at a regular news briefing, also rejected Finland’s accusation that Russia is deliberately pushing illegal migrants towards the border and said that Russian border guards were following all instructions.

Finland, a member of the European Union and – from this year – also of the Nato military alliance, closed four crossings on its border with Russia on Saturday as Helsinki seeks to halt a flow of asylum seekers it says was instigated by Moscow.

The US secretary of defence, Lloyd Austin, arrives in Kyiv on Monday morning.

Two killed by Russian shelling in Kherson, Ukrainian authorities say

Reuters reports that two people were killed early on Monday after Russian forces shelled a parking lot in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, authorities said.

Regional prosecutors opened a war crimes investigation into the artillery strike, which occurred at about 9am (7am GMT) and injured one other person, the regional prosecutor’s office reported.

The Kherson governor, Oleksandr Prokudin, said the two dead were drivers for a private transport business.

Images posted on Telegram showed firefighters dousing cars that had been blasted apart, one day after a separate strike on the city wounded five people, including a three-year-old girl.

Russian forces have regularly shelled Kherson from across the Dnipro River since the regional capital was reoccupied by Ukrainian troops last November.

Ukraine said last week it had secured a foothold on the eastern bank of the Dnipro and that its troops were trying to push Russian forces further back.

US defence secretary visits Kyiv

The US secretary of defence, Lloyd Austin, arrived in Kyiv on Monday for a visit, he said on the X social media platform, Reuters reports.

“I’m here today to deliver an important message: the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russia’s aggression, both now and into the future.”

The visit comes amid increasing division over Ukraine aid in the US legislature. A joint Ukraine-US military industry conference in Washington is due to take place next month.

That event, due to be held on 6-7 December, is intended to boost Ukraine’s domestic arms production as its fight against a full-scale Russian invasion nears the two-year mark.

Reuters reports that a Japanese delegation led by senior industry and foreign ministry officials and including business representatives is visiting Ukraine on Monday for talks ahead of a reconstruction conference that Japan will host, the industry ministry said.

Japan, which has been supporting Ukraine with funds and by accepting refugees since Russia invaded in February 2022, has also been promoting support for Ukraine at the level of the G7, which Japan chairs this year.

Kazuchika Iwata , the state minister of economy, trade and industry (METI), and the state minister for foreign affairs Kiyoto Tsuji , are visiting together with representatives of Japan companies, METI said in a statement.

In Kyiv, the delegation, which includes members of Keidanren, Japan’s biggest business lobby, in charge of a committee on Ukraine’s reconstruction, plans talks with the prime minister, Denys Shmyhal , government officials and companies.

Shmyhal said this month Ukraine would need budget support of about $42bn this year and next year to plug a massive deficit and aid reconstruction from the devastation caused by Russia’s invasion.

METI said the visit was an opportunity to hear about Ukraine’s needs and to discuss specific projects and accelerate public and private efforts to help.

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy – who visited Japan in May during a G7 summit – and the Japanese prime minister, Fumio Kishida, agreed this month to hold a Japan-Ukraine Conference for promotion of Economic Reconstruction in Tokyo on 19 February.

Opening summary

Hello and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the war in Ukraine .

A Ukrainian soldier and a woman have died after a grenade exploded in a Kyiv apartment, police in the Ukrainian capital have said, but the cause of the blast, which injured a second man, was not immediately clear.

Explosives technicians and investigators were working at the scene of Sunday’s explosion in the Dniprovskiy district, Kyiv police said in a statement.

“A citizen contacted the police with a report that an explosion rang out in a neighbouring apartment,” they added.

The news came as Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed the commander of the military’s medical forces , Maj Gen Tetiana Ostashchenko, and said “new priorities had been set” in the operations of Ukraine’s military after a meeting with the defence minister, Rustem Umerov.

“There is little time left to wait for results. Quick action is needed for forthcoming changes,” the Ukrainian president said in his evening video address.

In other key developments:

Russia launched 20 Iranian-made Sha hed drones targeting Kyiv and the Cherkasy and Poltava regions overnight into Sunday, the Ukrainian military said, of which 15 were shot down . The overnight strikes on Kyiv were the second attack on the Ukrainian capital in 48 hours, said the city’s military administration spokesperson, Serhii Popko.

Five people including a three-year-old girl were injured in Russian artillery shelling of Kherson on Sunday morning, the Ukrainian interior minister, Ihor Klymenko, said . “All of them sustained shrapnel wounds. The child and the grandmother were walking in the yard. Enemy artillery hit them near the entrance,” Klymenko said on the Telegram messaging app.

The pro-war Russian nationalist Igor Girkin, who is in custody awaiting trial for inciting extremism, said he wanted to run for president even though he understood the March election would be a “sham” with the winner already clear . Girkin, who is also known by the alias Igor Strelkov, has repeatedly said Russia faces revolution and even civil war unless President Vladimir Putin’s military top brass fight the war in Ukraine more effectively. A former Federal Security Service (FSB) officer who helped Russia to annex Crimea in 2014 and then to organise pro-Russian militias in eastern Ukraine, Girkin said before his arrest that he and his supporters were entering politics.

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