Travel
15 Cheapest Places to Travel in December, According to Kayak
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While December is among the most popular months to travel, that doesn’t mean your trip has to cost a small fortune — especially if you know where to go. To determine the cheapest places to travel in December, we tapped the team at Kayak to assist by pulling flight and hotel data between Dec. 1-31, 2024.
What’s more, explains Kayla Inserra DeLoache, Kayak’s consumer travel trends expert, there are still deals to be had during this time. For example, “If you’re looking to travel somewhere warm, you can snag package deals (flights + hotels) to cities like Tampa, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Las Vegas for under $700.” Meanwhile, for under $1,000, travelers can “head South for bargains in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.” Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the prices listed below each destination include a combined average for round-trip economy airfare and rate for one overnight stay in a standard double hotel room.
From Denver to the Dominican Republic, read on for 15 of the cheapest places to visit in December — many of which make for a short and sweet weekend getaway — that’ll appease even the pickiest of travelers.
Denver, Colorado
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Average Cost: $582 for flight + hotel
The Colorado capital is well known for its ample activities, which run the gamut from scenic hiking to brewery hopping and beyond. In December, average temperatures hover between 49 and 19 degrees Fahrenheit, so while it may be too cold to partake in the former, beer-loving travelers can warm up inside one of the city’s many breweries such as Great Divide Brewing Co. and Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery, to name a few. December is also the perfect time to take advantage of the city’s many indoor attractions, including the Downtown Aquarium, Denver Art Museum, the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Alternatively, head outside of the city and hit the slopes at one of several nearby ski resorts, including Echo Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, Arapahoe Basin, Eldora Mountain, and Winter Park, all of which are within a 90-minute drive of downtown. Lastly, back in Denver, visit Cherry Creek Holiday Market, where you’ll find authentic souvenirs from local vendors, plus the aptly named Mistletoe Lounge, which is the perfect place to post up with a cocktail or two. The event is part of the Cherry Creek North Winter Wonderland programming, which is teeming with fun-filled events and activities.
Where to Stay: Thanks to its many shops and restaurants, Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood makes a great home base for exploring. Here, the hip Moxy Denver Cherry Creek — which features contemporary guest rooms and a bustling on-site bar — offers nightly rates from under $200.
Tampa, Florida
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Average Cost: $618 for flight + hotel
Craving a warm-weather winter escape that won’t break the bank? Look no further than Tampa. Dubbed Florida’s new “it city,” this dynamic destination stands out for its year-round warm, sunny weather (the city boasts over 245 days of sunshine each year) and bustling neighborhoods, including the trendy Water Street Tampa. Meanwhile, the two-plus-mile-long Riverwalk is teeming with attractions such as museums, parks, performing arts venues, and restaurants. Speaking of the latter, it’s worth noting that Tampa is home to several Michelin-ranked eateries, including wallet-friendly options such as SuperNatural Food & Wine (where breakfast sandwiches start at just $5), Psomi (which serves up Greek eats under $30), and Streetlight Taco (where most of the menu offerings are under $15). While we wouldn’t blame you if you spent most of your time here soaking up all that this dynamic city has to offer, it’s worth venturing out to one of the nearby beaches — such as Ben T Davis Beach or East Tampa Beach — both of which are a quick 15-minute drive from downtown — for some fun in the sun.
Where to Stay: Hotel Haya offers affordable rates in Ybor City near downtown Tampa.
Seattle, Washington
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Average Cost: $621 for flight + hotel
Seattle is chock-full of things to see and do, making it an excellent long weekend getaway for every type of traveler. Of course, no trip to this Pacific Northwest hub is complete without a visit to the top of the iconic Space Needle, followed by a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum, which is right next door. Additionally, pop culture aficionados can geek out at the Museum of Pop Culture. Foodies can — and should — embark on a self-guided tour through Pike Place Market, while coffee lovers need not miss the original Starbucks location just steps away. Unbeknownst to many, Seattle also boasts a burgeoning urban wine scene; as such, oenophiles need not miss spots such as Eight Bells Winery or Spruce Hill Winery. Instagram-worthy spots also abound, including the famous Gum Wall. While most winter happenings here have yet to be announced, tickets for WildLanterns at Woodland Park Zoo — an immersive holiday-themed exhibit complete with lots of lights and majestic animals — are already on sale. Tip: For optimal savings on attractions, snag a Seattle CityPASS, which offers up to 48 percent off top Seattle attractions.
Where to Stay: Located in the heart of downtown, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle offers a slew of value-packed amenities, including free bike rentals and an evening social hour featuring local wines.
Orlando, Florida
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Average Cost: $641 for flight + hotel
A trip to Orlando doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg — yes, even if you do opt to visit Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando. Budget-conscious travelers can take advantage of the city’s many free activities and attractions, which include everything from the UCF Arboretum to movie screenings at Lake Eola Park. Art enthusiasts can take a self-guided street art tour of the trendy Milk District neighborhood, while culinary connoisseurs will be pleasantly surprised by the city’s bustling food scene, which includes several Michelin-ranked eateries that are surprisingly affordable, such as Se7enBites (which serves up baked goods, breakfast, and lunch items for under $20) and Pizza Bruno (where most ‘zas clock in around the $15 to $20 range). Bonus: Those who visit in December can also take advantage of the city’s festive holiday events and programming, including EPCOT® International Festival of the Holidays and Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort.
Where to Stay: When it comes to affordable accommodations, options abound, including Universal Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites, which offers vacation packages, deals, and amenities such as early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ up to one hour before the parks open.
Fort Myers, Florida
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Average Cost: $656 for flight + hotel
Known for its beautiful stretches of sand and top-notch fishing, Fort Myers — which has recently been named the fastest-growing city in the U.S. — is well worth a spot on your winter list. Post up at one of dozens of nearby beaches, including Bowditch Point Park and Bunche Beach Preserve. Alternatively, those craving an extra sense of adventure can paddle along the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, go fishing, or embark on a scenic hike or bike ride. Be sure to also carve out an afternoon to explore the historic Fort Myers River District, which is lined with galleries, shops, bars, and restaurants galore.
Where to Stay: The Banyan Hotel Fort Myers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is located in the aforementioned River District. Don’t miss the on-site rooftop, which boasts a bar and a pool for soaking up the sun and sipping cocktails in style; the panoramic vistas are an added bonus in our book.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Average Cost: $671 for flight + hotel
Sin City isn’t just for high rollers — in fact, it’s easily doable (and enjoyable!) on a budget. Free activities abound, including the fountain show and Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at The Bellagio, along with the Fremont Street Experience. Animal lovers need not miss the wildlife habitat at the Flamingo and the aquarium at the Silverton Casino. Circus Circus offers free circus acts that are sure to captivate audiences of all ages, while art enthusiasts will have a blast at The Arts Factory and the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art. Stretch your dollar further by taking advantage of one of the city’s many bountiful buffets, including Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan. If buffets aren’t your thing, take advantage of some incredible happy hour deals at spots like Brera Osteria at The Venetian Resort or local favorite Honey Salt.
Where to Stay: For the best bang for your buck, pick a hotel off the Strip with no resort fee, such as Marriott’s Grand Chateau, an upscale stay complete with a pool and two bars. Plus, it’s less than a mile away from the Strip.
Phoenix, Arizona
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Average Cost: $687 for flight + hotel
Majestic red rocks, ample outdoor adventure, and a vibrant culture: Find all this and more in Phoenix, where the average temperatures in December range from 68 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Take advantage of the sunshine and moderate weather by embarking on a scenic hike — popular spots include Papago Park and Camelback Mountain — or spend time exploring the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Museum of Art, Heritage Square, Encanto Park, or the Phoenix Zoo. The city’s vibrant downtown area is chock-full of colorful street art and restaurants, including a slew of pizzerias like the world-famous Pizzeria Bianco, known for being one of the best pizza joints in the country. Come December, the city goes all out for the holidays with events like ZooLights and Sea of Lights. Lastly, don’t skip town without visiting nearby Scottsdale, which boasts a charming Old Town plus Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Taliesin West, a World Heritage Site and National Historic Landmark.
Where to Stay: Rise Uptown Hotel is a chic boutique in downtown Phoenix with a rooftop bar, design-forward rooms, and two cocktail bars. And, with rates under $200 per night in December, it’s a steal.
Los Angeles, California
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Average Cost: $706 for flight + hotel
This December, escape to sunny Los Angeles to see and be seen among your favorite A-listers at hotspots like Gjelina, Craig’s, The Ivy, and even Erewhon, the fan-favorite grocery store chain. Break a sweat by trekking to the Hollywood Sign or, for a less strenuous activity, make a beeline for the Griffith Observatory, which offers equally stunning city views. After shopping along Rodeo Drive or strolling the Hollywood Walk of Fame, consider exploring other neighborhoods like artsy Venice — known for its beaches, boardwalks, and canals — and Santa Monica, famous for its namesake pier, which is home to a Ferris wheel, carnival games, and more. Also, Los Angeles goes all out for the holidays, which means that come December, travelers can attend an array of festive events, including the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade and Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Where to Stay: Situated just one block south of Sunset Boulevard, The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood makes an excellent home base for exploring the city. Highlights include an expansive rooftop, four on-site bars, and a curated art collection.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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Average Cost: $706 for flight + hotel
Although Fort Lauderdale was initially known as a beloved spring break destination, it’s since become a popular year-round vacation spot thanks to its nearly 25 miles of beaches and a bustling nightlife scene. Las Olas Boulevard is lined with shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars; favorites include Ann’s Florist Coffee & Wine Bar, South Moon Under, and Timpano Las Olas. Should you need a break from the beach, make a beeline for the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, where you’ll find several scenic parks. Culture vultures, meanwhile, need not miss the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Bonnet House, or the Anne Kolb Nature Center, the latter of which is located in nearby Hollywood.
Where to Stay: As you can guess by its name, the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort offers a prime oceanfront locale. I’d also be remiss not to mention the on-site Lona Cocina & Tequileria — don’t miss the lobster quesadilla.
Miami, Florida
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Average Cost: $774 for flight + hotel
For a dreamy oceanfront escape in December, look no further than Miami. Also known as Magic City, Miami is renowned for its bustling nightlife, Art Deco architecture, and abundance of beaches, many of which are free to access, including South Beach, Lummus Park, and Flamingo Park. Pre- or post-beach, embark on a self-guided tour of the Art Deco Historic District or the artsy Wynwood neighborhood, where colorful street art awaits at nearly every corner. Other neighborhoods worth checking out include Little Havana — a meal at Versailles is a must — and lush Coconut Grove, home to the jaw-dropping Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.
Where to Stay: Housed in a striking Art Deco building, The Gabriel Miami South Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton offers a central South Beach locale, stylish rooms and suites, a buzzy on-site restaurant, and amenities like bike rentals, beach chairs and towels, shuttle service to downtown, and tickets to Wynwood Walls and the Bass Museum.
Mexico City, Mexico
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Average Cost: $846 for flight + hotel
A trip to Mexico’s vibrant capital city is always a good idea. Travelers can spend their days wandering through beautiful neighborhoods like Polanco and Roma and exploring the bustling food and drink scene — can’t-miss spots include Contramar and the wallet-friendly Panadería Rosetta, known for its guava rolls. Travelers can also take their pick of free attractions, including the Bosque de Chapultepec, the Museo Soumaya, and Palacio Nacional. Plan your visit to the Palacio de Bellas Artes on Sundays to snag free admission.
Where to Stay: There is no shortage of incredible hotels in Mexico City, including the aptly named Downtown Mexico Hotel. The 17-key property is housed in a 17th-century colonial mansion, which has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
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Average Cost: $861 for flight + hotel
Located in the northern part of the Dominican Republic, Santiago de los Caballeros is considered the country’s second-largest city; however, it tends to fly under the radar compared to other Dominican locales like tourist-heavy Punta Cana and La Romana. A vacation here is ideal for history buffs and culture enthusiasts, with must-visit attractions like the Monumento de Santiago, the Centro León cultural center, and the 17th-century Fortaleza San Luis, which is now a museum. Those looking for a lush escape amid the city can visit Parque Duarte, which is lined with tropical trees and tranquil pathways. Finally, when hunger calls, make your way to Puerta del Sol, where most menu items clock in under $35, or Doña Pula, which offers authentic cuisine like mofongo for under $20.
Where to Stay: The city is teeming with affordable lodging options, including the sleek Residence Inn Santiago de los Caballeros. Here, you’ll find spacious suites with fully equipped kitchenettes, plus an all-day eatery and a buzzy rooftop terrace.
New York, New York
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Average Cost: $896 for flight + hotel
While the Big Apple is worth visiting any time of year, it’s especially magical come December when the city goes all out for the holidays. During this time, travelers can enjoy winter-themed programming and free or low-cost attractions such as Bryant Park’s Winter Village, the awe-inspiring Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, ice skating in Central Park, the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden, the Dyker Heights Christmas lights, and over-the-top displays and light shows at department stores such as Sak’s Fifth Avenue. While the weather will be chilly, travelers can warm up inside one of the city’s many museums, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Brooklyn Museum. Alternatively, snag affordable Broadway tickets through TKTS or Broadway Roulette.
Where to Stay: We’ve rounded up several of our favorite affordable hotel stays in New York City, including Hotel Mulberry.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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Average Cost: $976 for flight + hotel
The Dominican Republic capital also happens to be one of the Caribbean’s oldest cities, making it a must-visit for history buffs. The Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to centuries-old buildings and famous landmarks, including the Alcázar de Colón museum, known for its Gothic- and Renaissance-style architecture, and the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, which is the first cathedral built in the Americas. It’s also here where you’ll find the cafe-lined Plaza de España, a prime spot for people-watching. The Dr. Rafael María Moscoso Botanic Garden stands out for its lush flora, while the Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos boasts several clear-blue lagoons and stunning scenery.
Where to Stay: There are a slew of affordable Santo Domingo hotels to choose from, including the Embassy Suites by Hilton Santo Domingo, an all-suite retreat with an infinity pool and complimentary breakfast.
Dublin, Ireland
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Average Cost: $983 for flight + hotel
Named one of the cheapest places to travel in Europe, Dublin offers a seemingly endless amount of activities and attractions, making it nearly impossible to be bored here. While the weather will be chilly, it’s worth bundling up for a stroll in one of the city’s many parks, including St Stephen’s Green or Phoenix Park. Afterward, warm up inside historic sites like Dublin Castle, Trinity College (home to the world-famous Book of Kells), and St Patrick’s Cathedral before treating yourself to a beer at the Guinness Storehouse. Take advantage of several free walking tours and complimentary museums, such as the aptly named National Museum of Ireland.
Where to Stay: Located just off Grafton Street, The Grafton Hotel is within walking distance of pubs, restaurants, and top sights. Its stylish rooms and on-site bar and restaurant are just the icing on the cake.
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