Atlanta, Las Vegas rated as top winter travel destinations

With 77 percent of Americans planning to travel this winter, the personal-finance website WalletHub has released its report on the Best Winter Holiday Destinations in 2024, as well as expert commentary.

Focusing on cost and convenience rather than scenic beauty, WalletHub compared nearly 70 of the largest U.S. metro areas grouped by warm and cold weather. Each destination was analyzed based on 37 key metrics, primarily the expense and hassle of traveling to each location but also factors such as weather forecasts, safety and variety of activities.

Best Cold-Weather Destinations

Atlanta, Georgia is at the top, taking number one on the cold weather destination list, followed by New York, NY at number two. Third was Washington, DC, followed by Chicago, IL; Cincinnati, OH; St. Louis, MO; Denver, CO; Philadelphia, PA; Boston, MA; and, completing the top 10, Kansas, Missouri.

Best Warm-Weather Destinations

Las Vegas, Nevada is the preferred warm weather destination in the survey, followed by San Diego, CA at number two. Next was Dallas, TX; followed by Austin, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Houston, TX; San Francisco, CA; Tampa, FL; Charleston, SC; and at number 10, Miami, Florida.

Best vs. Worst

The average flight to a popular cold winter destination costs $285, lasts 4 hours and 8 minutes, and has 0.4 connections. In comparison, the average flight to a popular warm winter destination costs $364, lasts 5 hours and 9 minutes, and has 0.61 connections.

Among cold destinations, Washington, D.C., has the lowest price for a three-star hotel room, which is 3.3 times lower than Bridgeport, Connecticut, the city with the highest.

Among warm destinations, Las Vegas, Nevada has the lowest price for a three-star hotel room, which is 4.9 times lower than Honolulu, the city with the highest.

Among cold destinations, Chicago has the most restaurants (per square root of population), which is 6.6 times more than in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the city with the fewest.

Among warm destinations, Miami has the most restaurants (per square root of population), which is 25.5 times more than in Deltona, Florida, the city with the fewest.

“Whether you love to have a chill in your bones during the winter travel season or prefer to escape to somewhere sunny, the top travel destinations can cost as little as $200-$300 to reach by plane from major U.S. cities, with no connections. In addition to being affordable, the top cities also have an abundance of attractions that fit their weather patterns, along with high-quality restaurants and relatively low crime rates,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst. “The top cold-weather winter travel destination of 2024 is the Atlanta metro area, while New York City is the runner-up. The top warm-weather winter travel destination of 2024 is the Las Vegas metro area, with San Diego as the runner-up.”

To view the full report, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-winter-holiday-destinations/7930

Expert Commentary

What is the outlook for the winter travel season?

“The outlook for winter travel looks promising, especially as people are eager to make up for missed trips during previous seasons. However, travelers will need to stay mindful of inflation and fluctuating costs. Destinations that balance affordability and seasonal attractions will likely be the most interesting. National parks, outdoor recreation areas, and less crowded locations will also attract visitors looking to combine adventure with a bit of winter solitude.”

Jesse Jones, Ph.D. – Outdoor Adventure Leadership; Professional Practice Assistant Professor, Utah State University

“The outlook for the upcoming winter travel season is promising, with both domestic and international travel expected to grow steadily. Travelers are seeking either winter wonderland experiences or warm-weather getaways, with many showing interest in authentic cultural experiences. Smaller, less popular, and off-the-beaten-path destinations are becoming increasingly attractive to environmentally conscious travelers. Wellness retreats, nature-focused trips, and eco-friendly accommodations are also gaining popularity. However, travelers are mindful of inflation and the rising costs of transportation, lodging, and dining. As a result, many are searching for budget-friendly options, such as traveling shorter distances or reducing the duration of their trips. Winter weather, as always, remains unpredictable, and travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions, such as flight delays or cancellations caused by snowstorms or other extreme conditions.”

Yawei Wang, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Montclair State University

What are the best ways for travelers to save money?

“Be on the lookout for savings. Sign up for airline weekly eblasts. When they have seats available, they want to get rid of them … and, often, cheap! Also, be open to expanding your flying radius. For example, less than 30 miles south of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is Wilmington Airport (ILG) offering great savings to more than a dozen destinations including Puerto Rico and several spots in Florida with ultra-low-cost airline Avelo.”

Michael F. Sheridan, Ed.D. – Visiting Associate Professor, Temple University Japan

“Booking early and being flexible with dates are tried-and-true methods for saving. For outdoor destinations, consider state parks or lesser-known national parks, which may offer lower costs than popular destinations. Look toward smaller mom-and-pop ski resorts like Cherry Peak in Richmond, UT, The Beaver Mountain ski resort up Logan Canyon, or similar independents this winter for a truly magical skiing experience. Additionally, renting equipment like skis or snowshoes in advance is often cheaper than paying resort prices. Travelers can also look into bundled packages that include lodging and activities.”

Jesse Jones, Ph.D. – Outdoor Adventure Leadership; Professional Practice Assistant Professor, Utah State University

How will inflation impact Americans’ travel during the winter holidays?

“The good news is gasoline should be cheaper than last year, and airfare should be about the same as last year. Restaurants have increased their prices in recent years due to higher labor and food costs. This could see some budget-conscious travelers trading down their selection of restaurants or menu items. Rental car prices skyrocketed after the pandemic due to supply chain problems increasing car prices. They remain elevated today, as a result, some travelers will opt to use public transportation and ride-sharing such as Uber and Lyft at their destination rather than rent a car. The high rental car prices could also cause some travelers to choose to drive to a destination rather than fly.”

John T. Bowen – Professor Emeritus, University of Houston

“Inflation will likely make travelers more cost-conscious. We will see people seeking out deals and prioritizing value. Some may opt for closer, regional trips to reduce transportation costs, while others might choose vacation rentals or homestays over pricier hotels. People are still eager to travel, but they will likely look for ways to stretch their budgets without compromising on experience.”

Jesse Jones, Ph.D. – Outdoor Adventure Leadership; Professional Practice Assistant Professor, Utah State University