The 15 Best Places to Vacation Around the Holidays

While many hotels will close around October, there are a few castles and cottages that stay open year round. That means you can get these places for cheap, and you’ll avoid crowds of tourists. Ashford Castle is more on the expensive side, but cottages Ireland is very affordable.

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December through February is off-season here, and things are fairly quiet. It’s a peaceful getaway on its own, but off-season for travel is also peak season for bird watching. You can catch a glimpse of some magnificent creatures during your stay here. 

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In the summer, tourists flock here—in the winter, not so much. If you’re more of a looker than a swimmer when it comes to beaches, consider Portugal for your next holiday vacation. Also, if you have any surfers amongst your ranks, the swells here are amazing in the winter! 

If you’re looking for someplace closer to home, Myrtle Beach has significantly cheaper prices in the winter as compared to the spring or summer. Long Bay Resort has oceanfront rooms from $49 per night in the off-season. Their weather isn't too bad either, with highs in the 60s and 70s. 

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Perhaps you’re willing to risk your Christmas fund at a casino. If so, you’ll save quite a bit on hotels and some activities. Many casino-hotels have special rates that run through December. Golden Nugget has rooms starting at $49 per night!

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While braving ride lines in the winter doesn’t sound too appealing, keep in mind that the weather here has highs of 70 degrees. Plus, you can save up to 20% on stays between October and December. That’s a lot of money when you consider Disneyland prices!

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With summer being the major peak season for most cruise lines, you can find tons of deals for winter cruises. The weather might not be great where you take off, but if you choose a Caribbean cruise, your destinations are sure to have comfortable weather.

Although winter in the northern hemisphere is Australia’s summer (and thus it’s peak season), travel here is pretty cheap across the board. You can find round-trip flights for under $1300! Plus, with such a big country, overcrowding is rarely a problem. 

Winter is definitely a slow season for San Diego. But, it is also whale-watching season! Most hotels will have cheaper rates, and if you book early you can get cheaper flights too. You won’t be disappointed with the weather either, highs here are in the 50s to 70s. 

Usually very pricey, Barbados can be a real steal in the winter. There are plenty of holiday deals, such as all-inclusive vacations with airfare from $839 per person!

Peak season in Texas isn’t until March, and temperatures in some areas remain in the 60s and 70s throughout the winter. An eco-dome could be the perfect, affordable, romantic winter getaway you’ve been looking for!

(image via Airbnb)

Several islands in Spain have highs in the 50s to 70s during winter, and the fact that it’s off season there means the beaches won’t be crowded. Plus, exchange rates here are definitely in your favor!

Canada is super busy in winter, but only at the ski lodges. If you’re just looking for some actual snow because you live in the snow-deprived south, Canada can be a relaxing and affordable place to travel this holiday season. 

Although it will be super cold, it may be worth the extremely discounted flights and hotels to travel to this beautiful city during its off season. There are plenty of deals to be found for this vacation destination! 

While it is a little more on the expensive side, you won’t find it crowded. And if you don’t mind the cold, Switzerland is the perfect location to see some beautiful snow and the gorgeous northern lights. Embrace winter at the unique snow hotels or get in touch with nature by staying in an avante-garde treehouse.