As much as we love the holiday season, things can get a little overwhelming. Shopping, cooking, visiting, wrapping and general merry-making all converge within the same few weeks. Give yourself a break with a sneak-away trip to one of these 10 wallet-friendly escapes.
1. Chicago
This city tops our Wallet-Friendly North American Flights list because airfare there is 36% cheaper than most other flights on the continent. However, what you may save in airfare, you’ll make up for in per diem costs. The median hotel rate for November is $191/night. To help save your sheckles, Chicago offers plenty of free events throughout the city. We recommend heading to the Chicago Cultural Center. Take in an architectural tour, concert or performance, entirely for free. Then, get a slice of that famous deep dish at Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. They have a unique take on the crust, sauce, cheese construction that can’t be missed.
2. Toronto
Coming up on the end of its 150th year, several destinations in Canada made our Holiday Travel Hacker list. Toronto is known for its hipster-cool culture, hockey team and film festival. It’s also 36% cheaper to fly here than it is to fly to most other North American destinations. Plus, you can book as little as one month ahead of travel and find the lowest fares. We think shopping at the Toronto Christmas Market brings the holiday season into focus. Afterwards, stop at Sweet Jesus to heat up with some hot chocolate or keep things cool with some of their famous ice cream.
3. Montréal
Mais oui, Montreal. Quebec’s capital is on our list for its European-like city streets and its lower priced airfare. In fact, fares to Montreal are generally 34% cheaper than other North American flights. It’s like booking a trip to Europe… for less. In fact, Montreal puts on a whole host of free events for the holidays from outdoor screenings of Christmas movies to sit-downs with Santa, to Christmas markets. Just book a month in advance for the best deals on airfare.
4. Vancouver
British Columbia’s dynamic city is a perfect spot for a quick getaway. With airfare 31% lower than most other flights around the continent, you can also get here on a budget. In November, we found the median flight to be around $260 for a round-trip ticket. Pretty solid. And listen, Whistler is only an hour and a half away from the ‘Couv. All that powder is yours for the taking. If you’re more into ski lounges than actual skiing, the city has plenty of places to get cozy like Acorn. This vegetarian restaurant has one of the city’s best cocktail bars. Order the Shore Leave. You won’t be disappointed.
5. Las Vegas
After tragedy, Vegas is back and stronger than ever. In November, you can find median airfares around $286 and expect to pay around $170/night on a hotel room. Not big into gambling? There are plenty of things to do otherwise. You can lace up your skates and head to The Park’s ice rink. For $15, you’ll get 2 hours of skate time. Or you can head to Ethel M Chocolates and Cactus Garden for a stunning display of millions of twinkling lights on 3 acres covered in cacti. Then, treat yourself to something sweet before heading back to the hotel.
6. Atlanta
If snow isn’t your thing this season, average temperature in Atlanta is 55 degrees in November. Crisp enough to make it feel like the holidays, warm enough that you can bear being outside. Plus, it’s an affordable getaway. Flights are 30% cheaper than most other North American airfares. To start your trip, take a ride on The Pink Pig in Lenox Square, an Atlanta tradition. Then, head to Livingston Restaurant + Bar for a Frankly My Dear cocktail. Bonus: if you happen to be traveling to Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day and don’t have a dinner planned, they’re taking reservations for their annual Thanksgiving Dinner.
7. Dallas
When things go South, follow. Dallas is a great getaway where you can get in some sun while you relax from the holiday craziness. This affordable destination has airfare that’s 27% cheaper than most other North American flights. In November, expect to pay around $269 on your flight and $145/night on your hotel. If you’re in need of a breather from the holiday festivities, take in the exhibitions at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Or, head to the Dallas Museum of Art and make your Instagram dreams come true at the Yayoi Kusama pumpkin exhibit.
8. New York
Maybe we’re biased with our HQ so close, but New York during the holidays? Couldn’t be better. From the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to the Rockefeller Tree to the Radio City Rockettes, the city is in nonstop festive mode. Fortunately, it’s also an affordable city to fly to. Flights in November are around $292, but be aware that you’ll pay about as much for a hotel room. The median hotel rate in November is $278/night. If you splurge on a room, but are looking to keep a tight budget for the rest of your trip, there’s plenty of ways to make that happen. Window shop at the Union Square Holiday Market or warm up with a bowl of pho at Saigon Shack in Greenwich Village.
9. Calgary
We really love Canada. And it’s easy to see why: with four affordable destinations on our Wallet-Friendly North American Flights list, Canada is your destination for planning an amazing vacation without coughing up too much cash. In November, airfare is lower than the rest of the season. Expect to pay around $281 for your flight. Like your lunch in liquid form? Head to Proof. Their inventive (and exhaustive) list of cocktails is going to make you merry. Plus, Canadians don’t celebrate American Thanksgiving (obviously), so if you need to really get away for the weekend, it’s a solid choice.
10. Seattle
Rounding out our list of destinations that won’t break the bank is this hipster-oasis. Seattle is many things, but most of all it’s a great place to take a break. Plan your weekend sneakaway at least one month in advance so you don’t miss out on getting a great fare. Hotel rates for the holiday season are highest in November at $180, but go down from there. If you want to feel like a savvy tourist, skip the Space Needle and head to Smith Tower. You’ll get great city views before visiting Ye Olde Curiosity Shop to take a look at a myriad of oddities.
Whether you need a weekend away or are planning something a bit longer, you’ll find what you need when you start your travel search on KAYAK.
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