2023 is just around the corner, and vacation time is about to reset. Travelers itching to start the year off with a trip out of the country will be pleased to know there are several options that won’t break the bank. After all, most wallets will be suffering from the holiday spending season. Thankfully, Priceline has combed through its booking data to find the top 10 international destinations with affordable round-trip flights for this January, and travelers won’t be disappointed with the results.
Those looking to escape the winter cold will be happy to know they can do so on a budget this January, as many of the destinations have wonderful weather in the winter. Read on to find the most affordable destinations for next month:
10) Barcelona, Spain
While not the warmest destination on this list, Barcelona does have a very mild winter. Temperatures range from a low of 44°F to 57°F. Most visitors won’t need to break out the heavy parka but should still plan for colder weather. The average round-trip airfare for Barcelona is $625.24 for a January trip, making it a cost-effective European destination for the winter. Be sure to visit the iconic Basílica de la Sagrada Familia, which is sure to be much less crowded than it would be in the summer.
9) San Jose, Costa Rica
January is the perfect time to visit San Jose, Costa Rica, as the weather is perfect for escaping the winter cold without overheating. January temperatures in San Jose range from a low of 68°F to 77°F, which is ideal weather for exploring Arenal Volcano, a popular day trip from San Jose. The average round-trip airfare for San Jose in January is $613.11.
8) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is the perfect January destination. Spend the day soaking up the sun poolside before freshening up for a nice dinner in cooler weather. Feel free to pack a light jacket. During the day, temperatures can reach a cozy 80°F, while the evening can dip down to 62°F. Puerto Vallarta truly offers the best of both worlds, allowing for swimsuit weather during the day and sport coat or light sweater weather in the evening. The average round-trip airfare for Puerto Vallarta in January is $573.37.
7) Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara is another Mexican destination that offers favorable weather in January, with lows around 43°F and highs around 77°F. As the second largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara sees many tourists over the summer. This makes January an excellent time to visit its gorgeous historic city center before checking out the nearby magic town of Tequila. The average round-trip airfare for Guadalajara in January is $554.38.
6) Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is the largest city in the country and is an extremely popular destination for digital nomads. However, that doesn’t mean the everyday traveler shouldn’t check out the city. Brimming with history and UNESCO sites around the city, Mexico City is the perfect destination for travelers who want to explore the art, architecture, history, and music without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Weather in Mexico City in January is comfortable, with highs around 72°F and lows around 41°F. Additionally, visiting in January means travelers are far less likely to encounter crowds at popular tourist attractions. The average round-trip airfare for Mexico City in January is $542.62.
5) Los Cabos, Mexico
Beautiful beaches, picture-perfect landscapes, and incredible high-end all-inclusives keep visitors coming back to Los Cabos year after year, and January is no exception. With highs around 80°F and lows around 61°F in the evening, travelers can enjoy the day’s heat and the cool, welcoming night breeze. Every day leaves you feeling refreshed, and Los Cabos is the perfect place to call home for a week or two in January. The average round-trip airfare for Los Cabos in January is $528.14.
4) Cancun, Mexico
No list of affordable international destinations to fly to would be complete without Cancun. As one of the most highly connected airports in the world, it is no surprise that it is also one of the cheapest to fly to. Jam-packed with all-inclusive resort options, stunning beaches, and incredible nightlife, it’s no wonder Cancun has broken record after record this year. Cancun sees slightly warmer weather than many of its Mexican counterparts, with highs around 82°F and lows around 67°F, making it the perfect beach getaway for chilly January. The average round-trip airfare for Los Cabos in January is $507.93.
3) Montego Bay, Jamaica
Those looking to escape the cold need look no further than Montego Bay, Jamaica. With highs in January around 84°F and lows around 70°F, Montego Bay is the perfect place to enjoy the sun with a drink in hand on a gorgeous white-sand beach. Despite Jamaica’s recent declaration of a state of emergency, tourists heading to a resort in Montego Bay have little to worry about. Sticking to resort areas and reputable tour operators will ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable. The average round-trip airfare for Montego Bay in January is $489.65.
2) Medellin, Colombia
As Colombia risks losing popularity with American tourists due to crime, most travelers enjoy the country without trouble. However, each traveler should make the most informed decision they can for themselves before deciding whether or not to visit. That being said, Medellin has become a trendy destination for digital nomads, backpackers, and everyday tourists. Weather is also quite favorable in January, with highs of 82°F and lows of 63°F. The average round-trip airfare for Medellin in January is $482.80.
1) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
If warmth is what you are after, Santo Domingo has it. With average January highs of 85°F and lows of 68°F, you’ll have no trouble escaping the cold of winter for a while. While not as popular as nearby Punta Cana, Santo Domingo held its own over the summer, ranking as one of the top 10 most popular areas for Airbnb guests this past summer. Home to some of the earliest buildings of the New World, Santo Domingo’s colonial city center is a UNESCO site that is an absolute must-see. The average round-trip airfare for Medellin in January is $443.76.
