Skip to main content

9 Underrated Winter Vacation Ideas Under $1,000

By U.S. News & World Report

With the hectic holiday travel season fast approaching, chances are you’re pining for a vacation. Whether you’re dreaming of a snowy getaway, filled with quality time on the slopes and enchanting sleigh rides, or a coastal escape, complete with salty sea air and swaying palms, it’s not too early to start planning. And if you’re looking to stretch your dollar further this winter, never fret: U.S. News enlisted guidance from industry experts to pinpoint nine under-the-radar wallet-friendly destinations that are well-suited for a variety of traveler types and price points.

[See: 10 Bucket List Winter Family Vacation Experiences.]

Hilo, Hawaii

If you want a quintessential Hawaiian getaway without the crowds, visit Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island. In Hilo, you’ll have easy access to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park where you can explore scenic trails and check out Mauna Loa’s towering volcano. The Liliuokalani Gardens, a 30-acre landscaped Japanese green space, is also worth seeing for its picturesque vistas overlooking Hilo Bay. Google Flights currently shows round-trip flights from popular Chicago airports to Hilo International Airport starting at $424 in December; round-trip flights from Los Angeles International Airport start at $342 for the same period. And TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals shows that the average nightly cost per person for a two-bedroom rental from Dec. 1-31 is $35.

Quebec City or Montreal, Canada

In Quebec City, you can embrace your inner Francophile as you explore charming cobbled squares, cozy bistros and historic landmarks. Aside from its storybook setting, Quebec City is also inexpensive at this time of year, says Jeanenne Tornatore, senior travel editor at Orbitz.com. Currently, Google Flights shows round-trip flights from New York City airports to Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport starting at $233 in January. Montreal is another bargain, says Clem Bason, CEO of hotel-booking site goSeek.com. “There are amazing festivals throughout the winter months, including Igloofest for electronic music fans, the international auto show for car fanatics and the Fete des Neiges de Montreal which runs on most weekends,” he says. Even better, the four-star Hotel 10 Montreal is currently listed on goSeek.com for $94 nightly, Bason adds.

Arches National Park, Utah

To experience Utah’s picturesque landscapes without tourists at your side, plan an off-season road trip to Arches or Zion national parks. Both parks offer “great cold-weather trips,” Tornatore says, highlighting affordable four-star lodging options nearby available for less than $100 a night. The Red Cliffs Lodge, located in Moab, Utah, for example, offers nightly rates in December starting at $119.95. The Fairfield Inn, also in Moab, currently lists rooms for less than $100 in December. While you can expect chillier temperatures and icy trails, it’s hard to top viewing striking snow-topped sites like Delicate Arch without competing with others for the perfect vantage points.

Bend, Oregon

Instead of Vail, Colorado, or Whistler in British Columbia, Tornatore suggests checking out less-trodden mountain towns, like Bend, Oregon. Though off the beaten path, Bend offers access to pristine powder with more than 460 inches of annual snowfall on Mount Bachelor, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing and other wintry pastimes, she adds. What’s more, nightly rates at hotels in the area average at around $180, Tornatore says. The Sunriver Resort, for example, offers nightly rates in December starting at around $150. Plus, if you’re traveling with kids ages 12 and under, they can ski for free at Mount Bachelor when accompanied with parents purchasing a three-day (or longer) adult lift ticket in advance.

[See: 6 Secret Ski Destinations You Can Afford.]

Napa Valley, California

“In the wintertime, one of my favorite places to go if you’re on a budget, but want to have a high-end experience, is Napa and Sonoma Valley,” says Clayton Reid, president and CEO of MMGY Global, a travel and hospitality marketing and research firm. For a romantic escape, Reid points to the Silverado Resort and Spa, located in the heart of Napa Valley‘s wine country. The property offers seasonal promotions, such as the Cabernet Season Package for $194.25 per night that includes a two-for-one wine tasting and $50 resort credit for stays of two nights or more. Also, flights into Oakland International Airport are reasonably priced at this time of year. Google Flights currently shows round-trip flights from New York City airports for $277 in December.

Rapid City, South Dakota

While planning a ski retreat can be a very expensive proposition during the peak season, there are outdoor escapes that aren’t in the mainstream, Reid says, highlighting South Dakota as a great budget-friendly winter destination. Exploring serene trails, cross-country skiing and snowboarding adventures are top pastimes in Rapid City. Plus, you can enjoy ice skating in the festive Main Street Square, which features live concerts and a variety of inexpensive eateries. As for lodging, bunk down in the Hisega Lodge, which is perched on the border of Black Hills National Forest, and offers rates starting at $99 in December.

Scottsdale, Arizona

For a warm-weather getaway with plenty of opportunities to hit the links and lounge by the pool, head to Scottsdale. While January is typically the area’s peak season, there are deals to be had this year, Bason says, pointing to the four-star Scottsdale Plaza Resort, which offers nightly rates starting at $136 in January on goSeek.com. This winter, you can “enjoy a four-star hotel for half of what it would normally be at this time of year,” he explains. Even better, there are affordable flights, Bason adds. Google Flights currently lists round-trip flights to Phoenix from Chicago hubs starting at $102 in January; round-trip flights from New York City airports start at $300.

McCall, Idaho

Tucked away in central Idaho, McCall is a little-known ski town with classic winter traditions, says Anthony Melchiorri, travel and hospitality expert and host of the Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible” series. In McCall, you’ll find snow sculptures and sleigh rides for the kids, along with affordable bungalows, he explains. Plus, if you’re planning a January escape, you can’t miss the annual McCall Winter Carnival, which lasts from Jan. 27 to Feb. 5 and includes colorful parades and snowbike competitions. As for accommodations, the Brundage Inn is an ideal choice for budget-minded visitors, with nightly accommodations available for $89.

[See: 7 Cheap European Destinations to Visit This Winter.]

Bermuda

Relaxing along pink sands at Elbow Beach, playing golf and embracing tropical Caribbean scenery might be the perfect cure for the wintertime blues. Plus, affordable hotel rooms and flights to this often-overlooked Caribbean destination are easy to come by, Bason explains. Take the four-and-a-half-star Fairmont Southampton, which is available nightly for $163 in January, Bason says. What’s more, Google Flights currently lists round-trip flights from Boston airports to Bermuda’s L. F. Wade International Airport for $277 in January; round-trip flights from New York City airports are available for $243 for the same time period.

More from U.S. News

9 Beach Destinations to Visit This Winter

Last-Minute Winter Break Trip Ideas for Every Budget

13 Best Winter Vacations With Kids Under 13

9 Underrated Winter Vacation Ideas Under $1,000 originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
Read Next Story

Related News

Frustration grows in Venezuela as earthquake death toll reaches 1,430

Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio says

Trump-endorsed populist poised to become Colombia’s next president as rival challenges vote