January and February are great months to travel in the U.S. because there are fewer crowds and cheaper flights and hotels. Kayak studied travel searches and found the most affordable places to visit this winter—many under $500 total for both flight and hotel.
1. Chicago, Illinois — $426
Chicago is cold, but winter here is fun. You can enjoy quieter museums, ice skating, sledding, and cozy restaurants. Visit places like the Art Institute, Field Museum, and Millennium Park.
2. Dallas, Texas — $435
Dallas offers sunny weather and lots to do. Visit Fort Worth for rodeos, explore the arts district, enjoy outdoor events, or skate at the Galleria Dallas rink.
3. Minneapolis, Minnesota — $435
It’s very cold, but winter makes Minneapolis beautiful. Visit art museums, explore snowy parks, shop at Mall of America, and try the famous “Juicy Lucy” burger.
4. Washington, D.C. — $445
D.C. is calmer in winter. Museums are less crowded, the monuments look beautiful in snow, and the National Gallery’s ice rink is a highlight. Warm up with coffee or ramen.
5. Boston, Massachusetts — $464
Boston looks like a snow globe in winter. Visit the art museums, explore the festive Snowport market, and enjoy warm meals like lobster rolls or mulled wine.
6. Baltimore, Maryland — $471
Winter makes Baltimore peaceful and charming. Enjoy the harbor lights, ice skating, quiet museums, and fresh oysters—winter is the best season for seafood here.
7. New York City, New York — $491
NYC slows down after the holidays. Enjoy ice skating at Bryant Park, visit museums with fewer lines, get cheaper Broadway tickets, and relax with afternoon tea.
8. Raleigh, North Carolina — $523
Raleigh has mild winter weather. Walk around downtown, visit art museums, enjoy Southern food, and watch sunsets from rooftop bars.
9. Nashville, Tennessee — $523
Winter in Nashville is calmer. Explore boutiques, enjoy country music at the Ryman Auditorium, try famous hot chicken, and visit lively bars on Broadway.
10. Tampa, Florida — $533
If you want sun, Tampa is perfect. Visit nearby beaches, walk the Riverwalk, enjoy Winter Village, and explore the Tampa Museum of Art.
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