Cheapest Places to Visit in January
Beat the Post-Holiday Slump with These Bargain Destinations
Start the Year RightJanuary is the secret weapon of budget travelers. Once the holiday crowds disperse on January 2nd, prices for flights and hotels plummet in many parts of the world. It’s the perfect time to snag a deal.
Whether you want to trade snow for sand in Central America or embrace the chill with affordable skiing in Eastern Europe, January offers some of the lowest travel costs of the entire year.
☀️ Post-Holiday Sun
Dry season in the tropics usually means high prices, but these destinations remain incredibly affordable even in prime weather.
Nicaragua (Pacific Coast)
Perfect dry weather. San Juan del Sur offers surf and sun for a fraction of Costa Rica’s prices.
Must do: Volcano boarding
Kerala, India
January is warm and dry. Houseboats on the backwaters are a bucket-list experience at budget rates.
Must do: Backwater cruise
Gran Canaria, Spain
Europe’s warmest winter destination. Avoid the fancy resorts and stay in local apartments for deals.
Must do: Maspalomas Dunes
Caye Caulker, Belize
“Go Slow” is the motto. While pricier than neighbors, January offers great snorkeling weather.
Must do: Snorkel Shark Ray Alley
Luang Prabang, Laos
Cool mornings and sunny days. One of the cheapest and most serene places in SE Asia right now.
Must do: Kuang Si Falls
Dubai, UAE
January is pleasant (24°C). Flights are often cheap from Europe/Asia post-Christmas.
Must do: Global Village
❄️ Snow & Ski for Less
The Alps are expensive, but Eastern Europe offers incredible slopes, cozy lodges, and hearty food for a third of the price.
Bansko, Bulgaria
Europe’s budget ski capital. Lift passes are cheap, and the après-ski is lively and affordable.
Must do: Night skiing
Zakopane, Poland
Stunning Tatra mountains. Stay in a wooden chalet and eat pierogi for pennies.
Must do: Kasprowy Wierch cable car
Jasna, Slovakia
Large ski area rivaling some Austrian resorts but much cheaper accommodation.
Must do: Chopok mountain views
Sarajevo, Bosnia
Ski on Olympic mountains (Jahorina/Bjelasnica) just 30 mins from the city center.
Must do: Bascarsija Old Town tour
Riga, Latvia
A winter wonderland city break. Frozen canals, art nouveau architecture, and cheap spas.
Must do: Central Market food tour
Montreal, Canada
It’s freezing, but prices drop. Embrace the cold with underground cities and festivals.
Must do: Igloofest
Plan Your 2026 Travel Year
Looking for trips later in the year? Check out our other comprehensive budget guides.
Pack Smarter, Travel Lighter
Whether you’re packing ski gear for Bulgaria or swimsuits for Nicaragua, keep your luggage light and organized.
Get Your Packing List📊 January 2026 Cost Breakdown
| Destination | Type | Avg Budget ($) | January Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicaragua | Tropical | $30-45 | Dry & Sunny |
| Bansko, Bulgaria | Ski Resort | $40-55 | Snowy Slopes |
| Kerala, India | Tropical | $30-45 | Warm & Pleasant |
| Zakopane, Poland | Winter Nature | $35-50 | Winter Wonderland |
| Gran Canaria, Spain | Island | $50-70 | Mild Spring-like |
| Luang Prabang, Laos | Tropical | $25-35 | Cool Mornings |
| Ho Chi Minh City | City Break | $25-35 | Dry Season |
| Jasna, Slovakia | Ski Resort | $50-70 | Great Skiing |
| Caye Caulker, Belize | Tropical | $50-70 | Caribbean Sun |
| Sarajevo, Bosnia | City/Ski | $35-50 | Snowy & Historic |
| Dubai, UAE | City Break | $80-120 | Perfect 24°C |
| Riga, Latvia | City Break | $45-60 | Freezing but Beautiful |
| Yucatan, Mexico | Tropical | $45-60 | Warm & Sunny |
| Montreal, Canada | City Break | $80-110 | Festive Cold |
| Siem Reap, Cambodia | Culture | $25-35 | Best Weather |
| Lima, Peru | City Break | $40-55 | Summer Peak |
| Phuket, Thailand | Tropical | $40-60 | Peak Season (Book early) |
| Tenerife, Spain | Island | $60-80 | Warm Winter |
| Istanbul, Turkey | City Break | $40-60 | Cool & Rainy (Cheap) |
| Cartagena, Colombia | Tropical | $40-60 | Dry & Hot |
