3 Place to Go that are Cheaper in Winter (But Still Fun!)
Lower airfare, less costly hotels, fewer crowds—what’s not to love?
Napa and Sonoma, California
While the vines may be dormant, many wineries are still open for tastings (even on Christmas Day) and plan special winter events such as tasting festivals and wine and culinary crawls. Normal daytime temperatures range from the mid- to high 50s. Depending on where you’re from, that can be downright tropical! Also, all of Napa begins to bloom with mustard flowers around the end of January.
Average lows and highs for January, February and March: 38°F-67°F
Grand Canyon
The summer crowds at this national park are notorious. If you need more reasons to visit in the off-season, there’s additional lodging closer to the panoramic South Rim (the North Rim closes in winter), roads reserved for buses may be open to private cars, plenty of hiking is still available, and the sunsets are even more spectacular because the winter sun is lower in the sky.
Average lows and highs for January, February and March (South Rim): 18°F-53°F
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is one of the most expensive European cities to visit, so if you’re pining for Éire, winter is the time to go. Temple Bar TradFest, an Irish and folk music festival, takes place from January 26 to 30.
The cheapest month for buying a plane ticket to Ireland is February. It’s colder and grayer then than in the summer, but honestly, you were probably going to be in a pub most of the time anyway.
Average lows and highs for January, February and March: 37°F-50°F
This article was originally found in The Girlfriend From AARP magazine in the Relax & Radiate Crate (Volume 3, Winter 2021).