
We’ve identified 15 warm weather vacations in America boasting some of the most affordable and top-rated rental properties this winter. So pack your shorts and flip flops—you’re heading for sunnier skies.
Affordable Warm-Weather Winter Vacations
The perfect remedy for the winter blues is a warm weather vacation. But between the kids’ seasonal ski pass, buying new snow tires, and prepping for the holidays, you may be thinking: “How can I afford a trip, too?”
Enter TripAdvisor Rentals. A vacation home is almost always the more affordable choice compared to a hotel. Plus, you get more bang for your buck: extra living space, added privacy, a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor area and other amenities like a pool, hot tub, BBQ grill, game room or cinema. And once you decide on a destination, you can book all your tours, activities, and attractions right on TripAdvisor, too. Our new 24-hour cancellation policy means you can pre-book before arriving, but still have the flexibility to cancel if your itinerary changes.
Some beach destinations and warm weather retreats boost prices during the winter, knowing that travelers are looking for a sunny escape sans snowflakes. But you may be surprised at which popular hotspots actually won’t break the bank, especially when staying in a rental home.
AVG Weekly Rate reflects the average cost for a weeklong stay in a two-bedroom rental property booked on TripAdvisor Rentals during Winter 2015-2016.
1. Davenport, FL | $556 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.57
Davenport’s had a reputation as the place to stay outside of Orlando when you still want to visit Orlando’s theme parks – Universal, SeaWorld, Epcot, Disney’s Magic and Animal Kingdoms, among others. But people are realizing this small town has its own delightful attractions. Hit Lake Kissimmee State Park for outdoor recreation, the Highlands Reserve Golf Club for polishing off your nine iron, or head downtown for great food and better shopping. Delicious eats and drinks can be found at American staples like Bob Evans Restaurant, The Shamrock Pub & Grille and the 11th Street Bar, while Posner Commons presents a plethora of name brand clothing and jewelry stores. With prices this low – just $556 per week on average for a two-bedroom rental – Davenport is actually the most affordable destination to visit this winter.
2. Myrtle Beach, SC | $611 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.01
Hailed as one of the most family-friendly getaways on the planet, Myrtle Beach can also claim to be one of the most affordable. It’s also perfect for groups of friends or couples, with numerous entertainment options, fine dining restaurants, golfing, boat cruises and, of course, the amazing beaches of the Grand Strand. It’s a savvy move to book admission prior to your trip to popular Myrtle Beach—for example, tickets to the Hollywood Wax Museum or the Motor City Musical show. Rent a two-bedroom home for just $611 per week on average this winter. That’s only $100 per night, even less if you split with friends.
3. Sarasota, FL | $672 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.59
Florida is arguably the biggest “snowbird” state in the US, and rightfully so. Sarasota is the perfect representative of this. The weather December through February averages between 55 to 70 degrees, meaning no outdoor pursuit is off limits. If the thermometer cracks 65, head to Siesta Beach, the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice best-rated beach in the country. Temps hovering in the 50s? Peruse downtown, hit the aquarium, catch a theater show or get “revved up” at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. You won’t believe all that’s at your fingertips for just $672 for a one-week stay in a two-bedroom vacation home.
4. Cocoa Beach, FL | $831 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.72
Beautiful white sand beaches, a kid-friendly pier and tons of aquatic activities make Cocoa Beach a popular warm weather winter escape. A fun local group activity to try is paddle boarding or kayaking manatee tours, geared for all ages. In the evening, put a smile on your face by reserving your seats at Gregory’s Upstairs Comedy Club. You’ll also be super close to nearby attractions like the Brevard Zoo, Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center and Orlando’s theme parks. Cocoa Beach is a family vacation that won’t break the bank, with two-bedroom rentals going for just $831 per week on average during the winter season.
5. Perdido Key, FL | $927 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.58
Perdido Key is a sun-filled heaven on the Florida Panhandle, known for its unspoiled beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Life is easier on Perdido Key, where golf, dolphin watching, moonlight cruises and sailing tours are popular leisurely pursuits. In nearby Orange Beach (in Alabama, just a few miles from Perdido Key), you can even do your dolphin-watching from jet skis, led by a local guide. The legendary beachside oyster bar Flora-Bama Lounge is a must-visit for those wanting to liven up their nights. A winter vacation here offers other benefits in the form of two out-of-the-ordinary events: the New Years Polar Bear Dip and the Interstate Mullet Toss. Vacation rentals in Perdido Key aren’t only affordable, but they’re highly rated by past guests, too, with an average review score of 4.58.
6. Dallas, TX | $928 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.89
December in Dallas won’t necessarily bring Floridian-like weather, but the temperatures are prime for exploration. The Dallas Urban Arts District is the largest of its kind in America, and the award-winning museums and galleries are well worth your time. Specifically, the Sixth Floor Museum is a huge draw, with significant works on the John F. Kennedy assassination. Pick up your CityPass for discount entry to many top attractions. Hike the trails of White Park Lake or Klyde Warren Park for some outdoor recreation, or hit the Dallas Arboretum, World Aquarium or Dallas Zoo with the kids. A winter visit also means football season, and an in-game experience doesn’t get better than AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys – located just a 30-minute drive away in Arlington. And don’t forget about the food. Eat at a local steakhouse and you’ll know why they say “everything is bigger in Texas!”
7. Corpus Christi, TX | $935 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.34
Sitting on Texas’ Gulf Coast lies the charming seaside city of Corpus Christi. More south than Dallas, Corpus Christi enjoys beach-like weather throughout the winter season. And the beaches are pristine. Surf the waves, play in the sand or enjoy a meal and cocktail overlooking stunning water views. Given its coastal location, the fresh seafood is second to none. Fancy catching something yourself? Book a private fishing charter and bring home something delicious for dinner. Rent a two-bedroom home for just $935 per week on average this winter – you may even have a private outdoor patio for barbecuing under the setting sun.
8. Panama City Beach, FL | $976 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.37
Did you know the spring break capital of the world is actually a great vacation destination year round? Twenty-seven miles of powdery sands make way into emerald green waters as clear as crystals. Panama City Beach has attractions for all ages: Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Zoo World, St. Andrews State Nature Park and the Ripleys Believe It Or Not! Odditorium, among others. You could also try a boat tour to Shell Island to snorkel in the shallows and spot colorful seahorses. Escape winter’s chill with a trip to one of Florida’s most popular, and affordable, gems.
9. Virginia Beach, VA | $983 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.16
The boardwalk. The boardwalk. Did we mention the boardwalk? Virginia Beach is the ideal family getaway, perfect for all ages. Why? Because of the boardwalk! Amusement rides appeal to the kids, lively bars and restaurants please the adults. The beginning of winter squeezes out the last of beach weather, but it’ll be back at the season’s tail end. However, the comfortable 50- to 60-degree temps throughout January and February make exploration and sightseeing a delight. If you’d like to get out on the water, ease yourself into stand-up paddle boarding with a one-hour lesson, or enjoy a sunset kayaking cruise out to Cape Henry Lighthouses, sighting dolphins along the way.
10. San Antonio, TX | $990 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.65
Boasting a 4.65 average review score and weekly rates of just $990, San Antonio vacation rentals aren’t just super affordable, but high-praised as well. Step to the beat of wafting flamenco music as you wander the downtown River Walk before sampling as much chili (San Antonio’s signature dish) as your taste buds will allow. A visit to the Alamo is an absolute must, as is taking in a show at the ornate Majestic Theatre. Pre-book your Alamo Trolley Tour pass to see all the main sights, hopping on and off whenever the mood takes you. Or maybe you’d prefer to discover the city on an electric scooter tour with an expert guide, including a trip to the tranquil Japanese Tea Garden. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is dotted with 18th-century buildings and features, making for an enriching excursion.
11. Sedona, AZ | $1,008 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.64
Sedona is a true oasis, a vacationer’s paradise in the middle of the Arizona desert. Bell Rock and Oak Creek Canyon are great hiking spots, and the dramatic architecture of the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a religious experience itself. Try a jeep tour of the Broken Arrow Trail to access hard-to-reach parts of the canyon with an expert driver. When the sun dips down below the horizon it introduces the best show in Sedona: the night sky. You won’t need to travel far to see it, either. Many vacation rentals come with a private outdoor terrace gazing upon the fiery orange and red sky above illustrious red rock formations.
12. Tybee Island, GA | $1,051 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.30
Tybee is Georgia’s crowned jewel when it comes to beach retreats. It’s a wonderful blend of old and new, with clapboard cottages, oceanfront condos and modern mansions all lining the shores. Aside from beaching it, guests will want to check out the Fort Pulaski National Monument and Marine Science Center – both great for kids. What else? The magnificent city of Savannah is just a 30-minute drive away.
13. Orlando, FL | $1,089 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.61
Orlando is Florida’s vacation mecca. Visitors from all over the world come for the enchanting draw of Disney’s theme parks—be sure to buy your tickets in advance for Walt Disney World Resort and Universal’s Islands of Adventures. Imaginations run wild while adults channel their inner child. The wizarding ways of Harry Potter aren’t the only magical part of Orlando – but the rental prices are, too! A two-bedroom property in America’s fairytale retreat is just $1,089 per week on average.
14. Hilo, HI | $1,096 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.48
Hawaii vacations can often be pricey. A destination so beautiful can get away with charging an arm and a leg for hotels, resorts, and at local restaurants or attractions. But there’s one affordable gem on the Big Island that won’t cost a fortune. In fact, Hilo is one of the most affordable winter escapes this year in all the US, especially if you rent a two-bedroom home for just $1,096. In Hilo, scenery rules. Beaches of black, gray, brown and white sand give way to mountains and dramatic waterfalls. Hilo’s Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only US zoo in a tropical rainforest. A day trip away are snow-capped Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, with observatories near 11,000 feet on both mountains, and Kilauea Caldera, an active volcano. Soar above this incredible landscape on an exciting volcanoes and waterfalls helicopter tour or choose a peaceful stargazing excursion with a naturalist guide, instead.
15. Houston, TX | $1,146 AVG Weekly Rate
AVG Vacation Rental Review Score: 4.69
Houston hums with the contagious cosmopolitan energy you’d expect of America’s fourth-largest city. And it acts accordingly as a vacation destination, especially during winter months when temperatures hover between the 60s and 70s. Skyscrapers pepper the various districts, with fine dining, shopping, arts, museums and nightlife sure to satisfy any of your travel tastes. The underground city, all 6.5 miles long, is a must-see; and so is Houston’s sports scene, home to NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and MLS teams. Book in advance to combine a visit to the fascinating NASA Space Center with a Houston city tour or simply purchase a CityPass for great-value admission to multiple attractions.
Tags: Beach Houses Budget-Friendly Good For Families