Growing up in Northeastern Pennsylvania I was no stranger to the maddening trap of winter. The Shining, one of my favorite films, felt more of a cautionary tale, than a far fetched horror story.
Moving to New York City 15 years ago, I welcomed two new realities of winter into the fold:
1. Even in a blizzard, you can escape and be social. Restaurants buzz, local stores remain open. There is no need to cram your cupboards with bottled water and canned foods.
2. I am only a few hours away from tropical bliss. The ease of travel when you live next to Three international airports is a luxury I am deeply grateful for.
Travel is, of course, a luxury in itself. Moving to New York, I was chasing a creative dream. The artist lifestyle in New York City is not one of ease, but one of hustle. Trying to find affordable housing, and having extra money for traveling felt, well... impossible. There were many years I worked 2+ jobs to stay afloat and afford the lifestyle I wanted. It was in these years that I was able to discover the inner scrapper. The part of myself that was thrifty, creative, and capable of building any experience.
Today I am going to share these tips with you, along with my top five affordable winter getaways. Because it is my mission to spread the travel love for any budget.
Step One: Take a look at your priorities. Where can you create space in your budget for new experiences? Open a high yield savings account with banks like Ally to start saving for your next trip. Something as little as $25 a week can lead to more than enough money in a year for flights and a space to stay. Start now and next February you will be soaking up some sun.
Step Two: Immediately join Scott's Cheap Flights Their flight deals are the best. I always opt to save money on flights and spend more on spaces to stay, and experiences while traveling. Over the past few years, I saved a ton using their service. I have not paid over $300 to fly nonstop, roundtrip to Europe in over three years. I love them.
Step Three: Plan Ahead. Look at the calendar and pick an ideal time frame for your trips. Then set your flight watch and start waiting for flight deals. If you can fly on non-traditional days you will save a bit more. Avoid flying out on Thursdays and Fridays if possible.
Step Four: Use site's like Airbnb to score incredible experiences and unique spaces to stay at affordable rates for any budget. Own a unique apartment or home? Try Home Exchange out!
Now that you are ready to travel like a pro.
Here are my Top Five Favorite Affordable WInter Getaways from NYC.
5. Puerto Rico - Jobos Beach, Isabela
In under four hours, for less than $250 you can snag a flight into Aguadilla PR. Puerto Rico is rebuilding after numerous natural disasters, and a wonderful way to support its economy is through tourism. Jobos Beach is known in part for its surf, so the Jetblue flight out of JFK has lovingly been nicknamed the "surfers' express".
This beach town offers a truly local experience with vibrant food and culture. It has not (yet) been impacted by big developers and maintains a peaceful island vibe. The beachfront is dotted with local restaurants. A must-try is the local dish of Mofongo, mashed fried plantains with spices and topped with proteins of your choice.
While there take a surf lesson from @alohajobos_surfschool . This was a highlight of our trip. I recommend renting a car and going to explore the Waterfalls of Gozalandia (pictured above). If you are feeling brave jump with the locals! An exhilarating experience you will not forget.
4. Roatan, Honduras
For under $500 you can escape to the insanely gorgeous Island of Roatan, Honduras. There are direct flights from Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta. From New York, you will have to connect, but I promise it is well worth the trip. Surrounded by cerulean blue waters, and some of the best reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving in the world Roatan is a little known Caribbean destination that offers culture, as well as beauty.
Once you are there you can rent an Island, yes an island, for under $100 a night. We stayed here which is currently listed for $54 a night. The snorkeling around this property is incredible. The host guided my friend out through the reefs as he hunted for our dinner. A successful spearfishing trip makes dinner taste so much more satisfying.
The dock is dotted with hammocks where the island's caretakers line fish at dusk. The island calls to a simpler time. One where resources are plentiful and the noise of modern technology fades into the distance. The night sky glistened with expansive starlight, as the waves gently lapped the shore I fell into perhaps the best nights sleep I had all year.
Back on the main island, we decided to pamper ourselves a bit and stayed here . Wandering through the brightly colored main street, we snacked on Baleadas, a traditional Honduran food made of flour tortillas, mashed bean spread, avocado, egg, and hot sauce. Simple, spicy and comforting this dish has become a staple in my home.
We met a local snorkel guide, and for 15 dollars a head we rented a private boat snorkeling tour. Our guide was also a skilled free diver. As we wound through electric colored schools of fish, he would dive 50 feet below and shock the scuba divers decked out in weighty gear. The shock and awe of snorkeling with this merman is burned into my memory. An experience filled with magic, and joy.
You may be thinking, "Honduras? Is it safe?" In my experience, it was perfectly safe. When you use Airbnb to book I find that the hosts are very knowledgeable and go out of their way to be sure you have all of the safe transportation and resources you could need.
3. Cartagena, Colombia
My pulse quickens just thinking about Colombia. The views, the music, the flavors all burst forward unapologetically. A feeding frenzy on what life has to offer. The neon streets of Getsemani dance before my eyelids. The smell of roasted pork activates my saliva glands, the heat of chilis dance on my tongue, the cool frozen guava smoothie slurps down my throat. Every sense is touched, tickled, alive.
Typically flights can be found for under $400 from New York City. Once you arrive in Cartagena you have hundreds of options for well under $100 a night like this beautiful home in the old city for $87 a night. Or this beachfront beauty with a balcony and jacuzzi for $99 a night. On a tighter budget? Try this beachfront suite for $47 a night!
My favorite way to tap into the Colombian Culture? Street Food. The Arepas, Empanadas, Ceviche, Patacones, rice and pork wrapped in banana leaves, washed down with fresh fruit blends, or some Colombian Rum will have you swooning for Colombian culture in no time. (Pro Tip, if you are not a fan of ketchup and mayo make sure you ask for them to hold it before they make your ceviche!)
Then dance it off at one of Cartagena's live music clubs. Sit down, order a bottle of rum on ice, make friends with the locals. My favorite Cafe Havana in Getsemani.
By day you can lounge by the beach, take in street art, and wander through the walled Old City. Cartagena is also a popular jumping-off point to many of the islands in the area. Playa Blanca, The Rosario Islands, etc. Cartagena is a destination rich in culture, sunshine, and beauty.
2. Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Oh mystical lands, lush with medicinal plants and healing waters. Lake Atitlan will reinforce your belief in magic, or if you are a non-believer, establish new faith in the wonders of natural sorcery.
For under $300 you can fly into Guatemala City and fetch transportation to Lake Atitlan. Airport transportation is easy to come by through Airbnb hosts or hotel shuttles.
** Worth noting, Antigua, a UNESCO world heritage site is on the way from Guatemala city and well worth a one or two-night stopover on the way there, or on the way home. If you happen to find yourself in Antigua a MUST STOP is restaurant Rincon Tipico , trust me on this one.**
When in Lake Atitlan take advantage of the lake views with this Airbnb stay and meet host Luzmi, who runs this otherworldly property. Walkthrough her labyrinth of medicinal gardens and take advantage of the Guatemalan sauna on the property. Lay on the private dock and dive into the cool clear lake waters. This stay is ideal for a couple or individual looking to unwind and gather inspiration.
Closer to town rising above the tree line lies the most unique Airbnb experience I have had to date. This multi-level treehouse is a wonder you will not forget and at only $80 a night!
Lake Atitlan is rich in cultural heritage and occupies many small towns across the lake. It offers Kayaking, cliff jumping, and volcanic hikes, to stimulate your nervous system, as well as yoga, massage, reiki, and heart-opening cacao ceremonies to soothe the soul. In stark contrast to the bustle of New York City, this destination offers the chance to turn off, tune in, and restore your natural energy source.
1. Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Childlike and carefree, Bocas Del Toro will bring out that unfiltered, youthful, joy. From crystal clear waters, deserted beaches like Playa Bluff , amazing surf, unique wildlife, and delicious local fare, you will have a hard time deciding what NOT to do. This destination is swimming with options for excursions, and exploration. Rent bikes and explore the island on your own, or hire a local boat to transport you to surf spots and floating bars like The Blue Coconut .
You can typically score some great flight deals to Panama City, Panama if you plan ahead. I have seen fares as low as $250 roundtrip, though the normal rate is between $350 and $450. Once there you fly a small plane to Bocas Del Toro which typically costs around $120 round trip. I recommend spending a few nights in Panama City on the way back, as the city is a fascinating combination of Old and New, with a Promenade along the sea that connects the two parts of the city.
When in Bocas Del Toro there are a few islands you can stay on. Nestled in an overwater bungalow on Bastimentos is The Sea Monkey - this is an Airbnb experience, hell just a travel experience, for the books. A bit pricier than the previous finds, but well worth the extra cash at $175 a night.
The dock expands into an endless sea of blue. The light flickers over the water mesmerizing the mind. You slip into a kind of time halt, breathing in tandem with the waves. The hum of a motor gets closer, and you realize your boat has arrived to take to you to dinner. The day has passed as simply as it began.
A hotel nearby, Eclypse Del Mar, is also a lovely place to stay and under $200 a night.
Closer to Bocas Town on the main Island is this airbnb, the hosts are lovely and it was biking distance to everything, and only $80 a night.
Biking out to Playa Bluff the ocean air lands salty on my lips. The waves spray off the rocks cooling my skin from the sun's relentless heat. Surfboards are like small dots on the horizon, speeding and flowing with the curve of the water. Halfway to playa Bluff is an open-air surfside restaurant offering blended smoothies and seafood snacks. With the taste of banana and mango still lingering on my tongue, we reach the entrance to playa bluff and park our bikes on the sand. We hear the roar of the waves before we enter the sandy path onto the shoreline. Ahead stretches miles of yellow sand and arching palm trees. Something is missing, that I don't miss at all. People.
This beach is all our own. We find a collection of coconuts recently fallen from the trees. My husband cracks the coconut with persistence on a sharp rock until finally we are rewarded with the fresh hydrating liquid trapped inside. It is a scene from castaway, except we are only a ten-minute ride from our villa with all the trappings of comfort one could need.
Interested in staying near Playa Bluff?
Try this Romantic Treehouse for only $100 a night.
That's a wrap! Have any questions or comments? I would love to hear from you. Drop a line below. If you are interested in seeing more of this content sign up for my newsletter.
Happy Travels.
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