My favorite hack for saving a lot of money when you are traveling, is to travel to the cheapest place at any point of the year. For me that means lots of excel spreadsheets, and checking Kayak and Google Flights every day, but for you it means I have done a lot of the hard work. Here are the cheapest (or mostly cheapest) places to travel each month of the year.

January: New Orleans, Louisiana

After you have blown all your money on the  holiday season, you might think traveling in January is a crazy idea. But,  January offers some of the best travel deals of the year. It is quieter in January for almost every travel spot in the world, so its a great time to travel. If you want to save some of your Christmas budget for travel, this is a great way to do it.

Why January is cheap: Post-holiday travel lull means lower hotel rates and flight prices. The weather is warm and mild and that makes it perfect for exploring the French Quarter without summer heat and humidity. Restaurants are less crowded, and so are all of the sights.

What to expect: Comfortable temperatures in the 60s, fewer crowds, and significant savings on accommodations. It’s the perfect time to experience authentic New Orleans culture without the party atmosphere of Mardi Gras season.

February: Orlando, Florida

While romantic destinations  can see prices go up around Valentine’s Day, Orlando is generally considered a family destiatnion, which means prices are still low, post- Christmas. Plus there is tons to do during the closest thing to off season in Orladno. And it doesn’t hurt that the weather is pretty perfect.

Why February is cheap: Post-holiday makes for  lower hotel rates, even near Disney World. The weather is perfect with low humidity, and it’s after the busy holiday season but before spring break crowds arrive.

What to expect: Comfortable temperatures in the 70s with minimal humidity, shorter lines at theme parks, and significantly lower accommodation prices than peak season. Perfect weather for enjoying all outdoor attractions without summer heat.

This is my personal favorite time to visit Orlando, as I am sick of New England gray, cold days. A trip to Orlando makes the winter more bearable.

March: Prague, Czech Republic

March is what I would call pre-shoulder season. It is a great time to travel between winter and spring in many destinations, with cool but not cold weather and inexpensive hotels. Many of our favorite family vacations have been in late March. Flight prices are low and crowds are way down.

Why March is cheap: Still considered off-season before summer tourists arrive. The weather is improving and the days are starting to get longer so you can expect 11-12 hours of daylight. The Czech crown is very low compared to the USD and accommodation prices are significantly lower than summer months.

What to expect: Mild temperatures between 40-50 F, fewer crowds at major attractions like Prague Castle, and incredibly affordable dining and beer. Perfect for exploring the historic Old Town without summer tourist masses.

April: Charleston, South Carolina

This April pick is one of my very favorite spots, but it doesn’t include Spring Break, which is quite expensive in any southern town. However, Charleston might be the most beautiful in April. And the weather is perfectly perfect.

Why April is cheap: April, especially early April is still quiet in Charleston. Tourism hasn’t reached peak levels, and hotel rates are low compared to the summer rush.

What to expect: Beautiful spring weather in the 70s, azaleas in bloom, and charming historic architecture. Ideal for walking tours and outdoor dining without summer heat.

May: Lisbon, Portugal

May is a great time to visit Europe, you can have nice weather, without the hordes of people who will descend in the next month. Flights are generally cheap as well. I have seen flights from NYC to Lisbon under $300 in May almost every year.

Why May is cheap: This is still shoulder season, so prices will be higher than in February or March, but still hundreds of dollars cheaper than it will be in July and August. Plus Portugal offers exceptional value compared to other Western European capitals.

What to expect: Temperatures in the 70s, minimal rain, and the city’s famous pastéis de nata at incredible prices. Plus a feeling of spring in the air.

June: Quebec City, Canada

June brings summer weather to Canada and you will want to get to Quebec City as fast as you can. If you have been reading this blog for very long, you know that Quebec City is near and dear to my heart. It is so beautiful in June! Everything is blooming, there are flowers hanging in front of every restaurant and shop, and the weather is nice and warm.

Why June is cheap: While June is a busy travel season for most of the US and Canada, Quebec City gets much busier in July and August, so there are deals to find in June. The Canadian dollar is weaker than the USD which makes this an affordable vacation,  and the city offers European charm without European prices.

What to expect: Perfect weather for exploring Old Quebec, outdoor festivals beginning, and comfortable temperatures for walking the historic streets.

July: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

While many Northern Hemisphere destinations see peak pricing, Rio is experiencing winter so prices are lower throughout the city.

Why July is cheap: It’s winter in the Southern Hemisphere, so hotel rates and flights are significantly lower than during Rio’s peak summer season (December-February). The weather is still pleasant with temperatures in the 60s-70s and less humidity. Plus you can actually find a spot on the beach! Although it will be cooler.

What to expect: Mild, comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring the city without intense heat. Fewer crowds at major attractions like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. Beach weather is cooler but still enjoyable, and accommodation prices are at their lowest of the year.

August: Vermont

August is a great time to visit Vermont. Everything as far as the eye can see if green and lush and prices are much cheaper than they will be come fall foliage time.

Why August is cheap: While August is summer season, Vermont offers incredible value compared to coastal destinations. The state’s tourism is more spread out, keeping prices reasonable despite perfect weather. Farm-to-table dining and local experiences provide exceptional value.

What to expect: Perfect summer weather in the 70s-80s, ideal for hiking, visiting local farms, and exploring charming small towns. Farmers markets are at their peak, craft breweries offer outdoor seating, and swimming holes provide free entertainment. Accommodation prices remain reasonable compared to beach destinations.

September: Athens, Greece

September marks the beginning of shoulder season in most of Europe including Greece. So there is gorgeous weather with some very reasonable prices.

Why September is cheap: Summer vacation is over and hotels sill need to be filled. Sightseeing becomes more comfortable, while hotel rates drop significantly from peak summer pricing. I have seen the cheapest flights to Greece over the last few years in September and early October. Some around $500 Round Trip from New York City.

What to expect: Comfortable temperatures in the 70s, fewer crowds at the Acropolis and other major sites, and inexpensive dining. The Mediterranean is still warm for swimming, but accommodation costs are much lower than July-August.

October: Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado is the perfect spot to enjoy beautiful fall foliage while enjoying the great outdoors. While most people flock to the Northeast to see fall color, Colorado has some beautiful fall foliage, and the prices are much lower than New England’s.

Why October is cheap: 

Colorado is cheaper to visit in October because it falls into the “shoulder season” between peak summer tourism and the start of ski season. Summer crowds taper off once hiking and national park visits slow down, and ski resorts haven’t yet opened their slopes, so demand for flights, hotels, and rentals drops.

What to expect: Crisp, clear days perfect for visiting Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Hotels and activities offer lower rates than summer season.

November: Budapest, Hungary

November offers the last chance to visit many destinations before winter weather or peak season pricing arrives. Budapest should go on your list.

Why November is cheap:  The Hungarian forint provides excellent value, and the city’s famous thermal baths are perfect for cooler weather. Hotel rates are at their lowest before holiday season. Plus flights are generally very inexpensive.

What to expect: Cool but comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring Buda Castle and the Parliament building. Incredibly affordable dining and drinks, plus the city’s beautiful architecture looks stunning in autumn light.

December: Costa Rica

December offers excellent value in Costa Rica as the dry season begins, providing perfect weather without peak pricing.

Why December is cheap: While dry season is starting, December is still considered shoulder season before the January-March peak tourist influx. Hotel rates haven’t reached their highest levels yet, and the weather is transitioning to its best period of the year. To keep the price low, you will need to visit before Christmas when prices go up again.

What to expect: Comfortable temperatures in the 70s-80s with decreasing rainfall, perfect for exploring rainforests, beaches, and wildlife. The country’s incredible biodiversity is at its most accessible, with clear skies for volcano viewing and fabulous conditions for activities like zip-lining and wildlife spotting.

Final Thoughts

I hope this helps you in your quest to see the world, but make it as cost-effective as possible. Remember that “cheap” doesn’t mean compromising on experience – often, traveling during off-peak times provides more authentic interactions with locals and deeper cultural experiences.

The world is full of amazing experiences and I hope this helps you to find a few more this year.