5 Best Sunny Destinations To Escape Winter on a Budget

Updated: November 7, 2025, 8:30am CST

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Table of Contents

1. Cartagena, Colombia
2. Cancún, Mexico
3. Antigua, Guatemala
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
5. Tenerife, Spain
Final Thoughts

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Winter is long and cold in most parts of the United States, and if you’re anything like me, by the time January or February rolls around, you’re in the market for sunshine on your face or sand between your toes.

These months are my favorite times for a getaway, and not just because I’m freezing and all the fun holidays are over, but because January and February are some of the most affordable months to travel, whether you’re paying in cash or points.

It’s true that some of these destinations are a little more far-flung than others, but once you arrive, they’ll be much more affordable than a trip to Palm Springs, California, or Miami. These are my top budget winter sun getaways so you can escape the cold, snowy weather this winter season without overspending.

1. Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena’s colorful architecture, lively ambience, and winter temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit make it an easy choice for fun-loving travelers ready to discover new flavors, catch some rays, and interact with friendly locals.

Cartagena church and palm trees — Cartagena has historic architecture and tropical palm trees. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

Plus, it’s under $300 to fly round-trip in economy between the snowy and cold city of Chicago (ORD) and Cartagena (CTG), as long as you’re willing to have a short layover.

Cartagena Chicago — Fly to Cartagena for under $300 round-trip in mid-January. Image Credit: Google Flights

I also found availability on Delta Air Lines for 15,000 SkyMiles round-trip, plus $97 in taxes and fees , thanks to my Points Path browser extension.

Avianca — If you can score a transfer bonus like this 25% one from Citi to LifeMiles, you can fly for dirt-cheap. Image Credit: Point.me

Using Point.me, I was able to find one-way economy availability transferring 5,000 Citi ThankYou points to LifeMiles (they often run 25% transfer bonuses, so always keep an eye out for these) to fly on Avianca with a quick stop in Bogotá (BOG).

Swimming pool and clouds — Stays at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena are very affordable using points. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

When it comes to hotels, there are plenty of affordable boutique spots, but you can stay at the Hyatt Regency Cartagena for just 12,000 Hyatt points per night in January. The oceanfront hotel offers 3 swimming pools and stunning sea views, and it’s slightly outside the city center in Bocagrande, Colombia.

Once there, you can splurge on shopping, private guided tours, and meals, or stick to your budget by snacking on street food and doing free city tours. I recommend snacking on arepas, which have meat, cheese, and veggies stuffed into a cornmeal crust. You can often find them, as well as freshly squeezed fruit juice, for as low as $1 per item.

Hot Tip:

If you need to top off your Hyatt points balance, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. You could also get The World of Hyatt Credit Card, which offers a generous welcome bonus offer and complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status.

2. Cancún, Mexico

Cancun is one of the easiest places to reach from the United States, as you can find nonstop flights from so many different hubs around the country. According to my research using Google Flights and Points Path, you can find one-way, nonstop flights in February between Cancún (CUN)and New York (JFK) for as low as 5,000 JetBlue TrueBlue points or 5,000 Delta SkyMiles — a steal.

Beach view at the Iberostar Waves Quetzal — The long stretch of sandy shore along the Riviera Maya. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

I usually transfer Amex Membership Rewards from my American Express^® Green Card* to Delta SkyMiles, while I prefer to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points from my Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card to JetBlue.

*The information regarding the American Express^® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Cancun JFK — One-way flights to Cancún cost as low as 5,000 miles. Image Credit: Google Flights

When it comes to affordable hotels, there are endless resorts to choose from. An all-inclusive resort can make the trip very affordable because you won’t have to pay extra for meals and activities.

swimming pool with palm tress — The main pool at the Iberostar Waves Quetzal is enormous and ideal for soaking up the sun. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

Although winter is the peak season in Cancún, you can often find deals after the busy holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s. If you’re traveling with a family, compare Iberostar properties (part of IHG One Rewards) along the Riviera Maya and in Cancún to find the best deal.

Hot Tip:

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers perks like complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum status and the fourth night free on award bookings.

Couples or those traveling with friends may want to look at Hyatt’s Dream properties, which have some adults-only sections and amenities that honeymooners or groups of friends might enjoy.

Hyatt resorts cancun — Some all-inclusive Hyatt Dreams resorts are as low as 23,000 Hyatt points per night — and remember, meals are included. Image Credit: Hyatt

3. Antigua, Guatemala

If you’re willing to have a short layover, you can fly to Guatemala City in February from several cities within the U.S. for well under $300 round-trip — and not just on Spirit Airlines, but on airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and JetBlue.

PHL to Guatemala — You can’t beat a $240 round-trip flight between PHL and GUA in February 2026. Image Credit: Google Flights

January and February temperature highs are in the mid-70s Fahrenheit, and you can expect sunshine in Antigua, which is about an hour away from Guatemala City by car.

Antigua Guatemala — I love the yellow buildings in Antigua, Guatemala. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

Transfers aren’t expensive, either. According to Viator, a private transfer from the Guatemala Airport to Antigua costs around $25 each way.

Antigua Hotels — A quick glance at the very affordable and inviting hotels in Antigua, Guatemala, in February. Image Credit: Booking.com

A quick search on Booking.com revealed several charming boutique hotels starting at just $52 per night, with breakfast included. Additionally, there are numerous affordable activities to enjoy in Antigua. Start by wandering the city’s cobbled streets on your own or join in on a free city tour.

Fruit lady in Guatemala — I dream about the fresh fruit in Guatemala. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

Bargain at the market for inexpensive souvenirs, and buy fresh fruit on the street, which makes for a delicious and cost-effective snack.

4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

If you’re in serious need of sand, sun, and sea, Punta Cana is your destination. What it lacks in activities or cultural sites, it makes up for with long stretches of white sand and clear waters.

Iberostar Selection Bavaro Suites sands — The sands in Punta Cana are pristine. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

Arrival is fairly affordable, too. If you’re flying from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Punta Cana (PUJ) round-trip tickets start at $219 in February (if you’re willing to fly everyone’s favorite low-cost carrier, Spirit).

Google Flights Spririt FLL to Punta Cana — Spirit to Punta Cana won’t be glamorous, but it’ll get you there. Image Credit: Google Flights

What makes this area so affordable is the endless amount of all-inclusive properties that suit travelers with all kinds of budgets, whether you’re an IHG, Hilton, Marriott, or Hyatt loyalist. For example, a stay at the new, Category 3 Royal Beach Hotel Punta Cana starts at $173 per night for 2, or if you’d prefer to use points, a night in a junior suite at the all-inclusive, adults-only Breathless Punta Cana starts at 23,000 Hyatt points per night.

Word of Hyatt Breathless Punta Cana — For 23,000 Hyatt points per night, you can enjoy an all-inclusive, adults-only February vacation in Punta Cana. Image Credit: Hyatt

Plus, the best and the worst parts of Punta Cana are the very same thing: There isn’t much to do besides enjoy the beach and the hotel pool. This means once you book your flight and accommodation, you won’t have many other expenses, especially if you book an all-inclusive property where meals and drinks are included.

Dreams Onyx (38) — Spend your days doing the best budget activity: lounging on the beach. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

If you do decide to book an excursion, you can definitely do some fun activities even if you’re on a budget. According to Viator, beach horseback riding starts at $56 per person and 4×4 excursions at $33 per person. Private airport transfers won’t break the bank either, starting at $15 per person.

5. Tenerife, Spain

Spain’s Canary Islands are some of the warmest and sunniest spots you can find in Europe during the winter months, with daytime highs in the low 70s. Tenerife is one of the most popular of the 7 islands for a vacation, thanks to its affordable all-inclusive hotels, incredible hiking spots, inviting wineries, and far-flung beaches.

Black sand beach Tenerife, Spain — Tenerife’s volcanic black sand beaches are exotic and beautiful. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

While getting there from the U.S. takes a little more effort than the Caribbean, Iberia’s frequent flight sales. Case in point: You could fly one-way from the U.S. to Madrid (MAD) starting at just 6,400 Iberia Avios and transferred Chase Ultimate Reward points during the 30% bonus period, for as little as 5,000 points — making it extremely affordable to get to Spain.

Once you’re in Madrid, airlines like Ryanair, Iberia, EasyJet, and Air Europa all fly to Tenerife. Plus, the island has 2 airports: Tenerife North (TFN) and Tenerife South (TFS), which means there are more options to fly at different price points. Prices start at $80 round-trip in February between Madrid and Tenerife.

Tenerife flights from Madrid — Fly to Tenerife from Madrid round-trip on Iberia starting at just $80. Image Credit: Google Flights

Once there, the best plan is to rent a car so you can explore. My top choice is PlusCar, a local Canarian agency that doesn’t care about tiny dents or scratches (they usually just tell me, “Don’t drive it on the sand!”) and often has prices for about $20 per day or even less. Rentals include free car seats for kids.

When prices are high for hotels in the more touristy southern part of the island, you could stay around the more local northern side of Tenerife. Although it can be slightly cooler and cloudier in the north, you can often save hundreds on accommodation, and the lush valleys and verdant mountains make driving through the area memorable. For example, an all-inclusive stay in the stunning the AluaSoul Orotava Valley, set in one of the most beautiful areas of the island, starts at $73 per night in February.

Hyatt Alua — Hyatt’s Alua properties, some of which are all-inclusive, start at $170 per night in Tenerife in February. Image Credit: Hyatt

Plus, you’d be close to all the best restaurants, the cultural offerings of the island’s capital, Santa Cruz, and many of the top wineries on the island. When it comes to activities, hiking is free, and I highly recommend Anaga Natural Park, a cloud forest that feels more like Costa Rica than Spain.

Rainbow Gigantes Tenerife — A rainbow hovers above Los Gigantes cliffs in Tenerife. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

Or drive south to see the magnificent Gigantes cliffs or the blustery, black-sand Benijo Beach.

Hot Tip:

Need to bulk up your stash of Iberia Avios? Earn them by flying Iberia and its Oneworld partners, from the Iberia Visa Signature^® Card, or from transferring points. Transfer your points to Iberia at a 1:1 ratio from these partners: Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

Final Thoughts

Although heading to the warmer areas of Florida, Arizona, or California during a long, cold winter is always an option, you actually might save money by heading farther afield to the Caribbean, Mexico, or even some islands in Spain. These budget getaways won’t break the bank, but they do take some research and organization to get the best prices.

I recommend you take some time organizing your points balances, searching for flight deals (check Google Flights using the Points Path extension, Point.me, and Seats.aero), and looking for hotels. Viator is a useful resource for pricing out activities and excursions, too. Remember, date flexibility is your friend and may offer you promotions you wouldn’t have otherwise found if you were stuck to specific dates. Finally, always check for transfer bonuses from your banks to partners, which can help flights to these destinations be more affordable.