When temperatures fall and bitter winds gust, its the perfect time for a winter vacation getaway to someplace warm, fun and affordable, says WalletHub—especially with the Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasting seasonal storms with heavy rain, sleet and snow in many parts of the country.
To help Americans plan their travels during the colder winter months, WalletHub ranked nearly 70 of the largest metro areas grouped as “warm," using 37 key metrics to find the cheapest U.S. destinations that are also the easiest to reach. Each ranking also includes attractions and activities so that everyone is busy and entertained during their winter escape.
Here, in ascending order, are WalletHub’s top 10 best warm weather winter vacations to take in 2019:
10. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida
Known as Greater Orlando, this U.S. Census Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has plenty for the whole family to see and do, whether you arrive by car, rail or air. The area ranks third for most attractions, which include the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando theme parks, and first for most warm-weather activities.
9. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona
The Phoenix metropolitan area offers winter-weary vacationers a warm, dry climate and abundant sunshine, with day trips to the nearby Grand Canyon, Sedona, and the OK Corral. The area ranks first in weather and ninth in lowest travel costs and fewest hassles.
8. Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina
If you golf, you’ll love North Charleston, with its many golf courses and other sporting activities perfect for an active lifestyle. Visit historic Charleston to see Fort Sumter, the first battle of the Civil War. The area ranks fifth for lowest travel costs and fewest hassles, and 12th in both attractions and in weather.
7. San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas
Get a taste of Germany without the cost by visiting Historic Gruene District in New Braunfels, followed by a trip to the Alamo in San Antonio, where Texans battled Mexico for independence in 1836. The city’s landmark River Walk is lined with shops and cafes. The area ranked 11th in both lowest local costs and in attractions.
6. Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas
Known as Greater Houston, this MSA has something for everyone to do and enjoy, starting with the Space Center in Houston. The city teems with Tex-Mex fusion cuisine. The area is ranked second in attractions and fourth in lowest travel costs and fewest hassles.
5. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida
Come to Spectrum Field in Clearwater to watch the Phillies pro baseball team in spring training games. The Tampa Bay CityPASS will save you 50% or more on top area attractions, such as Busch Gardens. The area ranks seventh in warm weather activities, and eighth in both safety and weather.
4. Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada
There are just as many family activities as there are casinos in the Las Vegas area, from a Grand Canyon helicopter tour out of Las Vegas, to a Lake Mead cruise to see Hoover Dam, capped by a visit to the Titanic artifact exhibition on view at the Las Vegas Strip. The area ranks fourth for warm weather activities and fifth for attractions.
3. San Diego-Carlsbad, California
Carlsbad is home to the LEGOLAND California theme park, while San Diego’s Balboa Park hosts the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The U.S.S. Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, is open to the public. The area ranks second in safety, and third in both warm weather activities and in weather, and sixth in attractions.
2. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Texas
Visit the AT&T Stadium in Arlington to watch the Dallas Cowboys football team, or spend the day at Six Flags Over Texas, a 212-acre theme park with dozens of thrill rides, shows and activities. The area ranked second in both lowest travel costs and fewest hassles and in weather, and fifth in lowest local costs.
1. Austin-Round Rock, Texas
Race car enthusiasts will want to visit Formula One's Circuit of the Americas raceway south of Austin, which has hosted the U.S. Grand Prix, while country, blues and rock fans can take in the city’s eclectic live-music scene. The area ranks first in both attractions and in lowest travel costs and fewest hassles, sixth in both safety and in weather, and ninth in warm weather activities.
The full report can be viewed here.
